thedogtalker

I would appreciate some advice. I am 55, female, and had an arthroscopy for medial and lateral meniscus tear in mid-November. Things seemed to be healing okay, maybe a little slower than I'd expected with still some end-of-day soreness after normal daily activities. Then came January and irresistible snow. So, at 7 weeks post-op,I started skiing (classic) and OF COURSE did too much. Not just one day, but about 10 days in a row, with 2-3 hours of skiing a day. The only reason I'd quit each day would be the knee would start getting fatigued and hurting. Stupid, yes. Denial, yes. So about 4 days ago I had to quit everything because of the discomfort, and have limited all my activity (even walking) until things start getting better. I hope they will. I don't know if/how I might have messed things up in there. Since we just moved to Montana, my doctor is now 9 hours away in Seattle. I know anyone would say I should go get the knee checked, but I'm just wondering what experiences anyone else has had with "overdoing it" too soon after an arthroscopy. Thanks.--Jan

busybird

Hi, I know your post was a while ago, but I am very interested to hear how you are getting on. I too had a knee arthroscopy about two and a half weeks ago, and up to two weeks, I was recovering well. Unfortunately, I have a tendency to be impatient and decided as it was feeling so good, to embark on some decorating, and twisted my knee on the step ladder. It was painful at the time but it wasn't until the middle of the night that I realised it was really painful. I have been going to the gym and doing low impact work such as cyclng and cross trainer, but there is a definite 'clunk' now and it aches quite a lot and is not so comfortable to move. Did yours improve? Like you I am concerned I have done some damage in my haste to get back to an active lifestyle.
Many thanks, Jaycee.

thedogtalker

My arthroscopic surgery took a solid 6-7 months for full recovery. I am 56 and had expected it to take 3 weeks. Hah! As you age, everything takes much longer, and I got impatient. A year after my surgery (almost to the date) I did a "birthday triathlon" consisting of a one-mile run, 5 mile kayak padde, and 10 mile ride on my horse. I skied all winter without pain in the right knee. I just completed a half-marathon (walking) in July. I still have some residual SOMETHING in there, which my massage therapist finds and makes me scream. And I still get twinges if I'm going uphill a lot at a certain angle. But basically I'm recovered. Nothing is ever perfect after you get it fixed, but it's certainly good enough I seldom even think about it.

busybird

Thank you so much for your reply - it's very reassuring. I have my follow up a week on Friday which will be about 4 weeks after the op. Your experience is very encouraging. I am 53 and only got into fitness about 7 years ago, and for the past two years have been running. No great distances, 5 -6 miles perhaps, but really enjoying it. I am taking things relatively slowly and thought recovery was good until the painful twist, but I can see I need to be more patient. The only thing concerning me now is the 'clunk' when I flex my knee which wasn't happening straight after the op. There isn't any swelling so can only hope it subsides as it feels like bone on bone. I will take your advice though and give it time. Thanks again.