Arthroscopic knee surgery - what to expect?

[cyclone]

Anybody had this done that can give me realistic insight on what to expect for recovery?  My doctor has told me that I can go back to work in 3-5 days, but on crutches.  Umm....nope.  I think I can use some sick time for that.  And, if I can't get it wet and take a shower until day 4, I sure am not going back to work at day 3.   :p

Is planning a camping trip two weeks out a good idea?  (yeah, I know football players get right back on the field faster than that, but I'm a whole lot older than they are.)  Thanks for any input here.

[griffsmom]

Hi Jan!! Nice to talk with you again!!! I still remember meeting you with fond memories. PUT people are the BEST!
 
I had arthro knee surgery on my left knee in February of 1993 for medial and lateral meniscus tears and a torn ACL (volleyball injury). The surgery was a piece of cake; in fact my doctor wanted to let me stay awake for it, but I thought i was coming down with a cold and just wasn't feeling well enough for it. Ended up, the worst part about the surgery was coming out of the anesthesia! (I'm a wussy when it comes to gas!)
 
Anyway, I woke up in a full leg immobilizer and my doctor wanted me to start bearing very gentle weight on my knee that same evening while supporting most of my weight on my crutches. I was in the immobilizer for a few days but off the crutches after about only two days and then i was fitted with a knee brace like the pro football payers wear. I immediately started physical therapy--which I can't emphasize enough was THE MOST IMPORTANT PART to get back flexibility, strength, and range of motion. I was playing full-bore, highly competitve volleyball (the kind where players jump serve and throw themselves all over the place rather than let the ball hit the floor) within 6 weeks of my surgery, and I had only lost a step or two. Granted, I was a whole lot younger then, but I'd like to think that I would still do as well if I had knee surgery today...:sombraro:
 
 
I wore the knee brace for all sports for a few years--especially softball and skiing, and now don't need to wear it at all. In fact, if I didn't have those three tiny little scars (one for the camera, two for the mechanical surgery thingees) I'd never even know I had surgery on that knee. Oh yeah, and except for maybe the really cool video my doctor made of the surgery!!
 
I think that a camping week two weeks after surgery may be a bit ambitious, especially since you don't want to accidentally twist your knee and be in a worse state than you were. But see how it goes and how you feel. Depending on the damage to your knee that you're having fixed, it may be possible. Of course, then again, you could always just let your sister and the kids do everything...
 
I'll be praying for you and your doctors that all goes well and you heal quickly!

[oreo57]

Same here, I had my right knee done about 20 yrs ago with no problems and I'm sure technology has come along way. 3 little scars also 2 on top 1 below havent had any problems at all. Best of luck.

[wavery]

I had the arthroscopic surgery done on my left knee in 1991.

They just had to go in and clean out under the knee cap and smooth out some tears in the cartilage.

I was back to "work" (well......sailing :p ) in 2 days and fully recovered in a week. I experienced a little discomfort the first couple days but never had to take pain pills.

I did stay awake for the surgery because I wanted to watch. It really was cool and I'm glad that I got to see it. It also made me feel confident that they got everything. You get to watch on a TV screen and you can see exactly what is in there and how they do everything. The Dr was really cool about explaining everything that he saw and what he was doing. I thought that it was a great experience.

[cyclone]

This helps a lot!  I have some torn cartilage that they are going to "clean up".  My doctor told me I could start bearing weight as tolerated on it when it was comfortable to do so, but if I wanted to return to work quickly it had to be with crutches.  Not really my idea of fun when I work in somewhat large hotel.

I'm still undecided about that camping trip.  We'll play it by ear.  And, the football fan in me is very glad this should be all recovered and then some by the time the regular season gets rolling.  Pre-season may even be no problem, but I don't really care if I miss those games.   It's a LONG hike to the seats in the nosebleed section at LP Field and then it's 49 steps up to the row our seats are in.  

Oh, and Lori - it was fun meeting you, too!