Repeat meniscectomy, difference in recovery times?

[bc]

I just found I need another arthroscopic meniscectomy, it's been a year since the last one.  Already scheduled for a week from now.  Would like to know if anyone having multiple surgeries has noted a marked difference in recovery time on second surgeries.

Thanks.

[bc]

Since there appears to be some interest in subject, though no personal experiences posted, thought I would share outcome.  

Post-op day 3, up and around and doing stretching exercises.  Still using crutches, so far, no worse than first time.  Needed draining once, made a world of difference.  So far so good for short term results, will await longterm recovery and further PT

[TimJ]

Just had my second 'scope about three weeks ago - first one was a partial menisectomy and clean-up, done in January 2002, and this one was another partial menisectomy as well as a Plica excision (special note for all the other type "A" personalities out there - take the extra time to rehab it and give it a chance to heal!).

First time I walked out of the recovery room and never used my crutches - and was really not ever in much pain.  This time I allowed them to wheel me out of the hospital, and used crutches throughout the first day and had a pretty good amount of pain.  However, the second day and just about every one since have been pretty pain free.

The recovery this time is slower, but I am also being very cautious and forcing myself to go slower - I really don't want to have a third surgery on the same knee.  However, the OS is confident that I will have a full recovery with no limitations on activity (including being able to run again!).

Hope this helps!

[bc]

Thanks for the reply.  I am now finding this recovery time slower.  After a good start, it is much more painful.  Second meniscal trimming on same knee.  Doing PT a couple times a week.  Only held back by pain, which was not a problem the first time.  

[puffingirl]

My first scope (5/01) involved a repair to my medial side, as well as a partial meniscectomy.  The second time around (9/02) had no repair element.  I was up and walking without crutches much faster the second time because we didn't have to wait for the repair work to heal.  Sadly, I am about to have to go in for round three though because I am just not healing at all.  

I wish you a very speedy and smooth recovery!!!

[jathib]

I've had 6 surgeries on the same knee. Three of them were to remove pieces of the same meniscus until it was all gone. It takes longer every time. The last recovery was a bugger and the doc told me my knee was just protesting. Every time he looks at my knee he just shakes  his head and says "poor knee". I'm facing at least two more ops on this knee and not looking forward to it at all.

[bc]

Two months later and finally able to return to work, though still with pain.  
Complicated my recovery with a stroke the week after surgery.  Recovered faster from the stroke than the last meniscal repair, kind of a scary thought.  

So its back to corisone injections to buy time.  Not anxious to have more surgery done for awhile.

Spent two months in PT compared to 3 weeks after first procedure.  

Good luck with your next surgery.  I wish you a quick and uncomplicated recovery