UPDATE: After good news – replacing bad news – about my knees earlier this week I ran four miles today with no pain. What a great Thanksgiving Day!
I am a runner trying to cover 1,000-1,200 miles a year. (I have over 150 of my runs tracked by GPS with maps and pictures on EveryTrail.com here.)
Today the doctor told me a torn meniscus and I jumped up and praised the Lord. Why?
Well, on September 21st I was running in Krakow Poland when we were guiding our group there. I must have twisted my knee because that afternoon I was in severe pain and could hardly walk.
When I got home a few days later I went to a sports doctor who took x-rays and told me it was arthritis and my running days were over. No repairable damage, limiting and painful arthritis, and no more running.
Today the MRI was done. It was awful. I would not wish that experience on anyone. Thirty minutes of jackhammer noise in a claustrophobic “tunnel” without being able to move a muscle. Hope I never have to do that again.
The doctor looked at the MRI (see MRI picture below) and said, “No tear in the meniscus cartilage. Just arthritis.” I challenged him and insisted it must be something more. After I continued protesting he said, “I will send in my partner who is the knee surgeon.”
Ten minutes later the surgeon came in, looked at the x-rays and MRI and contradicted everything Doctor Number 1 had said — I did NOT have arthritis, there WAS a repairable tear in the meniscus and he could give me immediate temporary relief.
He inserted one needle to remove the fluid causing the swelling, and another to inject cortisone. Then he said “Keep cycling and running. If the pain continues after today’s shots come back in four weeks for a simple surgery to repair the tear.”
So, the torn meniscus is a blessing!! At least I know what it is and it can be corrected. I don’t have disabling arthritis — and I can continue running which I love so much (and which keeps me healthy as I get older). Blessed be God forever!
Second opinions are not a bad idea when it comes to medical situations! Thank you Lord!
(Pictures below: Leading a group of runners around Jerusalem, and actual MRI picture of my knee; Picture above: running with my son at home in Michigan)
For a detailed video about knees and torn meniscus’ see below.
Why a Torn Meniscus in my Knew Made Me Happy!
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This Post Has 3 Comments
Steve,
The best knee surgeon at St. Joe’s is Dr. Borden. He has done my son Joe, daughter Tracy and my sister. My background is Clinical Engineering, so I am an educated consumer of healthcare. IF I needed the surgery you may need in the future – I would go see him. Sorry I couldn’t stop and say Hi today – had to go to Mass.
Peace and Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and all those you love.
I had a torn miniscus and I had surgery Aug,2010. It is not as simple as you think and really doesn’t heal for about six weeks. I also had my knee cap straightened too at the same time.
This was of the reasons I had problems on my pilgrimage with you in May, 2010.
Hi,
I just read your blog about meniscus tears. I just wanted to let you know that I wrote something similar.
It’s about meniscus tear treatment without surgery. You can find it here: https://www.alwaysfysio.nl/en/meniscus-tear-treatment/
Might be a nice addition to your site.
Anyway keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Martin
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