If you are improving slowly, then be patient and keep plugging away. There was probably a cartilage fragment torn off your femur or patella, which may be gone now. This sort of injury can take a very long time to heal regardless of surgery, but typically if you are improving without surgery, do not have surgery. There is always a risk that surgery can make you worse. Maybe you could do some water walking, swimming, easy cycling etc while you are healing. Good luck. Marj