RIGHT KNEE GAVE OUT

If you're dead set against surgery (I waited five years until I retired so I wouldn't have to take off work - I should have had it done right away), you need to get a sturdy cane to help keep you from a hard fall when it happens again. And you should have the cane with you whenever you're walking.

Really, unless there is some pressing reason to wait, you'd likely be better off to go ahead and get it fixed - summer is coming so school will be out. I walked out of the hospital with a walker two days after surgery. When I got home I put the walker away and used a cane around the house, the walker only when I went out. Within three weeks I wasn't using any assistive devices and after a month I went back to my workouts at the gym.

Good luck, and let us know how you're doing.

Be as proactive as you can. Work on strengthening and developing the muscles around your knee so they can help do it's job. Think about what you're doing and be cautious and aware of your environment and places/scenarios that could cause it to happen. Don't rush, take your time and walk slowly. And always be extra careful at the top of the stairs (railings are wonderful!)