Anyone ever have a torn meniscus?

I've torn my meniscus and had the MRI also. I was left with the decision by my orthopedic surgeon to have the surgery to clean out the damaged area or opt for a cortisone shot. I opted for the shot which helped somewhat. On a return visit, the option for surgery was still open of which I denied. I wear a brace whenever doing anything strenuous which you can get at any drug store. Apparently your damage was much greater than mine, for, I never used crutches or had a problem walking in general. Every so often I hear the notable crack upon bending my knee, the surgeon referred that as the rice krispy injury, because of the snap, crackle and pop. I'm hoping that my injury will heal without the need for the surgery.