Just got back from doctor #3 - Bing! Bing! Bing! We have a winner! FINALLY found somebody who seems to know what he's talking about. The MRI showed the meniscus tear, but also a hairline fracture in the weight bearing edge of the femur (the femur makes a kind of saddle at the knee--with the kneecap in the middle) and THAT is what was causing the excruciating pain – I guess a fracture will do that! I started using crutches yesterday after I saw the MRI conclusions - I told doc he was the third and the only one with what I thought was the right answer. He asked who told me to use the crutches and I said, "ME!" He laughed. I started on the crutches yesterday, started my day with no pain - and only so far have taken one Aleve ---- so I kinda' knew he was on track. End result? I am on non-weight bearing status for 8 weeks - crutches and crutches ONLY. ALL the time - everywhere! I am also getting one of those huge hinged braces to keep it immobilized.
I guess it's better than surgery.......maybe!