Meniscus Surgery end of April; pain has gone; now what?

From April through December 2011, my left knee had a general soreness that was progressively worsening. Finally saw a surgeon in November, and after MRI he confirmed my "self-diagnosis" (no... I am not a medical professional) that it was a torn meniscus. I had one 8 years ago, so I felt like I was on familiar ground, and scheduled the surgery for the end of the bowling season (end of this month).

In December the pain so strong, that I asked for and rec'd some pain meds from the doctor. Needed them 3 or 4 times, but since sometime in January, the pain has virtually disappeared. Called the doctor and he said it's not uncommon for the knee to go into a lull, but that could still be a loose piece of cartilage floating around in the knee.

All I now is I am scared that I am possibly having unnecesary surgery, and yet this is the perfect window for me to have it ----IF I still need it.

Can the meniscus have healed itself? How can I test it?

(The previous injury was painful up until surgey.)