yikes! I need arthiscopic knee surgery!

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Well it turns out after a sledding accident in Dec. I need to have surgery to repair a torn meniscus. I am so worried about recovery and our upcoming trip! We are leaving in 6 months and I just want to be 100% and really enjoy this trip as it will be our last for a few years at least. Has anyone had this done and can you tell me how long your recovery was?

I'm debating whether to wait until after our trip in Sept...doc said it's really up to me and my pain level..I just don't want to get to WDW and be miserable...I don't know if increased walking would make it worse. Thanks for any advice!

[DISNEY FIX]

Have it done. It will be about 4-5 mos., some people are really quick but, before you are back to normalish. Do the physical therapy it is the only way to fully recover. I had my left knee done. Any other questions just ask.

[maxiesmom]

Been there, done that, have the t-shirt!:)

I was only off of work for a month, and it was only that long because I work retail, and am on my feet all day. I could put weight on my leg right after surgery, with the help of a crutch. The pain was mimimal. Actually, my little laser surgery for bad veins was more painful. Go figure. I still do limp a little, but only if I am extremely tired. And yeah, that does happen at Disney, but it is not anything that keeps me from enjoying the parks.

If you can have the surgery done in the next month or so, go for it. You knee will feel much better afterwards.

[ReggieB]

I've had this kind of surgery (not for torn muscle though) They kind of had to clean my joints up. Damaged tissue, rather than muscle (though isn't muscle tissue, I have no idea, I just nod at the Doctor like I have a clue what he is talking about!!) I was back at work (with crutches) within about 6 weeks.

Obviously everyone is different, might take longer for you to recover as the damage might be more severe. The pain wasn't too bad. It did kind of nag for awhile, but I would think in my circumstance I would have been fine within the 6 months time frame. I had to have a fair bit of physiotherapy afterwards, and I just know my sadistic therapist would say that the walking at WDW would be a great exercise, just don't over do it.

My favorite thing about having this surgery was that one day I was waiting for the bus, crutches and all. This guy, who must have been in his mid-eighties jumped off the bus to help me on, then did the same when I wanted to get off at my stop. Seriously, this guy was not desperately nimble himself, but his manners were top class!!

[Ennazus8810]

I also had my left knee done, for the exact same problem. I was putting weight on it the next day, but had several months of PT. It is all about pacing yourself and understanding when your body says you have had enough. What feels bad on Tuesday will be worse on Wednesday. Listen to your body,and you should be fine!

[NanaV]

I'm sure it all depends on how severe your tear is & how extensive your surgery. A friend from church just had her's repaired 3 weeks ago, and she's already working out on a stationary bike. Her doctor has told her she'll be able to go skiing in a couple of weeks.

[bsbrady]

I had my knee scoped, took me 6 - 8 weeks and I was at 90%. Didnt do too much PT. Did a lot of bike riding, that was most of the PT anyway. 6 months should be fine

[LivingtheWDWdream]

I had the Arthroscopic surgery and also had a Bi-lateral release at the same time. I had that done in December. I was walking on it the day of the surgery with crutches, i was down to just a cane for support about a week later.

Phyiscal Torture i mean Physical Therapy was very important. I went for about 8 weeks. Its now March and I am just able to kneel on it lightly but i am walking better then I did before the surgery.

I would say get it done asap and make sure you do everything they recommend and rehab as much as you can at PT and at home!

If you need any info or support PM me I'd be glad to answer anything you need to know!

[maxiesmom]

I must be strange, because I actually enjoyed the physical therapy. :upsidedow Lots of bike riding and weight training. Plus standing on one leg a lot. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the electrodes that they hooked up to my knee. That was a little bit wierd, to say the least!

[EpcotQueen]

Had my 'older' knee cleaned out in September. When we traveled to Disney in December reserved an electric cart for that trip. Probably could have walked the parks but did not want to push it. Went again in February and kept up with the younger kids without a problem. Agree with other posters, everyone is different. My orthopod told me to expect a knee replacement in about 3 years.

[disneyfan19712006]

Well it turns out after a sledding accident in Dec. I need to have surgery to repair a torn meniscus. I am so worried about recovery and our upcoming trip! We are leaving in 6 months and I just want to be 100% and really enjoy this trip as it will be our last for a few years at least. Has anyone had this done and can you tell me how long your recovery was?

I'm debating whether to wait until after our trip in Sept...doc said it's really up to me and my pain level..I just don't want to get to WDW and be miserable...I don't know if increased walking would make it worse. Thanks for any advice!

I had my surgery tweo days befor Thanksgiving and went on a cruise/land trip to disney three weeks later. Not a good choice I used a wheelchair most of the time. Now it is 3 1/2 month post op and I am doing fine. You will be in alot better shape having it than putting it off and letting the knee get worse.

[winniedapooh]

I had arthroscopic knee surgery 9/13 and was in WDW on 9/21. Now mind you I am in the teens trying to hold this knee together and I had torn my meniscus, had a two inch spike of bone removed, had 5-6 inches of scr tissue that had adhered and fused to bone, in addition to a few other things done. My arthros are usually pretty painful and involve a lot of work. I used a wheelchair, walked some with crutches, and had a blast! The worst for me is always the physical torture, lol. I thought I was the only person that called it that!:goodvibes

[ashef]

DO NOT delay your surgery until after your WDW trip. I tore the meniscus in my right knee in August, 2006 but macho me (aka insane me) didn't even go to a doctor until January, 2007, and I was in agony by that time. Had surgery in late January, 2007. The leg & knee inflamation from walking on it for those 5+ months was excrutiating & was much worse than the pain from the surgery. Have the surgery asap and you'll be fine by September.

[KirklandTutu]

DH was on crutches at DL three weeks after ACL surgery, he did fine. Didn't even feel the need for an ECV or wheelchair.

[lilpixiebabe101]

don't know anything about knee surgery, but remember that even if your not at 100%, Disney is great in a wheel chair. Least thats what my grandfather told us when he went with us. He normally walks with a full leg brace (has since he was in his early 20s), so wheelchair is the only way he can do disney. As long as you can move from the wheelchair onto the ride your all set, a lot of times with priority riding. And if your feeling better in the mornings or something, start out walking and then go get one later if the need arises. Hope this might help.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

As far at physical therapy time, it's going to depend on your doctor. I've had my knee scoped once (pretty much the same thing you are having done) - I had less than 3 weeks of PT and then moved to FL to do my CP. I had some pain, but I was fine. My doctor didn't even want me using crutches (which I did). On the otherhand, I know a girl who had the exact same surgery, was in a brace and not allowed to put weight on it for weeks. Then she can put like 40% weight on it or something like that and the doctor told her she won't be fully recovered for 6 months. It just depends on the doctor.

I've had two other major knee operations - ACL reconstruction. That recovery is A LOT longer and harder than a scope. There's a lovely brace that comes with it-you come out of surgery with it on, and you get to wear it for MONTHS to protect your knee (in my case my cadavor graft that is used to reconstruct the ACL). Sadly, I have a torn ACL in my right knee (the other two times were my left knee) right now, but I'm waiting until after my vacations to have it done.

When I had my ACL reconstructed last time, I had it done March 14 and I was walking just fine in about 8 weeks. I went to WDW with little pain in August.

Don't worry, you'll be fine. If you need to, you can always rent a wheelchair and ice it at night.

Good luck and have a great trip! :)

[Flametamr]

My Captain just returned to work after 2 week following surgery on a torn maniskus. He is on full firefighter duties. I think it largely depends on the size and location of the tear. But I am sure you will be well healed in 6 months no matter how bad it is.

[disneyfanfamily]

I had what doctors said was a very bad tear. I got the surgery done at the end of April in 2005, went to WDW end of June in 2005. I was fine. The only thing I could not do, was put DD4 on my shoulders while squatting down, and try standing up with her extra weight. My knee was not strong enough. I had no pain all trip. It was a 9 day trip. I was 35 at the time and healed VERY quickly.

Just get it done now, and you will be fine.

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Thanks! This is all very encouraging. I'm trying to get in with the surgeon next week and hoping his surgery schedule is not too far out. The doctor I saw yesterday said by looking at my MRI films my tear was pretty bad...they called in medial meniscus tear...but as long as I 'm good by Sept. I'll be a happy camper! I'm actually walking pretty well now and some may not notice I was even injured...it's just that I'm pretty much always aware of the dull, achey pain...praying for a good report! Thanks Dis friends!:) :thumbsup2

[bobcat77]

I'll echo the sentiment of most previous posters! Have the surgery! I just had my knee scoped a few weeks ago. I had some cartilage flapping around that was smoothed out and microfracture surgery (the doc creates little fractures to promote blood flow). Our trip is scheduled for May and I'm expecting no problems at all. Go for it! Why tolerate the pain for any longer than you have to? The sooner the surgery is done, the sooner you can begin rehab. The days of bed rest have long gone bye-bye, you'll be up and about (albeit slowly and on crutches) immediately.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Thanks! This is all very encouraging. I'm trying to get in with the surgeon next week and hoping his surgery schedule is not too far out. The doctor I saw yesterday said by looking at my MRI films my tear was pretty bad...they called in medial meniscus tear...but as long as I 'm good by Sept. I'll be a happy camper! I'm actually walking pretty well now and some may not notice I was even injured...it's just that I'm pretty much always aware of the dull, achey pain...praying for a good report! Thanks Dis friends!:) :thumbsup2

I looked it up on WebMD and there is a great illustration of what the medial meniscus looks like.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/meniscus-tear-symptoms

Hope that helps a little! :)

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Thanks! :) That was helpful!

[nikandboys]

Like the previous poster said, been there done that got the t-shirt but for me, I got 6 T-shirts. I go in for #7 on 3/27 and we are off to WDW in Sept. also. I will be back in Prison 2 weeks after surgery (to work). Just all depends on how much work they do. Don't wait though...only makes things worse.

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Wow! #7...mind me asking why? Any of those large medial meniscus tears? Will you be on crutches for 2 weeks? So you think you'll be fine for Sept. as well...even with all the walking at WDW. I sure pray I am as a wheelchair is not an option for me with three little ones I need to be pushing a stroller. thanks!

[Melissa_E]

Even if they find that you tore your ACL, you should be absolutely fine! I had meniscus repair, replaced my ACL, and patella repair. I had the surgery May 23rd last year, by July 10th I was hiking in Colorado with my ACL brace on. The knee felt great! By week 12 post op, I was cleared for all roller coasters (we go to Busch Gardens Williamsburg).

Absolutely get the knee repaired now, I waited a year before I had mine looked at and did a lot more damage because of it.

[nikandboys]

Not every one was for a tear, I have had 5 arthos, 1 full blown 8 inch incision to clean out "junk" - arthritis, tears, scar tissue, bone chips etc... I have LOTS of problems and even with tons of problems I'll be fine after two weeks. Fter all but the big surgery I was on my feet the next day with crutches. I will most likely be down to one crutch or cane in a week. I will take a crutch with me to work but may not use it much. I have a lot of deteriation in my knee besides a tear. Scar tissue is worse cause it connects to healthy tissue. You need to repair a tear as soon as you can and to prevent much more damage from happening. I even have Pics from the surgery scope.:3dglasses

[Conan the Librarian]

Well it turns out after a sledding accident in Dec. I need to have surgery to repair a torn meniscus. I am so worried about recovery and our upcoming trip! We are leaving in 6 months and I just want to be 100% and really enjoy this trip as it will be our last for a few years at least. Has anyone had this done and can you tell me how long your recovery was?

I'm debating whether to wait until after our trip in Sept...doc said it's really up to me and my pain level..I just don't want to get to WDW and be miserable...I don't know if increased walking would make it worse. Thanks for any advice!


I tore my Meniscus coming out of the store at Old Key West the first day of our Oct, 2006 trip. I had to ride an cart the trip for that week. I was fine for our Dec 2006 trip. I had my surgery in January 2007 and we went to MK one month later in Feb 2007. I missed 1 and a half weeks of work, one to recover, a half at Disney Hilton Head to get the anestetic (sp?) out of my system.

I had no problems and was walking without any sticks or crutches in a week. Our May 2007 trip was two weeks with no pain at all.

I would do EVERYTHING that the doctors and therapist (and your spouse)tells you, work hard, and not worry about the 6 months.

[heartbeeps]

Well it turns out after a sledding accident in Dec. I need to have surgery to repair a torn meniscus. I am so worried about recovery and our upcoming trip! We are leaving in 6 months and I just want to be 100% and really enjoy this trip as it will be our last for a few years at least. Has anyone had this done and can you tell me how long your recovery was?

I'm debating whether to wait until after our trip in Sept...doc said it's really up to me and my pain level..I just don't want to get to WDW and be miserable...I don't know if increased walking would make it worse. Thanks for any advice!

GO FOR IT! My DH had a torn meniscus when he was in his 70s. It was more work for me than him! (I had to keep the cooler full of ice water full that was on his knee those 1st 24 hours.) He was up and about in 2 days like nothing ever happened. Before that, we had to turn around on a hike down the grand canyon b'c he was in too much pain in that knee. And, I have to tell you, at his age, there was a "camp" out there that said, "oh don't get it done, just wait until you need a total knee replacement." Well, 9 years later and total knee replacement isn't on the agenda thank goodness! BEST DECISION HE EVER MADE. Line up the ice bucket brigade and you'll be pounding the pavement in no time!

(Of course, having said that, there's always risk anytime there's surgery. If you're not sure, get a 2nd opinion to make sure it agrees with the 1st opinion! AND GET THE BEST ORTHOPAEDIC dr. your money can buy!)

it's quality of life that matters - not quantity! GO FOR QUALITY EVERY TIME!

[Macca1111]

I'm debating whether to wait until after our trip in Sept...doc said it's really up to me and my pain level..I just don't want to get to WDW and be miserable...I don't know if increased walking would make it worse. Thanks for any advice!

I know everyone's already let you know, but yes, the pain will be worse if you wait than if you get it done. From the sounds of yours, they'll be able to clean it up pretty easily. I essentially bruised the meniscus, so when they went in they couldn't just cut out the damaged parts. That means they had to leave it to heal on it's own, so instead I got lots of big needle pokes and scraping the back of the patella, and even so I was back in commission for a trip to Hawaii four months later. It heals so much faster and feels so much better after you get it done, although be aware that temperature changes will now forever affect the knee (if they weren't already sensitive). GL and let us know how you do. Oh, and fight for rehab because I got squat and it made life a lot worse.

[CanadianGuy]

Moving this over to the ThemeParks Community Board.

Thanks!

Knox

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Thanks again everyone! Ugg! I'm so frustrated right now. My parents called and are all upset, saying I'm "jumping the gun...give it more time to heal...it's MAJOR surgery!" I told them they didn't know what they were talking about ...that everything I've read says it's really not major surgery. I know they're just worried about me since they grew up with me and all my doctors visits for my congenital issues...if I forgot to say I was born without an
ACL or PCL in the knee I hurt...i know...crazy. So the knee is already very instable but I've learned to "work with it" my whole life and have had no issues.

They also don't think I need the surgery since I'm "not doing that bad." Well...yes...I'm walking fine now...but if I walk a little more than usual, clean the house/vaccum/etc. I start to notice a mild limp coming on and an achey pain..not bad..just noticable. I'm meeting with the ortho. surgeon Thurs and hope he's good and helps me make a good decision. Thanks again!

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Also wanted to add..they said..."i think your rushing this because of Disney World!" Well....yes! But they aren't Disers...they just don't understand my love for the world :)..this trip means so much to me and my family and will be our last for a while. They think I should wait till after Disney...I just fear that it will "flare up" while there with all the walking and I'll have to resort to an EVC...which I really can't since I need to be pushing a stroller...thanks for listening!

[SueM in MN]

don't know anything about knee surgery, but remember that even if your not at 100%, Disney is great in a wheel chair. Least thats what my grandfather told us when he went with us. He normally walks with a full leg brace (has since he was in his early 20s), so wheelchair is the only way he can do disney. As long as you can move from the wheelchair onto the ride your all set, a lot of times with priority riding. And if your feeling better in the mornings or something, start out walking and then go get one later if the need arises. Hope this might help.
AK and the Studio were built with Mainstream Lines, which means that the lines are wheelchair accessible and wheelchair/ECV users wait in the regular lines with everyone else.
Epcot and MK were built long enough ago that they were not built with accessible lines, but as attractions were added or renovated, Mainstream Lines were added to many attractions. There are some attractions with stairs or other things that make the attraction not accessible; those are the few that have wheelchair entrances. There may be a wait (sometimes even longer than waiting in the regular line), depending on how many other people with special needs are also waiting.
I just fear that it will "flare up" while there with all the walking and I'll have to resort to an EVC...which I really can't since I need to be pushing a stroller...thanks for listening!
My FIL had 2 bad knees and found that pushing a stroller (when my DDs were very little) or pushing my youngest DD's wheelchair helped to take some pressure off of his knee. So, pushing a stroller might actually help you.

[socomtwiggy]

It all depends on your age and how you follow through at home. I have had both my knees scoped for meniscus tears. The first was worker's comp. he removed the whole miniscus on a Wed. using the 3 hole method. I had PT on thursday and Friday and was back to work on Monday using a single crutch. Fully healed by the 2nd week. My other surgeries were not total removal. Two holes and recovery was faster. I have never been out of work for 2 weeks. On my trip last year I did use icy hot or a ben gay type cream in the morning before I left the hotel room. And Ice it down in the evenings. This will help.

[rtobe]

I too am a member of the multiple arthroscopy club. Just had the 5th surgery on left knee in January for medial menicus tear (knee was locking periodically). Have the knee fixed sooner, I wound up waiting about a year before the last surgery until got bad enough to fix, don't do that. The rehab isn't that bad, lots of stationary bike, straight leg raises, quadricep tightening. Swimming is great for rehab. Make sure you get a physical therapy appointment set up for after surgery. You may want a brace for walking all day at WDW.

Generally, torn meniscus takes me about 2 months to really feel normal and a little longer till I play tennis again. I have gone to WDW as soon as 4 weeks after surgery with crutches (just because the place is kind of big) and it was ok.