Question - continued pain after meniscus repair

by Susan
(South Bend In)

I had a meniscus repair three months ago. I had little pain post op until I started therapy. The pain is horrible now. Worse then pre op. It is so severe that it keeps me awake at night. I stopped therapy about 3 or 4 weeks ago when I went back to work to see if the pain would stop. It did not. Sometimes I can barely bear weight. Changing my knee position is usually an ordeal. Should I still be having this much pain?
sue

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Question - continued pain after meniscus repair

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Dec 04, 2008
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continued pain
by: Bart - SII

Pain this far out from surgery isn't normal. From what you describe, I would recommend a recheck with your doctor and further evaluation to determine what is going on and causing the continued pain.

Bart

Aug 20, 2009
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Pain 3months after meniscus repair surgery
by: Anonymous

I am 28 years old and had surgery to repair the medial meniscus in my knee. This was 3 months ago. I am suffering from severe pain, made worse by physio exercise, my knee, ankles and feet get swollen and are painful to the extent that I cannot stand on some days. The physio said I should continue exercise even if I can't stand!!

Please can anyone advise me?

Feb 22, 2010
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Bursitis after arthroscopic surgery to repair torn meniscus
by: Anonymous

I'm a 54 year old, slightly overweight woman who had arthroscopic surgery 2 months ago to repair two meniscus tears. I was also diagnosed with osteoarthritis and bone spurs in the affected knee. I recovered quickly after surgery, but for the past week have had uncomfortable soreness on the inside of my leg below my knee. After some research, I think I may have pes anserine bursitis. How long should I elevate and ice my leg and take anti-inflammatories before I see any improvement? Would cortisone injections help?

May 20, 2010
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pain after orthoscopic repair of the meniscus
by: Katie

I had orthscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus last September..it is now 8 mths later and I am still experiencing pain. It is worse in the morning when I get up to the point it is extremely painful to walk on .. once up and around it gets better.. I have experienced some clicking sounds in it off and on.. When I went for my 8 week check I told the doctor that I thought I might of reinjured it when our dog (a 100 lb lab) ran into it while goin out the door he bout knocked me over.. The doctor said he didnt think that could of reinjured it and assured me that sometimes it takes up to a yr to heal..So my question is .. do I wait my year or go back to him now??

Aug 24, 2010
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pain after meniscus repair
by: Anonymous

Katie, I also had similar op may this yr I am in more pain now than before . I have been back to the specialist who keeps on saying lets wait a bit longer, the pain is intense which keeps me awake at night. and I have trouble walking as knee locks.
I am considering going to another dr..

Dec 13, 2010
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Still painful
by: Cathy

I had menisectomy 6 monthes ago and am now experiencing more pain than prior to surgery. Can bear weight only with severe pain. Very discouraging and limits activity greatly. PT seemed to help only minimally. Suggestionns?

Feb 06, 2011
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Still in pain after 6 months
by: Anonymous

I am glad I am not alone. People told me this surgery was trivial and I would be active in two months. I have the same long term pain as mentioned in the other comments and it keeps me up at night. The surgeon does not want to listen and just wants me out of the office. My question is once the pain lasts this long does it ever get better?

Mar 13, 2011
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Still in Pain
by: Ms. Pain

I had my surgery on February 11, 2011....I am glad to read these posts because I thought something was seriously wrong with me.

My knee is sore sometimes when I get on knees to pray. The bottom of my feet hurts so bad and my knee is sore in the inside. This is very frustrating!!!! Arthirtis was found in my knee, I am in therapy and it seems to help some. I still have sharp pains in my knee and sometimes it feels like I have pulled a muscle in my knee. My doctor isn't concern, he released me back to work after 1 week.

Ms. Pain

Mar 15, 2011
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Pain after meniscus repair
by: Roberta

I am so happy to have found this site! I thought my pain was only mine.....Had the surgery 3 1/2 wks ago. The surgery was easy, but the recovery has been up and down. I am 65 a bit overweight and work in a school. Have been unable to return to work since I am on my feet most of the day. I have been sleeping without pain since my operation, but last night was awoken every hour with an aching pain in the knee. The P.T. tells me to be patient and that I am actually healing well. I am beginning to think this may be a way of life for 6 month to a year. Thanks for your help in understanding this malady.

Mar 24, 2011
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Severe Pain
by: concerneddaughter

My dad (63) had miniscus knee surgery for tear and cartlidge problems plus moderate arthiritis on his left knee 3 weeks ago (for the first time) - he was completely pain free and overwhelmed with his new knee for 5 days post surgery. On the sixth day he woke up in agony and went progressively down hill from there. I insisted on an MRI scan with consultant that did the surgery - MRI scan clear. pain so severe that consultant decided to do more key hole surgery where he found another very small tear... dad had this second surgery 3 days ago and is back to having same severe pain and feels like knee is locking (like something has come dislodged and stuck in there). I am taking him back tomorrow after speaking to consultant on phone today for a cortisone injjection and knee support/brace (?) I am not convinced this is going to help at all! Consultant said after first op that would need new knee in 5 years... he is now saying he would need a new knee if this pain didnt go... I feel its a total cop out and the consultant is NOT explaining himself at all - I am losing patience and its not even me with the pain. My dad should not have to suffer - this is crazy!
People who have atrhiritis dont need a new knee straight away - this is something that takes years and years to progress!
What should I do for the best? I feel so sorry for my dad, he is a golfer/walker and is now very depressed at thought of being what can only be discribed as disabled!
Any advice other than second opinion (which im going to insist on!)
Thank you all....

Apr 08, 2011
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bursitis after meniscus repair
by: Anonymous

I had a meniscus tear repaired in September of 2009 and returned to the surgeon after six months that there was still swelling in my ankle and just below the knee. He didn't know my problem and told me to work it harder. I have worked out and babied it and it hasn't been better. I went to the orthopedic doctor that sent me to see this surgeon and he redid an MRI and said I had Angerine Bursitis, a gland that retains fluid just below my knee. This knee is worse than before surgery. I know that something didn't heal right and it is inflamed. There are herbal rememdys outside of anti inflammatory meds to help heal. It has become chronic and now we are into April 2011 and still no relief. The swelling is always there after the day. How long does this go on for??? The other knee was repaired and it is fine. Sometimes it gets tender but no swelling. Compression stockings help with swelling but my leg is tender when I wear them. I can't win here.
I don't think surgery is black and white. I think sometimes damage occurs and you have to try to deal the best with it. Luck of the day!!

Apr 18, 2011
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Me too
by: Hogan

I am 54 years old, could stand to lose a few pounds, and had a meniscus repair to my left knee in August of 2010. Up until recently, I thought everything went well and I was healing fine. The last few weeks I have had discomfort behind my knee, the clicking has returned and I have some pain when I first stand after sitting or lying down. After reading everyones comments, I'm glad to know that I am not alone and still am not sure if I should go back to the doctor. I am an avid golfer and fortunately do not experience any pain when playing. I guess I'm not sure what I should do at this time.............wait and see?

May 01, 2011
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So glad I not alone!
by: Victoria

I 58 years old never had knee problems until I fell and twisted my right knee recently. Currently I am 4 weeks post op from a lateral meniscus tear. I having more pain now then I had after the surgery. This is my 3rd week of PT. My next following appointment to see my OS is this coming Friday this will be my 2nd visit since the surgery. Hope he could give me some answers.

May 04, 2011
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STILL RECOVERING
by: KNEE PAIN CONTINUES

I am 51yr old woman slightly overweight and I had my surgery 6wks ago. I had a tear repaired and was told my knee was FULL of cartilage. This was cleaned out as well as some arthitis in there. I got worse my 3rd week out to the point where I needed crutches. My knee has also been drained 3 times and 2 cortizone shots were done. I had to stop my PT for financial reasons but am doing it on my own at home/gym. I still feel shooting pains, knee swells and fluid built up. I accidently came down on my knee 2 days ago and screamed out in pain. I was active in the gym before so I just think everybody heals differently. I go back for another post-op visit in a week and I will surely tell my doc I am not tip top. Day at a time!!

May 16, 2011
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Meniscus pain after surgery
by: Anonymous

Surgery two months ago, wake up with the same pain as before surgery and also some swelling of the knee in the meniscus area..again same swelling as before surgery. Why is it no one tells you that you will be in the same pain. Did he do something wrong in surgery. Went back to the doctor and got told a few things to do but nothing really helps..come back in a few weeks and we can give you a shot of cortisone, if that does not help we can use rooster comb.Does anyone really want to go in and have a shot when there has already been so much trama to the area? I was told I was not a candidate for knee replacement and that is a good thing as they would not get me in there for that. It is all very discouraging to say the least. PT did not help at all. It may have made things worse in fact.

May 20, 2011
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^ months after knee surgery-still on ibuprofen
by: Cheryl-Michigan

I had my medial meniscus removed, plica removed and a fissure repaired in my right knee in November 2010. I had no physical therapy. I went back to work (dental assistant) 6 days after surgery. I had swelling of the ankle 4 weeks (con't for a few weeks) after the surgery and pain until February 2011. I reduced my ibuprofen from 3200mg a day to 1600mg a day presently. I walk about 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily- that is my therapy. I have pain if the meds wear off. I usually take the ibuprofen at breakfast and lunch to get through the day and take a tylenol pm to sleep. I have tenderness continuously in the knee, in the thigh, in the calf and down to the foot. I also will get numbness. I had a cortisone injection before the surgery (because nothing showed up on x-rays or mri) and I will not go through that torture again. I am not sure if going back to the surgeon is worth a try or just deal with it. I was told there is no arthritis and I should have a great recovery. I am 43 years old and I am figuring that this is taking a while due to age? Frustrated-I don't want to be on ibuprofen and I want to feel normal and do normal things again. Driving, vacuuming and sitting irritates the knee.

May 20, 2011
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Getting relief
by: Anonymous

I made a comment on May o4 2011 as to the pain i was having...now on the 20th of May 2011. My knee is feeling better. Perhaps it just takes more time for some people. I am back to gardening, walking more etc. I no longer curl up my knees when in bed instead keep my legs straight out when on my side,that has helped the situation in bed. Actually it is quite comfortable that way.
Find what works best for you. Rest the leg and keep moving as much as possible. Some of the leg pain is from muscles that need to be strenthened.
Good luck.

May 21, 2011
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Incorrect date
by: Anonymous

Getting relief...the last date of my comment on the 20th, should have referred to May 16th, not May 4th..sorry for any confusion

May 23, 2011
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Me too (continued)
by: Hogan

Well I finally made it back to my doctor after having another MRI. No new tears or issues as it turns out other than an enlarged "Bakers" cyst. The swelling and fluid build-up I have experienced of late is due to the cyst. We discussed options and decided on a cortizone shot. I must admit, I feel 95% better four days after the shot. Swelling has subsided, the clicking and discomfort, after sitting for awhile, has left as well. Hopefully this will continue!

Jun 30, 2011
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menicus recovery
by: Anonymous

I'm 28yrs old, i torn my meniscus playing football last year and its been 3 months since my operation, i'm hoping to be back playing football for the new season coming up, i'm worried i might not be ready as i my op knee keeps clicking (popping out of joint but not so i can't walk) every so often and still have discomfort but no pain is this normal!! please help

Jul 06, 2011
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Meniscus surgery
by: Anonymous

I had meniscus surgery on my left knee one year ago by a top-notch surgeon in NYC. Therapy was a nightmare so I stopped it after five sessions . . after each session I could barely walk and had to stay in bed two days to recover. Pain almost disappeared after the surgery, however, now, one year later, I seem to have the same pain as before, especially if I walk a lot (which I do), carry packages or heavy items ... forget about going up and down the stairs as it is very painful. Is pain ever going to disappear? From information I gathered it seems women face a harder recovery period from Meniscus, if any at all. Men are the ones who report no problem and brand as new after three months - - no such luck here. I have a follow-up visit with my surgeon on July 18 .... Any suggestions from you out there? I am happy to read all the complaints posted as it makes me see I am not alone.... Meniscus surgery, like knee replacements, are not always what people think!

Jul 06, 2011
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continues pain after mensicus repair
by: Anonymous

My knee has finally stopped hurting. It is back to normal. It seems it just took a lot of time.
I did use some Tylenol Precise which seemed to help a lot. It is powerful so used it mostly in bed which is when the knee was at it's worst. I hope for your sake that time will heal your knee also. Keep walking and doing good things for yourself. Good luck..from Oregon

Sep 15, 2011
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Knee clicking after minincus surgery.
by: Steven

I had the procedure done in 01/28/2010. It healed up fine then the end of the year it started to swell and get painful, When i bend my knee it pops, I workout so i would do leg work outs to try to help it but it would swell and would get worse. I finally got another MRI and i went today to go over with with the surgeon he said that I have thinning cartilage between my knee cap and for me to do alot of leg workouts to make my leg stronger, Should i go to another dr?

Sep 15, 2011
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Knee issues
by: Cheryl

Steven: If you have thinning, what about having a gel "padding" injected into the knee? My mother-in-law has this done every 6 months and she said it really helps her. I may have to have this done.
I had knee surgery in Nov 2010 and I am still taking ibuprofen every day, just to survive. I have another MRI scheduled on Monday and hopefully it will show something wrong (the mri before the surgery showed just a fissure tear). My surgeon has no idea what is causing my pain and even suggested for me to get another opinion. I told him I am waiting until the results of the mri and see if there are any changes. My therapist said there is nothing he can do: I have full range movement of flexibility and he thinks it is scar tissue causing the pain.
If something is wrong, don't wait-complain to the doctor. I wish I would have went in sooner. Everyone kept telling me it just takes longer the older you get (I am only 43 and not overweight). I have been dealing with knee pain for over a year now, and I not waiting anymore-even ready for another surgery, if needed. Good luck with your knee issue-praying for pain relief and quick recovery.

Oct 20, 2011
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so glad to see I'm noIt alone
by: Jean

I've been reading all the posts and can see that post op pain can and does come and go and no two cases are alike. I go back to my doctor today for a follow up from surgery last Wednesday and just want to know if what I am experiencing is normal. I can deal with pain if I know this is part of the healing process, but would like to know what it gets so severe at times, enough to wake you up and keep you awake. Pain meds are great, but you hear so much about people getting addicted to pills, I'd rather try other methods if possible and leave the pills for when all else fails. Good luck to all of us as we take this journey.

Oct 25, 2011
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Pain Post Knee Surgery
by: Anonymous

I am a 60 year old women in relatively good shape. Not overweight and I have always been very active and never had any knee problems whatsoever. I tore my meniscus in my right knee after wheelbarreling dirt into my garden. I had surgery for the tear in July of this year. One month before the surgery, I was given a cortisone injection to get me through and that really helped the pain and swelling. In fact, I felt so good that I was hesitant to have the surgery at all. However, thinking that it was probably just the cortisone and that once it wore off, I would have problems, I decided to go through with it. Immediately following the surgery, I felt wonderful. I had no pain at all and only went to PT three times. Because I was doing so good, the therapist released me and gave me exercises to do at home. Then, in September, I started having pain. I can bend my knee, but cannot extend it without severe pain. I have a terrible time after I get up from sitting. Once I walk for a bit, the pain subsides to where it is manageble, but never gone and I can never fully extend my leg. Very, very discouraging. I am definitely going to make an appointment to see the surgeon again. After reading all the comments, however, I don't feel very encouraged.

Dec 04, 2011
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knee pain after meniscus surgery NEW
by: John

I had surgery for a torn medial menisus 10/06/2011. I'm a 58 year old in good shape other wise. I still have pain at the site of the surgery whenever I get up after sitting. It only lasts the first few steps but is pretty intense. I had 7 therapy sessions and I'm able to workout at the gym pretty much as I did before. I work on my feet all day and am able to work most days without much discomfort. The hardest part is standing on it after sitting. After a few steps it feels pretty good. I'm not sure what is the cause of that. I had my other knee scoped for a torn menisus 6 years ago. I know from that experience it took a good 6 months before I felt like I was getting back close to normal It never has got back to 100% before I injured it. Maybe 90%. I just keep telling myself to be patient and I know, from my last surgery, it's a very slow process.

Dec 04, 2011
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Recurring original meniscus pain from tear NEW
by: Anonymous

Had menicus surgery in Mar 2011.. it took a good 4 months for my knee to feel normal, no pain what so ever. Then I took in a grandchild who is 2 1/2.. pain started up again plus the swelling. This is always in the site of the original tear.
Now after sent the little guy home after 2 months I am again pain free. This tells me that one does need to be careful in how the knee is used. Lifting included. Weight could be a big factor. I am a 76 year old active healthy woman. Good luck for all of you in dealing with your knees.

Dec 04, 2011
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Second Opinion NEW
by: Cheryl

My MRI results showed nothing was wrong-which also showed the same results before my knee surgery in November 2010. I had a medial meniscus removed, a plica removed and a fissure repaired. Still knee tenderness where the plica and meniscas was located. If you touch the incision area, I jump out of my seat-it hurts that much. (Dr said no scar tissue is there) I had a second opinion and that surgeon said that he does not recommend surgery for at least another year. He said there is no arthritis and my knee will just take awhile to heal-been over a year now. The surgeon placed me on Mobic-2 daily, so then no more ibuprofen (was taking 3200mg daily). I was told to work the knee "hard" and build up more muscles around the knee. I started working out more, then my ankle swelled up. The surgeon said now not to work the knee hard and just gradually work it. I also started using a magnetic knee brace. That does help for stability, but not flexibility. I can not sit or stand a long period of time-it becomes stiff and sore. THe mobic helps regulate the pain better than the ibuprofen. I am still doing the pilates and yoga and still have full range of motion. Looks like I will be living with this tenderness and pain for quite awhile. (I am tall and skinny, so weight is not the issue) Good luck everyone with your pain and tenderness. It is very frustrating! It is nice to vent on this website, since we understand the frustration. Have Happy Holidays!

Dec 27, 2011
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4 months post op NEW
by: joan

It has been 4 months since my meniscus repair, I also had some bone shaved off and a plica removed. I was doing okay getting better after 2 months. Then the pain slowly came back. It hurts so bad from around my knee, behind it, and then down the calf and into the ankle. Driving is a nightmare. I cant walk, stand, do much of anything for any length of time. I had to quit my job. I dont know what to do. The Dr. says I now need 6 injections of this viscous fluid one week apart, which MIGHT work for up to 12 months and or a partial knee replacement. I was told before the surgery it was uncomplicated, would take care of the tear, id be great in a few weeks. I dont know what to do now. I have no insurance, I cant look for another job as I cant drive, etc. Has anyone else had these problems? What has anyone done to get this repaired. I start limping after just a short walk, trying to get up off the floor is horrible, I usually need help so now my other knee aches all the time for the limping I think. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dec 29, 2011
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I had meniscus tears 5 months ago NEW
by: mick

Hi, im 43 years old and i had tears too.I`m going backward with the pain.now my other knee is just about had it.May as well go on the pension.This has been the worst 6 months.i think i would be better off with out them.

Dec 29, 2011
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After operation NEW
by: mick

Joan you sound like me.I`ve had about ten physio sessions after the operation now and its getting worse.i don`t know how much more my right knee can take.i was on celebrex now on 500mg naproxen but they make me sick in the stomach,so i haven`t had one for a couple days.pain is getting pretty bad now.stairs are the worst.hope we all get better soon.

Dec 30, 2011
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meniscal repair NEW
by: joan

Mick, I hear you. I wish I had never had the surgery. I tore the meniscus by having to slam my brakes on. I Had worn a steel brace for 3 months before finally agreeing to the surgery as I could no longer do my job, walk up or down stairs without being in alot of pain. I am an RN, did alot of research on which Dr to use, etc. I was on Mobic for 4 months, it did nothing to help, just tore up my stomach. The flip way in which my Dr. has treated this shocks me, "well, Joan, youre just going to have to get knee replacement. Im 52 years old, too young for that, he has no concern that I had to quit my job. Ive been off work for 2 months, knee hasnt improved. Im a single women, I need to work. Cant get unemployment as I quit the job. I guess im going to have to get another job, work til I cant take the pain any more, then quit that job, but at least ill have insurance for a bit so I can go to another Dr, have an MRI, maybe find out if something else is wrong. This just sucks. Im almost back to where I was pre surgery.

Dec 30, 2011
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meniscus NEW
by: Mick

Hi Joan,mine was to do with work and i`ve got TPD insurance as I won`t be able to do the work i was doing before.Driving Trucks Money can`t take away the pain though.Ordered a walking stick the other day as i think it would help a lot,will have to wait about a week till it arrives from the ukraine.Mines a pretty long story as i hurt it about 5 times at my old job.then i left but was still have trouble 2 years later so it been going on for nearly 4 years now.I`m spending to much at home now waiting for a mircale.

Dec 31, 2011
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meniscal surgery NEW
by: joan

Mick,
Im sorry youre having such a hard time. That truly sucks that you cant work in your profession. I dont know if im going to be able to and im afraid I wont be able to. I love being a nurse and to have that taken away truly angers me because these Drs obviously dont tell their patients the truth about the what can happen!!!!!!!
I hope things get better for you

Dec 31, 2011
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meniscus NEW
by: Mick

I think the doctors are not sure with everyone.There`s always some one worst off i surpose.Happy New year I`m in australia sydney where are you?

Dec 31, 2011
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meniscus NEW
by: Mick

Joan,sounds like your going to have to change careers like me.Get a sitting down job like the doctor told me.wombat099@msn.com

Jan 28, 2012
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Medial knee pain after surgery NEW
by: Bob in so. cal.

Five years ago, I had the medial meniscus removed per the surgeon's recommendations. I have been in pain ever since. The most pain is when my leg is at rest, sitting down or trying to sleep. I can go for about 20 minutes before the pain is extreme. This makes it impossible to get a good night's sleep unless I take enough Vicodin to knock myself out. Fortunately, I am in outside sales so I have t walk a lot, which helps to keep the pain to a m inimum. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I have to get up and walk around the house for a half hour to get the pain to go down, then take more Vicodin. If I run out of Vicodin prescription, I will be screwed.

Jan 28, 2012
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constant pain NEW
by: Anonymous

Have you tried a rub on medication that is by prescription only.Some better then a pill that hits the whole body. Also ice works well. Sounds like you might need a replacement.

Jan 28, 2012
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updating after surgery 11/10 NEW
by: Cheryl

I am also still having pain with my right knee (as previously stated) and the Mobic helps a little. I saw my MD and she said my Blood Pressure systolic level is too high (over 160/86, used to be 96/74) due to the constant pain. I am now on blood pressure meds. I have more symptoms now......my right leg fell asleep for 3 hours and then for 3 days tingling throughout the leg. I have pinpointed the saphenous nerve/vein is the one causing my pain. My surgeon says nothing is wrong. He says to work the knee hard and document everything going on. He doesn't understand how much pain I am enduring just to to daily activities. Maybe in July he might do another MRI to see if any changes.
I am seeing a different surgeon next week and hopefully have an EMG ordered to see if any nerves are involved. My physician agrees with me that a nerve or vein is causing the pain. Maybe I will have the answer soon. Good luck everyone ....hopefully someone will get relief. Let us know what works, please.

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