Anyone any experience of a torn knee cartilidge?

[Postdog]

I have a suspected one. Had the MRI scan but still wating for the proper diagnosis. As I am a postman, it's worrying me a bit (not actually delivering at the moment, just wondering if and when I will be able to deliver)

[moonshadow]

I have had arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus tear which sounds from your description to be the same.I had general anesthesia then the surgeon inserted a small camera into the knee joint. He then inflated the knee with water pressure and flushed out the debris, another incision was made to insert a shaving device that trimed the edges of the tear. Everything was flushed again and a slow release pain block inserted. The incisions were closed with one suture each and then the knee bandaged up. Depending on how you recover from the anesthesia you can usually go home the same day. I was on crutches for four days, walking normally and painfree after a week, but told no sport or long walks for 4/6 weeks.The waiting list for this op at the time I had it was 9 months(but I live in Wales and the lists are longer than England) so I paid �1,500 and had it done privately.Not the best of things to have given that you are a postman, I hope all goes well for you.

[Postdog]

No actually it was good advice. I haven't got private health care (and won't with this as it is existing) but you made me realise that if necessary, I can get private treatment, and if needs be, I'll just get a loan out. I would rather not, but if it's that or the job, I might not really have a choice.

[showcatbenga]

My dad has had this done too & because it's key hole surgery recovery is really quick compared with the old treatment of removing the whole cartilage - you have four, two in each knee. Also you shouldn't be troubled again with it for years & years. Well worth the wait.
Haven't work got other work for you which doesn't involve walking like sorting, training new posties, etc? - check with C A B, I think they might be obliged to provide something.

[Postdog]

Ta for the answer, it's nice to hear that it may just be temporary.

They can provide other work, but to some extent it's "made up" to keep me busy, and I have found that one of the things they expect me to do - though not delivering - is aggravating the knee a bit. They're only other alternative is for me to work at another office, which I don't really want. I guess if it comes to that, I'll say I am nor fit to drive and take the sick option.