I had meniscus surgery twice. The reason for the second time is because the surgeon never scrapped the torn parts. He cleared out some water cysts is had and left the tear. Crazy right!? Anyway I went over ten years just dealing with the in and off pain. I could go most of the year totally fine with no restrictions and then it would flare up and my knee would always feel like it was going to give out and I always feared noodling over. After my sucked up surgery I have been totally fine. It took a couple weeks to feel comfortable and eventually I just didn't notice it anymore. It's a personal choice to get it fixed now or later. You wont regret getting it worked in though (when you do)