YIKES! Knee arthroscopy 3 wks.before France trip !
 

I knew things were falling into place just a little too easily for our 2 week trip to France. (departure 24 Sept.Today I learned that I need knee arthroscopy for a torn meniscus. Not in constant pain at all, occasional discomfort up & down stairs, so the diagnosis was quite a surprise. Dr.recommends surgery next week, leaving barely 3 weeks to recover.I'm learning how common the procedure is, and how quickly most people bounce back. My question for Fodorites is this: has anyone had this surgery shortly before a sightseeing/walking trip, and in retrospect, did you have any regrets about the timing ? Not looking for advice, just curious about other' experience with this procedure & traveling. And, yes, thank goodness, we bought travel insurance !

My friend did it, only she had an ACL repair, a much bigger surgery. She went with a cane. On the way to the airport, she got stung by a bee through an open car window, and her face swelled up. It wasn`t pretty. Since it`s not an emergency surgery, why not wait until you get back?

Lets see- a flight attendant friend just had it done in June...now out till October. I had it done 4 years ago as a result of a torn meniscus and the orth.(Chicago Bears doctor) botched it as he took too much cartilage out. It took me almost 12 weeks to get back to work and it still is horrible-just found out from another orth.two weeks ago that I need NOW a total knee replacement!!!Personally, with all the walking and stairs overseas I would reshedule the trip if you can.Some people can do well depending on the tear but the majority of people I have know who had it needed more than 3 weeks to recuperate.

I had exactly that operation in January of this year. Sorry to have to say there's no way could I have traveled 3 weeks later.

I had arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus some years ago, when the surgery was still quite new. Then, the recommendation was to use crutches for 2 weeks, and take it easy for six more. I believe the recommendations have changed considerably since then. And for what it's worth---I didn't follow them. I used the crutches for one week, together with elevation and lots of ice. Then I started walking for rehibilitation, and was back to running three weeks after the surgery, with no ill effects whatsoever. But of course, your experience could be entirely different. I wish you the best in this.

This may be very different, I'm not sure but...my mother had knee replacement surgery for arthritis 6 weeks before a one month trip to France. She was considering cancelling but did not. We did tons of walking once there and she was fine. She is already very athletic though so I don't know if everyone bounces back so quickly.

If you can, reschedule.
To many orth's take out too much cartilege, apparently.

It depends a lot on how bad the rest of the knee is damaged and the technique used - i had it done (meniscus cut by a laser, then 'vaccuum cleaned') - it was done in less than 10 minutes under local anesthesy and i exited the surgery room on my feet. I was done a thursay, monday i was at work (no cast, no cane - just a light strapping) - I was allowed to resume (carefully) training (athletics - 400 m runnner) 6 weeks later.

I'm a veteran of multiple knee surgeries, including ACL reconstrution and an arthroscopic procedure for a torn meniscus. The latter surgery was within two weeks of a camping trip (not serious backpacking, but lots of hiking). I was very worried about a week before the trip because I still had some swelling, but I ultimately had no problems. Just a few days later, I felt no ill effects of the surgery, and had almost forgotten about it. Generally speaking, I think three weeks is plenty of time to recouperate from a typical arthroscopic procudure (I did mine on an outpatient basis). However, the extent of your meniscal tear and the quality of your doctor (along with your age and how well your body reacts to the trauma of surgery) will all weigh into your recovery time. BTW, I also took an international trip about a month after the ACL surgery. Bad idea, never again.

I just had arthroscopy on my knee August 9 (meniscus and cartilage tears). I'm 54 (damn, when did that happen??) Today (16 days later), I feel great, although knee is still a little stiff, but it feels soooo much better! I was off crutches in three days.

I don't think walking will be your big problem, although some people take longer than others to heal from these things. The problem will be flying. My doctor said to wait six weeks to fly because of potential knee swelling from a long plane flight.

It's a tough decision, so good luck! No matter what you do, start physical therapy as soon as you can after the operation to help with stiffness and swelling.

((H))

Clearly everyone's experience is different, BUT I think it would be helpful to at least compare only the same type of operation (an arthroscopic repair for torn meniscus is completely different than a knee replacement or an ACL reconstruction).

lifes2short,
OK, my experience falls into the "not quite the same category," but I have to offer my two cents. I myself have lived with a knee problem most of my life (chondromalacia patella, but I'm probably spelling it wrong), which only causes me minor discomfort (hiking downhill, going downstairs, or sitting on a skilift), so I have chosen not to pursue surgery. My husband had arthroscopic surgery before Christmas one year for a more complicated knee problem and was told by his doctor that he could go skiing 8 weeks later. That was a total joke! He was not able to ski that season.

Given everything previous posters have said, I think the message is that knee surgeries are a delicate business and things don't always go as planned. Perhaps you might discuss with your doctor whether you can postpone the surgery until after your trip?

If your current condition is not too painful, I would postpone the surgery until after the trip. What you have now is a "known entity" what you'll feel like after surgery is impossible to predict.

I had arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus amongst other things. I was able to walk right away, though I was quite stiff for several weeks.

Since your knee does not seem to bother you too much (diagnosis was a surprise) maybe you can go to France without the surgery??

I had this surgery a few years ago, but my knee was so bad that if I sat for 15 minutes it would be so stiff I couldn't move it.

Only a week after the surgery I was walking normally without pain for the first time in years. It was heavenly to walk again without pain.

But be aware that for about 3 or 4 days after the surgery you will need the crutches and there will be some pain.

Good luck.

I think a lot has to do with what 'shape' you are in, how fast you typically 'recover' from things and how the surgery goes.

I will be surprised to see if your doc will even let you fly--there is a possiblity of flipping a clot on a long flight ( ie. over the water)....

IF you do decided to do this trip, bring an old fashioned train case and lift up your leg during the flight-ALSO bring a cane and USE wheelchair assistance to keep the weight off your knee til you really HAVE to use it.

I , too, had arthroscopy surgery for ACL and arthritis...I am not a tiny person--it took over 6 weeks with a brace to feel better.

This past year I had DOUBLE knee replacements and that was a living hell..but YES, I would do it again.

To get back to your original question, My neighbor just had her miniscus repaired..she was hobbling on crutches--and will be out of work for at least 4 weeks..

I would either postpone surgery or postpone the trip.

Another consideration, it's really important you don't trip or fall especially right after the surgery. So even if you are feeling up to walking in 'barely 3 weeks' I don't think going to Europe would be the smartest thing to do.

Hey I have a crazy idea! How about you ask your surgeon this question???

Thanks for the replies, Everyone. A few of you raised points I hadn't considered--such as risk/discomfort of the flight, and the 'scraping too much cartilege' factor. Ouch ! Sorry if my question confused anyone--I clearly stated that I wasn't asking for guidance or advice; this scenario has presented me with an interesting dilemma, & I wondered if anyone else had faced this particular decision--and if so, how did it turn out ? Nice of so many to take the time to relate your (or others') experiences. I'm especially apologetic to anyone who formed the impression that my decision depended on your responses. Trust me,an enormous chunk of today's ortho visit was devoted to discussing the trip with my surgeon. [ But you WERE being facetious with that last 'crazy idea' you posted, weren't you, Suze ? ] Thanks again, All, it was interesting and enlightening reading all around.

Well I was only partly kidding. Are you willing to tell us what your surgeon advised you today?

It is kind of hard to answer a post like yours sharing personal experience, without some guidance or advise slipping in.

I had arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus, and my doc kept me on crutches with absolutely no weight on the leg for a month. Actually, I think I stayed on crutches longer than for my total knee replacement.

I know that I went to Europe about that time using a cane, and it must have been connected to the meniscus surgery. It was helpful in that I was able to get a wheelchair to go through security and also get rooms on lower floors so that I didn't have to do so many stairs.

I would NOT consider any type of surgery before a major trip, especially overseas, unless it was a life or limb threatening condition and then I would cancel my trip. Given your apparently limited symptoms, I would discuss this with your doctor and/or get a second opinion about the matter. You just don't need the stress and with minimal symptoms you better be sure you need it.

I fell on my Asia trip last fall and was told that I had just bruised my knee and it would heal in a few months. It didn't, so I saw a different ortho doc and he diagnosed a torn meniscus and a chipped kneecap. Had surgery at the start of the summer. I am fine on flat ground but still have some problems on steps. Not pain but it still doesn't seem to work quite right. I have been transplanting bushes all summer and have some swelling and discomfort after a lot of digging. I was walking with out crutches days after the surgery but the stiffnes and swelling still continues. I was religious in doing the exercises they gave me and did a couple rounds of physical therapy. After my one hour morning commute I often had trouble getting out of the car so a long plane ride would not have been fun. I think since you aren't in too much pain, I'd take the trip before the surgery. I was told to take aspirin for possible blood clots for 3 months post surgery so maybe flying isn't the greatest idea. I'm leaving for Greece on 9/2 - lots of steps - so I'm hoping it doesn't give me too much trouble.

Another consideration. I was a distance runner and had a scope for a torn meniscus. I was in more pain than I thought in I should be experiencing and it was in my calf. I saw my surgeon more than once because I was concerned about clots. He said I was okay. I flew several weeks later and came home with clots in my legs and lungs. Make sure that if you decide to do this that you are clear of clot potential. If there is any indication that you have the potential you can take medication to keep your blood thinner.

I think flying post-surgery is more the issue than how you'll be able to get around on a mended knee after arriving France. For me, sitting 9 hours on a plane would not have been a good option after my procedure.

I don't know what you decided, but it has now been three weeks and one day since my arthroscopy on my knee. I'm walking fine, with very little swelling and almost no pain.

My physical therapist said I should be back to almost normal (no, he doesn'y really know me) within a couple of weeks, but that I should not walk any long distances for a while.

ALSO, my doctor still recommended I not fly for another month or so due to problems that could arise (swelling and, worse, potential for clots).

I know doctors err on the side of caution, but I will heed my doc's warning.

((H))

I had arthoscopy for two torn meniscus (menscii?) last October, a year after tripping over a dog and tearing knee. Had been on 3 or 4 trips before surgery, in pain, limping and walking stiff legged up and down stairs. Had two 6-weeks therapy sessions after surgery, regained mobility in knee but did not get over the pain, was still not able to do stairs well when we went on long trip to United Kingdom in May.
Seven hours on plane was bad! Much swelling, intense pain afterward. (Most OTC pain medicine upsets my stomach; I took ibuprofen but not as much as directed.) While on trip, did not notice much difference in pain and a LOT of walking..streets, stairs, airports...and actually felt better not worse at end of trip. Now that weather is hot, I am almost okay.
Well, that is my experience. it took me months to get back to almost-normal but if you can stand pain and don't mind stiff-legging it on stairs.. I went on long weekend to Chicago just few weeks after surgery, but seems to me you would be tempting fate to go 3 weeks after.

Salut de nouveau, All. So many of you have done a much better job than I of posting to this thread...can't believe I never even dropped back in to say what was happening. Sorry, I've been busy NOT having surgery.

I had already talked myself out of doing the surgery, within a few hrs. of the consult. Everyone's input, pos/neg/indiff., was very helpful in terms of keeping my expectations on a realistic level.Still somewhat in denial that surgery is necessary, so will get 2nd opinion after the trip. Thanks again to all who shared their knowledge and experiences. As some of you commented, it's all about preferring to travel in my known condition, v. the unknown condition. The stress of those 3 recovery weeks, and adding in PT appts.,would have been ugly.

I've done Paris 2x, both visits in a manic, nonstop, mustn't-miss-anything mode. This time around, we'll do it the stop-and-smell-the-baguettes way. C'est une bonne idée, n'est-ce pas ?

To answer Suze: surgeon strongly recommended the procedure be done pre-trip, even knowng the precise timeframe.I think he remembers my amazingly quick (his words) recovery from a broken heel, forgetting that was 5 years ago ! Plus, my recollection is it wasn't all that fast.

For those who raised the question of flying: I didn't challenge him at the time re: flying, but that issue is 1 of the reasons for my not feeling completely comfortable with his recommendation. It's the antithesis of what many posters reported, with their docs 'erring on the side of caution.'

To those still facing surgeries or recovering from various procedures, here's to feeling your best soon. Oh, before I forget, lscott: What a painful story ! But you didn't say how the dog is doing ? ;-)

Is this a new phenomenom? I know so many people who have torn minuscuses (including myself - I was told tor est it and that did the trick)?? What's with that? Oh no...is it because my friends and I are all getting older??? Say it isn't so!!

I think you answered your own question - you said you were surpised he recommended surgery - then I would high tail it to another ortho ASAP and get a second opnion!!

My young friend of mine had the same problem - she spent a month in Madrid and came back cured!!

Young people have the problem too, high school football players for example. For others yes it is due to wear and tear thru the years.

You hear about it more as the surgery has been perfected or perhaps refined is a better word fairly recently.

My doctor took a piece of paper and tore it a tiny bit, a little bit more, and then one last tear to illustrate how mine went. Some people it is over time, for some all at once with a more traumatic single injury.

My surgeon said I would be perfectly normal in about 10 days. My GP said 6 months to a year. (In response to lifes2short and her surgeon's prediction). My family doctor came much closer to the truth.

Lifes2short, I would not be rushed. Surgeons always want to do surgery is my experience. For me there was no choice as I had NEVER felt pain like I did before my operation. No way could I possibly have considered traveling. Clearly your tear is not that bad (or not that bad yet anyway), I would not let them rush you, but go and enjoy your trip instead.

Hi

I've been reading your post and all ( many) the replies and I'm glad you've decided to wait on the surgery. You really never know what you'll face around the bend.

As for me, I'm still waiting for that torn meniscus surgery. I continue to do the exercises I was given in Physical Therapy and it works.

Travel insurance - I always buy it!

Life2short:

Happy you're waiting..and get a second opinion, please. I had ortho done 12 years ago and it worked out Ok for about four or five years and then went back to being painful.

I walk with a V.A.-supplied cane and can do ten miles with that support. I can comfortably do the exercise bike for 30-45 minutes..no pain at all.

Consider buying a good cane before you leave (one that bends into approx. 12-inch parts which you can put in the magazine slot in front of you). Walking with a cane will take a significant amount of pressure off the knee...and get you onto the plane first with the rest of those who need help. Why not?

At any rate, have a great trip and forget about decisions until you return...

Stu T.

Since you are not in that much pain, why don't you wait until you get back.
I made 6 trips to Europe needing total knee replacement(over 3 three years, and two knees).....just avoided doing steps if possible. Wasn't in constant pain, so was lucky.(except when getting up from sitting)..Stretch the leg out for a few minutes first!) One time I had wheelchair through airport (before first knee replacement), but rest of time I walked...just not excessively throughout the cities. We usually had a car , but in cities like Paris of course we walked. Didn't do the metro with all the steps, but walked, rode city busses (fun) etc. Just kept putting off the surgeries (3 yrs apart).Chicken I guess, as had no cartiledge.

BAck to YOUR subject....my husband had wonderful arthroscopy surgery for a torn meniscus..lots of shredding. On the second day he was up and about, third day he worked outside for 6 hrs. Was walking a mile end at 10 days.
Did VERY WELL>! Good surgeon!
After three months he has some more shredding and some pain...and of course they can clean out just SO much without leaving the bones rubbing!. Some miniscus repairs DO last quite a long time.
HOWEVER~~~~~I'd think twice about having the surgery and leaving in three weeks, though I'm pretty sure it is doable. It is ultimately your personal choice. I know a man who had complete replacement and traveled to Italy after 5 weeks......Hmmmm, not sure about that, as the physical therapy would be compromised.!