Knee Surgery Recovery

[Bradders123]

Hi All.

So I had arthroscopic surgery on my knee to remove a bit of and repair my meniscus on the outside of my left knee last Thursday and today, monday, My knee feels great.

I have been religous with the icing of my knee and prescribed exercises from the Physio. The swelling is all but gone!

I am definitely not going to rush back in to running etc. but is it to early to get on a stationary bike if it feels ok. I almost have full range of motion and can climb stairs without discomfort.

has anyone else heard of people recovering within a couple of weeks...any advice would be greatly appreicated!

Thanks

Brad

 

[vickster]

I was back on the static bike around 3 weeks after my last scope (tidy up, wash out, visco jab). No crutches, back at work after 3 weeks

First scope - tidy up, partial lateral menisectomy, was at least 8 weeks before going near a bike, was still using crutches on and off for 3 weeks and was off work and not driving for 3 weeks)

Are you actually seeing a physio, they would be best placed to advise (you need about 100 flexion to turn the pedals IIRC)

 

[jowwy]

I have just returned back to work after athroscopy - 3 weeks, i have done one road ride and the knee was quite sore afterwards - today i did 30mins on stationery bike and it feels ok.

during my op i had a bone scrape and re-shape of the joint due to a break 6yrs ago.

as part of my recovery after 3 weeks, my physio has given me the excercise of one legged squats on the bad knee, 3 sets of 20.

 

[Bradders123]

I am using the brilliant NHS so I dont have a physio appointment for another 3 weeks yet...
I had a clean out but nothing had to be reshaped etc...I have been off crutches and can walk fine also and this is only 4 days after the op.

I think the obvious option is to see a private physio but any other advice would be great!

I can do part squats without pain and feel like my quad aboe the knee is working well.

Thanks

 

[MrGrumpy]

I recall myself back in 2004 after having a similar operation that it was about 2 months before I dared go back on my bike, however after that I did find it great in aiding my recovery ( not keen on gyms etc ). Just pick a gear which allows you to spin rather than putting pressure on the knee. IE don`t ride fixed !!

 

[S1mon]

Sounds like my problem knee been swollen and unbearable pain for 3 weeks waiting for appointment to see specialist. Can I please ask how long you had to wait looked in to private but just can't stretch the 2-3 k

 

[jowwy]

i'm pretty lucky i got Bupa cover in work - from doctor referal to operation was 14 days

i think an mri scan on the NHS is something like a 3/5 month wait.

 

[vickster]

Sounds like my problem knee been swollen and unbearable pain for 3 weeks waiting for appointment to see specialist. Can I please ask how long you had to wait looked in to private but just can't stretch the 2-3 k

You could pay a couple of hundred to see a spec privately and then get onto the NHS list for any op - will save you quite a long time. Private MRI is £300-600 on top if needed. Just make sure you see a specialist with a big NHS practice too - where are you based? In the meantime, ice, elevate, rest, use painkillers as needed

I have private HC through work too - well worth the tax paid

 

[jowwy]

You could pay a couple of hundred to see a spec privately and then get onto the NHS list for any op - will save you quite a long time. Private MRI is £300-600 on top if needed. Just make sure you see a specialist with a big NHS practice too - where are you based? In the meantime, ice, elevate, rest, use painkillers as needed

I have private HC through work too - well worth the tax paid

Private HC is defo worth the tax your right there vickster - also bupa sent me the MRI invoice by mistake, its was £391.

 

[vickster]

My last one was £620 I guess that's the difference between London and S Wales!

 

[Bradders123]

I initially went to see my gp in Clapham, South London. He was reluctant to send me to a specialist for some reason and said I should just never do impact sports again...great response to a 22 year old who plays rugby and likes to run. This was in September, I managed to get a appointment with the knee specialist for Early November and had an MRI in december, Follow up appointment end of Jan and then operation on the 1st March.

The suregeon and team at the hospital were great all though clearly rushed..but it took a lot of complaining and nagging to get the operation this early..

If you can afford it and being active is your livelyhood, I would suggest going private..I have been at my workplace now for 1 3/4 years and dont qaulify for private healthcare until after 2 but I couldnt wait...

Has anyone else recovered from the arthroscope really quickly, It is less than a week after and the only reason I am nervous to do any exercise on the leg is having read forums etc..

Brad

 

[postman]

Give it six weeks.It makes sense to be over cautious.Then this summer you will not notice anything.All the best.I have had three done.But doing excessive bendig and twisting and having a bit of arthuritis does not help.You will be fine with the rest.All the best.

 

[jowwy]

I initially went to see my gp in Clapham, South London. He was reluctant to send me to a specialist for some reason and said I should just never do impact sports again...great response to a 22 year old who plays rugby and likes to run. This was in September, I managed to get a appointment with the knee specialist for Early November and had an MRI in december, Follow up appointment end of Jan and then operation on the 1st March.

The suregeon and team at the hospital were great all though clearly rushed..but it took a lot of complaining and nagging to get the operation this early..

If you can afford it and being active is your livelyhood, I would suggest going private..I have been at my workplace now for 1 3/4 years and dont qaulify for private healthcare until after 2 but I couldnt wait...

Has anyone else recovered from the arthroscope really quickly, It is less than a week after and the only reason I am nervous to do any exercise on the leg is having read forums etc..

Brad

you shouldnt resume any impact sports for at least 6 weeks after the operation - you can do low impact like cycling but only on the flat or an exercise bike with no resistance setting. That was the advice given to me by my physio 3 weeks after my op.

i also play golf and my physio has told me to resist playing for at least another 2 weeks as walking on the knee for 4/5 hours could cause over due stress on the joint.

 

[MrGrumpy]

had mine done on NHS within a week but I was unable to walk without crutches etc nor straighten my leg. After op consultant did say that I may require more work as there was still stuff floating about. If I am truthful I do cycle a lot and play football once a week and my knee on the whole is fine however its by no means 100% and doubt it ever will be.

 

[S1mon]

Well gone and seen a private consultant and it's not good need an op so he says 6 weeks to start recovery but in the mean time HHS are not sure and want to send me to a physiotherapist so whe they chase there tales I'm in on tuesday ... No more new bits for bike for a while and private medical insurance will be tarted ASAP