Knee replacement

[frostbite51]

Jim, thanks for the reply. That's what I was afraid of. I need both knees and both hips done, bone on bone on one side, close on the other, but don't think my dogs would be much help in getting around. Guess I'll just have to live with it...

 

[Dockem]

Jim, thanks for the reply. That's what I was afraid of. I need both knees and both hips done, bone on bone on one side, close on the other, but don't think my dogs would be much help in getting around. Guess I'll just have to live with it...

Have you checked with social services thru the hospital? They can sometimes offer solutions to help you out.

I hate to see you hurting when there may be help available.

 

[frostbite51]

I looked into that when my wife had her stroke. Cheapest at that time was $26 an hour.

On the flip side, I can get a hooker for $200 a night.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[Dockem]

I looked into that when my wife had her stroke. Cheapest at that time was $26 an hour.

On the flip side, I can get a hooker for $200 a night.

Decisions, decisions...

Hmmmmm, healthcare with fringe benefits. The possibilities are mind boggling!

Best wishes!

 

[MikeyTX]

I am so glad I don't use the VA. Marine Corps or not, the VA hospital scares the crap out of me. At least the one here in Dallas does.:gah:

 

[Dockem]

22 Days out

Had PT yesterday, added a few more exercises, whew!

Semi knee squats, riding the bike, etc. Doesn't sound like much, but I could tell it was really putting a strain on the old knee muscles. Got some swelling afterwards, so ice was needed.

I still like using the Blue Racer because I can walk normally behind it, I tend to lean using the cane. For short stints, I can walk without anything, but still like the security of having a hand hold close by to make sure I'm steady. (Could also be some of my B/P meds side effects.) No real pain from the joint, just muscle soreness after a PT session.

I don't think I'm quite ready to try getting on/off the trike. I need a bit more strength in the knee, methinks. But things are getting better.

ThumbUp

 

[peteg59]

Sounds like progress is happening Jim. Might not be at the speed you would like right now, but don't worry it'll all be a past memory in no time.

Keep on keepin on!ThumbUp

 

[Coach 64]

Jim:

I've been reading your post, very interesting. I had my left knee replaced 8 weeks ago today (total knee). Like most said keep doing the therapy, it hurts but the end is worth it. I know cause I had my right knee done 19 years ago. I have been on the trike the last 3 sundays, a little stiff but ok.

Tom

 

[Dockem]

5 weeks out

Haven't posted in awhile, guess that's a sign things are going good. ThumbUp

The knee feels pretty good when I first get up in the morning and I can walk/hobble around fairly decently. As the day goes on, I tend to want to use the cane a bit to help out though.

The knee will tend to "stiffen up" as the day goes on and I've found using my recumbant stationary bike is a great help. Riding more than 10 minutes really helps loosen it up and feel better. I've been able to back off the ice packs a bit, except after PT - they tend to wear you out.

A friend that had a knee done a year ago said that around 3 months, you really start to feel normal and after about 6 months, you don't give it a second thought. They said the ice packs and elevating the leg will also be in order for a bit more.

So, things are progressing and getting better as time goes on. Just gotta keep the knee loosened up and continue with exercising it to keep getting stronger.

 

[MikeyTX]

Sounds like you need a younger woman to chase around the house.

 

[Dockem]

Sounds like you need a younger woman to chase around the house.

No thanks, don't need a heart attack too!:xzqxz:

 

[Dockem]

Well, I got a bit over enthusiastic the other day and decided to go sans cane for almost the whole day.

Sorry to say, I paid for it big time. Pain pill and ice was in order. Day and a half later it feels a h@ll of a lot better again. I suppose I can't shorten the estimated 6 months recovery time.

(Friend of mine told me that I was dumb for not using the ice in a glass of Scotch instead! ) And I had to eat crow with the wife also for overdoing it.

Ah well, don't push things too fast, I guess.

 

[peteg59]

Sorry to hear of your pain in recovery, Jim. Things will get better.

Not making light of your situation however, a couple of "old" cliché's come to mind:

* "This too shall pass"

* "Slow and steady wins the race"

Have you been able to ride your trike yet? Somehow, the thoughts of riding helped me get back "in the wind" faster after suffering mobility issues.

 

[Dockem]

Need a bit more strength in the leg to use the kickshifter. I'm getting there. Stationary bike helps alot.

 

[David357]

Jim, you are slowly on the mend.

Just take it easy and do it naturally.ThumbUp

The healing will come.

 

[MikeyTX]

Need a bit more strength in the leg to use the kickshifter. I'm getting there. Stationary bike helps alot.

You will get there. It simply takes time. I speak from experience.

 

[desertclassic]

The wife has had both knees replaced. Sept and Dec, back to back. The therapy sure was hard, but just one day she was pretty much able to do what she wanted to do. There's a few things that are out of the question, but she no longer has pain and is happy when we are on the trike. Jim