I recently got diagnosed with meniscus damage too by my PT, so I know your pain. I've been doing a lot of research and found out that the healing time really depends on the area of the meniscus that is damaged. Tears/damage that is further inside your knee take ages to heal, if they ever do, because the blood supply isn't good, tears further outside usually heal within a few months considering you take good care. My PT gave me some exercises to do so that I can prevent further damage: strengthening your quads and calves decrease exertion on your knees, so stationary bikes on a very low level are okay as is walking in swimming pools. Another exercise is to place a towel under your knee and try using your leg muscles to push down on the towel. Also make sure your calves and hamstrings don't get tight - place a book against the wall and place the front part of your foot on the book and lean forwards agaisnt the wall so you feel a stretch through your hamstrings. Using heat will help the healing process so try using a heat pack, however if your knee is swollen use ice. Surgery isn't usually the best option for the meniscus unless you have a bad tear, I've heard that it doesn't help in the long term. Also, to prevent further injury avoid anything that involves running, jumping or twisting of the knee.
Hope this helps and hope it gets better soon!
