Has anyone had a torn miniscus?

nancy324

nancy324

Cathlete
My mom is going in for surgery for a torn miniscus, and I was just wondering what to expect after the surgery. She said she only needs me to drive her home from the surgery and stay over one night, and that she will be back exercising in 6 weeks. If anyone else has had this surgery, I'd be very interested in hearing about the healing process so I know what to expect. How soon until she can drive her car and do her own food shopping, etc.? Thanks for any info!

Also, if anyone has had a torn miniscus and thinks surgery is unnecessary, of course I'd like to know about that too.

-Nancy
 
Good morning Nancy...

I've never had a meniscal tear thank goodness so I can't speak from personal experience. I type a lot of operative notes for this type of surgery so it is a common injury.

Here's a link that gives an overview on what it is and how it is treated. I hope someone can chime with some personal experience for you.

http://www.webmd.com/hw/joint_problems/te7346.asp
 
torn meniscus

Nancy, I had surgery in the fall of 2004 to repair a torn meniscus. Everyone's recovery is different but hopefully my story is encouraging.

My surgeon told me to be very proactive in my recovery. I ditched the crutches 18 hours after surgery and walked around the block. I also got on a Spin bike & slowly pedaled for 10 minutes. I walked, gently pedaled & did upper body weights from that point on. I returned to yoga & pilates classes the week after surgery & modified. I tried some light lower body training but realized that I needed more healing time. I think it was about a month.

Driving wasn't an issue because it was my left knee & I have an automatic. Your mom shouldn't drive until she's off of the pain medication. One of the side effects of pain medication is constipation. I highly recommend a pot of vegetable soup. It was easy to tolerate & prevented digestive problems.

Good luck to your mom.

Debra
 
RE: torn meniscus

Hi Nancy. My MIL had the surgery last spring and her biggest question was when she could golf again - she was back to golfing in a week. Doc told her to take it "easy" for about 3 days, and then begin a little more rigorous exercise program - more concerted walking etc. For her though, the surgery did not take away all of her pain because she has weight issues that she won't tackle. Doc says if she lost some weight, she'd probably be pain free. But her rehab was quick and relatively easy. Good luck to your mama!

Lorrie
 
RE: torn meniscus

I have not had a tear...the doctor just checked for one! I just wanted to say that I am sorry about your mom's tear and I am sure she will be o.k. That is super sweet of you to take care of her in her time of need.

Let us know how everything goes!!
 
Thanks so much for the informative and encouraging responses! My Mom had an MRI and the doc said it was "unbeleivable" that a 69-yr. old woman had NO arthritis in the knee at all. He said that would make the procedure much simpler. My Mom walks vigorously several miles per day and is not overweight. I guess that will help to speed her recovery.

-Nancy
 
Hi Nancy - I'm curious. How did you mom tear it. My SO is a mail carrier and she tore hers last summer when running up on our lawn. He leg torqued in a small hole in the lawn. She was in alot of pain. After her surgery, she also ditched the crutches after two days and did some light walking. Because of her job she couldnt return for 8 weeks, but she was just fine after about two weeks. It was her right knee so she didn't drive for about a week, but she said she could have if it was an emergency.

Your mom will do fine. Best of luck to her!! Enjoy your long weekend.

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8019309&uid=3879914&members=1
 
Hi Mar! My Mom didn't have any kind of injury. She said it's from the wear and tear from using her knee for almost 70 years. :) The website that Jane recommeneded states as follows:

"What is the cause of a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear is usually caused by a twisting or pivoting motion, often with the foot planted and the knee partially flexed (for example, when lifting or playing tennis). Other knee injuries, such as a torn ligament, can happen at the same time that you tear your meniscus. As you age, your meniscus becomes worn and may tear more easily. Meniscus tears are rare in young children."

My Mom's injury must have been some sort of more minor version of what happened to your SO that she didn't even notice, but enough to cause the tear.

Thanks for your good wishes! :D

-Nancy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top