Back to work after knee surgery

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hey,

Just wondering if any other nurses out there have ever had knee surgery? I am going for a arthroscopy of my knee for diagnostics and to remove a piece of bone that is floating around my knee.

Just wondering if anyone else had ever had a similar surgery and how long did it take before you were back to work? I work on a very busy acute medical unit and 12 hour shifts. I just want to make sure I take enough time off after my surgery. I sometimes think docs have no idea how much running around and lifting we do at work.

Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

I have never had knee surgery. I do know that sometimes docs forget just exactly what we do. Explain that you what kind of floor nursing you do. Most people who have knee surgery have at the very least 6-8 weeks off even with an arthroscopy. Good luck to you.

I've had two arthroscopies (before I was out of school) and I would not have been able to be back at it on the floor for probably at least 8 weeks

Thanks, so I guess 2 weeks won't cut it?

Specializes in CT ,ICU,CCU,Tele,ED,Hospice.

I had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee 2 years ago for torn ligament.I took 8 weeks off after and needed that.I work 3-4 12 hrs a shift weekly in a busy ED.Thankfully my DR knew that going in and I had Shorterm Disability Insurance during that time.Her and Her office were terrific about completing the paper work I needed done.

I had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee 2 years ago for torn ligament.I took 8 weeks off after and needed that.I work 3-4 12 hrs a shift weekly in a busy ED.Thankfully my DR knew that going in and I had Shorterm Disability Insurance during that time.Her and Her office were terrific about completing the paper work I needed done.

Thanks for the response. I hope this office will be as understanding.

Specializes in PCCN.

I think my meniscectomy took 8 weeks . I dont remember. Also had some complications with plica, in which I had to have cortisone injections after. Way better now than when it meniscus was torn . Doc showed me the pics- the cartilage looked like shredded crabmeat . yuck. But I could walk at least afterwards.

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