I can't wait, trip to the orthopedist

[SledDog]

So I dinged up my knee a few weeks ago and it just isn't getting better. So off to the Dr today, and an orthopedist hopefully this coming week. MRI on tap I'm sure. Maybe I get to be cut open. Woo hoo...

Treat your body right is all I'm saying.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: I can't wait, trip to the orthopedist

all I can say is that arthroscopic knee surgery is not too bad to come back from. Hopefully, it won't come to that but if is it isn't the worst thing that could happen to you.

 

[SledDog]

Re: I can't wait, trip to the orthopedist

Thanks. I'm not all that worried about the possible surgeries, but my work is outdoor, physical, and I've seen my company release guys who take a while on their recovery.

 

[fx77]

Re: I can't wait, trip to the orthopedist

The more precise the finding the better the outcome of this surgery if needed.
If arthritis is present no matter what the MRI shows with respect to cartilage damage and meniscal tears..the outcome is usually no better than non operative treatment, but try to convince the surgeon of this (many believe their own bs.."in my experience blah blah blah". ( See New England Journal Medicine 9/11/2009 {I think that is the date}where arthroscopic surgical and non operative outcomes were compared in the cases of knees with arthritis).

Also workers compensation knee surgery outcomes are 1/2 as good as non workers comp, and the average worker is out twice as long as for the same injury/surgery when not workers comp...motivation factor...U get paid for not returning to work, not as much, but enough for some to prolong the recovery.

 

[SledDog]

Re: I can't wait, trip to the orthopedist

I don't think there's any arthritis, at least I've never noticed any. I'm more concerned with some instability I can feel when walking around. That and shooting pain when climbing stairs. I think I'd rather get punched in the mouth than climb stairs right now.

Do you think the worse WC outcomes have to do with less effort during rehab? I'm not interested in doing anything half-assed.

 

[fx77]

Re: I can't wait, trip to the orthopedist

Stair pain can also be damage to the back of the patella (knee cap)...Surely your specialist will be able to differentiate the diagnosis and manage appropriately
Remember nothing is so bad that surgery cannot make it worse

 

[c1steve]

Re: I can't wait, trip to the orthopedist

You might try a cold laser to speed healing. Sometimes they work miracles. I like the TerraQuant. You can buy it in Europe for 1/3 the US price. Nothing like getting reamed on health care.

I work as a DC, so have seen a few knees.

-Steve

 

[SledDog]

Re: I can't wait, trip to the orthopedist

Update:

Saw the ortho and the x-rays came out fine. He says the meniscus is damaged, and wants me to try home therapy for a month before considering any sort of surgery. Sort of a relief, we'll see how the next month goes.