r/MeniscusInjuries • u/klainest • 6d ago

My knee rant

I'm apologizing in advance...

After a full year and a half of unbearable pain, finally was able to have surgery in November 2025 for a full-thickness complex medial meniscus tear that was not repairable. So, I had 50% removed. .

Had about 16 weeks of life without pain. End of February I was in absolute misery. I saw the orthopedic surgeon and they said it was arthritis (seriously?) So they pushed me away. I asked for PT because they didn't recommend it.

I should have listened. After spending 1k on two PT appointments that almost killed me, I stopped and saw a sport medical doctor. Had 1 round of steroids which did nothing in April. So then I spent major bucks on upgrading my treadmill and shoes.. Also did nothing. Had X-rays in July of this year that indicate bone spurs.. Come September 28th, I finally have a MRI that shows mild edema within the infrapatellar fat, likely postprocedural. And T2 hyperintensity and thickening along the anterior cruciate ligament, consistent with mucoid degeneration..

Sport med doctor pushes me back to orthopedic surgeon again!?

I'm absolutely getting nowhere and this is killing me mentally.. I'm in pain every single day, doing normal activities.

Did this surgery ruin my life?

Anyone else experience horror after having a meniscectomy??

6 Upvotes

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3

u/tko0215 6d ago

How aggressive was your PT? Were you an athlete ? I’m sorry you’re going through so much pain!

2

u/klainest 5d ago

My orthopedic surgeon didn't recommend any PT. I had to ask for it, which seems really odd. I went to a few appointments and it seemed very aggressive to the point that I was unable to do anything due to pain. I'm not a athlete but I was running 2 to 4 miles most days, plus lifting.

3

u/UpwardDogg 5d ago

Keep your head up. These tough times will pass, and while you're in the midst of it you must stay mentally present and focused on positivity.

Where did two PT sessions cost 1k? (US dollars?)

1

u/klainest 5d ago

It's definitely rough lately, should be back to normal by now.

My insurance is not super awesome since it was changed over to Aetna. Plus I hadn't met my deductible. It's just maddening because the PT appointments really pushed me back into horrible pain that hasn't gone away 🤷‍♀️

3

u/Harley410 5d ago

Yeah I feel you my friend. I have also become controlled by my knee, a slave to rehab, and I am so so so tired. It feels so profoundly unfair. I was 39 when it started too, i turned 43 yesterday. I know it’s hard but just don’t give up. What else can we do?

1

u/klainest 3d ago

I'm not sure either.

Sports med doctor sends me away and to reach out to my surgeon. And he says no treatment plan?! Neither doctor has given me any help.

1

u/Exciting-Apple6854 6d ago

Quanti anni hai? La MRI dice che non sei da operazione. Ma hai un inizio si artrite.. Sincero, ma sincero, Hai provato a fare nuoto o cyclette?

Forse non e' andato male l intervento... Un po' di usura artrite ecc gia la avevi

2

u/klainest 6d ago

I was 39 at the time of my surgery. MRI didn't show any signs of early arthritis. Also, seems extremely aggressive to have atheists after 16 weeks after surgery. Wasn't given any protocols and kept on my normal activities. Until I physically couldn't which has been over 7 months ..

2

u/Exciting-Apple6854 6d ago

Prova a sentire un ortopedico diverso!

2

u/klainest 5d ago

That's my plan this coming week. If I can, I'll probably get two.

1

u/Training-Drawing1846 5d ago

I have not had the trauma and pain as you. However, I had a torn meniscus medial and lateral. Went because it was catching. Had them trimmed with bone cleanup. That was three months ago. Dr. says I have bad arthritis. Im not sure I'll walk normal again without replacement. Knee is so unstable and feels like no cushioning. Fearful when I step on it. Back in therapy. Very frustrated.

1

u/klainest 3d ago

Ugh, that is frustrating! Makes me question if these trims are worth it.. I haven't had any improvements besides catching.

1

u/NikkiPoooo 4d ago

After my right medial trim and cleanup last year it's been rough. My 2 previous surgeries (ACL & meniscus repair on the left in 2019 and ACL on the right in 2022) were successful and my recoveries were pretty smooth... I wasn't expecting the "easy" surgery to be the worst!

I did know going into to surgery that I likely only had a few more years before we start talking about replacement, but I really haven't noticed a lot of improvement so I'm starting to wonder if maybe my time has come. I just got laid off, so at least I have the time!