the engine

I posted in long distance last fall about a project I started, Tek-Knees Cycling Project.

I ride with double knee replacements. I am doing brevets, centuries and gran fondos. But, the intention of the project is to share my experience regarding knee replacements, and in particular cycling with knee replacements.

I just posted a new article on my site called "Rehabilitation and Cycling With Knee Replacements"; https://www.tek-kneescycling.com/reha...d-cycling.html

If there is anyone you know, or yourself, who has or may need knee replacements I'm willing to share a dialogue regarding my experience ... especially cycling with knee replacements. Feel free to check the site out and pass it along to others.

Thanks ... http;//www.tek-kneescycling.com

JanMM

Very interesting. Especially to an RN who regularly looks at the medical records of patients in for total knee replacement surgery. (In search of quality data.) I never know what happens to these folks post-discharge.
Good to hear what is possible with new parts, good care and hard work. Keep riding!

Imabmwnut

I'm new to cycling but have been skydiving since 01. A friend that I jump with had knee replacement surgery and after the PT got back in the air and has had no problems with it. I think it depends on the individual and how much we want to do what we enjoy.

the engine

I have heard of people playing basketball and doing non-competitive martial arts without any problems. It is about the reward for doing something you love verses risk to damage the prosthesis and have to have it repaired. I have never jumped from a plane so I can't objectively judge the risks. I suspect the risk for a jumper is higher than a cyclist. Is skydiving worth the risk? To a skydiver, I would say it is.

My surgeon told me early on not to do anything to "concuss" the knees. No running, jumping, hard twisting or turning. He may have been overly cautious in his directive. He knew I was a cyclist, which is one reason he did both knees at the same time. So I could get back to full on riding as soon as possible. Fortunately for me, cycling is low impact and presents a small risk of injury to the knee structure. I was told of a patient who chose to go skiing after knee replacements. That person did have to go back in for repairs, and had to go through the rehabilitation precess all over again. I don't know if they continued to ski after that or not.

As you alluded, it's up to the individual to weigh the risk verses reward, and to decide how far they are willing to push the fun meter for something they love to do. I can not fathom the idea of going through the whole process all over again ... cycling pushes my fun meter to eleven. I'm good with that.

Props to your friend for continuing to do what they love. Had the choice not been made to have the replacements, they might not be having any fun at all right now.

rgc52

Great read! I'm 61 and just had TKR on my right knee 0n 03/06/2014. In the hospital for 1 week( 3 days surgical recovery and 4 days transitional floor) . I started out patient PT this past week, I can drive and I'm walking on my own(carry my cane just in case) . Therapist has me on the stationary bike(easy pace) for about 10 min. each time. I'm able to get my leg completely flat and I can bend it 110 Degrees. Therapist promised me we will be stepping up my program next week My DR. said my only restrictions are no running or basketball,everything else is ok.

OldTryGuy

It's really great reading about success stories and they are very inspirational to individuals in similar situations. While running might be something one would have second thoughts about, speed walking and swimming are low impact and can add tremendously to the overall fitness of a cyclist.

Nightshade

I also have 2x knee implants so I will add that the success of any medical procedure, i.e. knee or hip replacement, will vary greatly from person to person.

the engine

It's great to hear of other success stories. I know a lot of people have knee replacements these days. There are many hip replacement recipients out there also. The medical technology of joint replacement is fantastic. Giving many the chance of a sort of re-birth.

Everyone has a different experience. I saw a women in rehab who was walking with a cane in just a week, having had both knees done. I myself took much longer. My surgery was difficult. I was in for 5.5 hours ... typically the surgery takes 1.5 hours per knee. My surgeon went through 6 saw blades and 3 batteries on his moto-tool. He said I had the strongest bone he'd ever encountered. I did drink my milk growing up. I had a bit more recovery to do than the usual patient might.

The real key is to get out and be mobile. Whether choosing to cycle, speed walk, or swim, low impact is important, doing exercise is most important. Whatever you do, get out and use your knees (or hips).

My guess is that in this 50+ forum there are a fair amount of folks either with joint replacements, or who may need them one day. If you are feeling like you are on the verge of a replacement, don't hesitate. Your quality of life right now is diminishing, and will only get worse. I know, I have been in your shoes. The rewards are WELL worth the inconvenience of the surgery and rehabilitation.

lubers

I'm scheduled to get my total knee replacement in two weeks, kinda nervous cause I hate doctors and pain (had too much when I was a kid) but can no longer make it thru the day walking so its time. Doctor told me that biking will be the best for rehab. Also told him I have a couple of golf outings to do in ten weeks he just smiled and said we'll see.

Miami Biker

Had right knee TKR about 9 years ago. Moved to Florida 5+ years ago and put 16,000 pain free miles on bikes. Now have road bike and do 5,000 or more miles, averaging 50 miles per trip this year.

Everyone is different, however TKR not a problem for me. Wish all those well who do it and strongly suggest active work to build your strength.

Ed