It depends on the injury, joann. Your doctor will be the only person who can release you for work. Why don't you tell us what your having done so we might compare procedures?

I haven't, but our very best friends have had 5 of them. In fact we were out with them Saturday night, he just completed therapy from his January surgery where he WALKED OUT of the hospital with no crutches. He did the same thing on the last surgery and the one before that. He's a fireman/paramedic, years and years of lifting people played havoc with his knees.

He was recuperating on the couch for about 3 days, but even then, he could get himself around pretty well without much problem. He took one pain med and then Tylenol after that for a couple of days.

From what I've seen of his (and hers) surgeries, you have nothing to worry about! Most of his have been torn meniscus', this last one was some other thing, I'd have to ask him again but the Dr. did say that he's had all he can have, next time it's a full-blown knee replacement!

Hope all goes well for you, Joanne!

Yes, but there was so much damage in my case I ended up having to get a total knee replacement a few months later. However, my SIL got arthroscopic surgeries done on both knees at once and she was getting around well within a week...

I had it done for a torn meniscus on a Friday, walked into the house afterwards-took it easy all weekend, and drive the kids to school on Monday. No crutches (borrowed some on Saturday but only used one that day while on heavy meds) or physical therapy needed. I was able to use the bathroom by myself with no assistance and was cleared to shower on Sunday.

I agree that your doctor is the one to tell you how long you need to be off work. My first arthroscopic was on both knees at the same time, so I was on crutches (didn't have a leg to stand on!). I was off work for a week...but I did therapy at home for several weeks. The next arthroscopic was on one knee, and I was off work for about a week. I took care of myself, and could have gone back to work sooner, if it had been necessary.

A lot depends on your physical condition. I was a lot younger (32 the first time, 41 the second time), and in very good health.

The doctor is not entirely sure of the extent of the injury because I can't have MRIs. They think it's a torn tendon on top of the knee, torn lateral meniscus, and some arthritis that they plan to "clean up."

The surgeon says I'll be able to bear weight within a day or two, and can go back to work as soon as I feel like it. I'm just trying to figure out when I'll feel like it, so I can figure out how many days to clear.

I'm having the surgery in the morning on the Thursday before Easter, so I may take a chance on being good to return to work on the following Monday.

Thanks for the input!