I work as a corrections officer in a state prison. And I injured my left knee in 2 separate incidents. One in July, which I continued to work after. And the last in September. And I`ve been off from work since. On both incidents, I hit my knee hard on a concrete floor tackling inmates that were fighting with staff. I treated with a workers compensation panel doctor for the initial 90 days required by law here. He did x-rays, no MRI. And told me I needed athroscopic surgery. According to his surgical notes. I had a "very significant defect on my medial femoral condyle." I started physical therapy a week later. I continued to have problems and pain in my knee. Afterall that, his nonchalant remark to me was. "You`ve got a bad knee. And its probably not going to get better. But I could be telling you worse things in life." With that attitude, I waited until I was allowed to treat with the doctor of my choice.
I`ve gone to an orthopedic doctor in Philadelphia since then. He was dumbfounded as to the last doctor`s lack of not doing an MRI. And his rush to surgery. The MRI revealed the following. Chondromalacia patella. Small joint effusion. A Baker`s cyst. And Mucoid degeneration in my posterior horn. And Arthritis too. He`s given me cortisone injections. And a further 6 week course of PT. Which I`m doing now. My main complaints remain as follows. Nagging pain and stiffness in my knee. Trouble kneeling,squatting,or bending. And going up and down stairs as well. Even sitting in the same position for too long bothers me. He thinks I can return to work with limitations. And he wants me to wear a padded knee support at work. And try to avoid further trauma. He said, that there is nothing further, that he can do at this time, to improve my condition. As at 48. I`m too young to consider knee replacement surgery. And apparently my knee is not deteriorated enough yet to advise that.
I would like to try a return to work. But in my job, limitations are not accepted if they are permanent in nature. So I either go back and bite the bullet. Or stay out and do nothing. I`m covered by workers comp thankfully! But this isn`t the life I choose to lead. I`ve always led a full and active life. Its VERY frustrating to say the least! My union advises me that if I return to work without being 100% better. I will get screwed by management down the road. When, and if, I have further knee problems. Or need more treatment or surgery.
Does anyone have advice for me regarding my knee, or my work situation? Are there any options left on the table?