anyone had knee surgery?

[Avalon]

Definitely a torn meniscus and possibly some MCL tears. I have been stubborn and refused t go back to the orthopedist. Its been 3 months and I am beginning to face the fact it might need surgery. My coworkers and family are tired of watching me limp and as stubborn as I am I might not be bale to fix this myself.


I'm sure many here have had knee surgery . Was your experience good. How long were off your feet. Would you do it again. For those who didn't get a repair did it eventually heal on its own?

[mtnclimberjim]

Definitely a torn meniscus and possibly some MCL tears. I have been stubborn and refused t go back to the orthopedist. Its been 3 months and I am beginning to face the fact it might need surgery. My coworkers and family are tired of watching me limp and as stubborn as I am I might not be bale to fix this myself.


I'm sure many here have had knee surgery . Was your experience good. How long were off your feet. Would you do it again. For those who didn't get a repair did it eventually heal on its own?

Get it fixed now. You will do more damage. Your recovery depends on you!!!!! If your as bull headed in you recovery as you are about getting it fixed, then your in trouble.

[Unca Walt]

HOLY SMOKES LADY!!!!

Get yer fargin pin fixeded. Pronto.

I have had six. Four on the left, two on the right.

You are ONE STEP AWAY from juuuuusst stepping the wrong way... and having a LOCKUP!

BTDT.

[birddog]

I don't have any cartlidge left in mine, so can't fix it with out replacements. Yours on the otherhand is probably repairable. GET IT FIXED!!!

I had surgery on my left knee and was out of work for two weeks. Probably could have gone back sooner. Not a big deal.....

[Joseph]

the only knee surgery I had was an arthroscopy - piece of cake. Dr went in via a "1/4" incision and cut out torn cartilage. I know that's pocket change compared to what you must be going through, but I limped along for a month - the torn piece of cartilage would flip under my knee-cap and I would go down like a sack of potatoes - very painful.

My point is that its not a hang nail, it's your knee, and no offense intended, but we're all getting older. I have ignored doctors and pain (walked it off) from injuries incurred in my late twenties / early thirties when I was still immortal. I can tell you where every one of those smashed parts of my shoulder, hips, knees, and neck got hit -and today I can't move very fast in the early morning hours before 7:00 AM

Knee surgery has come a long way - I'm willing to bet you'll be kicking yourself for waiting so long to deal with it.

[Kingfisher]

I was hit by a car in the 1960s (everything seems to have happened in that decade.) and tore out my knee. Ligaments and such. Cartilage removed. IIRC, I was in a cast for 6 months but the passage of time had a different feel back then. A lot of pain.

In 1972 my knee was giving me a problem and there was bone on bone so I had the best of 3 options. A tibia ostectomy where they cut an arc through the tibia and shifted the lower part so that the weight bearing would separate bone on bone. (Ball & socket) Two giant staples. Lots of pain and slow recovery where the bone break had to heal. I would not do this again.

I had major bone on bone return but had promised my self to remember the pain and did nothing. I was taking Celebrex and stuff and limping badly but didn't care. In 2006 my wife came down with Wegener's Granluomatosis and was very sick for months. When she got better (you are never cured) I felt that if it came back I would not be able to hump up and down the stairs again so I had the knee replaced. Slick as deer guts. It was painful but the pain management is great these days. I didn't care much for the therapy and like the first two times cut it short but I got better just doing stuff. I can't believe I put up with that pain for all those years.

I doubt I will do it again though and don't think it will be necessary.

I think most knee surgeries are peep hole surgeries now and there show be much less on the adhesion front. Probably a pretty quick recovery.

[Avalon]

HOLY SMOKES LADY!!!!

Get yer virgin pin fixeded. Pronto.

I have had six. Four on the left, two on the right.

You are ONE STEP AWAY from juuuust stepping the wrong way... and having a LOCKUP!

BTDT.

But, I can still walk. I wear a tight neoprene brace and then put a Don Joy metal brace on top of that.. I was thinking as long as I could walk it could wait.. I will admit its wearing me out though.

[Thornapple]

My mother had the knee cartilage torn and had to have surgery. Before the surgery she in pain and limping but could get around. After the surgery she was completely crippled in that leg and in total agony. The doctors screwed it up and made it 10x worse and it never got better.

Found out afterward that the knee surgery does very little to fix the problem as the doctors can't actually replace or fix the cartilage. So its just a way for them to make money and doesn't really help, and often makes it worse. Obviously your experience may differ, but that was ours.


My aunt on the other hand had a knee problem and they give her a shot in the knee once a year with something made from rooster comb. She gets 1 shot per year and her knee is good to go for the rest of the year. Downside is that some people are allergic to the rooster comb. I'd ask your doctor to try the rooster comb injection method first and see if that works for you before going for knee surgery.


(I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV.)

[Kingfisher]

Get it fixed.

[Avalon]

the only knee surgery I had was an arthroscopy - piece of cake. Dr went in via a "1/4" incision and cut out torn cartilage. I know that's pocket change compared to what you must be going through, but I limped along for a month - the torn piece of cartilage would flip under my knee-cap and I would go down like a sack of potatoes - very painful.

My point is that its not a hang nail, it's your knee, and no offense intended, but we're all getting older. I have ignored doctors and pain (walked it off) from injuries incurred in my late twenties / early thirties when I was still immortal. I can tell you where every one of those smashed parts of my shoulder, hips, knees, and neck got hit -and today I can't move very fast in the early morning hours before 7:00 AM

Knee surgery has come a long way - I'm willing to bet you'll be kicking yourself for waiting so long to deal with it.

I can feel that torn, flapping cartlidge your talking about. When it pinches its an electric ouchy.. Now the damn thing is swollen up tight as a drum.. I think most of the time the body heals itself. They told me I would have to have carpal tunnel surgery and my hands are 80% after proper alternative treatment. Why wont a knee heal itself. The limping is getting embarrassing. Family and coworkers are starting to roll their eyes at me. My Boss is giving me the evil eye. I suppose its bad for health care business to have an employee who looks like they are going to fall over any moment. Still, I get my work done.

[SilverCity]

I have had six operations on both knees going all the way back to high school (42yrs), including successful total replacement of my left knee. Get it done by the best knee surgeon you can find in your area.

No point in suffering if you don't have to.

SC

[Kingfisher]

I think to heal the edges have to come together. Or grow in the tear which would take a long time. And that is likely without movement.

I still limp but I think it is habit.

[vancouver25]

I had a torn meniscus and possible MCL tear over a year ago. My Dr. wanted me to try to rehab it on my own and with physical therapy. Fast forward through 9 months of hobbling, limping, feeling better, and then going back to square one...I had arthroscopic surgery. After the surgery, I was VERY conservative and careful. At 8 weeks post op I was pain free and not limping, but not confident enough to really test it with running (forget about jumping, cutting, kicking, etc.). Then, I took a funny step one day and lost my balance slightly and felt a "pop" all around the bad knee.

I was instantly in much worse pain and much more limited than ever before the surgery. I was back on crutches, in a brace, and in constant pain (even lying down). MRI showed swelling but not another tear (hard to see with all the mess left over from the surgery). This re-injury was 4 weeks ago. I'm off the crutches now and walking with a limp and a brace and going to physical therapy again. I'm basically back to the same point I was before the surgery.

But...considering 4 weeks ago I thought I might never walk again (it was that painful!) I feel like I've made a remarkable recovery. All that the surgery and relapse has done is convince me to reassess my expectations. Before the surgery I'd hoped to resume the active lifestyle I'd enjoyed--120 miles a week on the bike, tennis, volleyball, basketball (that's how I hurt it the first time). Now, I just want to get up and down the stairs and sleep through the night and make it to the boat on weekends.

In short, I'm not sure this really helps other than to say I wouldn't wait 9 months to try surgery as that just gives it time to get worse. But, don't expect the surgery to do magic either. It's still a long recovery process and there are no guarantees--in fact, chances are slim you'll ever be as strong as you were (my wife calls it getting old!).

[birddog]

I'd ask your doctor to try the rooster comb injection method first and see if that works for you before going for knee surgery.


(I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV.)

The synvisc shots can help for worn cartlidge. I had them once and I have to admit probably one of the most painful shots I've ever had. Helped one knee, but not the other.

A torn maniscus can be problematic because the torn piece can flap around and stick in the joint. It needs to be trimmed and cleaned up.


Another reason to get it fixed now - if the SHTF you may not be able to get it fixed.....

[Lugnutzpop]

Definitely a torn meniscus and possibly some MCL tears. I have been stubborn and refused t go back to the orthopedist. Its been 3 months and I am beginning to face the fact it might need surgery. My coworkers and family are tired of watching me limp and as stubborn as I am I might not be bale to fix this myself.


I'm sure many here have had knee surgery . Was your experience good. How long were off your feet. Would you do it again. For those who didn't get a repair did it eventually heal on its own?

Info from this link....


The MCL usually responds very well to non-surgical treatment, although surgery may be required in rare cases. Depending on the severity of the injury, a period of rest, bracing and physical therapy usually is sufficient to heal the tear.

Recovery times differ depending on the severity of the injury:


•A minor, or grade 1, MCL tear can take from a few days to a week and a half to heal sufficiently for you to return to normal activities, including sports.
•A grade 2 tear can take from two to four weeks to heal.
•A grade 3 tear usually takes from four to eight weeks to heal, unless it is associated with damage to the ACL, in which case the recovery time may be longer.


Go get it fixed regardless. Take it from someone with knee problems for the last 30 years, if you can get it fixed, get it fixed.

Good luck,

-L

[Avalon]

My mother had the knee cartilage torn and had to have surgery. Before the surgery she in pain and limping but could get around. After the surgery she was completely crippled in that leg and in total agony. The doctors screwed it up and made it 10x worse and it never got better.

Found out afterward that the knee surgery does very little to fix the problem as the doctors can't actually replace or fix the cartilage. So its just a way for them to make money and doesn't really help, and often makes it worse. Obviously your experience may differ, but that was ours.


My aunt on the other hand had a knee problem and they give her a shot in the knee once a year with something made from rooster comb. She gets 1 shot per year and her knee is good to go for the rest of the year. Downside is that some people are allergic to the rooster comb. I'd ask your doctor to try the rooster comb injection method first and see if that works for you before going for knee surgery.


(I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV.)

ahhh!!!!!!! that's what I'm afraid of!!!

[Avalon]

The synvisc shots can help for worn cartlidge. I had them once and I have to admit probably one of the most painful shots I've ever had. Helped one knee, but not the other.

A torn maniscus can be problematic because the torn piece can flap around and stick in the joint. It needs to be trimmed and cleaned up.


Another reason to get it fixed now - if the SHTF you may not be able to get it fixed.....

I thought about that... Right now Im well insured. Who knows what next year will bring.

[Avalon]

I had a torn meniscus and possible MCL tear over a year ago. My Dr. wanted me to try to rehab it on my own and with physical therapy. Fast forward through 9 months of hobbling, limping, feeling better, and then going back to square one...I had arthroscopic surgery. After the surgery, I was VERY conservative and careful. At 8 weeks post op I was pain free and not limping, but not confident enough to really test it with running (forget about jumping, cutting, kicking, etc.). Then, I took a funny step one day and lost my balance slightly and felt a "pop" all around the bad knee.

I was instantly in much worse pain and much more limited than ever before the surgery. I was back on crutches, in a brace, and in constant pain (even lying down). MRI showed swelling but not another tear (hard to see with all the mess left over from the surgery). This re-injury was 4 weeks ago. I'm off the crutches now and walking with a limp and a brace and going to physical therapy again. I'm basically back to the same point I was before the surgery.

But...considering 4 weeks ago I thought I might never walk again (it was that painful!) I feel like I've made a remarkable recovery. All that the surgery and relapse has done is convince me to reassess my expectations. Before the surgery I'd hoped to resume the active lifestyle I'd enjoyed--120 miles a week on the bike, tennis, volleyball, basketball (that's how I hurt it the first time). Now, I just want to get up and down the stairs and sleep through the night and make it to the boat on weekends.

In short, I'm not sure this really helps other than to say I wouldn't wait 9 months to try surgery as that just gives it time to get worse. But, don't expect the surgery to do magic either. It's still a long recovery process and there are no guarantees--in fact, chances are slim you'll ever be as strong as you were (my wife calls it getting old!).

what was the pop you felt in your knee a few weeks ago. Was the swelling from a fresh injury or from surgery?

[southfork]

Definitely a torn meniscus and possibly some MCL tears. I have been stubborn and refused t go back to the orthopedist. Its been 3 months and I am beginning to face the fact it might need surgery. My coworkers and family are tired of watching me limp and as stubborn as I am I might not be bale to fix this myself.


I'm sure many here have had knee surgery . Was your experience good. How long were off your feet. Would you do it again. For those who didn't get a repair did it eventually heal on its own?

I had the same, I had the cartilage removed and have a completely torn ACL, with knee excersice I was able to opt out of the ACL surgery and just have the torn cartilage removed, cant play basketball but then never did, this happened around 20 years ago and Im pushing 62.

[Joseph]

I can feel that torn, flapping cartlidge your talking about. When it pinches its an electric ouchy.. Now the damn thing is swollen up tight as a drum.. I think most of the time the body heals itself. They told me I would have to have carpal tunnel surgery and my hands are 80% after proper alternative treatment. Why wont a knee heal itself. The limping is getting embarrassing. Family and coworkers are starting to roll their eyes at me. My Boss is giving me the evil eye. I suppose its bad for health care business to have an employee who looks like they are going to fall over any moment. Still, I get my work done.

>> because you're walking on it 12 - 16 hours a day

[Avalon]

Im going in Wed for surgery to repair my meniscus. I will be at the mercy of Doctors..

[Oldmansmith]

Im going in Wed for surgery to repair my meniscus. I will be at the mercy of Doctors..

God bless you. My longevity plan is to never go to the doctors again and to take a gram of vitamin C three times a day (google Linus Pauling Therapy).

I haven't had a physical since I was 15 and don't regret it.

[Avalon]

God bless you. My longevity plan is to never go to the doctors again and to take a gram of vitamin C three times a day (google Linus Pauling Therapy).

I haven't had a physical since I was 15 and don't regret it.

Trust me we have the same plan...Stay the Hell away from Doctors... this is the one of the few things I have not been able to fix on my own. The meniscus simply doesn't heal. I saw the MRI. Mine is torn in two and shredded. And its getting worse instead of better. This is a last resort and I am not happy about. Hopefully they wont kill me and I still catch SHTF..

[Armed.peasant]

You may not know how bad it is until the Doc. sticks the camera in there and takes a look.

Zimmer has had some good results with this product if you end up needing it.

http://www.zimmer.com/en-US/pc/artic...sue-graft.jspx

[Silver Sayyid]

I have blown my acl and torn the meniscus of my left knee back in the early days of scoping knees in the early 1981-82. Knee has never been the same...however that was a long time ago. Don't get me wrong the knee has functioned well for the last 30 years but it still gives me grief on occasion. But it has never been the same as stock. However, I MUST emphasize post operative therapy, especially swimming. No stress and builds the muscles around the knee and helps take the stress off of it, (much like good core takes it off the back). The more you put into your post operative therapy the better your success will be.

just my experience...your mileage may vary

[Avalon]

You may not know how bad it is until the Doc. sticks the camera in there and takes a look.

Zimmer has had some good results with this product if you end up needing it.

http://www.zimmer.com/en-US/pc/artic...sue-graft.jspx

that what really concerns me. The game plan is to do a removal of the damaged tissue as opposed to a repair. The recovery time from removal as opposed to repair is much quicker.. But you never really know how bad it is till you get in there. As far as the grafts go he told me I'm too old for them to be of value. The recovery from the grafts is long. He told me I should be up and around in a week. The down side is removing parts of your meniscus sets you up for bad stuff down the road.

[Avalon]

I have blown my acl and torn the meniscus of my left knee back in the early days of scoping knees in the early 1981-82. Knee has never been the same...however that was a long time ago. Don't get me wrong the knee has functioned well for the last 30 years but it still gives me grief on occasion. But it has never been the same as stock. However, I MUST emphasize post operative therapy, especially swimming. No stress and builds the muscles around the knee and helps take the stress off of it, (much like good core takes it off the back). The more you put into your post operative therapy the better your success will be.

just my experience...your mileage may vary

he said my ACL looked fine thank God..At this point occasional pain and weakness sounds wonderful...I can live with that. I had rotator cuff surgery 20 years ago and my shoulder has not been right since then but it functions.

I bought my Granddaughter a little swimming pool. Its not very deep but deep enough I can do some exercises in it. I think that water exercise is very sound advice. To be honest I was very underwhelmed with the PT program I had after a neck injury. Sorry to say but I think many big orthopedic practices have young inexperienced Therapist they can pay cheaply. The whole thing seems geared to get you there for as many visits as possible for as long as possible.. I would rather be in charge of my own therapy.

[gliddenralston]

Stop procrastinating get a bicycle, get dedicated, ride it everyday no more knee pain.

[birddog]

How did the surgery go? You doing ok?

[Avalon]

How did the surgery go? You doing ok?

I had arthroscopic surgery to clean up my meniscus yesterday morning. The Doctor said it went well. He said he was able to save a lot of the meniscus and most of what he trimmed came off the back..I had a good day yesterday and then the remnants of the numbing shot wore off about 10pm last night.. UGH! Im up and walking and alternating laying down with ice. I just cant imagine this poor old knee will ever be the same.. Still I'm glad its over. I start rehab tomorrow. Thanks for asking.

[birddog]

I had arthroscopic surgery to clean up my meniscus yesterday morning. The Doctor said it went well. He said he was able to save a lot of the meniscus and most of what he trimmed came off the back..I had a good day yesterday and then the remnants of the numbing shot wore off about 10pm last night.. UGH! Im up and walking and alternating laying down with ice. I just cant imagine this poor old knee will ever be the same.. Still I'm glad its over. I start rehab tomorrow. Thanks for asking.

Glad it went well!

[mnmom]

I had arthroscopic surgery to clean up my meniscus yesterday morning. The Doctor said it went well. He said he was able to save a lot of the meniscus and most of what he trimmed came off the back..I had a good day yesterday and then the remnants of the numbing shot wore off about 10pm last night.. UGH! Im up and walking and alternating laying down with ice. I just cant imagine this poor old knee will ever be the same.. Still I'm glad its over. I start rehab tomorrow. Thanks for asking.

Sending prayers for a speedy recovery for you!

My aunt had knee surgery some time ago, and the water aerobics class has been her favorite since.

[Camp Bassfish]

You will be AMAZED at how fast your knee heels. Speedy recovery.

[Avalon]

You will be AMAZED at how fast your knee heels. Speedy recovery.

I already feel a big difference from yesterday.. I have a zillion things to do to get ready for the Zombies.. No time to lay around !

[Armed.peasant]

As you know just getting those pieces of broken of meniscus cartildge out of the joint will help your pain and discomfort. Its sort of like having something stuck between your teeth.

Good to hear you are doing well.

[Triunfar]

Week 2 behind you, I guess by now you know what you're in for. How's it going?

Aside from the jabs, gamin', jokes and blamin', stuff I put on you, you've been getting some serious recovery prayers.

Knee surgery is no joke for sure. I've been told it's one of those deals where the rehab is just about as crucial as the surgery.

Listening to you has had me thinking about how I abused myself.

18 -20 years ago, some buds and I use to unload our frustrations playing roller blade hockey. After about a year we were all pretty well banged up.
We all wore the gear but concrete is a bit different than ice.

Some of the guy's really slowed down after that nonsense. We were too old for it to begin with, just stupid.

Since then, I know three have had knee surgery. But two of us started riding our mountain bikes more.

My knee pains went away. I never attributed it to the biking, I just figured I finally made it past being a pansy. I called my friend, he said once his knees quit hurting he never had issues again either.

I'm thinking gliddenralston might be right. The bike could be the ticket.

If the Doc says OK

If the Doc says you shouldn't then you probably shouldn't. Just don't over do anything.

Best to Ya Avalon.

P.S. Glucosamine Supplement

[Avalon]

Week 2 behind you, I guess by now you know what you're in for. How's it going?

Aside from the jabs, gamin', jokes and blaming', stuff I put on you, you've been getting some serious recovery prayers.

Knee surgery is no joke for sure. I've been told it's one of those deals where the rehab is just about as crucial as the surgery.

Listening to you has had me thinking about how I abused myself.

18 -20 years ago, some buds and I use to unload our frustrations playing roller blade hockey. After about a year we were all pretty well banged up.
We all wore the gear but concrete is a bit different than ice.

Some of the guy's really slowed down after that nonsense. We were too old for it to begin with, just stupid.

Since then, I know three have had knee surgery. But two of us started riding our mountain bikes more.

My knee pains went away. I never attributed it to the biking, I just figured I finally made it past being a pansy. I called my friend, he said once his knees quit hurting he never had issues again either.

I'm thinking glidden ralston might be right. The bike could be the ticket.

If the Doc says OK

If the Doc says you shouldn't then you probably shouldn't. Just don't over do anything.

Best to Ya Avalon.

P.S. Glucosamine Supplement

Its going well now. Thank you for the healing prayers.. Its better every day. The PT exercises are very basic. I started walking more a few days ago and I'm able to go longer with less pain every day. Im going to be optimistic and say the surgery worked. The Doctor said my pain would be my guide to not overdoing and that seems about right.. I am very relieved its over and I can get back to life. And although I am not a fan of the medical system there is a time for surgical intervention.


Speaking of glucosamine supplements. I started one about a month ago for my knee. It didn't do much for my knee but boy do I feel a big difference in my hip joints and with general stiffness.. pretty impressive stuff..
I'm taking it along with devils claw and quite pleased
http://www.amazon.com/Flexacil-Ultra.../dp/B004P4FF20

Ditto to thinking about the abuse bodies go through. I cringe when I see High School athletes get injured knowing the grief it will bring them down the road. I have a new appreciation for my knees and other working body body parts.

[Avalon]

As you know just getting those pieces of broken of meniscus cartildge out of the joint will help your pain and discomfort. Its sort of like having something stuck between your teeth.

Good to hear you are doing well.

it felt like broken glass in my knee joint.

[Oldmansmith]

Friend of mine's mom was healthy as a horse and walked two miles every day at age 86. Her knees hurt, and she wanted to walk more since her friends did, so she got a replacement knee two years ago. Got drug resistant pneumonia in the hospital. She died two weeks after the operation.

Any type of surgery is a last, last resort IMHO.

[Avalon]

Friend of mine's mom was healthy as a horse and walked two miles every day at age 86. Her knees hurt, and she wanted to walk more since her friends did, so she got a replacement knee two years ago. Got drug resistant pneumonia in the hospital. She died two weeks after the operation.

Any type of surgery is a last, last resort IMHO.

oh! you know I agree.. I see it at work all the time. People go in for minor procedures and end up with life threatening blood clots, and deadly infections.. There is no such thing as a minor procedure. They all cary possible life threatening complications.. But, there comes a time when you have tried everything and have to make a choice to take the risk or say goodbye to your lifestyle. I was there. Almost 4 months of limping and I was hardly able to make it through work. I stopped walking and playing with my granddaughter and it was rapidly deteriorating instead of getting better. I wasn't ready to join the hoover-round crowd yet..

Some of the things I tried were physical therapy, ultra sound, RICE, various herbals and supplements and an wide assortment of support devices. It simply did not work. It was hard fo rme to make peace with it as I beleive the body really can heal itself most of the time.

[Rusty Shackelford]

Glad you stepped up and got the work done Avalon. Not sure of your age and not going to ask, but my dad had much of the same issues that you had, but avoided surgery. Now he is 60 and cant do a 1/3 of what he could 10 years ago. Being content to be able to walk now, I fear you would be like my dad in 10 years. Now his time of trying to keep up with 8-10 year grand kids in a back yard game of wiffle ball are over.

funny thing is, his other knee had to have major recontrutcive surgery (complete tears of ACL and MCL). He got that one worked on and has no issues other then general age issues. It is the one the he ignored and played tough guy with that is crippling him.

[Goldfinger]

I had a meniscus tear a few years ago and had mine scoped. You'll do fine. Stay aggressive with the PT. It hurts like a you know what, but you have to do it! If you have access to a stationary bike, use it. Then ice the knee down afterward. Or even better alternate cold and hot. A hot bath with Epsom Salt may help a bit too. Once all the fluid comes off it should feel like new. Don't be surprised if it swells on you a bit even a year or two later, after strenuous activity. Its pretty normal. Keep active though and don't become sedentary. That's the worst thing you can do.

[Avalon]

Glad you stepped up and got the work done Avalon. Not sure of your age and not going to ask, but my dad had much of the same issues that you had, but avoided surgery. Now he is 60 and cant do a 1/3 of what he could 10 years ago. Being content to be able to walk now, I fear you would be like my dad in 10 years. Now his time of trying to keep up with 8-10 year grand kids in a back yard game of wiffle ball are over.

funny thing is, his other knee had to have major reconstructive surgery (complete tears of ACL and MCL). He got that one worked on and has no issues other then general age issues. It is the one the he ignored and played tough guy with that is crippling him.

Your Dad needs a kick in the booty.. I'm guessing he is remembering recovery from the first knee surgery and doesn't want to go through it again. If its just meniscus it will be a walk in the park compared to the last knee surgery he had..I also think in general many people just keep going until they cant before they do something. I'm 56 and your Dad is way to young to become inactive because of something correctable.

Have you and the older grandkids talked to him about it..? Keeping up with my Granddaughter was the biggest incentive to overcome my fear..

Also tell your Dad I literally feel 20 years younger since I can walk without looking like Festus on Gunsmoke.. Tell him all that energy he is using just to walk and fight the pain could be used living life.

[Rusty Shackelford]

Dad is 60. he tore the meniscus and stuff in his right knee 30 years ago. He blew out the left knee about 20 years ago and had it worked on successfully. If he would have addressed the issue with his right knee back in his thirties like he should have he would be ok. Instead he now needs a complete replacement. Oh yes we are on his ass. He is not inactive, just lots slower. Being a carpenter he is constantly on the go. He says he can't afford to miss work. I counter that it is best for him to plan and have surgery on his terms, cuz all the up and down ladders and such on a bum knee will result in him missing work for a long time to recover from an unexpected fall.