How long is recovery after knee arthoscopic surgery

Hi all, I had a left knee arthroscopy 2 weeks ago, had 3 days off crutches 6 days off work resting and have been flying for a week, driving, walking etc.. Until 2 days ago, they knee swelled up again, which it has done in the past (I had it draied twice).. But this time the pain is excruciating,, the swelling is rock hard and i keep getting shooting pain in my leg.. I cant walk on it.. I'm taking anti inflamatories and pain killers but they are doing no good at all. I'm 34 and doc said i'd need a knee replacement in 15 years.. The way I feel at the moment, i'd be happy to get it replaced right now! I feel like a total moan.. Usually my pain threshold is high enough, but this is just very sore, almost unbearable at times. I am meeting my doc and a rheumatologist in a few weeks time, but i might have to try to get an appointment sooner. If i thought this pain was normal enough, i'd suck it up, but its sorer than it ever was before arthroscopy.. Any thoughts welcome. Sorry to vent, but i'm in bed all day, cos I cant walk.. Then found this forum, so its nice to see other people had same experences! Thanks a mil :)

Hi had r knee scope 8/15/13. Did very well
First 2 days staying off and elevating and ice.
Then started doing small walks up and down steps, outside with dog and so on. Have done some short trips to the store
Church ect. Continuing ice and elevation. about 3 days ago started having bad shooting pain and aching up and down leg. Swelling too. Have I over done it? It's been a week and 4 days. Taking 800 ibuprophen every 4 hrs. Ouch it hurts to stand and walk. Help.

Vicki thank you. Went to hosp last night.
Had a Venus Doppler. No clots thank God.
Still having pain up and down back of my
Leg. I've slowed way down. Ice and rest
With leg lifts and ankle rotation. Lots and
Lots of prayer. You are so right. I have
Total faith in the ultimate healer our God.
Wow you've been through alot. God bless.
I hope all is good for you? Thank you again
For your words. Prayers for you and all on
This sight.

I had knee arthroscopy for tears in the medial and lateral menisci, and removal of a loose body behind patella in my left knee 3 weeks ago. I was told I could put weight on knee as tolerated from the first, but to elevate and ice knee as much as possible for 2 to 3 days. I have been very happy to have no pain since the surgery, other than being uncomfortable with the swelling at first. I went back to work on third day, and have been on my feet quite a lot as I am a teacher. I only used crutches one day before switching to a hiking stick for a few more days. I drove 2 days after surgery.

I have also done exercises given to me before surgery, and now am doing PT twice a week. People tell me I am doing quite well, and appear to be walking fairly normally. I have had to concentrate on rolling my feet when walking rather than walking more or less flat footed because of pain before the surgery. I should mention that I had terrible bursitis in the knee before the surgery, so had been walking strangely for more than a month before the operation. I find that the more I force myself to walk normally, the more progress I make. Last weekend I went kayaking for a few hours, and found the motion of paddling with my feet on the foot supports felt really good.

My Physical therapist has been doing some wonderful massage to help get the patella more moveable. I do get sore after PT sessions that involve bicycling, but ice is my friend. I bought one of the good meniscus repair wraps with gel inserts, and do use the 2 or 3 times a day. I posted because I don't want those considering this type of surgery that all outcomes are problematic. With a positive attitude and some patience, we will heal. I do take glucosamine with MSM recommended by a friend with a holistic medicine degree. It really seems to help keep my joints flexible. By the way I am 67 years old, so this is not the story of a young person who heals quickly. I agree with those who say to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing a lot of pain.

Post Edited (mulbie) : 10/18/2013 6:56:22 AM (GMT-6)

Hi! I am 46 years old and I had bilateral knee arthroscopy going on 4 weeks ago.  My right knee had a small tear and my left knee had a large tear at the back of the meniscus and also a smaller one along with a bone chip having a field day in that knee.  Both knees have a small area of arthritis on them.  I used crutches for 3-4 days after surgery and then only occasionally when I had to walk on uneven ground.  I started PT last week.  My range of motion was greatly decreased in my left knee and very painful.  My right knee is doing well.  The problem I am having now is still pain.  I have increased the range of motion in my left to near normal, however, I still have pain.  It hurts if I sit, stand or walk. Not sure what is going on, but it is getting frustrating.  My therapist says that usually with increased ROM, the pain decreases.  Not in my case.  I do not notice any swelling, just constant pain.  I go back to my surgeon in a week for a follow up.  Has anyone had any symptoms like this?  My pain is right below my knee cap and to the right of it, and also a very dull ache behind my knee. Thanks for any information.

Is there anyone out there who experienced/experiencing positive results from TKR surgery? I'm on a 7mo waiting list for TKR to my left knee and terrified more so now after reading all the negative info on this site to the point where I'm having second thoughts. I'd appreciate very much to hear from anyone willing to share positive feedback concerning their TKR surgery. Thank you.