Knee replacement

[sodamo]

You're doing well, David.
So your all your PT is "unsupervised"?
I was given a script for supervised PT for 8 weeks after surgery. For the first 2 weeks, until I was given the OK to drive, the Physical Terrorist came to the house and put me through about 30 minutes of directed exercises focused on the knee. After I could drive, I went to a PT in town for an hour twice a week. Her office was connected to the Golds Gym and we did about 20 minutes of exercise focused on the knee in her office and then a 40 minute circuit on the machines, recumbent bike and eliptical.
For me, having the supervised PT was very beneficial - without it, I probably would have "fallen off the wagon" and wouldn't have the good outcome of the surgeries that I do.

Thanks
Yes, all self directed, except for the fact I have my own "Pterrorist" in house - no way would she let me skate or not tell the Dr if I tried LOL. She did PT for years when recovering from accident and I was there for her. Guess we just know the importance of it.
For this first 3 weeks while wound is healing, Dr doesn't want me hanging out anywhere I might pick up infection, espcially the staph/mrsa stuff.

I'm curious as to the driving. At this point my reaction time would be way off.

 

[sodamo]

Vernon

Curious as to how you are and your progress. Your infection cleared up?

Aren't boxers awesome!!!! We have 6 right now. Our oldest, Ruby, is a 10 1/2 yo female brindle. One of our youngsters, MacArthur, is a 4 1/2 mo brindle. I was a bit concerned, given how high enery and rambuncious boxers can be. They have been SUPER. First night home, I couldn't move without Flash, our 21/2 yo male being right there checking on me, even every trip to the bathroom. Kalani, mother of our 3 younguns, has talked to every new piece of equipment starting with the walker. Guessing she might be sensing my energy level changing and she doesn't like them hurting me. The younguns, Pele, 1 1/2 yo, Clementine and MacArthur are inquisative but respect my space. I'm sure they all await the night they are allowed back on the bed, but again, not a problem and noone has jumped on my leg in the dark of the night.

 

[texbaylea]

Vernon

Curious as to how you are and your progress. Your infection cleared up?

Aren't boxers awesome!!!! We have 6 right now. Our oldest, Ruby, is a 10 1/2 yo female brindle. One of our youngsters, MacArthur, is a 4 1/2 mo brindle. I was a bit concerned, given how high enery and rambuncious boxers can be. They have been SUPER. First night home, I couldn't move without Flash, our 21/2 yo male being right there checking on me, even every trip to the bathroom. Kalani, mother of our 3 younguns, has talked to every new piece of equipment starting with the walker. Guessing she might be sensing my energy level changing and she doesn't like them hurting me. The younguns, Pele, 1 1/2 yo, Clementine and MacArthur are inquisative but respect my space. I'm sure they all await the night they are allowed back on the bed, but again, not a problem and noone has jumped on my leg in the dark of the night.

I am coming along OK. The infection has set me back some. I have had a week of self guided PT and start out-patient PT Monday, probably will have 3 1hour sessions a week. for a month or 2. Then spread the sessions out some. My post surgery appointment with the surgeon will be next Friday. we will see how he thinks I am doing. Still a fair amount of pain.

We enjoy our Boxers! Our present one is Caleb. Our son is with us right now to help. He is self-employed so only needs his computer and the internet. Caleb has attached himself to our son, walks and runs with him, jumps up on him, but simply walks up to the side of my chair for some some petting. He seems to know when I am hurting the worst. Acts like a big puppy even though he is nearly 9 years old.

The last 4 Boxers are "rescues". When we are in need of a "new" Boxers our friends from the show circuits will turn up an older Boxer in need of a good home. Generally these are Champions no longer being shown and well trained.

Let's see, I think the next upgrade will be the right knee.

David it sounds out that you are doing well. Keep it up.

Vernon

 

[Bird]

Vernon, sounds like you're doing pretty well. I came home from the hospital on a Thursday and the home health care therapist came that Friday and Saturday, then Monday thru Friday the next 2 weeks; 30 to 45 minutes at a time for a total of 14 times. Then I went to out patient physical therapy 3 days a week, about an hour each time, for a month; started 9/20/2010 and finished 10/22/2010. I never had any infection so, yep, that's a bit of a set back for you that I didn't have.

 

[sodamo]

I am coming along OK. The infection has set me back some. I have had a week of self guided PT and start out-patient PT Monday, probably will have 3 1hour sessions a week. for a month or 2. Then spread the sessions out some. My post surgery appointment with the surgeon will be next Friday. we will see how he thinks I am doing. Still a fair amount of pain.

We enjoy our Boxers! Our present one is Caleb. Our son is with us right now to help. He is self-employed so only needs his computer and the internet. Caleb has attached himself to our son, walks and runs with him, jumps up on him, but simply walks up to the side of my chair for some some petting. He seems to know when I am hurting the worst. Acts like a big puppy even though he is nearly 9 years old.

The last 4 Boxers are "rescues". When we are in need of a "new" Boxers our friends from the show circuits will turn up an older Boxer in need of a good home. Generally these are Champions no longer being shown and well trained.

Let's see, I think the next upgrade will be the right knee.

David it sounds out that you are doing well. Keep it up.

Vernon

Vernon
Sounds like you are doing well and you have a handle on the infection.

Went out to breakfast this morning snd a friend commented that I'm already walking better than before surgery

My surgeon has told me I have to be mindful of twisting motions and weight. I can see where either could be problematic once I get back into the "doing" mode.

I guess I didn't realize how out of shape I got with the knee, but I already feel a positive difference overall. First couple of days on the treadmill and bike was a wake up call to muscles in both legs LOL.

Our 2nd male, Jack, was a rescue. We got him at 9 months and we were his 4th home. Turned into a wondetful dog. When we got him, he jumped thru the window of our tacoma pu right into my wife's lap. He'll be gone 3 years this March and I still miss him and will call his name when talking with the others. Boxers just don't live long enough.

 

[Bird]

My surgeon has told me I have to be mindful of twisting motions and weight.

I know I need to lose weight, although my surgeon has never mentioned it, but I've not been able to tell my weight has any effect on my knee. However, twisting motions have, on several occasions, brought on a screaming pain that fortunately usually doesn't last long. Nine days ago, I was getting down in the floor in a tight spot between pieces of furniture to open the case on my computer and clean it a bit and I turned that knee too far the wrong direction. The severe pain was only a second or two, but it's been sore ever since. So I know you do want to watch that.

 

[sodamo]

I know I need to lose weight, although my surgeon has never mentioned it, but I've not been able to tell my weight has any effect on my knee. However, twisting motions have, on several occasions, brought on a screaming pain that fortunately usually doesn't last long. Nine days ago, I was getting down in the floor in a tight spot between pieces of furniture to open the case on my computer and clean it a bit and I turned that knee too far the wrong direction. The severe pain was only a second or two, but it's been sore ever since. So I know you do want to watch that.

LOL OK, I should clarify. My surgeon was referring to moving/carrying heavy objects - moving rocks seems to be his primary example. That said, he has made reference to MY weight, but not a big deal. I know a guy that his Dr refused to operate until he lost at least 25 lbs. My first exam, he sorta patted my tummy and started to say something, but I beat him to it. My preop office visit, as I was leaving he had a comment about 3rd trimester and I replied that i had been considering names but quit. Preop I weighed in at 276, my heaviest ever and due to my declining activity level. I'm looking forward to the day I can take the dogs and walk about the property. I'll be looking to find me a good guava walking stick.

 

[Bird]

I know a guy that his Dr refused to operate until he lost at least 25 lbs.

I have a cousin who told me one of his neighbors' doctor refused to replace his knee until he lost 40 pounds, but I have no idea what the guy weighed.

I wish I had some really reliable scales, but don't want to spend a fortune. Our "bathroom" scales go to 300, but when they showed me at a little under 230, my doctor's scales showed 240. But mine are now down to 220 and the last time I was in my doctor's office, his scales showed 234. So I haven't lost much.

Life's sometimes unfair, ain't it? I can remember when I weighed 150 and tried hard to get up to 175. I ate a lot, and drank lots of milk shakes. In fact, I finally succeeded and weighed 178 when I started on the police department in 1964. Now I'd just like to get back down around 190.:laughing:

 

[sodamo]

I have a cousin who told me one of his neighbors' doctor refused to replace his knee until he lost 40 pounds, but I have no idea what the guy weighed.

I wish I had some really reliable scales, but don't want to spend a fortune. Our "bathroom" scales go to 300, but when they showed me at a little under 230, my doctor's scales showed 240. But mine are now down to 220 and the last time I was in my doctor's office, his scales showed 234. So I haven't lost much.

Life's sometimes unfair, ain't it? I can remember when I weighed 150 and tried hard to get up to 175. I ate a lot, and drank lots of milk shakes. In fact, I finally succeeded and weighed 178 when I started on the police department in 1964. Now I'd just like to get back down around 190.:laughing:

Ain't that the truth!!!!! I graduated HS at 5'10", 145lbs wanting to be 6',200lbs. Finally made it when I was about 19. Then I got to spend most of my Army career in fear of the overweight program. Had a commander who took pleasure with surprise weigh-ins, but I always came in a pound or two under limit. By the time I retired, i was allowed 203 due to my age.
We don't have a good scale either, actually we don't have any except a 35lb postal . I'll be paying attention Tues when i visit Dr to get my staples rmoved. I think if I got back down to 220-225 I'd be pleased and healthy. Two years ago, I was pretty steady around 240.

 

[dmccarty]

...

Life's sometimes unfair, ain't it? I can remember when I weighed 150 and tried hard to get up to 175. I ate a lot, and drank lots of milk shakes. In fact, I finally succeeded and weighed 178 when I started on the police department in 1964. Now I'd just like to get back down around 190.:laughing:

Ain't that the truth. Though I want maybe 185. I think if I got down to 180 I would be a stick. :laughing::laughing::laughing:

I have been really watching what I eat for two years now. Nothing really different except portion sizes. I managed to loose 10-15 pounds and keep it off. Before I started this two years ago I bought a new belt that had five holes. I could barely squeeze into the second hold. Before Thanksgiving I was easily in the last hole on the belt and thinking about buying a new belt. :thumbsup:

The Christmas vacation hit and I was home and bored. I could not work as much as I wanted due to the weather so no exercise which led to four pounds added. That last belt hole is tight.

I think my diet problem now is beer. I refuse to drink a bad tasting beer and good tasting stuff has some calories. So I started mixing my own drinks. I did this 20 years ago when I was loosing weight.

Mixing drinks aint booze. Years ago I would take bit of OJ and put in a Seltzer bottle and charge it with CO2. This gave me something I liked to drink but with few calories. I still have that Seltzer bottle but this time I just buy Club Soda at the store and mix it with a bit of OJ. Faster and I think cheaper.

I pounded down three of these "mixed" drinks last night. :laughing: Maybe 100 calories. I did not even drink a beer! :shocked::laughing:

Drinks, be it sodas, beer, OJ, milk, etc really are easily consumed calories that add up quick. For years I would drink OJ for lunch. I sure which I could take those OJ calories back. I get H20 now. :laughing:

Later,
Dan

 

[sodamo]

DR office visit today, not my surgeon, just the regular clinic to remove my staples. Good comments from both nurse and Dr as to great appearance of my incision - made me feel good. Even better, before the staple extraction, I weighed in at a loss of 5 lbs. Gee another -50 and I'll have it made LOL

Sure can relate with the beer. Except for when stationed in Germany, I swilled down the various flavors of light/lite in an effort to cut the calories. Yes, even all those years when I was running 2,3,5 or more miles /day. I tried various concoctions over the years. When training for a marathon, I liked lemon juice and water on ice (no sweetner). The right mix was thirst quenching. Was still 200lb on marathon day.

Since moving here, drinking decent beer is one of my luxuries. I keep 2 5 gallon kegs from the local brewery on tap. Usually 1 is a dark ale, the other a lager or pale/amber. Haven't had one since operation. People do bring the popular national brands to the house and manage to leave some behind. They come in handy when grilling.

I've decided to bite the bullet and get my own recumbent exercise bike. Pick it up at Sears tomorrow. I'm assuming they will load it into the truck. Still have to figure out unloading and assembly LOL.
I figure probably 3 good justifications:

1. Rehab on the knee will be ongoing for a spell.
2. The exercise is likely good for my still natural knee.
3. I can see where appropriate use with be a critical part of my weight control.

I've cut my pain meds to 5mg 4X day with 2 aspirin and 2 800 mg ibprofen.
Try to do my PT while the dose is in effect, between hour 1-2.5. So far, so good.

Walking about the house, I've forgotten the cane a couple of times. One time was a bathroom trip, I got almost there, realized I didn't have it, walked back and retrieved it then back to bathroom - DUH.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

 

[Bird]

That all sounds very familiar, David. I lost 6 pounds after the surgery, according to my primary physician's scales.

I used to be a beer drinker, but I think the 8 or 10 beers in the shop refrigerator have been there well over a year; maybe 2 years. I think I drank one or two last year. A cold beer is pretty good after a hot job like mowing the yard in the middle of the summer, but a bottle of cold cider is just as good. I usually have a glass of Sangria every afternoon now.

The home health care nurse removed my staples here at home 10 days after the surgery.

It was about 29 days after the surgery before I bought this recumbent bike. Sears loaded it into my little Ranger pickup and I have a two-wheeled dolly that I used to get it around the house and into the shop. Assembly instructions say it takes 2 people to assemble, but it actually does not, if you're careful. Although a second person might be some help. I have a roll around stool so I was able to do most of the assembly sitting down, and there was nothing complicated about it.

Incidentally, I noticed in the reviews for the recumbent bike that most people were happy with it, but one said his had a 90 day warranty and broke after 100 days and would cost more to fix it than it was worth. When I bought mine, I paid an extra $50 for their extended, in home service, warranty. So far (nearly 4 months), not a single problem with it.

 

[texbaylea]

Concerning recumbent bikes I have ordered a Schwinn 240. I am expecting it to be easily adjustable so both of us can use it. Plus the easy pass through makes that better for us.

Vernon

 

[dmccarty]

My OJ and Club Soda concoction is working pretty good. Very good tasting. I think people just like CO2 when the drink. :laughing:

I have not had a beer in two days. I wonder if I lost 5 pounds yet?

I surely do not want to have knee replacement to loose 5 pounds. :laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

Later,
Dan

 

[Bird]

Concerning recumbent bikes I have ordered a Schwinn 240. I am expecting it to be easily adjustable so both of us can use it. Plus the easy pass through makes that better for us.

Vernon

Vernon, I figure Schwinn products should be hard to beat. I visited Sports Authority, Academy Sports, Second Hand Sports, and talked to a number of people including my physical therapists before buying. I think they all gave me the same advice and I took it . . . Sit on it awhile before you buy it and see if it's going to be comfortable. I did see some that just seemed like too much trouble to change the adjustment, and I think I have the best bike for that. But you do have to pick a foot up to step over to get on mine. And of course some were just too expensive for me. My physical therapists have a nice one, but it's about $2,000 and I didn't figure I needed one that good.:laughing:

 

[texbaylea]

Vernon, I figure Schwinn products should be hard to beat. I visited Sports Authority, Academy Sports, Second Hand Sports, and talked to a number of people including my physical therapists before buying. I think they all gave me the same advice and I took it . . . Sit on it awhile before you buy it and see if it's going to be comfortable. I did see some that just seemed like too much trouble to change the adjustment, and I think I have the best bike for that. But you do have to pick a foot up to step over to get on mine. And of course some were just too expensive for me. My physical therapists have a nice one, but it's about $2,000 and I didn't figure I needed one that good.:laughing:

I have a Schwinn Airdyne that I have had for about 30 years but became difficult to get on as my knees got worse. For many years it has been the pinnacle of exercise bikes but no longer since it does not have all the programming features. I may sell it if I find it too difficult to get on when I recover.

Vernon

 

[Bird]

Vernon, my Sears recumbent bike has "ten preset trainer workouts. In addition, there are four calorie goal workouts. The console also features the new iFIT interactive workout system . . . which enables the console to accept iFIT cards." You'll notice that's quoted from the manual. Sure sounds impressive, doesn't it?:laughing: Maybe someday, but so far, I only use it in manual mode. The console displays it's estimate of speed in mph that I'm pedalling (usually 12.5 mph plus or minus a little), the distance I would have travelled, and the length of time I've been pedalling. It also displays pulse rate, which I suspect is highly inaccurate, and calories burned. It's real simple to adjust the resistance on the pedals and that's all I've done so far. I just start pedalling, turn up the resistance a bit, and pedal anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes at a time.

 

[sodamo]

...
I surely do not want to have knee replacement to loose 5 pounds. :laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

Later,
Dan

I seriously doubt any of us would recommend that as the preferred method LOL

 

[sodamo]

Vernon

Good to hear from you. Can we assume you've beaten the infection?