Surgery - Meniscus Repair Recovery

[Daydreamer21]

Hi all!

This is my first post here- I've been lurking for a while. I was just wondering... I had knee surgery (meniscus repair) about 6 weeks ago and was just told by my doc at a followup that I should be able to return to my original level of functioning within 6 months to a year. This was a far cry from the original assurance that healing time takes approximately 6 weeks. Obviously, we're talking about two different things here.

I'm walking fine, taking stairs ok but I'm DYING to get back on the trails. I definitely don't feel stable enough to go out yet and I don't want to push it before I'm ready, but I'm hoping it's not going to take me another 6 months to get back out there.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has had surgeries that have kept them off the trails and how long it took you to get back out there? Any advice?

Thanks!
Kristina

[big_load]

+1 on the physical therapy; that can make a huge difference.

I opted not to have meniscus surgery and have regained nearly all function with therapy and regular training. Therapy is even more important after surgery.

[Sredfield]

I have had both knees 'scoped for meniscus tears. The first one with no "pre-therapy" and the second with significant therapy before the surgery. Recovery time on the second was sooo much shorter. I'd get hooked up with a good (great if you can find one) physical therapist before the surgery as well as after.

[Daydreamer21]

I don't have a physical therapist...doctor didn't order any. But, I'll call my regular doc and see if he will get me connected to one.

I couldn't afford the PT visits so my doc suggested low-no impact quad strengthening exercises like elliptical, swimming, bike riding and weight training like leg press. He told me to do 45 min-1 hr sessions, 4-5 times a week. I've done as much as I can since I don't have that kind of time and I feel like I've regained about 80% of my stamina but I'm pretty sure I could have gotten better quicker if I'd been able to vary my workouts with a PT.

[big_load]

@Daydreamer21 That's too bad. Quad strengthening took about half of my PT. The rest focused on the muscles that provide balance and stabilization. One exercise that I found challenging was standing one-legged (my bad leg) on one minitramp while bouncing a heavy ball (and catching it) off a semi-vertical minitramp.

It was also helpful to be in there with other people working on similar things. One guy was recovering from a crushed leg, and his mission each day was to complete one revolution of the bike pedals. It hurt him so bad that it usually brought tears to his eyes, and some days he couldn't do it. That made my problems seem pretty small.

[cathymocha]

@Daydreamer21 I am so glad you brought this subject up, and I hope you are still continuing to improve in spite of not being able to have a physical therapist.

@Sredfield Thank you for telling me about your experiences, it was very helpful, especially the need for appropriate exercises to help in the healing process and before any possible future surgeries.

@big_load You really clarified the need for a physical therapist. Thank you, also, for the reminder of how much to be thankful for...it's true, my struggle in this situation is so small compared to the fellow with the crushed leg you told us about.

So, I had my regular doctor write a referral, which got me in to see a local sports physical therapist, and yesterday was my first appointment. She spent quite a bit of time with me and I am confident that good will come of it. I don't know how to say "Thank You" enough for the information and guidance...it means so much. (Also, there was an "older" fellow in the gym...about 88...terrific!).