zjrog

Since I have done something every evening for the past two weeks, took this evening off. Had therapy this afternoon. Thought I was done "breaking records" as my therapist calls it. I thought he was teasing me when he told me 140*. So I pushed one more. So, now I'm in rare territory. I KNOW not many get here. And I KNOW I won't get to have this ROM too many times. I wasn't trying to push for more. But I'm pleased to get there. Of course, my therapist found new excercises to pound my quads some more.

Will be discharged soon because I'm doing fine. I'm walking well. No pain, but some stiffness and swelling still. Stairs up and down are reasonable. And I'm thrilled to be on the bike again. EVEN if its just indoors on the trainer. I feel better each time I'm on it. I have so very much more work to do. A buddy reminded me today we're hiking next month. Short hikes. But longer by May.

Peter_C

Am sorry, but I do not remember if you got to 'zero' yet? Also, how long can you stand on that leg alone? And, if you stand on that leg alone, can you do it with no balence issues? What about with eyes closed too? Tying shoes yet?

140 is wonderful - just check it every so often now to make sure you keep it close to that

zjrog

Peter, I can balance for bette rthan a minute, though my balance decays rapidly past that (inner ear issues), less with my eyes closed. I have yet to time how long if holding for balance, hadn't seen a reason to yet. And been taking care of my laces for about a month or so. Getting easier too. 140 is phenomenal, so the extra 1 to make 141 was even better. And I wasn't REALLY trying like I did last week. Yes, I have Zero. In fact almost -1. MOST of my issues right now are the swelling, and stiffness if I don't move frequently. And of course, any muscle that has been worked in therapy reminds me its still there. I gave up the cane 8 days ago, even as a "mental" crutch. Should have lost it sooner, but it was one of the conditions of my "limited duty" for work. I still have limitations, but they are fewer as the weeks go by.

zjrog

I was rushed with the previous post. So let me fill in some. I still can't pull my left leg up like I can my right to put my socks and shoes on, but I can slip them on and tie them with a bit more work. It was a big day for me when I realized I could pull my foot back enough to tie my shoe. I think that about the 10th or so of Dec. It was that same time that I was getting good bending, but the Zero was elusive. I sat here many evenings with frozen gallon of water resting on my knee trying to hold it down.

My balance isn't bad, as long as I'm moving. The inner ear issues include hearing loss and I've had 2 surgeries. It just isn't going to get any better. I'm not real sure I could do a trackstand anymore While I might turn my old KHS roadie into a single speed, I doubt I do a fixie again anytime soon.

To get to the point of being measured at therapy, I spend 15 minutes on the excercise bike, sliding forward throughout the run. Then, 3 sets of 10 "leg press/squats" on the "Total Gym". These are very important as this gives me a lot of work towards the next one. Which is a "wall slide". This is done with a towel between my shoe and the wall, I lay on my back on the bench and have a 10lb weight on my ankle. I lower my foot as far as I can, then wiggle my foot a bit and let the weight pull me down a bit more. I stop when it hurts, and the push it back up the wall. After 12 or so of these, the therapist measures me. (I've often wondered if I'm going to break his bench, or knock down this false wall...) And then, lots of different quad killing routines. Then balance excercises. Therapy lasts 1.5 to 1.75 hours...

Funny, I *KNOW* I can be overly verbose at times, and yet find more to type...

Peter_C

You're doing great (of course, you know that) - the swelling will take a few more months to get completely under control - so don't sweat that too much. Just remember to not over-do it

As for the stiffness, I am 14+ months, and if I do not pedal at *least* ever -23 days I end up limping again, if I pedal for 30 minutes daily, then am only stiff for 3-5 minutes when I first wake. Also, it will be stiffer in the wintertime - just a fact to get used to. I use a neoprene stretch wrap (lightly - not tight) when sleeping, which keeps my knee *very* warm - again, *only* when sleeping~! I wake up with my knee damp from sweat, and frank won't even talk to me - it's great...just a thought

zjrog

I was given a suggestion, so, I went for a run in the pool yesterday. And got a blister in the middle of my foot for my troubles! On the other hand, there were some benefits to this. I got a good stretch out of my knees, I got some new motion into my knee and the low/no impact actually felt really good. The downside of course, was the blister. Never felt it start, and never felt it rip open and peel off. Even though the pool is short, I ran 17 laps and got about the best workout I've had in years. I think my wife thought I'd lost my my mind as I was grinning the whole time.

So I decided to go without my Ace wrap for the whole of the weekend. I really hate how it bunches behind my knee, and wondering if it is actually doing more harm than good when it comes to the swelling. (By holding the blood below my knee)

I might have made a big mistake though yesterday. I went to visit a couple different bike shops. Oh my... It was REALLY hard not to drool openly. So many nice machines I can't afford... Too many choices in every category. There was a BELT drive SS I liked until I saw the $800 price tag... No I didn't ride any but I threw a leg over a couple. (and the 11 speed Campy group is SWEET!) No, I'll make do with what I have for now. But I can dream. I am though seriously thinking a 29/26 of my Hoo-Koo-E-Koo might be in order for later this year, and the SS conversion of my old KHS roadie is a certainty.

Diet is going to be difficult at best. Here is why. Because of my wife's recent medical issues, she is having trouble KEEPING weight on. *I* have been working to get weight off. These two dietary needs aren't completely compatible. We can both benefit from higher protein levels, she needs more fats than I do. Where I am limiting starches and sugars, she needs more. This just isn't going to be easy. Some of what she needs can be augmented with supplements. But that gets expensive very quickly. And its hard to know what she can tolerate and can't. Again, its expensive if we buy something she can't tolerate, and few of these powders and such come in sampler packages...

This coming week in therapy is probably my last. Partly because I am doing "great" (yes, I'm reminded by my therapist and others), and partly because my insurance is complaining... (again, because I'm doing good) So this week we will begin work on core strength and making plans to get me to the gym (I'm already a member). My therapist is convinced I will do well on my own, since I have a desire to get on the bike, and to lose some weight. And I have in place what it should take to do both. And as much as I'd LOVE that extra couple degrees, my knee Stryker Triathlon) is designed for 150*. I've managed to hit 141* in two therapy sessions. I am only limited now it seems, by the tissue in my legs like muscles and the hamstring... And not much I can do about all that.

A week after my surgery I weighed 303 at home. This morning that same scale says 292. The scale at the gym last night said 296... I don't like that scale. It says what I don't like to hear, but it is likely more accurate than MY scale. I KNOW better than to weigh daily. And I don't. I also know weight fluctuates through out the day. On the other hand, 2 months and having lost and kept off 10 pounds or so is a pretty good start or, so I feel. More to do. And less sitting around.

It has finally warmed up some, and I might get some stuff moved around in my garage. My camping stuff is still there, and should be in the basement. And the back seats for my Jeep need to get back IN the Jeep. Unless my friend drags me out for more winter camping like he did LAST winter!


(Nearby weather monitoring station recorded -17* that night!)

I guess I need a roofrack or hitchrack to carry bikes on the Jeep. I never liked the strap-on kind for the hatch.

nutcase

Just had the Total knee replacement Jan 7th 2011. I was in the VA Hospital for 4 days,and released the morning of the the 5th day. My wife picked me up and we had to drive 300 miles to get home. It wasn't to bad. Been on the cpm machine since Jan 9th. I'm at 85 deg flex and 0 deg extension. The PT hurts and this machine sucks, but I ditched the walker today and went to the cane. It's been tough but I like the way the new knee feels. It's so smooth. Hope to be riding in awhile. Right now it's just pt pt pt pt,sleep eat repeat.

zjrog

In the first couple weeks, really don't overdo yourself. I wish nothing but good luck. Just remember, ICE is your friend right now. As much and as long as you can stand it. PT is the most important thing in your life for a bit. Don't skimp on yourself.

While I'm at it, my results aren't normal, I've been able to reach flex numbers very close to the limits of my knee. Everyone responds to PT differently. I look forward to hearing your progress.

Thanks for serving brother. PM me if you want my email.

Roger
USN, Retired

zjrog

Well, today is 10 weeks. And, my 48th birthday. Coincidental of course. Whats good is, I'm doing things again, I should have been doing all along. I'm going to miss therapy. I know that sounds odd. It was sorta fun. I have one more therapy appointment Wednesday. Tonight was interesting, new exercises and my glutes are going to hurt tomorrow. I'm going to have to get used to muscles being sore again. Didn't miss it, don't look forward to it. I spend time on the indoor trainer/hybrid, swim, starting weight training this week. I find myself sort of nervous about riding on the street yet. What if I fall on my new knee?

Seriously, wonder where I'll be in another 10 weeks...

So, I thought I might add a small pic of me riding a friends Schwinn Paramount MTB in, Hobart Tasmania.

About Feb of 97...

Peter_C

Time to reread this thread from the beginning. Right now, time, and rest, and PT are your friend - please do not do much besides... do not be in a hurry, and only do what the DRs and PT people tell you to. The time and work you put in in the next 5-10 weeks will determine how the knee works for the next 10-20 yrs. Am glad they finally got it done for you.

zjrog

And let the CPM machine do the work for you. It isn't any fun as you get closer to the limits of the CPM machine (depending on the unit, 110-115*).

Peter_C

I wonder? Are they new? Why didn't they use one on me? Talking about a "CPM Machine"??? I'd think it would help, I had to get my ROM all by myself. Story of my life, maybe on the next one...

zjrog

I have no idea how long the CPM has been around. Basically, lay down, strap your leg into the machine and set the angle and speed. They started me with the CPM the morning after my surgery and right after they walked me. It will bend you more than you can bend yourself those first weeks. Mine was delivered within an hour of getting home from the hospital, and just moments ahead of the home health nurse... And right as a co-worker was delivering a balloon bouquet... And cookies.

Peter_C

I imagine it made getting your ROM much easier than just bending it yourself. I spent hours hanging my leg by my ankle trying to get down to zero. Bending for me, was mainly an issue of getting the swelling down.

nutcase

Update on my knee. yesterday I set the cpm 0-95degs. It hurt the first couple of rotations and then started feeling ok. I didn't get on a cpm machine until the third day in the hospital. It was quite a cluster. When I did finally get it the nurse didn't know how to set it up. Once adjusted the thing broke. out of the first 4.5 days in the hospital I only got in 3 hrs at 45 degs. It was a real hassle with everything hooked up to me and trying to find a nurse who would come and put it on the bed. When it finally worked it would only work for about 5 minutes and stop. I feel I'm behind because of all of this, but the PT Gal says i'm doing fine, and that I should see 120degs at around two months. I'm really trying. I know it's all up to me now. It is feeling better, but still on pain meds. I still cannot change my sock on my leg that had the tkr, but can do most everything else. I read in here where Zjrog is like superman at 141* Dang that makes me feel like a wimp. I guess I have a lot of work to do.

zjrog

Seriously. My results are NOT normal. DO NOT feel you have to match. (Though if you do/can, thats awesome!!!) PLEASE read back through my posts and see where I was. I missed posting a good chunk of December due to my wife being in the hospital and having very little time. I DID make every PT appointment except one, which was an evening and I simply rescheduled for the follwoing morning. I had the chance to ustilize a very good friend for the home health PT, and she suggested my follow on Therapist.At the end of two weeks of home therapy, 110-115 is fantastic. DO NOT OVERDO THIS! I still have muscle issues that are going to take time to heal. I'm a big guy with lots of muscle that got highly agitated during the surgery. I can't rush it, but the swelling drives me NUTS!!!

Just remember, your results may vary, some settling may occur during shipment, shipped by weight not volume... And the warranty is 50' or 50 seconds... Good luck brother man!

zjrog

Peter, when I was working for the extension, I stated I had spent a lot of time with a milk jugg of ice sitting on my knee. But there was also a lot of time at therapy laying on my stomach with my leg out over the floor and 15# on the ankle. No fun, very painful. I had to "disappear" and find a mental happy place, which happened to be a bike ride where I CREAMED a roadie with my MTB (real story, happened when I was a very active cyclist!). Between the ice jugg and that portion of therapy I got to the nearly -1 extension. That was also the same time my quads were finally beginning to work properly and pull my kneecap up strongly.


Nutcase, it takes time for the quads to "feel" normal, and a bit longer before they really work right as well. I don't see a lot of folks mentioning there max ROM. I'm no "Superman", just having a lot of luck in therapy. Yes, the last couple weeks I did really push myself. With my therapist watching over me and stopping me at times. I've had support of family and friends, especially during the time my wife was in the hospital and rehab center.

You should see your doc in another week to 10 days. Depending on what the doc says, you can push some after that. Until then, do whatever exercises your therapist gives you. Again, *I* KNOW my results aren't normal. Please be careful but do all the work you need to do. You are not a wimp if you don't make 141... Do you know what knee you got?

As mentioned before, this evening was my last therapy visit. Yes, I pushed one last max bend. 141. This time I saw in a mirror where I was at and no really see what my therapist said about shoving my calf into my hamstring. Just no way to push through muscle. Didn't even think to take my cellphone camera in... My therapist insists I am welcome to drop in now and again to stretch if I need to. Or, if I just want to. So, now its all on me. This is going to be fun.

Neil_B

So zjrog, suppose a person were very ambitious. How long between going under the knife and getting in the saddle? My ill fated attempt to be a runner left me with two finish line photos and probable chondromalacia in both joints. Of course, I'll let my doctors suggest possible treatments, but I'd like you opinion of what I face if I have to take the most radical approach.

Peter_C

All kidding aside - this is true~! When I was in PT, there was another guy that had *both* knees done at the same time, and for no known reason, his left knee was running 3-4 weeks behind his right knee~! Everyone, and every joint heals at different rates. Remember, the first sign of pushing it too hard is increased swelling. As long as your Doctors are happy with you - be happy!! Do not compare you to anyone else - it's *NOT* a race

Also, my personal advice is do not be in a big hurry to get off the meds either. Less pain means better rest, means better PT sessions (take a pill 40 minutes before each session), and faster improvements. Just my nickel...

Mr. Markets

you have time, don;t push it. Your body has been thru some major trauma and needs to heal as it stretches. overdo it and you could have some form of a "re-do" or worse. And lastly, do NOT compare yourself to anyone else. that is plain ridiculous. You are you. You weight what you weigh, your height, age, fitness, flexibility, etc are all YOU. So worry about you for now...

nutcase

Thanks All for the support. I'm glad You guys are having good success. I wouldn't wish for anything less. I know when I'm in this forum I am surrounded with caring people, who wish nothing but that of sharing their experiences and trying to help out. I had a tough day yesterday with the bike and I paid for that the entire night. My leg was so tired I could hardly move it. No sleep. It's 0730 hrs and in 20 min I must start the PT again. My therapist says that My ROM is above normal, and that all my muscles are responding good. Better than most she Say's. It doesn't feel better than most I can tell you that. I get the staples out tomorrow,so maybe that will help the stretch a bit. Have a good day Guy's.

T

zjrog

Nutcase, you ARE a nutcase... Its WAY too early to even think about that bike. You REALLY need to let the muscles finish stitching back together. This is NOT the time to consider pain being weakness leaving the body. Pain now is BAD!!!! Your therapist is trained to get you moving, let her guide you. Its not a bad thing to be ahead of others, but it REALLY easy to hurt yourself and be BEHIND others quickly. If I had your phone number I'd call you and yell at you actually...

Neil, that time is dependent upon you and how you heal. Someone else here mentioned on a real bike on the street in 10 weeks. I've been on the exercise bike (for ROM) for over a month and my own bike (for ME!) on a trainer for less than two weeks. I don't know how you heal, you could be a week ahead of me or three weeks behind. VERY hard to say. This is MY 10th week and I feel strong and confident on my feet. I'm not ready to ride on the street yet though. Another week or two and lots depends on the weather here in Utah. But I'm in the gym and on the trainer. I could have returned to work after 3 weeks, but was back after 5 because of dealing with my wife's health issues...

If you are facing the need to replace a knee, go for it. *IF* you need it. Your quality of life will improve. I haven't taken ANYTHING for pain since mid December. Not even Tylenol. I kept thinking as long as I could use the gels and the cortisone injections I was OK. But once I was bone on bone, all it took was wrapping my head around the surgery. I had to wait longer than I wanted simply to save up vacation time at work. My doc has an excellent track record, he is consulted by Stryker themselves. He has taught and does seminars. A younger lady I know had her knees "cleaned" as she puts it, by Tiger Woods doc. THat was 8 months ago. She went back to him last week for another round. I understand she doesn't want the scars (she is pretty afterall...) but she is just putting off the inevitable. I think she needs to see my doc.

As stated, my results aren't normal. I'm OK with being ABnormal... Once in a while. I still have a lot to do for myself. But I think I'm going to be fine as long as I don't overdo things now. I just finished the two hardest parts. THe surgery and the physical therapy. Now I have to finish healing and get on with things.

Peter_C

Umm, what about your bike? Other than looking at it, you shouldn't even be touching it. What do you mean?

nutcase

I have a stationery recumbent bike(exercise bike) on my deck. She is just having me rotate the pedals forward and back wards as far as I can go. Not a full revolution. I'm only on it for about four min twice a day. It's giving me a pretty good stretch. She says this is equal to 2 hours of the cpm. I'd rather to the bike.

zjrog

If its with guidance, then I won't yell so loud I remember my home therapist bringing this little hand bike thingy over and THAT was murder. Still, the CPM is a good way to while away an hour or so at a time. And a WHOLE lot less stress... (On us!!!)