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My Knee Replacement Experience

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My Knee Replacement Experience

Old 09-08-11, 09:48 PM
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I'm beat. Yesterday afternoon the vendor responsible for my brace came to alter it, and took it away. Which lead to lots frustrations yesterday and This morning. The brace was returned just before noon today. SOOOO much better fit. Which lead to a highly compressed OT session and back to back PT sessions. So I was exhausted afterwards.

But I covered lots of distance, managed a lot of time standing, lots of getting up and down from chairs. But the biggie today was STAIRS! I climbed their short stack several ways. I still have some strength to gain, some extra work getting myself dressed. Wife and daughter get me in and out of the brace very well. No way I can get it myself.

While this recovery is seriously different than my knee recovery, at least I'm not dealing with that instability. So I feel much stronger and confident having gone through some of the same exercises just a few months ago.

So I've run the gammut of emotions today. In the end, I'm doing very well as a survivor. Today has been a breakover day no doubt.
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Old 09-08-11, 09:50 PM
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No problem. Some of the knee thread will be quite fitting with the upcoming back recovery.

I might post that elsewhere too...
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Old 09-09-11, 07:34 PM
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Tonight's update isn't as earth shattering as last night other than, it looks like I can go home Monday. Yesterdays breakthrough was very much a breakthrough, on all fronts for me. I still hurt and will for a while, out of energy quickly, but better than last week. Occupational and physical therapists have worked with the family to get them ready for me as well. So unless something changes, I'm home sooner than expected. I have a long and rough ride ahead, no doubt. Getting back to work might take a bit longer, but they are being as helpful as can be. Well, more as it happens!
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Old 09-10-11, 12:30 PM
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zjrog, I'm happy to hear that you are going home on Monday, I'll be thinking of you when I'm getting ready to get my leg cut on. The road does sound long and slow, but at least you still have one. Your accident has helped me to remember to count my blessings, I hope you can remember to count yours. I'm pulling for you and your recovery, so if you every need some words of encouragement, please look my way. I am honored to help. Stay strong and keep fighting the good fight brother!
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Old 09-10-11, 09:58 PM
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Stout, few moments slip by that I'm not thinking how lucky I am to be alive. Any one thing could have changed my outcome for the worse. And the fight is on brother!!! Good luck Monday brother!
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Old 09-13-11, 06:18 PM
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I'm home and happy.
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Old 09-13-11, 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by zjrog
I'm home and happy.


Ya-HOOOOO!
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Old 09-24-11, 09:49 PM
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I've been remiss and haven't posted much in the way of updates. I'm progressing pretty well. Physical therapy is going very well, and my stamina is increasing. I was at a rock crawling event for a couple hours this morning. Might have stayed longer but I broke my lawn chair, and was only able to stay 20 minutes before it was to much. I got my bike back today. The bike and fork are in good shape, needs cleaning. he front wheel just is ruined where a couple rocks bent the rim after the tire flatted. Not bad overall. Now to decide what wheelset to look into. My wife is not happy with my desire to ride again. This whole back injury has her seriously shaken and I hope this will pass quickly. I'm already planning a hiking trip with friends April, so I don't intend to hang up being active.... Never a spectator.

I have doctor appointments this coming week, I hope to get the neck part of my brace taken off, even if I have to wear a cervical collar. The intergrated part of this brace really sucks. Tomorrow is 5 weeks since my accident. I want/need to go back to work I need something to do.
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Old 09-25-11, 09:43 AM
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Hope you get back to work soon zjrog, though five weeks isn't long after such a serious accident. But, boredom is a good sign of feeling better. What are you doing for physical therapy?

Great your bike came through the accident OK!
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Old 09-27-11, 07:52 PM
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Today is a blur. I'm on a cloud and still don't quite believe it. At my appointment, new Xrays were taken and the doc was happy with my progress. She took my TLSO brace off! I do have limits. But not many. I do have to wear the cervical collar for two more months. Which leads to my greatest restriction. No driving until the collar comes off. But I can attempt to return to work Monday if I choose.

Without the brace, I feel remarkably vulnerable. I need to start some core work, and have specific directions from the doc to my PT. And I hope I gain enough strength in the back so it will stop trying to cramp up on me...

Color me very happy this evening. I don't know if this is a normal time frame after fusion or if I'm special. I still have a follow up appointment tomorrow with physical therapy group at the hospital. I am certain, thanks to my own PT, they will be pleased.
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Old 09-28-11, 02:45 PM
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I'm happy to hear of your recovery success and hope it continues to be a positive experience for you. Don't feel bad about not updating daily, we understand. I am amazed you can return to work so soon, please take it easy. Still wishing you lots of luck!
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Old 09-28-11, 09:34 PM
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Stout, I had a bad day today and not sure Monday is going to be a good time to return. We'll see. Physical therapy tomorrow will give me a better idea if I can get back Monday or not. Luckily, I have a nice comfy chair at my desk. And I might be able to spend an hour at a time at my work bench. But no driving keeps me in the shop, not out in the desert. And the occupational health folks at work have a big say about getting back also.

But there was good news again at the docs today... I weighed in at 269 with shoes and junk in my pockets. Not the best weight loss plan, but I weighed 294 the day of my wreck.
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Old 10-10-11, 01:28 PM
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Seven weeks ago yesterday, I shook the family to the core with my bike wreck. I've been out of the hospital for a month now. and feel I've made a ton of progress. I did NOT return to work last week, saving that for this Wednesday. Because, on the 30th of September, my WIFE fell down the stairs and broke her left wrist, and her C2 and T5 vertebra. She also chipped the T4. She is in the same hospital rehab unit I was in and will be for a little while getting stronger. She has a history of medical issues including malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Anyway, no surgery for now, but she has a long road ahead of her as well.

Goldfinch, I forgot to talk about my physical therapy. So... I am seeing the same therapist I had for my knee. After talking with folks and asking around, his name was almost always at the top of who to see. He knows me, I trust him. With the brace on he was very limited so we worked on stamina and balance. Leg exercises and kicks. And laying on my back, we did leg lifts, "marching", and heel slides. a LOT was like after my knee surgery... But we added some exercises while on my back to work my lower abs. We continued these exercises through last week with the brace off. Tomorrow... I'm dreading tomorrow. I asked for and he agreed its time, to start working my back muscle groups. So we will see.

I've been able to continue losing weight since coming home. Of course, that pleases me. I weighed 261 last week, seemed I didn't want to believe I'd lost 7 or so pounds since the week before. I pulled on a couple old 2X sized shirts and they aren't tight. And I've dropped 2 pants sizes. Maybe 3. I am still having some foot issues, I have pain that moves around on the foot. Sometimes in front the ankle, sometimes around the insole/arch, and worst , across the tops of the toes... My right shoulder is still quite numb. I can feel pressure but not temperature... If these really, are the only problems I have from this accident, then I can live with them. I've been very lucky to be able to even just walk and type. I do still have some minor memory issues, but they are getting better.

I've also been blessed with really good friends that stop and check on me through the day. Some bring food, some entertainment. Just being able to socialize now and again has been good. I can't drive till late November, so am completely dependent on others. I don't like this. But this is where I am at. My daughter works during the day, but we go see my wife some evenings and on her days off. Just like they did for me.

I plan to rob the front wheel off my hybrid to stick on the Cannondale. JUST so I can put the bike back on the trainer. By spring, I will replace the wheelset anyway. If my back can tolerate the riding position, I have a goal of 1000 miles on the trainer this winter. I will need a mount of sorts for my iPad my sister sent me. That way I can read books while wheeling my winter way...

Yeah, its not always easy being upbeat on a Monday, but just remember this, Any day walking on the dirt, is better than anyday SLEEPING in that dirt...

Roger
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Old 10-10-11, 10:00 PM
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Supposedly, stuff happens in 'threes'... I hope this was #3 in your house. It's time for life to settle down and get nice and boring for you guys! The bright side is you know what to do, and how to do it, it sucks that you have to go through PT again, but at least you know the basics even if it's for another area. Bad falls are scary, and I hope you guys have hit your limit.
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Old 10-14-11, 08:48 PM
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It would be nice if this is the last big problem for a very long time. Lucky me, I like my therapist! He's a damned good guy... My wife will be seeing him too next week, she gets home Tuesday the 18th.

I'm frustrated, I want to ride, but am stuck indoors. I'm happy to have lost 35 pounds through this ordeal.

Decided to go with my old school Profile aero bars on the Cannondale on the trainer. And my old school Cateye computer which will give me speed and cadence. Maybe I can find a mount for my iPad off the Profiles. You know, for reading, or Netflix...

I went back to work the other day, and spent most of the day being driven. Had to see my occupational Health folks which was a 2 hour drive each way. And half hour each way was ugly crappy road. THAT beat me up. I woke up the next day and just couldn't go back in. But will be ready to go Monday.
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Old 11-10-11, 11:06 PM
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Can't believe I hadn't updated this in almost a month... Not much has changed since the last update. Back injuries take longer to heal I'm told. I still have my collar till the end of the month. But could still have it past that appointment. I have had some success with work, limits because I can't drive or lift things, means others are still doing some of my work. Therapy is good, I tend to look forward to a day or so after the last one. I got a TENS unit for electrical stimulation of my back muscles to reduce the spasms I'm having. If I had kept with increasing 5RPM per level on the stationary bike, I'd be at 120 RPM... I'm still at 90 or so. I'm getting better at tolerating bumps in the road. Big bumps still get to me though. Had a rough weekend not being able to sleep last weekend. And haven't quite caught up yet.

For the record, I've seen my therapist now more for my back than my knee. Odd.

After my wife's stay in the hospital, we had her home for 2 days and she caught another round of pneumonia. She had a bit of an odd cough when we left the hospital. She wound up with a 21 day round of IV antibiotics. and after a week was moved to the nursing home she spent 2 weeks in last December. I hope this doesn't become a yearly habit... She has had some blood level issues and such so we aren't sure exactly when she will be home again. But should be in a few days.

My daughter is serving as driver and care taker and has done such a bangup job. I'm glad she was already taking time off from school, but she didn't sign up for this. I'll be happy when I'm not dependent on her for a ride, or my friends and can set my own schedule, not wrap it around others...
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Old 11-13-11, 11:54 PM
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Goldfinch asked about what I did for therapy a while back and I realize I hadn't answered. First thing every session is time on the stationary bike to warm up. Currently 15 minutes and different levels depending on the bike. I am holding at about 90-95 rpm now. 3 way kicks, 3 sets of 10 each leg, each direction. 30 lunges and 30 mini squats. Everything after the bike ride now includes ankle weights. Laying down next, still with the weights, sort of marching in place, leg raises and a couple others that I forget the names of. One includes matching hand weights.

Off with weights, resistance band around my ankles and walk sideways a couple laps of thenroom, followed by as many laps moving forwards. By this point we are over an hour, switch to several arm/shoulder exercises with resistance bands, and a couple exercises with a big exercise ball against the wall. A couple different balance exercises, and finally 15 minutes with electrical stimulation. I push where I can, current limits on upper body and back work are due to still wearing the cervical collar. Once the surgeon allows me to remove, she should allow my PT to work more on those areas. Then we can look more at my numb shoulder issues and do more strengh work across the back. My therapist's goal is to have me ready for circuit training at the gym when he is done.

Last edited by zjrog; 11-13-11 at 11:59 PM.
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Old 11-23-11, 01:52 PM
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Wife is home, Almost a week now and doing OK. She had therapy with me yesterday and she did OK, but is weak and needs some time. Now, therapy for me was different, we added 2 more exercises. And my back is paying for it today. I managed to drop the oxycontin, but still have a couple other meds I'll need for a while.

Going back a few months, my sister sent me me an iPad while I was in the hospital. After I got home, she also sent me something I value far more. She sent me a box with a Jersey, t-shirt and socks for the Hotter Than Hell 100 in Wichita Falls Texas... The Tshirt wicks sweat away. I can use it in the gym. The socks are Sock Guy branded, and I wear them to therapy. But the jersey, I need to earn that jersey... She recently transferred back to San Antonio, but she plans to move back to Wichita Falls in a few years. When she does, I'll join her and ride the HTH100 with her. Even if its just the 25 miler...
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Old 11-23-11, 05:16 PM
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z: you will wear that jersey soon my friend!
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Old 11-24-11, 12:32 PM
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Thats the intent! Barring any further issues healthwise of course. Even if its on a trike or a rental bike.
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Old 12-08-11, 12:25 PM
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I got my collar off last week! Made it to the gym, got sore, but never more than the doctor or therapist allowed. My neck is really quite stiff and sore, even a week later. Driving is more a chore than I expected it to be. Even though this thread is my knee thread, here i s pic of the back incision...

All in all, I feel pretty good. Felt better of course!!!
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Old 12-08-11, 08:28 PM
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Oh ouch.

It sounds like you and your wife are moving ahead with your recoveries. Take care and keep up the reports!
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Old 01-03-12, 11:58 AM
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Now some show and tell. You can see the damage to the T9, is very obvious.


These show the main damage and some above and below. These are slices from the CT or MRI, not sure which. I had 6 CDs of animated imagery to make screenshots from. No easy way to pull single images off the CDs. I can't see the damage in my neck images though. I just don't know what I'm looking for.

And the internal hardware.


There wasn't enough material in the T9 to screw into. Thats the point where you see the bridge between the rods. While I'm lucky my injuries are in the least flexible part of my back, I know I'll miss that flexibilty later in life.

My back muscles are very weak compared to before the accident. My neck isn't really weak, but still quite stiff and sore, and I have limited ability to turn my head to the right. Otherwise my Range of Motion in my neck is good. I'm back in the gym, using very low weights just building my strength again. I'm pleased that my pain is reduced to the point I can be off the pain killers. Don't get me wrong, I still have some pain, but its not something I can't manage. I still have meds available if I need them. Again, I take nothing for granted. I also realize I'm still fragile and early in my recovery.

There isn't any way to express how I feel towards all those that helped me. My friend that probably saved my life, the ambulance crew, the first ER crew, the medic on the helicopter, and everyone at the hospital including the rehab staff. I also thank you folks for the well wishes and prayers. This has been an amazing journey. Not one I would have ever taken on my own for sure. Humility has never been a strong point of mine, but I have had to learn how to ask for help and now understand that isn't always a weakness.

I'm just glad to be here and able to wish everyone a Happy New year!
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Old 01-08-12, 02:17 PM
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Fun day at gym yesterday. Arms, shoulders and back work after I managed a best 21 minute mile on the treadmill. When I get under 18 minutes I'll add some distance. I can do 40 lbs on the Lat Pulldowns. Everything else is 25 - 35 lbs. Although I can't yet do regular crunches or sit ups, I had a blast with back extensions. Wasn't sure I could even do 5, I managed 3 sets of 10. The last three were difficult, and surprisingly, I'm not as sore today as I expected to be! Hopefully, the back extensions and a couple yoga exercises my therapist has me doing will allow me more than 10-15 minutes on my bike on the trainer. I am not doing anything in the gym my therapist doesn't approve of. Weight or exercise. In fact, I sent him a list of stuff I WANT to do, and he crossed out 2/3rds of them. I keep reminding myself, its been less than 5 months since the accident... Take it easy. I've heard a few horror stories of screws pulled out or snapped. I don't want that happen!
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Old 09-16-12, 11:05 PM
  #325  
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Bikes: 1986 KHS Fiero, 1989 Trek 950, 1990 Trek 7000, 1991 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, 1992 Trek 1400, 1997 Cannondale CAD2 R300, 1998 Cannondale CAD2 R200, 2002 Marin San Rafael, 2006 Cannondale CAAD8 R1000, 2010 Performance Access XCL9R

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The last few weeks have been good. Lots of good news, so an update is warranted. 21 August was my one year anniversary of the wreck. And, a visit to my surgeon. New CT scans show good healing, and no loosening of the screws. No need to see her for a year. I am mostly pain free, but muscle relaxers help more than pain meds now. So, she let my occupational med folks know I am back to full duties.

In the past month I can finally get more than 20 minutes on the stationary bike. Upright, not recumbent. This has sure been a longer road than I ever expected.

My knee is nearly 2 years old now, and doing fine. I seem to have most of the range of motion I had before the wreck. Although, with my limited activity early in my back recovery, I have developed IT band issues. Not painful, but it needs stretching every week. Good old painful foam rolling helps, and infrequent massage.

Some basic truths I've learned the hard way. 1. Its better to feel than not. 2. Any day walking on the dirt, is better than a day sleeping in it. 3. Asking for, or accepting help, is not a sign of weakness. 4. You are never so humble as when you NEED someone to wipe your butt for you.

Overall, I am doing pretty good. I do have a long way to go still, but I can believe there will be a new normal ahead of me, and an active one at that. Be well all...
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