Torn Meniscus

[JumpinJack]

Unfortunately I have just recently torn my Meniscus and need knee surgery in 2 days time to remove a couple of pieces of it that are floating around.

We will be in Disneyland approximately 4 weeks after my surgery and there is no way Im going to cancel it. The kids would be very disappointed, and we also have a lot of extended family meeting there for an informal reunion.

Has anyone had this surgery and been able to keep up with all of the walking?
I was wondering what kind of expectations people had, and what they were actually able to do. The Dr. is pretty vague about recovery, "it depends, blah. blah, blah", etc...I'm not getting a clear picture at all.

To add, I'm in good physical shape and very active (hence the injury...) and plan on being up and going as soon as possible the week after my surgery.

Any personal experiences?

 

[JadeDarkstar]

id rent an ECV
you could get a good deal (I dont have the info any more some one here will) for deckers

 

[blackjackdelta]

Four years ago I had the same problem and my knee(4 weeks post op) would be real sore at the end of the day but I just chugged along. Took my anti inflamitories and pain meds at night. That knee still gets a bit sore after I walk/hike alot but not to a point where I would ever use an ECV or WC. Just depends on how well you rehab. Best of luck and have a good time.

Jack

 

[DizNee Luver]

I had the same type of injury from playing softball. I was on crutches for about a week following the surgery & then they want you to use your knee (in moderation). It took about month for it to feel pretty good. I wouldn't totally rule out using a wheelchair while there. You will know if you get to that point.
I'd try walking at the park, & if you tire or start feeling any pain, rent a chair for the rest of the day. Your body will let you know what it can & can't do.
As soon as the dr says to start walking (full weight) do...... the more you can get in the better.
Good luck with the surgery!!!!

 

[TwiddleDee]

We had that experience in 2007 in the parks. The only difference is my DH hadn't had the surgery yet. He tried to manage without a wheelchair the first couple days but his knee was so swollen at the end of the day we ended up getting one. After the surgery, he had continual swelling from normal activity at work. Why chance it? I'm sure you don't want to be uncomfortable your whole trip.

 

[bumbershoot]

With your user name, you have a knee injury? That's just not right.


If I were having knee surgery, I'd find out what an ECV rental would cost, and toss that money into the budget. Then I'd see how I was by the time of the trip. Then I'd take it day by day, or even hour by hour.

I know that I would NOT get a wheelchair, b/c I'm not strong enough to push it all day, and even though hubby is strong enough to push me up Mt Rainier, I wouldn't WANT him to spend his vacation time pushing me. So I'd make sure the ECV was available to me, financially at least, and as soon as I needed it I'd get one.

Then if I didn't need it, that's bonus money!

 

[Staciebobacie]

I've had surgery on my knee twice. Once to try to repair a torn meniscus and the second to clean up the area. The repair surgery was much more intense and I was on crutches for at least a week and then still not recovered for at least a month and a half, maybe two. The second surgery where they just went in and cleaned up debri and cleaned up the end of my femur was much less intense. I was off crutches within a day or so and back to normal fairly quickly. It really depends on what they do while they are in there.

That being said I would make plans to use a wheel chair or something like that at least part of your days at DL. If you plan on it and don't need it then great but at least you'll know that if you need it the option is available.

 

[JumpinJack]

Thanks for all of the great comments.

I really don't see myself getting one of those motorized chairs, I think I would be frustrated as heck trying to drive that thing around through the crowds (I would also probably run somebody over), and I definitely don't want someone pushing me in a wheelchair, what a pain in the yahoo for the person having to do that all day for a week.

It sounds like its just going to be a tad sore after a full day which is something I can deal with. Being sore and being unable to walk are two different things.The first one is tolerable, the second one would be a major bummer.

Thanks all of you fellow knee surgery survivors, I feel much better knowing I'm not going to be out of action.

 

[Judy from Boise]

It might be a good idea to get an assistance pass for the "no stairs" option of getting on the rides.......and use it just for the worst offenders.

 

[shansar]

I had the same exact surgery 6 months ago. I am sure that the recovery varies but I honestly think you will be fine. Yes definitely a bit sore by the end of the day but fine. I would have a back up plan if it is bothering you and the anti-inflamatories will be a big help. I wish you the best of luck and I am sure you will have a great time. I will add my words of wisdom NOT to push too hard. I tried that and took a couple step backwards.
If you get a chance biking on a stationary bike helped me a lot along with physical therapy.
Goodluck! I wish you the best and a quick recovery!

 

[mechurchlady]

A lady at the DCA even said she had already walked almost 4 miles. It is a lot of walking and even though the parks are smaller than WDW they are a lot of walking. Deckerts and other companies offer ECVs for about $150 a week. DLR is about $48 after tax.

The GAC is for guests with hidden limitations such as no stairs, vision and hearing. Having a GAC does not mean you have to use the GAC. If told in advance they can magically shunt your vehicle to the disabled exit at Toy Story Mania. I do that when I use the single rider line at Toy Story Mania which has lots of stairs. Star Tours allows you to avoid the hike to the gift shop and back as well as the steep ramp on the inside.

Do not be afraid to use a mobility aid of some sort as it is better to in a wheelchair and happy and perky than dragging your rump, hurting, and grumpy. Not torn a whatever in my knee but I have a lot of damage and can tell you that it adds up. If you need ice you can take a baggie with you and ask for ice at restaurants or check with the nurses station.

 

[bumbershoot]

It might be a good idea to get an assistance pass for the "no stairs" option of getting on the rides.......and use it just for the worst offenders.

The GAC is for guests with hidden limitations such as no stairs

VERY good idea! If you can't go up or down stairs yet, definitely stop in at City Hall and talk to them about that.