I pray for your full recovery. I had a torn meniscus several years ago and was told by a so called orthopedic that I was too old to get my knee operated on. He gave me shots of hydrolonic fluid which did nothing but cost me money. After a few years of this I went to another doctor who did ortho surgery and cleaned out my knee. It will never be where it was when I was in my 20s and 30s (I am now 63), but I still have a good quality of life. I found that going to the gym and doing lots of quad and ham string exercises really helps.
Incidentally I find the VA great for some things. Here in the CA bay area I am quite impressed with the service, however I know there are some problems. That first dr. I saw about my knee was not a VA dr but he was still a quack as far as I am concerned. Take care and I hope you'll soon be back on the road.
