I have torn cartilage, torn meniscus, bone spur and torn ligaments in the right. Left has minor tearing only. I get around fine, but I have to be prudent as to what activities I take on. No uphill hiking, no excessive stair climbing, etc. I haven't been severely impacted, and pain is tolerable, so I have not been evaluated for surgery.
I had to have it done as my quality of life basically sucked.I often cried at night from the pain or tossed and just turned if it was tolerable,either way it meant lack of sleep.I could slam dunk a basketball and run a sub 5 minute mile, sprint like a champ,etc... until this happened at which I could barely jump 3 inches off the ground and running,well that was not even an option.My job would never allow it to fully heal on its own.Thankfully I did not talk myself out of it any longer. I have arthritis in the knee but currently it is pretty good.
Another thing is that my surgery was covered by my provincial health plan as well as my time off of work was covered by my banked sick days. If I had to pay out of pocket for it and cover lost wages myself,depending on cost I may not have been able to afford having the surgery.
Again,best of luck with it.I know how bad it feels.
