Derek;

While you may hate the bother of a second opinion, it could make a huge
difference in how your knee handles future wear and tear. Do a little
research and find out if there is a sports medicine person to whom you can
go for a second opinion. The sports docs are looking for healing with a much
higher level of function than the orthopod whose client list is mostly
people with wear and tear issues which occur from employment and age.

That difference was major when I broke my wrist. A sports doc happened to be
the orthopod on call when I shattered my wrist. After he set it, the HMO
said I had to use their docs for follow ups. All subsequent orthopods who
saw the x-ray made some remark of admiration as to the extent of the break
and how beautifully the sports doc maneuvered all the pieces into place
(most used words like 'amazing'). Each one said they never could have done
it anywhere near as well. This guy also knew the right place to inject some
cortisone when my husband hurt his shoulder. The local orthpod also injected
it, but from another angle - and that first shot did nothing to ease pain or
reduce inflammation. The second provided almost immediate relief.

If the second doc confirms the diagnosis of the first, you can relax. Or
they may be able to help create a plan which will get a higher level of
healing than what you are letting it do right now.

Remember, your knee is going to support your weight for the rest of your
life. You want it in the best shape as possible to handle the ordinary wear
and tear - in addition to the extraordinary stuff like playing with dogs,
friends, or kids (and eventually, everyone younger starts to seem like a
kid).

Wishing you much luck, however you decide to deal with your knee.

Adelle