bone bruise or something else?

bone bruise or something else?

Maybe someone here can help me....

In November of last year I somehow managed to trip over my own feet and fell,
baning my right knee on some very hard tile. It never really bruised or
became swollen, but it really hurt for about two weeks - I could barely walk
for most of that time and the simple act of extending or bending my leg was
excrutiating. After several weeks, it more or less stopped hurting, except
when I walked up or down stairs. And sometimes my knee would give out on me
at random times, causing me to fall. This trend continued into the new year,
so in February I mentioned it to my doctor and he said I probably have a bone
bruse, and to be patient, as they can take awhile to heal. Well, now its the
end of May, and I'm in the same state, and I am wondering if it is normal for
a bone bruise to last 7 months. Plus, in the past week my knee, for some
unknown reason, has started to hurt again when I walk even a short distance.
In addition, areas around the initial injury are also feeling somewhat
painful and weak. Is this normal for a bone bruise? I'm concerned, but don't
want to have to visit the doctor unless absolutely necessary, as I have
almost spent my entire insurance deductible for the year on other unrelated
problems, and the year isn't even half over yet. If anyone has any insight
or suggestions, it would be very appreciated! Thank you for any help you can
give!