oceanrider

Thanks for the insight into the future. I know I'll get back to my previous abilities again and hopefully beyond. It's just the here and now person that's staring back at me in the mirror I'm not too happy with. See, swimming is my alternate form of working out and that's been denied me also. These past 3 weeks I've probably put on 10 lbs but no way am I going to step on the scale to add to this pitiful pity party that's thankfully coming to an end. Wednesday I'll be ok'd for swimming again and I'll also be ok'd for 20 minute easy mile rides on my ATB as I come to the two week post-surgery mark. No bridges or inclines yet but I can work around that. I've been doing straight leg extensions and range of motion exercises and the doc has recommended a cortisone injection in two weeks. I think I'll probably be getting them regularly like a two or three times a year. Those things give me the heebeejeebees with those long needles. Last time the dude hit something and I had to be peeled off the ceiling.

I've been cautioned about the future use of road bikes because of the knee bend required on the pedal upstroke as there is an area of bone on bone arthritis. Glucosamine chondoitin might be a big help here and I'll be using that stuff religiously.

Anyone else been cautioned about the type of bike?

oceanrider

Post surgery 17 days. After logging around 15 miles last week, this week I logged 30. Got back on the road bike for the first time on Friday. It felt great. This morning was the best so far at 11 miles probably averaging 13mph. I took one break but it was due to the heat, not the knee. Next week I'm going for 45.

The knee is much more functional with less pain than before I had surgery but it clicks often where the meniscus was excised. It doesn't hurt but I know it's not a good thing.

RWTD

FWIW I had a similar clicking in one knee some time ago sustained from sprinting down mountains on foot.I never checked it out with a doctor but if I properly warmed up the knee including taking it through a range of motion in the air(so called clicking it out)it would be ok but after to much stress it would get tight againand start the clicking.I very rarely experience this now which I credit to strengthening my knees and leg since then.From my limited medical knowledge I understand this to be some sort of rubbing which others have said is not harmful but as I stated above in my case seemed to indicate the knee was tight.

Rigid

Gadzooks! When I joined this forum I had no idea the most commonly occurring word would be 'knee'. It's been fascinating reading through your story, oceanrider (we've compared scars over in the Training section [Edit - hey, this IS the Training section!]), but I feel compelled to add a general point about leg extensions, by which I mean those machines found in most gyms. I've met physios who believe they should be banned and I tend to agree on the basis that I'm fairly certain the use of them contributed to my own knee catastrophe. Everyone's physiology is unique, but the stress on the patella tendon caused by these things is far too great. Avoid. Incidentally, since I resumed cycling my knees have never felt better, I even think the 'crunching' sound I hear when I walk up stairs has lessened. Done right, I don't think there's a better way to recover from a knee op. Or seven.

joeprim

OR
I tore (Ruptured) my left patella tendon the end of February 01. Grimm predictions of a summer on crutches. I was riding by May. In the mean time was therapy and yes it included stationary bikes as well as weights etc. What you are talking about is a much simpler proceedure. My daughter had it done in high school and has run a coupe of marithons since and is a marine.

Get it done and good luck.

Joe

oceanrider

Can't keep someone who's determined down. Good job Joe getting back up when you did. BTW, how did you blow your tendon?

Still less than a month since the surgery. No limp at all anymore but there's still some tenderness if I try to kneel on it therefore no kneeling yet. I can pray better from a sitting position in the saddle LOL. Last week I aimed for 45 miles which I attained. The clicking is lessening by quite a bit. This week my goal is only a modest 55 miles due to the exessive dog days heat. I need a better light system to do any serious night riding and I already spent my monthly cycling addiction allotment on tires, tubes and pedals for my new street machine previously known as the comfort bike.

Walking is much less painful now. I didn't realize how much pain I was enduring before I had this procedure. As for leg extensions, I do them but with no weight. My squats are half squats and I brace my back against the wall when I do them. I imagine it will be a full six weeks before I enjoy the total benefits.

joeprim

Sounds like you're doing great keep it up!

Joe

RWTD

For a cheap lighting system start with one of those clipon rear blinkers they are as cheap as $3(at Walmart) and are more important safety wise than a front light(I clip mine onto the belt of my fannypack.For a front light I just keep a maglite in my hand wedged on the handlebar that way if a car is in an intersection I can aim it at the car so it will definately see me (much better flexibility this way) and if no traffic I can leave the light off to save the battery and instantly click on if needed.Still be cautious at night and if uncomfortable dont hesitate to take the sidewalk.Evening is a great time to ride in Fl. in Aug.(man was it hot this afternoon)

oceanrider

I've got a good blinker already. It's the headlight that's kind of worthless. What's a maglite? Are you referring to a flashlight? I think I'm going to take a 3AM ride this morning to catch the Persoids (sp whatever) meteor shower. I'll ride as long as I feel comfortable. A1A is lit where I ride.

RWTD

A minimaglite would be one of those small powerful metallic flashlights with spot to flood (recommend AA not AAA ). If well lit like that is when I save the battery .A minimag is useful for camping due to size,weight and strong beam.The headlamps like Pretzel etc are also useful for biking and camping but are more expensive.I have used other small flashlights on the bike as well.Three is a little early for me unless im touring lol.I heard the shower was suppose to be a bust probably hard to see anything in SoFl anyway with all the light pollution.