Knee Replacement

[Pax]

Well, things haven't gone exactly according to plan, as I mentioned here (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=54370) my ortho doc (not surgeon) said I could wait on the knee replacement, turns out two different surgeons disagree. Too much damage to the joint surface so if I wait I risk messing the joint up so badly that an implant won't "take".

So, heading off for the official second option as soon as insurance okays it, then get scheduled. I can't tell you all how badly I DON'T want this surgery, but everyone keeps telling me how much better life will be afterward. *sigh*

[Catrin]

Well, things haven't gone exactly according to plan, as I mentioned here (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=54370) my ortho doc (not surgeon) said I could wait on the knee replacement, turns out two different surgeons disagree. Too much damage to the joint surface so if I wait I risk messing the joint up so badly that an implant won't "take".

So, heading off for the official second option as soon as insurance okays it, then get scheduled. I can't tell you all how badly I DON'T want this surgery, but everyone keeps telling me how much better life will be afterward. *sigh*


Yikes, best of wishes on determining the best choice for you!

[OakLeaf]

Ugh.

Still, everyone I know who's had TKA and followed through with their PT has had no regrets whatsoever about the surgery. Same as everyone else keeps telling you. :p Hugs and pain-free vibes to you.

[thekarens]

Ugh.

Still, everyone I know who's had TKA and followed through with their PT has had no regrets whatsoever about the surgery. Same as everyone else keeps telling you. :p Hugs and pain-free vibes to you.

I'll second that. My boss had hers replaced last year and now you would never know she had it replaced. She can be as active add anyone. Before the surgery she did a lot of hobbling around.

Good luck!

[Helene2013]

Wow. Such a 180 turn. Hoping that whatever happens, you'll be able to get a great life back, full of unrestricted activities!

[Pax]

Thanks all. As my SO recently pointed out, the decline in activity level has been really gradual but now I'm at the stage where I have to decide between grocery shopping OR going to another store, I don't have enough knee to do both anymore. Guess it's time.

[Trek420]

Thanks all. As my SO recently pointed out, the decline in activity level has been really gradual but now I'm at the stage where I have to decide between grocery shopping OR going to another store, I don't have enough knee to do both anymore. Guess it's time.

Best of luck and I'm sure you're making the right decision. What I hear from Knott is some folks and even some doctors push for a TKA too early. A patient complains of pain when hiking downhill, well everyone's knees hurt some when hiking down a mountain. Suck it up and strengthen your hams, gluteus and quads.

But if your activity is declining so much you run the risk of losing muscle strength. You're an athlete, you will do the work but you just can't move anymore. Knott says or at least my understanding is good doctors want to hit that sweet spot where it's needed but not so late that you've lost any motivation.

So keep you active and moving is the goal.

[Pax]

Best of luck and I'm sure you're making the right decision. What I hear from Knott is some folks and even some doctors push for a TKA too early. A patient complains of pain when hiking downhill, well everyone's knees hurt some when hiking down a mountain. Suck it up and strengthen your hams, gluteus and quads.

But if your activity is declining so much you run the risk of losing muscle strength. You're an athlete, you will do the work but you just can't move anymore. Knott says or at least my understanding is good doctors want to hit that sweet spot where it's needed but not so late that you've lost any motivation.

So keep you active and moving is the goal.

That seems to be where my docs are. I'm getting heavier, but I still try to work out as much as I can; they seem to want to do it while I'm physically strong and anxious to get at that rehab!

The xrays show significant valgus and the MRI shows almost no joint spacing left on the lateral side of the knee, guess the five previous surgeries (starting in 1974) have taken their toll.

[Crankin]

Wishing you speedy healing and recovery.

[rocknrollgirl]

I have been spending a lot of time at PT and I am amazed at how quickly the knee replacement folks are up and doing. There was a guy in there last week that had them both done at the same time, was 3 weeks post and was already doing rehab.

Good luck with your surgery and speedy recovery.

[OakLeaf]

My mom had them both done at the same time also, and they started rehab the day of the surgery. At that hospital, they did all the TKAs the same morning each week (or maybe every other week, not sure) and then did group rehab twice a day - it was extra tough for her because all the other patients were unilateral and she had to get through the exercises on both sides in the time they did just one - IIRC she was walking the length of the hall before her discharge. She started with OP PT three days a week right away.

[ny biker]

That seems to be where my docs are. I'm getting heavier, but I still try to work out as much as I can; they seem to want to do it while I'm physically strong and anxious to get at that rehab!

The xrays show significant valgus and the MRI shows almost no joint spacing left on the lateral side of the knee, guess the five previous surgeries (starting in 1974) have taken their toll.

One of my friends had partial knee replacement surgery last month. His recovery is going very well. He is over 70 but a very active cyclist.

I have a relative who is a nurse at an orthopedic surgery practice, and I mentioned my friend's surgery to her. She said that having strong ligaments is important for a successful outcome. So yes, having the replacement while you're still strong should help with your recovery.

I understand not wanting any more surgeries after what you've been through already. FWIW, I had ankle surgery to repair a torn tendon years ago when I lived and worked in Manhattan. I was able to avoid the surgery for a couple of years by using orthotics and wearing snearkers all the time (even at work with business suits) but eventually I reached the point where I couldn't walk one block to go to the bank or get lunch. It was a long recovery process but well worth the effort, especially when the alternative was forced sedentariness (is that a word?).

Good luck!!

[emily_in_nc]

My step-father had both his knees replaced in the past couple of years; he's in his late 60s. His recovery has been a little slower than some of the folks reported here.

Knee #1 was faster to heal up, but #2 had some complexities to the surgery that I can't begin to understand or explain, mostly due to some abnormalities in his physiology, I think. He recovered fairly well at first, but then started getting pain and swelling again, and turns out the kneecap is migrating to the side. His doc has some more conservative measures he wants to try first (though to me they sound primarily like band-aids -- icing, NSAIDs, and PT -- if the kneecap is actually out of place. We all think he's going to end up having to have a revision surgery.

Not telling you this to scare you, but there are a certain % of patients who have this surgery who end up having to have a revision -- I really wasn't aware of this before my step-father. He's really bummed because he wants to get back to hiking, which he loves so much. He's got a long way to go as even walking is still a challenge, and this is 1.5 years out from the first surgery. I know he's frustrated!

Hoping for a much better outcome for you -- sometimes it's just time to do it. He was also to the point where it was affecting his day-to-day life way too much to put off the surgery any longer. He'd kept it at bay for years through steroid shots, etc., but his cartilage was just gone.

[Pax]

Heading to the gym today to ride the exercise bike and do some weights, gotta stay strong! :D

Second option is tomorrow, pretty excited since I got a recommendation to a younger surgeon who is getting great results with the new subvastus technique. It's less invasive and doesn't cut the quadriceps; really hoping I'm a good candidate for it.

[Crankin]

That sounds like a great option, Pax. I hope you qualify!

[Pax]

That sounds like a great option, Pax. I hope you qualify!

Thanks, Crankin. For this type of surgery I actually fall into the "young and fit" group so I think I stand an excellent shot. Pretty much the ONLY time I get called young and fit. :p

[OakLeaf]

Good luck!

[thekarens]

Knock on wood you'll qualify! Good luck!

[Pax]

I qualified! Saw the surgeon today, knee replacement is set for February 17th, I'll be glad to have this done and over with.

[OakLeaf]

Here's to complete success, a minimum of pain and quick healing. That procedure does sound promising.

[Blueberry]

I qualified! Saw the surgeon today, knee replacement is set for February 17th, I'll be glad to have this done and over with.

Congratulations!! You are so motivated that I'm sure you will do great! Sending speedy healing thoughts your way.

[Crankin]

That's great, Pax. You're motivated, you'll do well.

[Catrin]

I qualified! Saw the surgeon today, knee replacement is set for February 17th, I'll be glad to have this done and over with.

Good luck and best of wishes!

[snapdragen]

Awesome! I'm jealous, I want new knees. :D

[emily_in_nc]

YAY! That's great, Pax. I am certain my step-father didn't have that version as he has the traditional long scars down each leg.

And he is neither young (late 60s) nor fit.

Good luck to you!

[Crankin]

Emily, late 60s seems kinda young to me!!! And, young to have a step daughter your age!

[Pax]

I've got a laundry list of pre-op labs, appointments, and prep; but it all looks doable in this time frame.

The doc kept repeating how young I am (the average age for this surgery is 68), that was kinda fun. :p

[emily_in_nc]

Emily, late 60s seems kinda young to me!!! And, young to have a step daughter your age!

Well, not young for surgery, I suppose -- I definitely don't think of him as old, but I think when looked at by a doctor, they wouldn't consider him young, and he's certainly not fit.

My mom robbed the cradle! :D She's 12 years his senior, and he's only 15 years older than me, so you're right on that! It's funny b/c my DH is 61, just 7 years younger than my step-dad, so they're practically peers.

[Crankin]

I figured he was younger than your mom...
I guess it's a case of "real age" depending a lot on your fitness.

[OakLeaf]

Haha. My mom's boy toy (they married in August and "step-dad" just doesn't cut it for me :p ) is just seven years older than me and two years older than DH.

[Crankin]

So, I guess I can see the way to go if DH suddenly croaks or dumps me.

[Pax]

Got a call from the doctors office, they want a Chemical Stress Test before they'll do my knee replacement. My EKG shows "changes" since the one two years ago so they want to rule out a previous infarct. If it shows blockage or a previous MI I have to get whatever it is taken care of before the surgery.

I swear, I'm at my limit of "one more thing".

[thekarens]

Got a call from the doctors office, they want a Chemical Stress Test before they'll do my knee replacement. My EKG shows "changes" since the one two years ago so they want to rule out a previous infarct. If it shows blockage or a previous MI I have to get whatever it is taken care of before the surgery.

I swear, I'm at my limit of "one more thing".

That sucks on a lot of levels, but in one way it's good. If you have a problem it's better to get it taken care of. Knock on wood the new test comes out clean!

[Catrin]

What theKarens said - and it DOES suck in so bloody many ways. Sending you warm thoughts, wishes, prayers, and hopes that it all turns out well!

[Crankin]

It does suck, but believe me, you want to get it taken care of now, if there is something. My DH found out the hard way, in the middle of a 50 mile hot, hilly ride.

[Pax]

Just had my stress test... the cardiologist says my heart is perfect!!!

[Helene2013]

Excellent news!

[Crankin]

That is great news.

[Pax]

I'm treating the next few weeks as Spring Training for the rest of my life... I'm on it!

[emily_in_nc]

That's great! Onward and upward...

[Catrin]

Yayyy for the good news!

[Pax]

Come on Tuesday, lets get this done!!!

[thekarens]

Wonderful! Good luck and fast healing!

[Helene2013]

Good luck! Just two more days and you're on!!!

[Pax]

Trying to get our place all set up for my walker/potty chair/shower chair, it feels weird... like I'm welcoming an aged relative. But in a few weeks it'll be in the past and I'll be better!

[Catrin]

Trying to get our place all set up for my walker/potty chair/shower chair, it feels weird... like I'm welcoming an aged relative. But in a few weeks it'll be in the past and I'll be better!

Sounds like what I did in 2004 when preparing for my foot surgery. Sounds like you are doing well with this, and it WILL pass!

[salsabike]

Wishing you well, Pax!

[emily_in_nc]

Good luck, Pax!

Wishing you an easy surgery and recovery.

[OakLeaf]

Good luck, Pax.

[Pax]

Thanks everyone, I'm waiting on the call from the pre-op nurse to get my report time for tomorrow. Very ready to get this show on the road!

[ny biker]

Good luck!!!

[Pax]

Just got the call from the pre-op nurse, I got the very first slot! I report at 5:15am tomorrow and my surgery is at 7:30am!!

[Helene2013]

Good luck and come tell us how it went when you are feeling better!

[Pax]

Good luck and come tell us how it went when you are feeling better!

Thanks, and will do.

[rocknrollgirl]

Good luck today with your knee surgery. I will send some healing thoughts your way.

[snapdragen]

Thinking of you Pax, hope all went well!

[Pax]

My surgery went really well and they got me up and standing yesterday. I'm sleeping a lot! The medical staff is fantastic and I keep hearing how great my surgeon is and how lucky I was to get him... so yay!!

[ny biker]

Double yay! I hope the recovery goes well.

[Pax]

Just took a walk, managed about 35 feet! Now I'm on the CPM for two hours, it bends and straightens my knee to keep things flexible.

Man, I am getting terrific care.

[Helene2013]

Wow. That is faster than I thought it would be for "walking". I did not know what CPM was and looked it up. Neat machine!

So happy to read you are well taken care of too.

[thekarens]

Woo Hoo! Great news!

[Crankin]

So good to hear you are already up and about.

[Pax]

Took my third and final walk for today... 95 feet!

Getting the nerve block out in the morning so things may slow a bit with the distance.

[snapdragen]

Excellent news Pax, you'll be good a new soon. :D

[OakLeaf]

Yay! Glad it went so well.

Sleep well ... hope the pain isn't too bad tomorrow.

[Pax]

I am trying really hard with my PT, did a 350 foot walk last night before bed!! Going home today, it'll be nice to be in my own bed and not be awakened 3-4 times a night.

[Catrin]

So glad to hear your good progress so far! Hoping that trend continues :)

[OakLeaf]

Home is good. Thanks for the update - keep healing!

[Pax]

Going home now!! I'm doing great but am exhausted.

[Helene2013]

You'll feel better in your own things. Now time to think of yourself and relax. In-between physio treatment that is. :)

[salsabike]

Welcome home, Pax. :)

[emily_in_nc]

Glad to hear things went so well, Pax! Hope the recovery is not too bad. I know my step-dad really hated all the PT and icing he had to do.

[Pax]

Just took my first shower it four days, it was heavenly!!! Wore me out though, I'm going to sleep good tonight.

[ridebikeme]

Glad to hear that you are home Pax! Sounds like you are in good hands all the way around... now on to PT! That bike will be waiting for you when you're ready :)

[Pax]

Feeling back on track today, I slept well last night, doing my CPM now and will do some PT after breakfast... this healing up is a full time job!

[thekarens]

Yes it is and you should definitely treat it as such. Glad you're doing so well.

[OakLeaf]

It certainly is a full time job ... but a temporary one!

You're so dedicated, this will fly by.

[Pax]

Tried to do all the exercises they told me to do but I bonked hard, now my knee is really tight, maybe just too much for my first full day out of the hospital.

[rebeccaC]

Are you sure they didn’t say something about easing into the exercises :)

Know that by the time you move to florida you’ll be ‘young and fit’ again and enjoying riding your townie to the beach :D….warm hugs and hoping you heal quickly and safely!!!

[OakLeaf]

Keep healing ...

Will your PT come to your house, or do you have to get to their office? Hope you didn't get too much snow!

[Pax]

Nurse came to the house yesterday and the PT is coming this morning. Definitely need som clarification on how hard I'm supposed to be going, the PTA at the hospital said to take a day of rest then hit it, which made me feel awful. Yesterday I took three hours of naps and then slept for almost 10 hours, feeling better today.

Rebecca, those thoughts are keeping me going, just get better and get to the beach!

[Pax]

Update: Tuesday will be two weeks and I'm finally starting to feel stronger! As I walk with the walker there is almost no weight on my hands anymore; my gait is stiff but is slowly coming back. I see a light at the end of the tunnel! My staples come out Wednesday and I start outpatient PT next Friday if the weather cooperates.

[salsabike]

:) :) :)

[OakLeaf]

Yay! (C'mon weather, cooperate!)

[thekarens]

Great news! Sounds like you're doing well.

[Catrin]

2 weeks already, congratulations!

[Pax]

Staples are out! It was uncomfortable but not awful, doc says I'm doing fantastic. Even gave me the okay (if I'm comfortable with it) to go back to work half time on the 16th!

[Pax]

Great to hear, Pax! I had a knee reconstruction in 2007. It's good when you heal and get on with everything. :)

Since we're moving to Florida in mid May I am sooo ready to get on with it. We stayed for the fantastic surgeon but now I'm ready to get going with our new life.

[Pax]

I get to go outside for a walk today!!!!! It's 41 degrees and the sidewalk is clear so Mary is taking me outside, I'm so excited!

[OakLeaf]

Woohoo! Now be good and bring your walker. :p Enjoy the fresh air!

[Trek420]

I get to go outside for a walk today!!!!! It's 41 degrees and the sidewalk is clear so Mary is taking me outside, I'm so excited!

Test drive! Whoopee. Let us know how the new limb behaves.

[Pax]

Test drive! Whoopee. Let us know how the new limb behaves.

The walk went great! Flexion and extension are getting better (1 degree from straight on extension and at 95 degrees on flexion) but it still feels stiff a lot and I feel like I still need the cane. I'm 18 days post op so I think I'm doing okay.

[Crankin]

That's really amazing!

[emily_in_nc]

You are doing great! Much better than my step-father at that same stage post-surgery. Keep it up, but don't overdo!

[Pax]

Overdid it a bit last week, went from a five minute walk to a fifteen minute walk in one day, that caused a flare up that set me back about a week. So I'm trying to reel myself in a bit and go a little slower; the PT explained since they cut the heads off my femur and tibia the first 6-8 weeks are a big healing phase... in his words "marathon NOT sprint".

[Helene2013]

But when we are used to moving, and fast, it is always hard to be on the "breaks". But no other options, really.

So slow down...and you'll be top shape for summer!

[OakLeaf]

Hang in there Pax! Soon ... soon ...

[Catrin]

Trying to hold back is hard...but hang in there! Good to hear that you are feeling well enough that you do have to remember to hold back!

[Pax]

It's been a month since I've done anything but PT or a doctors appointment, today we are going to meet some friends at our favorite Mexican place and be social, can't wait!

[Crankin]

Have fun. I am sure you can handle eating Mexican food!

[Pax]

Almost to the six week mark and to be honest, it's been pretty awful, it hurts most of the time and progress is so slow it feels non-existent. But I know it will get better eventually, I'm going to try going to work next week half time, it might help to be less socially isolated.

[OakLeaf]

Hang in there Pax. Hope you start seeing more progress soon!

[Helene2013]

ouch. Did they say it would be "that" bad or is it just slower for you?

Hoping that you get to turn the next corner pretty soon. And maybe going to work a little bit may help you some. Good luck.

[Pax]

Hang in there Pax. Hope you start seeing more progress soon!

Thanks, Oak. Just got back from PT and he was very encouraging, guess from the way the doc talked I thought I'd have the surgery, kick some rehab butt, and be fine. He neglected to mention all the flare ups and set backs from "kicking rehab butt".

[Catrin]

Hang in there Pax!

[Pax]

Hang in there Pax!

Thanks, I'm trying! You too.

[thekarens]

Almost to the six week mark and to be honest, it's been pretty awful, it hurts most of the time and progress is so slow it feels non-existent. But I know it will get better eventually, I'm going to try going to work next week half time, it might help to be less socially isolated.

My boss had hers replaced last year and it was a long slow process, but in the end she feels great. I know it can be discouraging, but keep plugging away. You'll get there in the end and it will all be worth it!

[Pax]

My boss had hers replaced last year and it was a long slow process, but in the end she feels great. I know it can be discouraging, but keep plugging away. You'll get there in the end and it will all be worth it!

Thanks, it's always helpful when people share stories of others who've done this and done well.

[emily_in_nc]

Almost to the six week mark and to be honest, it's been pretty awful, it hurts most of the time and progress is so slow it feels non-existent. But I know it will get better eventually, I'm going to try going to work next week half time, it might help to be less socially isolated.

My step-father had a similar experience. I am sort of glad to see that what he went through was pretty normal and he was not just a terrible patient. I was hoping you'd have a much quicker recovery, but based on his experience, it WILL get better. It just takes way longer than you'd expect. :(

[Pax]

The absolute hardest part of the recovery is finding the balancing point in PT. They constantly tell you to do your PT but there is a very fine line between doing it and overdoing it, and the consequence for overdoing it is called a flare up... I'm on number three. :(

A flare up is when the tissue and nerves in the knee become inflamed, it takes so little for it to happen that it's maddening, and it leaves you swollen and in terrific pain. I understand why some people just stop trying, I wont, but I sure can understand it.

[Pax]

Starting to feel more human. I'm getting out of the house for lunch and I'm working half time, I can go to the grocery store if I use one of those electric carts. Feels like I'm getting there, just very slowly.

[Catrin]

Yayyy Pax, that is good progress!

[OakLeaf]

Getting out of the house is good! Keep it going ...

[Helene2013]

That is great news. Just calm down..... you don't want a fall back. :) Enjoy your newly found freedom. haha

[Catrin]

How is it going Pax? Thinking about you!

[Pax]

Thanks, Catrin. Doing better, I was feeling very alone and like I was doing something wrong with my rehab and then I found a forum of people who've had knee and hip replacements, that really helped. Really good to hear others stories, made me feel less isolated.

Saw that your nose is healed, good deal... just in time to smell the new flowers!

[OakLeaf]

That's good, it's amazing how much one has to learn from other people who've been through it, vs the people you're paying to educate you. :rolleyes: Glad you found them. Hope you've been able to get out and enjoy some of the warmer weather!

[Pax]

That's good, it's amazing how much one has to learn from other people who've been through it, vs the people you're paying to educate you. :rolleyes: Glad you found them. Hope you've been able to get out and enjoy some of the warmer weather!

That's really it, Oak. Almost every appointment we leave and say to each other "that would have been nice to know... two weeks ago!", it's really frustrating. One of the really interesting things I've learned is that people in the UK don't usually go to PT after they leave the hospital, they just do the basic exercises they are taught in hospital, and they have matching outcomes at one year to the U.S.

I have gotten to enjoy some of the nice weather, it's been nice to take my little strolls in the sunshine. AND the move to NSB is in four weeks, I'm getting so excited!!

[Pax]

Had my final doc visit yesterday, I'm done with PT and my ROM jumped ten degrees this week!! I'm up to 105 degrees, swelling is under control, now just to continue the loooong recovery... at the beach! :p

[Catrin]

Yayyyy, good to hear!

[OakLeaf]

Woot!

[ny biker]

Great news!!

[emily_in_nc]

That's great, Pax! The beach is a great healer. :)

[Pax]

I've been through the "wish I'd never done this", the depression, loads of pain and meds (ongoing), moments of hope... but the one thing that's still hard to grasp is having been told I'd be mostly recovered in twelve weeks when the truth for this surgery is a one year recovery.

Working at eight weeks is awful, so painful and tiring, my heart goes out to people who have physical jobs! The big plus side is by the one year mark I should be able to do things I haven't been able to do in years. I should be walking for miles and riding my bike wherever I want... VERY exciting!

[OakLeaf]

Twelve weeks?! Who TF told you that (rhetorical question, I can guess pretty easily). That just makes me mad. Doctors have given me similarly ludicrous estimates on more minor things, but that's just so wrong. I guess whatever they tell you, whether it's three days or three months, multiply by four. No wonder you've been frustrated and discouraged! Why in the world would they tell you it takes half the time to recover from a TKA than it does for a "simple" ACL repair???!!!

Anyway - hope it's more manageable now that you've made some progress, and now that you know you're in for the long haul, but it WILL be worth it. The beach is waiting!

[Pax]

Thanks, Oak. Over the weeks I kept looking at my honey and saying tearfully "what am I doing wrong???" Now I know I'm doing fine, recovery is not linear, and I'm right in the ballpark. Stupid doctor.

[ny biker]

Stupid doctor indeed.

My friend had partial knee replacement in early December and he's still recovering. And that was a partial.

[Pax]

Head of HR had her knee done a few years ago, when I saw her today she told me "you'll be much more comfortable at six months and really good at a year, until then it's pretty sucky". Not sure why the docs aren't more up front, it's not like any of us go into this for fun, if we had another choice we'd act on it, so it's not like they're going to lose patients/money???

[emily_in_nc]

This is the same experience my step-father had. In fact, one of his two knees got better, then worse, and now he may have to have a revision as his kneecap is "drifting". He's been through a lot. Because of his experience, I am much better educated about the surgery and would NEVER take it lightly.

Hang in there!

[Helene2013]

When I had my knee ligament reconstruction, my PT had said it would take 6 months to gain most functions, and over a year to be normal.....if I was careful and doing according to protocole. Did not matter it was just me or an athlete....timing was same. She was 100% right. And I too had highs and lows before reaching my final goals. That was 10 years ago.

[Pax]

I forgot to tell you gals, I walked down four stairs at work this week!!! My knee worked just like a real one, haven't been able to do that in years!

[Crankin]

That is great news! I can imagine how good it feels to walk down the stairs without thinking about it.

[Pax]

It's really weird, I was debilitated for so many years before this surgery that I have to relearn basic movements. I really don't remember how to properly take stairs or get in and out of a car.

[rebeccaC]

I forgot to tell you gals, I walked down four stairs at work this week!!! My knee worked just like a real one, haven't been able to do that in years! :D:D:D

Lots of big warm healing/feeling positive hugs!!!! I’m in Palm Springs doing the Coachella music festival with friends. I’ll think of your spirit dancing wildly with me tonight :)

…and if you’re still going, two months until SF Pride….that should fill you with sisterhood, gaiety and a fun time!!!!

[Pax]

Thanks so much, Rebecca! SF isn't happening since the knee replacement, too many hills and miles... But we plan to go in a year or so when I can partake of alllll the festivities! :p

[salsabike]

I forgot to tell you gals, I walked down four stairs at work this week!!! My knee worked just like a real one, haven't been able to do that in years!

:) :) :) Go Pax!

[OakLeaf]

Woohoo!

[Catrin]

Yayyyy Pax! That is awesome, and am sure it felt even better than it sounds!

[Pax]

Yayyyy Pax! That is awesome, and am sure it felt even better than it sounds!

Yeah, it seems like such a small thing, but it was monumental in my recovery. I just stood at the bottom of the stairs and grinned like a little kid. :D

[Pax]

We're living in Florida now, yay!! I'm not as active as I'd like to be since the move pushed my recovery back a bit, three days in a car created a swelling/pain cycle that has been hard to break. Kept wondering why I wasn't recovering from the move after almost a month so I started suspecting that the pain meds were doing more harm than good, did some research and found tramadol can give you a pain rebound effect that keeps the cycle of pain/meds/pain/meds going on ad infinitum. Quit my pain meds this week (hadn't read the part about weaning off, d'oh!!) so went through withdrawal, gotta say that sucked a LOT, shakes, sweats, crying, GI issues, WHEW! Seem to be done with it now and am starting to feel human again... and strangely enough have very minimal pain now.

[OakLeaf]

Ow, that sounds awful, glad you're getting back on track. Hope you're enjoying the beach!

[Pax]

Thanks Oak, this has been a unique experience. Gotta say, never thought I'd like being a junkie, I was right.

[Catrin]

Sounds terrible, but glad that you are rebounding and hope you enjoy Florida! It looks like I've a knee surgery coming up later this season myself but certainly nothing like what you have endured. Hope things continue to improve and you can start ramping up your activities soon!

[Pax]

Catrin, you've been smart to stay in shape, it makes knee surgery so much easier! Good luck with yours.

[Sky King]

A good friend of mine had both replaced at once in December and she said the same thing. She's had to work really hard with the PT to walk correctly. Very happy for you, opens a new world

It's really weird, I was debilitated for so many years before this surgery that I have to relearn basic movements. I really don't remember how to properly take stairs or get in and out of a car.

[qcuthbert]

I hope things goes well with whatever decision you make

[Pax]

Feeling better every day now! Yesterday I walked through three different stores, when I was still on the pain meds I was using an electric cart at the grocery store... it's hard to believe those pills could cause so many problems!

[ny biker]

That's great!! I"m glad you're making progress.

Enjoy the beach!

[Catrin]

Feeling better every day now! Yesterday I walked through three different stores, when I was still on the pain meds I was using an electric cart at the grocery store... it's hard to believe those pills could cause so many problems!

So glad to hear you are continuing to feel better! Yeah, it is pretty amazing what pain meds can do to us - it is about finding that right balance between everything.

[Pax]

Seems recovery from knee replacement is a series of one step forward, two steps back, followed by the occasional burst forward, then a plateau. I seem to have had a forward burst this week! I walked around yesterday and for the first time in four and a half months I didn't notice my knee, it was magical.

[OakLeaf]

Yayyy! Here's to more forward bursts!

[ny biker]

Fantastic!!

I think your description is spot on -- recovery can be unpredictable and sometimes in the wrong direction. It takes much patience and perseverance.

Here's to many more magical days ahead!!

[Pax]

Thanks, I'm sure hoping this continues, the whole limping like im 90 was getting very old.

[Pax]

Just had my one year checkup on my knee implant... it is perfect!!! So happy about that!

The pain and swelling I've been dealing with are caused by some relatively rare kind of scar tissue on my quadriceps tendon, I can live with it or have more surgery to try and correct it. Now that I know what it is and know that exercise ameliorates the discomfort, I'll live with it.

[Catrin]

Congratulations!

Interesting about your scar tissue, hope you can find some relief. You might want to consider finding someone well skilled in the different types of active release techniques, including Graston (uses a tool rather than just fingers) to see what they can do about releasing that scar tissue in your tendon. I've had similar work done with scar tissue in my right hammie and quad a few years back (the year I tried to ride a gazillion miles) - and while it's not pleasant, it did wonders.

I don't know if you have a qualified practitioner in your region skilled enough to take something like this to - but if you are interested I can ask when I see my chiropracter in a couple of weeks. He is one of the most skilled around in these techniques, specializes in high-level professional sports players (he has been on the sidelines of a couple Super Bowls), and may well have an idea who in your area might be appropriate. Given your situation you certainly need the best/most qualified!

[ny biker]

Great news, Pax!!

[Crankin]

That is wonderful. I agree with Catrin... check out those release techniques.

[OakLeaf]

Glad to hear it, Pax! Hope you can find your "sweet spot" for activity and that your mobility keeps improving.

[Pax]

Thanks all!

Not sure if it can be released since it's under the kneecap but I'm considering going to a chiropractor I know and seeing what she can do for the tightness in my hips (I'm guessing from my slightly altered gait).

One thing the doc emphasized was to keep riding, he thinks that will be my best form of exercise now, so YAY!

[emily_in_nc]

One thing the doc emphasized was to keep riding, he thinks that will be my best form of exercise now, so YAY!

Now that's some good news!