Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Fifty Plus (50+)
Reload this Page >

If You had a TKR ... how active were you at the time?

Notices
Fifty Plus (50+) Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling.

If You had a TKR ... how active were you at the time?

Old 10-16-13, 12:11 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
metalheart44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Northwoods, Wisconsin
Posts: 702

Bikes: Holland Exogrid & Holland HC

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 98 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
If You had a TKR ... how active were you at the time?

Ongoing deliberation about the timing for a TKR. I can still ride 4-5 times a week 45 miles or so at a time.

Other life activities are more compromised: cutting and stacking wood, maintaining 7 acres of weeds and rocks, stream fly fishing, walking around shopping centers with the wife, or almost any other load bearing activity. Overall knee functionality is on a downward trajectory, but I can still do a reasonable amount, I just use ice and topical pain cream and the occasional cortisone shot.

My knee doc puts the decision of when to do a TKR in my court. I reason that doing it sooner rather than later gives me a longer horizon of activity (I am 69). On the other hand, there is an argument to use the functionality I have now and wait until I am more compromised in daily activity and cycling.

If you have had a TKR, how active were you at the time and how did your activity level factor into your decision to have the procedure?

Thanks
metalheart44 is offline  
Old 10-16-13, 02:09 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
BlazingPedals's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Middle of da Mitten
Posts: 12,474

Bikes: Trek 7500, RANS V-Rex, Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, M-5 Carbon Highracer, Catrike Speed

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1511 Post(s)
Liked 733 Times in 454 Posts
My advice would be, get it done while you can still enjoy the resulting increased function.
BlazingPedals is offline  
Old 10-16-13, 03:13 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
metalheart44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Northwoods, Wisconsin
Posts: 702

Bikes: Holland Exogrid & Holland HC

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 98 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by BlazingPedals
My advice would be, get it done while you can still enjoy the resulting increased function.
That is my thought as well.

But, I have been reminded more than once by the surgeon and others about the risks and possible adverse outcomes. The usual reply is, "there is no risk from not doing surgery." Many folks seem to wait until they cannot walk or have constant unbearable pain. I can walk a bit, I have episodic pain, and I can't do a lot of chores around the homestead without pain and having to ice and usually do the job over several days. For example, I am filling the wood shed for the winter and rather than doing it all in 4 or so hours, I have to break it up into 1 hour or so segments.

But, I can ride my bike..........
metalheart44 is offline  
Old 10-16-13, 09:37 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pinecrest, FL
Posts: 231

Bikes: 2018 Cervelo R5 DA Zipp 404s 2014 Cervelo R5, 2012 Scott Metrix 10 Hybrid

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Liked 23 Times in 10 Posts
Hi. Was not active except for in door cycling to lose weight and strengthen knee muscles before surgery. Did TKR on right knee as that was only one which met the medical criteria about ability to perform basic functions.

if understand your question you are worried about the shelf life of the procedure vs current activity. Not sure you would qualify, but if you do not sure why you would wait. Once I was off the meds before surgery, pain was excruciating in right knee. Did surgery in late 2005 and am delighted.

in 2008 moved to Florida and began biking. On road bike for two years now and have done 7,000 miles in those two years. Average close to 40 miles per trip and have lost 45 pounds since mid 2008. On, and did 70 miles this past Sunday after exceeding 68, my age for first time.

So for me no problems with biking and can do many other things didn't do before, like walking eand traveling.

Everyone is different so YMMV. If you can do most functions again you may not qualify. None of your activities seem to be be super strenuous that a TKR would stop them. Skiing, running, jumping etc are frowned upon. Check the literature.

If you do surgery, definitely work out before to keep legs strong.

Ed
Miami Biker is offline  
Old 10-17-13, 10:43 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
metalheart44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Northwoods, Wisconsin
Posts: 702

Bikes: Holland Exogrid & Holland HC

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 98 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by Miami Biker
Hi. Was not active except for in door cycling to lose weight and strengthen knee muscles before surgery. Did TKR on right knee as that was only one which met the medical criteria about ability to perform basic functions.

if understand your question you are worried about the shelf life of the procedure vs current activity. Not sure you would qualify, but if you do not sure why you would wait. Once I was off the meds before surgery, pain was excruciating in right knee. Did surgery in late 2005 and am delighted.

in 2008 moved to Florida and began biking. On road bike for two years now and have done 7,000 miles in those two years. Average close to 40 miles per trip and have lost 45 pounds since mid 2008. On, and did 70 miles this past Sunday after exceeding 68, my age for first time.

So for me no problems with biking and can do many other things didn't do before, like walking eand traveling.

Everyone is different so YMMV. If you can do most functions again you may not qualify. None of your activities seem to be be super strenuous that a TKR would stop them. Skiing, running, jumping etc are frowned upon. Check the literature.

If you do surgery, definitely work out before to keep legs strong.

Ed
Hi Ed, Congratulations on your success with your knee, your weight loss, and your riding. Good job!

Both my knees meet the criteria for replacement: bone to bone on my left knee (oddly gives me few problems) and my troublesome right knee is continuing to degenerate. I have months where the pain and limitations are acceptable. I have other months when functionality and pain are problematic. During those months, the ongoing pain just wears me down and I get tired easily, don't sleep well, and get grumpy, or so my wife says . Then, I pull out of it and riding is fine again and pain is manageable and I can do just enough chores and daily activities to feel ok. But, in the valley of the roller coaster I look for my chain saw and want to use it on my knee --- those are the times I am ready to schedule a replacement. At the top of the roller coaster, I can ride strong, climb hills with limited pain, walk the dogs a reasonable distance, do weed eating and other chores in limited spurts and then i say, "maybe I should just wait until I am worse."

There's the rub .......
metalheart44 is offline  
Old 10-17-13, 10:55 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Monoborracho's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Small town America with lots of good roads
Posts: 2,710

Bikes: More than I really should own.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times in 16 Posts
You will never heal any faster than the current time simply due to age progression.

Before I had my TKR at 59 I was doing 2/3 of Triathlon---i.e., Aquabike. Now I do the whole nine yards, but I walk (though I can short of run/shuffle if I want to, which I don't). I wish I had done mine earlier.

FWIW, my ortho doc rates TKR success at about 90+%, much better than many other knee procedures.
__________________
Monoborracho is offline  
Old 10-17-13, 03:36 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pinecrest, FL
Posts: 231

Bikes: 2018 Cervelo R5 DA Zipp 404s 2014 Cervelo R5, 2012 Scott Metrix 10 Hybrid

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Liked 23 Times in 10 Posts
Thanks for explanation. Having lost my wife certainly understand there are no guarantees with surgery. If you are on roller coaster without meds, then you may not be ready.

That said if bone on bone you must have a very tolerant pain threshold. Are you taking meds? If you are, they may be masking your true pain as they were for me.

this is a very personal situation. Some people are quick healers and others do not tolerate the surgery well. May depend on the experience of your surgeon too. I believe in using the top ones for something important.

I felt better one day after surgery than the day before. As you probably know if you replace both at one time you have one recovery period but what a period. You might check out thy probabilities of success and find what the predictors are for a successful surgery, that may give you more confidence. Of course you can try one first to hedge your bets....

Ed
Miami Biker is offline  
Old 10-18-13, 02:08 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
metalheart44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Northwoods, Wisconsin
Posts: 702

Bikes: Holland Exogrid & Holland HC

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 98 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Hi Ed,

I am so sorry to hear about your wife. That is an unimaginable loss. My deepest condolences.

About pain, meds, and the roller coaster. I take the blood thinner plavix so ibuprofen and other NSAID pain relievers are off the list. Ice and the topical cream Valtoren are my go to items for pain.

I talked to mu surgeon today and also received another cortisone shot to help me through the next couple months. He once again reiterated that I am among the high functioning patients he sees, but on the other hand I am an ideal candidate for TKR because of my general health and conditioning. Since my functionality is slowly declining and I am in good health, I decided to schedule the surgery and looks as if they will fit me in the 16th of December.

My hope is that I will return to at least the same level of riding I do now: 5-6k per year with enough climbing included to make things interesting. It may not happen that way, but the goal is to have a broader range of functionality in my life post-surgery.

Thanks for all of the comments!
metalheart44 is offline  
Old 10-18-13, 03:10 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
HillRiderEast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Foot Hills of the Berkshires
Posts: 100

Bikes: Trek fx 7.4

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
https://www.makosurgical.com/makoplasty/knee

check around your area to see if anyone doing the partial knee resurfacing. it might be an option for you
HillRiderEast is offline  
Old 10-18-13, 04:00 PM
  #10  
feros ferio
 
John E's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,764

Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;

Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1384 Post(s)
Liked 1,293 Times in 819 Posts
Originally Posted by HillRiderEast
https://www.makosurgical.com/makoplasty/knee

check around your area to see if anyone doing the partial knee resurfacing. it might be an option for you
Definitely worth the second opinion -- I think resurfacing and other newer, less invasive technologies will render most TKR (a real sledge hammer as fly swatter approach) obsolete in another decade or so.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
John E is offline  
Old 10-18-13, 07:53 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
metalheart44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Northwoods, Wisconsin
Posts: 702

Bikes: Holland Exogrid & Holland HC

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 98 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by HillRiderEast
https://www.makosurgical.com/makoplasty/knee

check around your area to see if anyone doing the partial knee resurfacing. it might be an option for you
I have not discovered this option ...... TKR is a violent procedure that I am only willing to do with the hope it will improve my overall quality of life, including allowing me to cycle at at least my current level. There appear to be only a few physicians in my area doing the Makoplasty procedure. I need to do a literature search to understand if I am a candidate and how outcomes compare to traditional TKA. Thanks for the pointer......
metalheart44 is offline  
Old 10-18-13, 08:05 PM
  #12  
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,788
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
If it were me (and may soon may BE, only for a shoulder instead....), Dec. 16th is decent timing; when the time comes for my shoulder (barring catastrophic failure due to use), I'll be looking at early January -- my workload is lightest then, thus my hours get reduced anyway, and tax time is close at hand, so I won't lose much financially. But the 16th is not bad, either.
DX-MAN is offline  
Old 10-18-13, 08:14 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pinecrest, FL
Posts: 231

Bikes: 2018 Cervelo R5 DA Zipp 404s 2014 Cervelo R5, 2012 Scott Metrix 10 Hybrid

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Liked 23 Times in 10 Posts
Hi and thanks for the good wishes. Life goes and and I have tons to be thankful for.

Partials make sense to some but not sure literature supports them. My surgeon scoffed at them and he's one of the leading surgeons for TKR in the country (NYC). A good friend did two partials and is now facing totals. Some surgeons do one or the other. One key is experience so important selected surgeon have done enough whatever that number is.

Are you doing one or both? Great you are in good condition as that should mean better chance of positive outcomes. Delighted you have decided on a course. Based on your posts am confident you will fare well.

Please let us know how it goes.

Ed. (From Sierra Madre this weekend, closer but not that close to you).
Miami Biker is offline  
Old 10-18-13, 09:43 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
metalheart44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Northwoods, Wisconsin
Posts: 702

Bikes: Holland Exogrid & Holland HC

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 98 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Hi Ed,
I have a cardiac history and my surgeon excludes a bilateral procedure for those with my history, so it will be the right knee for now. He -- and me too -- is perplexed that my n=bone on bone knee is less problematic than the other knee that still has cartilage.

This is part of aging for some of us who cycle and my point is sharing my experience and decision making will be some input for others who may be in the same position in the future. Cycling is vey important to my physical and psychological health and whatever I can do to continue cycling in the future, I need to do.

Thanks again for your responses.
metalheart44 is offline  
Old 10-19-13, 05:33 AM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
HillRiderEast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Foot Hills of the Berkshires
Posts: 100

Bikes: Trek fx 7.4

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
since you are trying to attain a certain athletic level, make sure you find a an orthopedic surgeon who has received fellowship training in joint replacement
HillRiderEast is offline  
Old 10-19-13, 06:17 AM
  #16  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 199
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Five years ago I had a right TKR. At the time I was not very active and had a lot of pain doing normal work and activities. Like you my other knee was bone on bone but did not bother me as much so I only had my right one done. Since then I have been riding a lot and have lost close to a 100 lbs. My regret know is that I did not get both done because the left knee is hurting and starting to hold me back. At this point I am afraid to interrupt my cycling for fear of gaining weight back so I take pain meds and put up with it.
If I had it to do again I would have done both and got it over with. If you decide to go forward I would check with a Drs. It is not a very long procedure, little over and hour for one, so there may be a Dr. who would do both with your condition.
Sasquatch16 is offline  
Old 10-19-13, 01:16 PM
  #17  
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
 
Nightshade's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by metalheart44
That is my thought as well.

But, I have been reminded more than once by the surgeon and others about the risks and possible adverse outcomes. The usual reply is, "there is no risk from not doing surgery." Many folks seem to wait until they cannot walk or have constant unbearable pain. I can walk a bit, I have episodic pain, and I can't do a lot of chores around the homestead without pain and having to ice and usually do the job over several days. For example, I am filling the wood shed for the winter and rather than doing it all in 4 or so hours, I have to break it up into 1 hour or so segments.

But, I can ride my bike..........
My advice is to wait until you either can't walk or the pain is to much. At your age (69) how many years will you have left to live?? You might just outlive the need for TKR.

I had both knees replaced in 2003 at 57 when my knees were so bad I could not walk forcing me into early retirement. If I could have waited I would have since I'm now
so limited in what I can do. I can ride my bikes but I can't pound the pedals like I used to.

Then there is this to consider............
https://www.drmichaelwind.com/knee-su...e-arthroplasty

https://orthopedics.about.com/od/knee...eplacement.htm

https://nosleepingdogs.wordpress.com/...ur-experience/

https://www.hss.edu/conditions_revisi...ement-faqs.asp

https://www.healthline.com/health/tot...rgery/revision
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.

Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?

Last edited by Nightshade; 10-19-13 at 01:28 PM.
Nightshade is offline  
Old 10-19-13, 01:31 PM
  #18  
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
 
Nightshade's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by Sasquatch16
Five years ago I had a right TKR. At the time I was not very active and had a lot of pain doing normal work and activities. Like you my other knee was bone on bone but did not bother me as much so I only had my right one done. Since then I have been riding a lot and have lost close to a 100 lbs. My regret know is that I did not get both done because the left knee is hurting and starting to hold me back. At this point I am afraid to interrupt my cycling for fear of gaining weight back so I take pain meds and put up with it.
If I had it to do again I would have done both and got it over with. If you decide to go forward I would check with a Drs. It is not a very long procedure, little over and hour for one, so there may be a Dr. who would do both with your condition.
A good doctor doesn't like to do both at once since the surgery is high risk with one at a time.
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.

Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
Nightshade is offline  
Old 10-19-13, 10:34 PM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
TacomaSailor's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Punta Gorda, FL
Posts: 270

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix road bike, Stumpjumper Comp hardtail, Trance X2 FS mountainbike

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I am in almost the identical situation as the OP - 66 years old with 7 previous knee surgeries, chronic low to mid-level knee pain, and occasional locking of one or both knees. I still ride a great deal, walk a lot, and single hand a 40-foot sailboat in the open ocean.

Last Monday I spent two hours with a TKR fellowship trained surgeon who is a serious athlete, a Naval reserve officer, and manages knee rehabilitation for many of the nations special operations guys. He has been doing TKR work for over 15 years.

He provided very clear criteria for partial knee replacement and spelled out the circumstances under which it might work. The criteria for a partial replacement are very clear cut and, as I understand it, all physicians will reach the same conclusion given a set of X-Rays and exam. Each knee has three compartments and at least ONE must still be in good shape for further consideration of a partial replacement.

There was no question my knees were of no value except as a location to do bi-lateral TKR.

We talked about my life style (physically active and able to ignore much of the pain) and my goals (ride 100 to 150 miles a week and continue to sail my boat).

the doctors conclusions were:

- my knees are a mess and no additional treatment will make them better
- I am still enjoying a lot of good quality exercise
- I am not making the bad knees any worse
- Waiting to do the TKR will not make it any harder for him to do a good job in the future
- Orthopedic medicine is still learning a lot about the medical and mechanical aspects of TKR and waiting might provide some benefit as techniques and medicine improve.
- the bad knees are not causing much loss to my quality of life
- Once I have TKR I will be ecstatic with the results and I will be able to ride, walk, hike just like 20 years ago
- I have grave reservations about the CURRENT NEED for the TKR
- He will never do a TKR if the patient is at all hesitant - it takes 100% total comittment by the patient.

Someday I will seriously demand, maybe even BEG, for the TKR and at that time he will be glad to do it. He also said he is very confident that a year after the TKR I will tell him I wished I had done it years earlier.

He does both knees in the same week if they both need to be replaced.

The first knee on Monday morning and the other knee on Thursday or Friday depending on how the first recovery is going.

PS - had a shot of cortisone in each knee and now, five days later, they feel great. He wants to try cortisone shots every five or six months to see if they will give me three or five years more use with the natural knees.

My plan is keep using the knees as much as possible and NOT replace them until I can't ride another pedal turn.
TacomaSailor is offline  
Old 10-19-13, 10:52 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
TacomaSailor's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Punta Gorda, FL
Posts: 270

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix road bike, Stumpjumper Comp hardtail, Trance X2 FS mountainbike

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
My close friend and bicycle riding partner since 1968 had a knee replacement in 2008. He was a serious bike rider (road and mountain) and a very serious and high level practitioner of Yoga. He was in great shape before the knee surgery. Ex ski racer and runner - very bad osteoarthritis.

He had NO choice about the TKR - his worst knee developed Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition (CPPD) (pseudo gout) which leads to to severe, painful attacks or chronic (long-term) pain and inflammation. Over time, joints may degenerate, or break down, resulting in chronic disability. Medical treatments were of no benefit and he was unable to walk or sleep, even after taking heavy narcotic pain medication.

His TKR solved the CPPD problem but adhesion's (scar tissue build up) have severely limited his ability to bicycle or hike after a full recovery from the surgery. He has had two followup surgeries to remove the adhesion's but still can not pedal with clipless pedals. No person could have possibly worked harder than he did to facilitate his recovery but it just didn't happen.

He does not regret the surgery, he really had not choice, but is very disappointed that his bicycle riding and yoga work is now so limited.

My father was also very active on the bike and hiking trails, at age 75, when he had both knees replaced and was still hiking and riding just before his death at 87. He was very pleased with the long term results and you could hardly tell his knees were not natural.
TacomaSailor is offline  
Old 10-20-13, 02:00 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
metalheart44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Northwoods, Wisconsin
Posts: 702

Bikes: Holland Exogrid & Holland HC

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 98 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Thanks TacomaSailor, very helpful information. Your second post about your friend's outcome is one I have heard from several folks who have had TKR. The scar tissue, reduced range of motion, and continuing pain were problematic and limited their involvement in athletic activities. Although the surgery is generally said to be "successful" about 90% of the time, it is not always what is expected.

While I can cycle a fair amount, walking any distance more than 1/4 mile and my pain score goes up and I need to ice and spend time off my feet. I do not stream fly fish any more because I am unstable walking over rocks and standing on uneven ground results in pain that gets me off my feet. There are other aspects of daily life and recreation that are compromised, but are those enough? That is the general question that is a struggle for me to answer. In general, I would rather wait until I do have to beg for the surgery, but other times I go looking for the chain saw to cut the blankety blankety thing off.

I had a cortisone shot Friday. I have had six or so, some have worked some not. Did the Supartz/Synvisc type injections with some mild relief, but nothing dramatic. It is just a matter of living with the discomfort and functional compromise in some areas of life.

Your response was especially helpful, thanks....
metalheart44 is offline  
Old 10-20-13, 02:32 PM
  #22  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Columbia, TN
Posts: 24

Bikes: Trek Domane 5.2,Trek 2300, Specialized Carve Comp

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I had both done at the age of 51 on July 23, 2012. I always thought I would have it done much later, but quality of life sucked. Had them both done at the same time and my surgeon has done over 5000 surgeries, so he knows what he's doing. It wasn't fun, but I wouldn't do it any other way. One rehab and you don't have to think about going back for another one. As for when to do it? I always tell everybody that you will know when you need to do it because you look at your life and it has become defined by the condition of your knees. Think long and hard about it and do what you think is right for you. Prepare yourself mentally and physically. The hardest part for me was the inability to sleep reliably for a couple of months, but now I know it was a great decision for me. Good luck!
Nashzel is offline  
Old 10-21-13, 12:02 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
metalheart44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Northwoods, Wisconsin
Posts: 702

Bikes: Holland Exogrid & Holland HC

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 98 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
" As for when to do it? I always tell everybody that you will know when you need to do it because you look at your life and it has become defined by the condition of your knees. Think long and hard about it and do what you think is right for you."

Glad your surgery has improved your quality of life. Your comment above is one I hear from a few people who have also had the surgery and from my doc as well. There are also those folks who prefer to wait until walking and other activities require a cane or walker or their pain prevents them from sleeping and staying focused in daily life. Then, there are those who say that they have just enough diminished capacity and quality of life that they prefer the surgery earlier so that they have more time to return to a more normal quality of life than they have with compromised knees. Most of the successful operations appear to improve quality of life and preserve the ability to cycle, a big issue in my decision process. And, then there are the example such as the one noted my TacomaSailor who have the surgery and complications result in a more limited range of activity than prior to surgery or in some cases worse pain, the inability to cycle, and limited mobility.

So, the lesson I take away from the experiences shared above is that for me, if I can manage the pain, continue the important activities of daily life, and cycle at my current level and continue to improve, then I will postpone the surgery as long as I can. The cortisone shot I had late last week is giving me some relief and I am going to ease back into riding this week with 30, 35, 40, and 45 mile rides. Then next week try some climbing rides and at the same time stack fire wood, plant the winter garden, trim up the orchard, fix the irrigation for the winter, clean my gutters before it rains again, and along the way assess how my knees/pain are doing.

Gotta go now, time for a ride.
metalheart44 is offline  
Old 10-22-13, 07:48 PM
  #24  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Columbia, TN
Posts: 24

Bikes: Trek Domane 5.2,Trek 2300, Specialized Carve Comp

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by metalheart44
" As for when to do it? I always tell everybody that you will know when you need to do it because you look at your life and it has become defined by the condition of your knees. Think long and hard about it and do what you think is right for you."

Glad your surgery has improved your quality of life. Your comment above is one I hear from a few people who have also had the surgery and from my doc as well. There are also those folks who prefer to wait until walking and other activities require a cane or walker or their pain prevents them from sleeping and staying focused in daily life. Then, there are those who say that they have just enough diminished capacity and quality of life that they prefer the surgery earlier so that they have more time to return to a more normal quality of life than they have with compromised knees. Most of the successful operations appear to improve quality of life and preserve the ability to cycle, a big issue in my decision process. And, then there are the example such as the one noted my TacomaSailor who have the surgery and complications result in a more limited range of activity than prior to surgery or in some cases worse pain, the inability to cycle, and limited mobility.

So, the lesson I take away from the experiences shared above is that for me, if I can manage the pain, continue the important activities of daily life, and cycle at my current level and continue to improve, then I will postpone the surgery as long as I can. The cortisone shot I had late last week is giving me some relief and I am going to ease back into riding this week with 30, 35, 40, and 45 mile rides. Then next week try some climbing rides and at the same time stack fire wood, plant the winter garden, trim up the orchard, fix the irrigation for the winter, clean my gutters before it rains again, and along the way assess how my knees/pain are doing.

Gotta go now, time for a ride.

That's the correct answer. Like I said, you'll know. As for the possibility of complications, they are real and they are possible. When you do have them done, get yourself a good ice machine( the kind with a nice chest and a pump- they even have them with a "Y" fitting so you can ice both knees at the same time) they are so much more efficient than ice bags. I have a Breg Kodiak. That thing saved my bacon. You might want to get one now since icing those joints can really hold off the pain and help you sleep, it might buy you some more time. Also, there is a great website forum called "bonesmart". There are tons of threads from people in all different situations related to knee replacement both pre and post surgery. It helped me a bunch both before during and after my journey. Good luck and ride it like you stole it!
Nashzel is offline  
Old 10-24-13, 10:03 PM
  #25  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
metalheart44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Northwoods, Wisconsin
Posts: 702

Bikes: Holland Exogrid & Holland HC

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 98 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by Nashzel
That's the correct answer. Like I said, you'll know. As for the possibility of complications, they are real and they are possible. When you do have them done, get yourself a good ice machine( the kind with a nice chest and a pump- they even have them with a "Y" fitting so you can ice both knees at the same time) they are so much more efficient than ice bags. I have a Breg Kodiak. That thing saved my bacon. You might want to get one now since icing those joints can really hold off the pain and help you sleep, it might buy you some more time. Also, there is a great website forum called "bonesmart". There are tons of threads from people in all different situations related to knee replacement both pre and post surgery. It helped me a bunch both before during and after my journey. Good luck and ride it like you stole it!
These ae very useful comments, especially from one who has had a knee replacement. I do frequent Bonesmart and a post of mine there generated this thread. I find the folks on Bonesmart very helpful and full of information. However, my impression is that they are folks who may be walking with canes or walkers or otherwise very compromised in their daily life. While I have times when I am VERY compromised, there are other times when I am not. For example I went for a ride slightly over a week ago wherein I experienced pain for a large portion of the ride. Then, I had a cortisone shot last Friday and decided to press the limits of the injection and see if it could make me reach a decision. I am still in that decision process. Today I did a 40 mile ride and averaged 18.2 (at least according to my Garmin 500) and I had some mild discomfort during parts of the ride. Then, I backed off, geared down, and moved on. I came home. climbed up on the roof, cleaned gutters, and raked leaves in the yard, jobs that would usually put me down for the day. But, tonight I have mild discomfort that I is workable. So, I plan to do some more "testing the limits" the next week or so, starting tomorrow with a longer ride and then some hills on the weekend. When my knee feels ok, I think the replacement should be delayed. When it hurts, I want it cut off NOW. There just is not a clear pattern for me to make a comfortable decision. So, that is the origin of my interest in folks who were active in riding and daily life activities and then decided to move ahead with TKR.
metalheart44 is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.