Suggest Treatment For Trouble Walking After Arthroscopic Surgery For A Torn Meniscus

Question: Hi, I had arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus last August. I was told at the time that I could anticipate a couple of days on crutches and about a week or two before I was completely back up to speed, but that I should be able to return to normal activities afterwards. I am a healthy 55 year old male. I am very active, engaging in cycling, hiking and physical work. I experienced a great deal of pain and swelling after the procedure and the leg could not take weight at all. Ten days later I had to go back in to surgery to have what I was told was 130 cc s of blood drawn out of my leg. I was still unable to take weight on the leg. I was on crutches for two months and have been in almost continuous physical therapy since. I can't walk properly and use a cane most of the time. I can only walk for very short distances. I can't work and while I can ride a bicycle I am no where near where my abilities were before the first procedure. My current physical therapist believes that my Patela is rubbing on my Femur and that a brace may help. I'm willing to try it, however I have to say that my confidence is very low at this point. Given what I have described so far, what would you recommend? Thank you D

More time?? That's unbelievable!! My surgery was last August and I am in FAR WORSE SHAPE now than I was before the first procedure! I would have been far better off to have skipped surgery and just gone on with my knee like it was! This is really disheartening!

That makes a little more sense. I forgot to mention that the second surgeon gave me a cortisone shot in the joint that had no effect. I'm troubled that I am now disabled and all of my efforts are directed at recovering from what was supposed to be a routine procedure. I have met many people over the past months who had Arthroscopic knee surgery and recovered right away. They are all appalled by my condition. I do continue to work out and keep myself in the best shape that I can. I have a ridiculously high deductible that I am now having to pay against yet again, while my premiums have gone to $630 a month! Thanks to this awful healthcare law that has been forced upon us. It would sure be nice if I could work again. I will see about getting another MRI.