Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

[Barefoot]

I have a few questions, and I'd like to hear from people who've had this surgery. I tried cortisone shots which worked for a while, and other avenues, however now I'm in constant pain. I spent many years jogging and playing daily squash, so it's a combination of a worn-out knee and arthritis. My orthopaedic surgeons says I do not need a knee replacement and this surgery will do the trick. (I did have arthroscopic surgery in 1989 on both knees, which relieved the pain I was having. But I assume things have changed a lot since then!)

Questions:
Why did you have the surgery?
Did you have a general anaesthic?
Did you need crutches?
Were you advised to take blood thinners after the surgery to avoid blood clots?
How long and how often did you go to Rehab (if at all)?
When did you resume driving?
When could you walk comfortably?
When did you feel yourself completely healed?
Are you happy with the results?

Thanks so much.

Sign me - Nervous Nellie :eek:

[starflyte1]

I have had the surgery on both knees to repair a torn meniscuses, but it does not sound like that is your problem.

Both my surgeries were under general, uneventful, and depends on the doctors when I could walk. One doctor made a big deal of it with lots of therapy, the other just sent me on my way. Both knees healed the same.

My surgeries were no big deal, but neither was my problem, torn meniscuses. I hope that you do not have a serious problem, but if I can help, please let me know.

PS I do know that a zero gravity lawn chair was the most comfortable place for me, after the surgery. I have also heard that it is great after total knee replacement.

[iaudit]

I have a few questions, and I'd like to hear from people who've had this surgery. I tried cortisone shots which worked for a while, and other avenues, however now I'm in constant pain. I spent many years jogging and playing daily squash, so it's a combination of a worn-out knee and arthritis. My orthopaedic surgeons says I do not need a knee replacement and this surgery will do the trick. (I did have arthroscopic surgery in 1989 on both knees, which relieved the pain I was having. But I assume things have changed a lot since then!)

Questions:
Why did you have the surgery?

Left Knee - two years ago, right knee - three years ago

Did you have a general anaesthic?
Yes, for both.

Did you need crutches?
No, for both.

Were you advised to take blood thinners after the surgery to avoid blood clots? .
No, for both

How long and how often did you go to Rehab (if at all)?
No, for both

When did you resume driving?
Left Knee - right away. Right knee - couple of days

When could you walk comfortably?
Couple of days for walking, two to three weeks for anything strenuous, like dancing.

When did you feel yourself completely healed?
A month

Are you happy with the results?
Yes.

Both of my knees involved a torn meniscus, which is like a shock absorber between the two leg bones. In both cases, part of the meniscus was trimmed away (can't be stitched because of no blood supply to heal). My knees still get sore, but they no longer "lock up" like they did when the piece of meniscus that was torn would get into the joint. I can ballroom dance a couple nights a week and usually walk the executive courses 4 or 5 times a week. Would think that your results will really depend on what is causing your knee pain. If the meniscus is completely worn away, arthroscopic is not going to help.



Thanks so much.

Sign me - Nervous Nellie :eek:

See inserted comments

[Pookirgirl]

Barefoot, I also had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee for a torn miniscus and to clean out the arthritis build up. I was put out for the surgery and went home with crutches and used them for one day. Was walking the next day with no pain. Drove in one week. No therapy. Worked for a while then the pain started up again and I was told it was time for a knee replacement. Had quite a few Cortisone shots until it didn't work any more and broke down and had the knee replaced a year ago September by Dr. David Ethier in Munroe Regional @ Ocala. This July I had my right knee done. It is good to be pain free!!
I wish you luck.

[babs1199]

I have a few questions, and I'd like to hear from people who've had this surgery. I tried cortisone shots which worked for a while, and other avenues, however now I'm in constant pain. I spent many years jogging and playing daily squash, so it's a combination of a worn-out knee and arthritis. My orthopaedic surgeons says I do not need a knee replacement and this surgery will do the trick. (I did have arthroscopic surgery in 1989 on both knees, which relieved the pain I was having. But I assume things have changed a lot since then!)

Questions:
Why did you have the surgery?
Did you have a general anaesthic?
Did you need crutches?
Were you advised to take blood thinners after the surgery to avoid blood clots?
How long and how often did you go to Rehab (if at all)?
When did you resume driving?
When could you walk comfortably?
When did you feel yourself completely healed?
Are you happy with the results?

Thanks so much.

Sign me - Nervous Nellie :eek:

I am also in a lot of pain with my right knee, Wakes me up at night and is very painful during the day. I had the scope done 2 years ago and it helped for awhile but now I am tinking of going to a diff. Dr. as the one I am seeing has stated that I do not need a new knee.... I do not want one either but I do want to be pain free... Good luck and let me know what you have done..

[HelenLCSW]

I have had arthoscopy on both knees (one twice) and on my right shoulder. All surgery should be as easy and effective as this surgery. I am 79 years old --had the surgery on a Friday and was back at work on Monday --no crutches

[Barefoot]

I have had the surgery on both knees to repair a torn meniscuses, but it does not sound like that is your problem.

Both my surgeries were under general, uneventful, and depends on the doctors when I could walk. One doctor made a big deal of it with lots of therapy, the other just sent me on my way. Both knees healed the same.

My surgeries were no big deal, but neither was my problem, torn meniscuses. I hope that you do not have a serious problem, but if I can help, please let me know.

PS I do know that a zero gravity lawn chair was the most comfortable place for me, after the surgery. I have also heard that it is great after total knee replacement.

I'm going to look into a zero gravity lawn chair - thanks for the tip. It sounds as if you had a great attitude, and I think that always helps a speedy recovery.

See inserted comments

Thanks for the information, very helpful, that is exactly what I wanted to know!! I'm so encouraged that you felt healed in a month.

Barefoot, I also had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee for a torn miniscus and to clean out the arthritis build up. I was put out for the surgery and went home with crutches and used them for one day. Was walking the next day with no pain. Drove in one week. No therapy. Worked for a while then the pain started up again and I was told it was time for a knee replacement. Had quite a few Cortisone shots until it didn't work any more and broke down and had the knee replaced a year ago September by Dr. David Ethier in Munroe Regional @ Ocala. This July I had my right knee done. It is good to be pain free!!
I wish you luck.


Eeek, bravely done. Two knee replacements, that is what I'm hoping to avoid, but perhaps with us all, it is just a matter of time. I wish I'd been kinder to my knees when I was younger. I had no idea that exercise would cause so many problems.

I am also in a lot of pain with my right knee, Wakes me up at night and is very painful during the day. I had the scope done 2 years ago and it helped for awhile but now I am tinking of going to a diff. Dr. as the one I am seeing has stated that I do not need a new knee.... I do not want one either but I do want to be pain free... Good luck and let me know what you have done..

My surgeon said I don't need a knee replacement, but I'm dubious about that. In 1989 when I had arthroscopic surgery on both knees at the same time, the surgeon said it was "bone on bone". Yet I've managed to be OK for 22 years until recently. And now it is so painful I could chew my leg off.

I sure hope the arthroscopic surgery helps again. The surgeon said he was going to take out some floaty bits and fix up whatever else he sees wrong when he's "in there". I'm seeing my surgeon tomorrow for a preop, so I'll ask him more questions then. My cousin, who is a doctor, has told me not to have debridement. But I think I'll let the surgeon do whatever he feels is required.

Now I have to go and google "zero gravity lawn chair". Gotta love the info you get on TOTV!

[gego3650]

I have had both done. Left by Either at Ocala and the other by Vlasak at U of F. He s probably the most experienced in the area and the only doctoor I would consider. I prefer teaching Universitys as they are right up to date. General sleep. 3 days hospital, rehab at home for 1 or 2 weeks, walk well within a week, drive in 2, play golf in 3 to 4. U of F operates in the new cancer center and the service is great. I did not kile Ocala Regional.

[marybb]

Barefoot,

I had left knee surgery ten years ago for a torn meniscus, had general anesthesia uneventful, walking with crutches same day and without them next day. MD. Did recommend icing knee off and on x 3 days which I did.I can tell you I never needed any pain medication, had physical therapy 3x weekly x 4 weeks and then returned to work.

[tippyclubb]

Barefoot I do understand the pain you are feeling now and its difficult to live with. I cannot offer you any advice on your original question because my knee problem was different.

All I can say is those zero gravity chairs are very helpful when one has knee problems. You can find them at Bed Bath & Beyound. The chair will ease your pain for a few moments when getting up.

It seems like your in a lot of pain and you are considering all of your options. Only you will know when the time is right to have surgery. However, I would suggest you do it sooner than later so you can heal and get on with your life of having fun.

I have one question for you. If you had surgery would it improve your quality of life? I'm sure it would and you need to believe that too.

[starflyte1]

I know one lady who has had more than two arthroscopic surgeries for torn meniscus. She would have it repaired and later it would tear again. This was over a period of several years.

[Barefoot]

Barefoot,

I had left knee surgery ten years ago for a torn meniscus, had general anesthesia uneventful, walking with crutches same day and without them next day. MD. Did recommend icing knee off and on x 3 days which I did.I can tell you I never needed any pain medication, had physical therapy 3x weekly x 4 weeks and then returned to work.

Your fast recovery gives me hope! However my Surgeon just informed me he wants to do both knees, instead of just one. Yikes! The surgery will include removal of floaty bits, repair of torn meniscis in both knees, and probably debridement. I said "Bring it on" thinking that one surgery is preferable to two! Now I'm questioning my sanity.

[marybb]

Your fast recovery gives me hope! However my Surgeon just informed me he wants to do both knees, instead of just one. Yikes! The surgery will include removal of floaty bits, repair of torn meniscis in both knees, and probably debridement. I said "Bring it on" thinking that one surgery is preferable to two! Now I'm questioning my sanity.

Two knee's at same time I think for me would be difficult. If it were me , I'd say one knee at a time. I was very fortunate with my surgery, would not hesitate to have it done again one knee at a time.