"Torn Meniscus"

Last month I had an appointment at my GPs. I clearly articulated to the doctor that I suspected I had torn the meniscus in my right knee and that the reason I felt so strongly that this was the case was because I had done it before and the symptoms were identical. Severe gripping pain, that would come and go instantly depending on how my knee clicked. The association between the click and the instantaneous onset or termination of the symptoms should have been an immediate clue that indeed something was floating about in there. However their opinion was that it was a minor issue probably exacerbated by osteoarthritis that would settle down by itself in a few weeks and if not could be further alleviated by a steroid shot.

Refusing to accept this diagnosis I went privately and indeed the consultant confirmed my diagnosis and subsequently I have had surgery and the pictures from the arthroscopy to prove that there was indeed a torn meniscus. Now this begs a number of questions. Surely the association I outlined above of the click being directly associated with the immediate onset or termination of the pain should have ruled out arthritis? ? ? ? Secondly when a patient clearly outlines a prior experience and the direct relation of symptoms why was the doctor not listening. Thirdly they had my whole medical history and could see that I have previously had arthroscopies on both knees and a labral repair on my right hip. This is clearly NOT my first time at this rodeo so some respect with regard to my knowing my body would have been appreciated.

What made my previous GP a great doctor was that they ALWAYS listened and took their patients seriously. I may not be a doctor but I am an engineer and therefore the concepts of cause and effect are something that I would think are equally relevant in any aspect of science be that engineering or medicine. Had I followed this doctors advice I could have suffered unnecessary months maybe years of pain and been subject to unnecessary steroid shots for WHAT? ? ? ?

Not impressed and incredibly saddened that my last doctor has left.