ive just come back from holiday during which time I had access to an excercise bike.... I spent ages on it and no way can I get right round! Really depressing! On the plus side I also spent ages exercising in the pool and think there has been some improvement but still nowhere near 90 degrees! 7 weeks po. I sometimes think I won't ever get there. Seeing surgeon in 5 weeks to discuss Miua but may see if I can see him earlier as I can't see things improving more than a little! Rant over, thanks for listening!!
Hi Kathryn. I too had trouble peddling on my stationary bike. I could not make a complete cycle so my therapist suggested that I peddle backwards first. That was much easier. That was when I was 3-4 weeks post right tkr. Once I was peddling backwards it was easier to get the bend for peddling forward. I really believe that the stationary bike was a big factor in improving my bend. My surgeon wanted to do the MUA at 5-6 weeks post as my bend was barely 100. I was stubborn and wanted to do this on my own. I am now 15 weeks post and my bend is 120. That is just my experience with this. I hope the best for you. By the way I am now able to ride my street bike which was my goal.
Hi carol, was glad to hear your story and of course you doing so much better. I'm at 16 weeks po 107/4 bend and stretch. My pt keeps saying I'll get there if I keep putting in the effort. I foregoed the mua as well. Hoping it wasn't a mistake. I keep trying with slow numbers of progression. It seems like Anytime I walk too much get awful swelling by end of day and sometimes don't do my evening exercises... Hurts too much and don't want it to swell further. It took me a long time to get that revolution on the bike, but finally got it. U made it sound like I still got hope. This recovery process is more than I ever would have imagined. Glad to hear your numbers are up, do u still have the swelling?? Just wondering, best .... Kathy p.
hi Kathryn. Just for additional info, my recovery has been slow, but the numbers have been going up 107/4 two weeks ago. Three weeks ago I finally got the revolution on the bike. I suggest researching into the mua through this website and others, different results for different people, then make a informed decision with your surgeon. I didn't think to do that till I read through the many stories people share here. Don't worry about the ranting. Your allowed, that's what we're all here for. I promise better days will come your way. I'm thinking of investing into a stationary bike,( used). Sounds like it's the best for the knee. I'm Down to two days a week now with pt. so I know I got to do something about that. Sometimes I feel my daily life is centered around what exercise I should do next, Ahhhhhhh... ,! You'll be okay, patience is the key, your head can bring you down, don't let it, try to stay focused with good thoughts of healing., best, kathy p. 🍀🍀🍀 🍵🍵🍵 👼👼👼
Hi, Kathy! Sounds like you have that can-do spirit! I know you can too! I do hurt still so I take Tylenol and naproxen. My swelling seems to be more present than not. I am sitting now at work and the knee is swollen. I find that if I walk around the block on my break it helps the swelling. Riding the stationary bike really helps but I don't have one here 😒 Sounds like you have a wise PT. Mine said the same thing. We all need encouragement and believe me I also didn't know what all I was going to have to do after this surgery. You know we can do this!
I too have never had any success in using a bike on any sorts. The degree in which you have to bend and straighten is too much for my knee. I have a lesion on the inside of my knee around my cruciate ligaments. LPVN. I see a surgeon next month to remove it. I have had great success in the pool. No matter what my ailments have been over the years. It is a good place to exercise, since it is non weight bearing.
hi allyfl, from kathy p in fl wpb. i was wondering if there are certain types of exercises you do in the pool. i dont have a pool at my physio/or PT. just wondering if you could share. thanks for any additional info. i think im winding down on pt in next couple of weeks, doing strengthening exercises now (of course plus my stretches). They took me for a loop last week, think i did too much and my knee swelled up BIG for two or 3 days. now much better, me thinks i go slow on those. anyway, i hope you are feeling better and will pray for healing going your way, best, kathy p.
we have "craigslist", lookin for a used (prefer foldable), you know how some people can get (including myself), buy a piece of exercise equipment and 3 - 6 months to a year down the road, it just sits there. so im hoping to find a farely good one online. we also have garage sales, and other opportunities like that. i saw yesterday, a few for $50 u.s. money, used and in somewhat good shape??? best of luck to you on your health and keep up the good work.....
Hi
I do not have a particular excercise. I swim as best as I can without bending my leg to much. I also have a kick board that I will do planks on for my core. I decompress my spine ..... This keeps the rest of me fit. Depending on where I am with my pain, I will sometimes just move it in the water without having weight and gravity to contend with. I also will just try to squat while in the water if it is really stiff. I will use the stairs to go up and down with it just a bit. It has varied over the years. I just find it is all easier while you are in water. I have always been a swimmer. I think that is the apeal to me. But, I have been able to get some form of exercise no matter where I have been after and before past surgeries. There are days when I just cannot do anything. So therefore, I just do not. I do not beat myself up about it anymore. I know I can try it again another day. All the best to you!
thanks ally, will try using the kick board, never thought of that, i hear you... im still working on the "beat myself up" process, i found some success today, last day/dischared from therapy. finally reached 110 degree bend and stretch 2 or 1. never thought i could/would make my goal. this has taken from surgery date of march14, so its been a haul (like many others)... yes everyone there is hope, just keep up with your exercises. i believe you all will achieve your goals if you keep at it, best... kathy p