Tears in Meniscus of knee

I'm a 62 yrs woman who has been diagnosed via MRI with two tears in the cartilage of my knee, one of them extensive.
This injury happened four weeks ago.  My appointment with the consultant cannot be any sooner than well into November due to waiting list.  I've been told that I need surgery.
I am still working and driving, but am in very much pain especially when I put weight on the injured leg.  Often the knee locks and it hurts terrible to unlock it.  Once the knee locked while driving and I could not change gears.  When getting up from a sitting position if I put weight on the injured leg I go through it (cannot do it)  I know that being active will not damage my knee any further while waiting for surgery, but work is almost becoming impossible because of pain and being too slow while work requires lots of sitting/getting up/moving about etc....  This is very frustrating, I was told that I could get certified and stay at home but am reluctant to do so.  Any advice on this would be welcome.
Many thanks

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Unfortunately there is little help that I can offer. There is nothing much that can be done at home by yourself to relieve the discomfort except avoiding excessive movement around the joint and OTC NSAIDS to relieve the pain. If the knee appears to be inflamed and swollen, ice packs may prove to be helpful as well.
Hope this is useful.

Take care!

[songlines]

Thank you for your helpful comment.  Yes I guess that is about all one can do.  I have now taken off work, at least the pressure to perform fast is off me now and that makes a huge difference.  
Kind regards
Songlines