Fake knees, who's got 'em?

[flashg]

Back in 1978 I tore the medial meniscus in my right knee, it was a bad tear and it was removed.
Present day and the knee has had enough of bone on bone and needs replaced.
ACC have no record's of this accident or paying for the operation or paying me while I recovered. I contacted Dunedin hospital and they don't keep records that long. It's like it never happened.
The good news is ACC have decided to pay for my operation and cover all my treatment costs and cover my wages 80% anyway so that's great.
Enough of that. My question is who's had total knee replacement ?
And how long before I can ride again ?
How long before it would be safe to go trail riding again ?
I'm 183cm and 81kg and reasonably fit and 58 years old.

[AllanB]

Both my inlaws have had them. In fact Mr just had a second set inserted.

[buggerit]

Back in 1978 I tore the medial meniscus in my right knee, it was a bad tear and it was removed.
Present day and the knee has had enough of bone on bone and needs replaced.
ACC have no record's of this accident or paying for the operation or paying me while I recovered. I contacted Dunedin hospital and they don't keep records that long. It's like it never happened.
The good news is ACC have decided to pay for my operation and cover all my treatment costs and cover my wages 80% anyway so that's great.
Enough of that. My question is who's had total knee replacement ?
And how long before I can ride again ?
How long before it would be safe to go trail riding again ?
I'm 183cm and 81kg and reasonably fit and 58 years old.

Best give it at least a week:scooter:

[nerrrd]

Sister had her other knee replaced a week and a half ago, she's got another week off at home and then back to half days at work the following week.

[ellipsis]

...dunno about knees but I know where there is a second hand american brain going cheap, never been used...

[Moi]

"I'm 183cm and 81kg and reasonably fit and 58 years old." - sounds like a line from a Lonely-Hearts Advert... :laugh:

Seriously, no personal experience with knee-replacement though had colleagues who had had one or both done and most up and about and back to 'normal' in 4 weeks, but none of them rode bikes let alone off-road.

Can tell about cataract replacement and eye sight saving surgery...

[Grumph]

From talking to friends who have had replacements, the key to getting back on the bike is achieving full angular movement with the replacement.
To do that, it's necessary to follow the physio to the letter...

And whatever you do, don't have both knees done at the same time as it's not physically possible to do enough physio to get full movement on both....

[Tazz]

My sister and mother have, and my father is due to get both done when he heads back to Ireland early next year (although maybe not both at once) and I have to be careful with what I do (haven't skied for years :weep:) to avoid have one too young (my sister was 19 when she had hers done).

Road to recovery was quite hard on both my mother and sister, but they both had a really good physio which made a huge difference, particularly my mother who got way more bend angle back than anticipated due to the physios aggressive (but not overly so) work as soon as possible after surgery.

I saw you mention somewhere else that you'd been told about a year to get back to trail riding? Everyone heals differently but from my familys experience that sounds about right, and even then you have to be careful. On the bike will be fine, it's the weird angles pushing on hills and the like that will catch you out.

[flashg]

To all that have replied, many thanks. I wasn't expecting such good and helpful comments and advice. Not long now ...............

[pritch]

My question is who's had total knee replacement ?
And how long before I can ride again ?


I had a partial L knee replacement. I did the exercises the physio gave me. The local Honda dealer had a new VFR on the floor so each week I went in to see if I could adopt a riding position. (My bike was away getting the suspension done.) It took just under a month before I could ride my own bike home.

Could ride the moped almost straight away.

Dunno about the off road bit.

[Berries]

I knew a guy with a wooden leg but real feet.

Excellent laugh at parties.

[cc rider]

I thought your post was "Fucked knees, who's got 'em?"

I do! I do!

Both have tendonitis, arthritis & fluid on them. Oh what fun.
2 knee replacements to look forward to apparently :woohoo:

Good luck with your recovery flashg. Consider getting a pr of POD knee braces. Or at least 1. Adjusted correctly for the movement range you require can make the difference between mobility & possible future damage. You might be able to claim it as an aid.

CC

[Tazz]

Good luck with your recovery flashg. Consider getting a pr of POD knee braces.

Now that's not a silly idea. Sinking $500-1000 into a good knee brace could see you back sooner. You won't really know until it's all happening though.

[Banditbandit]

Nothing fake about me ..

[neels]

My dad has had both of his done, one at a time as mentioned above, took a while but he's back to normal activity now.

[riffer]

Pretty sure my left knee isn't fake, but the collateral, medial, posterior and anterior cruciates have all been repaired, along with the cartilage. I have lovely titanium bolts in it.

And no, they don't set off the airport detectors. Dammit.

[Grumph]

Can tell about cataract replacement and eye sight saving surgery...

Was browsing the latest replies to this thread and this caught my eye...Cataract replacement ? Done by the Irish team who pioneered hernia transplants ?

[mulletman]

Ha you can hit up Kyle and get his brace :whistle:

[flashg]

Ha you can hit up Kyle and get his brace :whistle:


Yeah but he uses it and his knee was safe from his off on Sunday but his two ride old helmet perished, bugger

[flashg]

I thought your post was "Fucked knees, who's got 'em?"



I do! I do!



Both have tendonitis, arthritis & fluid on them. Oh what fun.

2 knee replacements to look forward to apparently :woohoo:



Good luck with your recovery flashg. Consider getting a pr of POD knee braces. Or at least 1. Adjusted correctly for the movement range you require can make the difference between mobility & possible future damage. You might be able to claim it as an aid.



CC


Knee braces or brace sounds like a fantastic idea. I will definitely check them out once I'm able drive and spend time browsing bike shops and drinking the coffee. Cheers
PS fucked knees does sound better, but we all have them to differing levels

[flashg]

Now that's not a silly idea. Sinking $500-1000 into a good knee brace could see you back sooner. You won't really know until it's all happening though.


I'll be loaded without spending money on bikes etc. The money saved will buy quality braces when the time comes.

[scumdog]

From talking to friends who have had replacements, the key to getting back on the bike is achieving full angular movement with the replacement.
To do that, it's necessary to follow the physio to the letter...

And whatever you do, don't have both knees done at the same time as it's not physically possible to do enough physio to get full movement on both....

Ahem, I had both done at the same time back in 2013, it took a year before I was 100% but was riding well before that, probably after 6 months. (But that was more to do with it being winter during that time.)

You never get full bend with the new knees so getting on the bike is a bit trickier - but I've still passed to P.C.T.s.

A lot of hard work and detemination was required to make a full recovery but it was worth it!:yes:

[scumdog]

Pretty sure my left knee isn't fake, but the collateral, medial, posterior and anterior cruciates have all been repaired, along with the cartilage. I have lovely titanium bolts in it.

And no, they don't set off the airport detectors. Dammit.


My knees do - so wearing shorts through the airports is a good idea..:msn-wink:

[Grumph]

Ahem, I had both done at the same time back in 2013, it took a year before I was 100% but was riding well before that, probably after 6 months. (But that was more to do with it being winter during that time.)

You never get full bend with the new knees so getting on the bike is a bit trickier - but I've still passed to P.C.T.s.

A lot of hard work and detemination was required to make a full recovery but it was worth it!:yes:

A quite well known, keen CAMS racer had both done at the same time a few years back. Never able to get back onto a race bike.Upright road riding position, yes.
Sadly he sold his race bikes and we don't see him now.

Age is probably a factor too, pretty sure he is well older than you.

[scumdog]

A quite well known, keen CAMS racer had both done at the same time a few years back. Never able to get back onto a race bike.Upright road riding position, yes.
Sadly he sold his race bikes and we don't see him now.

Age is probably a factor too, pretty sure he is well older than you.

BTW: Had a quick check, six months after the op I rode to Napier and back with no problems so I had actually been riding again before that.

[Moi]

Was browsing the latest replies to this thread and this caught my eye...Cataract replacement ? Done by the Irish team who pioneered hernia transplants ?

True, to be sure, 'tis them...

I knows what I means, even if some here have no idea what I means... :bleh::bleh:

[awa355]

So what do knee's made of these days? Plastic, steel, wood, gate hinge, chrome, Hi Gloss ?

[flashg]

So what do knee's made of these days? Plastic, steel, wood, gate hinge, chrome, Hi Gloss ?


Well if I have the time, I'll ask. Technology moves ahead, one would think they get better and better as time moves on. Hope I get a good one.

[Ocean1]

I'll need new ones sooner or later.

'Er indoors reckons you can't kneel on 'em. But she's an ex ED nurse, likes to creep me out.

[scumdog]

I'll need new ones sooner or later.

'Er indoors reckons you can't kneel on 'em. But she's an ex ED nurse, likes to creep me out.

You CAN kneel on 'em, feels kinda funny though, like yer kneeling on a piece of wet-suit.

[Ocean1]

You CAN kneel on 'em, feels kinda funny though, like yer kneeling on a piece of wet-suit.

Good to know. Gota be better than feeling like gravel too.

[flashg]

Well it's done, late this morning I got the new knee. Faaaaaaaarken pain like I've never experienced before, but all under control now.
I've been up on it already as I was told to, and that was better than I thought. Wearing my own pajama's now, great.
Bloody awesome reply's from you lot, keep them coming. Cheer's

[Moi]

Great news :niceone:

Just remember to "run it in" gently - not a case of "ride it like you stole it"... :laugh:

All the best.

[skippa1]

Well it's done, late this morning I got the new knee. Faaaaaaaarken pain like I've never experienced before, but all under control now.
I've been up on it already as I was told to, and that was better than I thought. Wearing my own pajama's now, great.
Bloody awesome reply's from you lot, keep them coming. Cheer's
Whats a pajama?

[flashg]

Whats a pajama?


Yeah well I sorta thought it was spelt wrong. I blame the drugs. And they do expect some sort of clothing to be worn

[skippa1]

Yeah well I sorta thought it was spelt wrong. I blame the drugs. And they do expect some sort of clothing to be worn
forget the speling.......its just..... Pyjamas.....who wears em?

[Blackbird]

I'll need new ones sooner or later.

'Er indoors reckons you can't kneel on 'em. But she's an ex ED nurse, likes to creep me out.

I'm in the same position, but the specialist has told me to come back and see him when I can't walk more than 100 metres at a stretch! However, he pushed me to cycle as much as possible and there has been a huge improvement. Whilst the weather was crap in winter, I put the mountain bike in a static frame and pedalled for up to an hour a day. Now the weather has got better, it's out on the road most days. The knees aren't ever going to be brilliant, but am pleased with the improvement.

[flashg]

forget the speling.......its just..... Pyjamas.....who wears em?


Yeah that'd be me, they are just shortie pyjamas and so comfortable.
Thanks for teaching me how to spell pyjama. I can now return the favour.
"Spelling" is spelt like that. I do think you knew that hahaha well done.

[Ocean1]

I'm in the same position, but the specialist has told me to come back and see him when I can't walk more than 100 metres at a stretch! However, he pushed me to cycle as much as possible and there has been a huge improvement. Whilst the weather was crap in winter, I put the mountain bike in a static frame and pedalled for up to an hour a day. Now the weather has got better, it's out on the road most days. The knees aren't ever going to be brilliant, but am pleased with the improvement.

Probably good advice. Balance to be had there, though, between the "use it or lose it" theory and the "only so many miles" theory.

Meh, I'll stick with what comes naturally, enough exercise to keep 'er indoors off me back and diligent experimentation with various alcoholic pain medications.

[Blackbird]

Probably good advice. Balance to be had there, though, between the "use it or lose it" theory and the "only so many miles" theory.

Meh, I'll stick with what comes naturally, enough exercise to keep 'er indoors off me back and diligent experimentation with various alcoholic pain medications.

Agreed but the medics push cycling because it's low impact but gives a wide range of movement. Yeah, I swear by the benefits of single malt too :whistle:

[flashg]

I'm in the same position, but the specialist has told me to come back and see him when I can't walk more than 100 metres at a stretch! However, he pushed me to cycle as much as possible and there has been a huge improvement. Whilst the weather was crap in winter, I put the mountain bike in a static frame and pedalled for up to an hour a day. Now the weather has got better, it's out on the road most days. The knees aren't ever going to be brilliant, but am pleased with the improvement.


I was told it's good that my surgeon pushed to have it done while I was still very mobile. The muscles and ligaments are good and strong.
This will help me recover much faster. I exercise heaps, ride bikes and go for nice three kilometer walks with my partner while holding hands, Very nice.

[Big Dog]

I was told it's good that my surgeon pushed to have it done while I was still very mobile. The muscles and ligaments are good and strong.
This will help me recover much faster. I exercise heaps, ride bikes and go for nice three kilometer walks with my partner while holding hands, Very nice.
Did the new knee cone with a box of tampons? [emoji12]

Sent via tapatalk.

[flashg]

Did the new knee cone with a box of tampons? [emoji12]

Sent via tapatalk.


Na and didn't come with a cone either. I'm on Tapatalk and can't see your image, bigger. But I'm sure it's funny

[flashg]

Six million dollar man, one knee two different angles.
All going well I hope to set off the metal detectors at the Airport

[mulletman]

Six million dollar man, one knee two different angles.
All going well I hope to set off the metal detectors at the Airport

Flaaash - truly :bleh:

[scumdog]

Six million dollar man, one knee two different angles.
All going well I hope to set off the metal detectors at the Airport

Looks like my X-rays - only I have 4 of them!:laugh:

[flashg]

Looks like my X-rays - only I have 4 of them!:laugh:


Yep just the two for me. Lots of pain. I can't imagine how painful and how hard it must have been for you, getting them all at once, just walking a little must have been tough. I take my hat off to you, well done.
Surgeon said this morning I should be able to trail ride again in about three months. Now that gives me good incentive to follow the physiotherapist instructions and get as much bend as possible.

[Jin]

I was told it's good that my surgeon pushed to have it done while I was still very mobile. The muscles and ligaments are good and strong.
This will help me recover much faster. I exercise heaps, ride bikes and go for nice three kilometer walks with my partner while holding hands, Very nice.
Yep better to get done the younger you are.

Blackbird watch out for the delaying tactics. My old man needed new knees but they kept asking him to do one thing after another. Cycling. Heel pads. Etc. Finally they refused to do it after years of waiting
Said he was too old and the operation too risky.

[scumdog]

Yep just the two for me. Lots of pain. I can't imagine how painful and how hard it must have been for you, getting them all at once, just walking a little must have been tough. I take my hat off to you, well done.
Surgeon said this morning I should be able to trail ride again in about three months. Now that gives me good incentive to follow the physiotherapist instructions and get as much bend as possible.


Use an exercycle, set the seat fairly high (that way knees don't have to bend so much) then each week drop the seat by an inch or so, that way you knees bend more and more - but there IS a limit!!

And go swimming heaps, use flippers, it makes the leg muscles work harder.

Then when you're up to it? Use a bike to ride around on and find some good long hills to pedal up.


Worked for me (And is still working)

[flashg]

Use an exercycle, set the seat fairly high (that way knees don't have to bend so much) then each week drop the seat by an inch or so, that way you knees bend more and more - but there IS a limit!!



And go swimming heaps, use flippers, it makes the leg muscles work harder.



Then when you're up to it? Use a bike to ride around on and find some good long hills to pedal up.





Worked for me (And is still working)


Cheers for that scumdog, I can easily see how those exercises would make a big difference, I'll start gathering up what I need.

[flashg]

Update time, saw the physio on Tuesday (day 11) did a 90° bend, so they are happy, walking smoothly and confidently without crutches and managing stairs (although bloody difficult) properly. Physio gave me a good gym program (they have own gym) and yes Scumdog they have an exercycle and it's bloody good, lots of fine seat height adjustments. Certainly stretch's the knee, giving more bend. I feel the swelling limits the bend I get, but its shrinking and its early days yet. Walking to physio and back plus two other walks during the day. Just over 3.5 km's a day. Today is day 13. I see the surgeon next Thursday (day 20) should be all good.

[flashg]

Use an exercycle, set the seat fairly high (that way knees don't have to bend so much) then each week drop the seat by an inch or so, that way you knees bend more and more - but there IS a limit!!




Cheers scummy that works well, back on the exercycle at the end of exercises for the final stint, lowered the seat one notch no problem

[Moi]

So, how's the new knee going?

[flashg]

So, how's the new knee going?


Hi Moi, everything seems to be ahead of what is called normal. Two weeks ago (day 19) I managed a bend of 115° and was comfortably walking up to 10 km's a day (nothing else to do) I saw the surgeon (day 20) he said back off walking to 5 km's a day. No pain 99% of the time, sometimes a little aching deep inside the knee. Today is (day 32) and progress is moving ahead slowly but surely. I can walk quite fast now, but need to be careful as my thigh muscle is not up to full strength yet. Lots more exercises to strengthen muscles is required. The knee I have should bend up to a maximum of 140° so lots more work to do in that area. Swelling (fluid) around the joint seems to to be restricting how much bend I'm getting at present, but that is reducing slowly. Onwards and upwards.
A foot note. There is no pain when I walk anymore. Better than before the operation. The slow recovery is a pain, but gotta be patient.

[Moi]

Hi Moi, everything seems to be ahead of what is called normal...

Thanks for the update, was wondering and hoping all was going well.
Cheers

[flashg]

I saw my physio today for a progress check. I achieved a 130° bend, I'm stoked. 10° more to go and I'm there. I feel I could easily get on my bikes, but the muscles are not strong enough yet. No hurry

[cc rider]

Way to go flashg :)

[flashg]

Xmas time update, week 7. I now have achieved a 140° bend a week ago, now it's easy. Yesterday was a lovely day, so got the Beta out for a clean. It looked so good when finished, I threw a leg over (my new one) and hit the starter button, I rode it around the fruit trees in my back yard, up and down the drive way, while practicing standing and sitting. When my three minute ride was over, I rode into the garage and locked it up. I bloody loved it.
Today I knelt and it felt ok, might start doing that a bit more as I often need to at work.

[Moi]

That's great news! :woohoo: :niceone:

[flashg]

Update time. Week eleven, saw the surgeon today and he's happy with the progress. And I can ride my bikes again. Just ease into it he said. I bought knee braces last week to protect my knees from now on.
Another month before I'm allowed back at work. Company policy says I must be 100% before I can return to work.
I started this thread to ask questions, but have carried it on to give others an idea of what to expect when they have knee replacement.
Cheers.

[Moi]

... the surgeon [is] happy with the progress. And I can ride my bikes again...

Fantastic...

That's great news!

[scumdog]

Bending my knee far enough to get it over the pillion seat/tail-light is a mission now - even worse with the Ultrglide with its top-box.

But you learn different ways to do the same job.:yes:

[nzspokes]

Thanks for the advice on knee braces Flashg. The POD braces are more comfortable than the knee pads I used before.

Let me know if you need any bicycle related stuff for rehab.

[J.A.W.]

Bending my knee far enough to get it over the pillion seat/tail-light is a mission now - even worse with the Ultrglide with its top-box.

But you learn different ways to do the same job.:yes:


Yeah,

& to quote ol' mole face Kilmister from Motorhead, per his H-D ridin' appearance in the 'Killed by Death' vid,

"Suffer!" L.O.L...

[flashg]

Bending my knee far enough to get it over the pillion seat/tail-light is a mission now - even worse with the Ultrglide with its top-box.



But you learn different ways to do the same job.:yes:


What happened ? Is it getting worse ? Are your bikes tall ?
I have struggled throwing a leg over my bikes (they are all tall) in recent years. It's easier now. My knee bends 145° by itself, 5° more than expected but surgeon said that's ok, my heal is 60mm from my butt to give an idea.

[flashg]

Thanks for the advice on knee braces Flashg. The POD braces are more comfortable than the knee pads I used before.



Let me know if you need any bicycle related stuff for rehab.


Cheers for the offer, I don't have a bicycle, but if I get one I'll remember your kind offer.
I'm thrilled the pod braces are comfortable and such a good price, normally very expensive, but we pay for quality. Your just lucky.

[pritch]

You CAN kneel on 'em, feels kinda funny though, like yer kneeling on a piece of wet-suit.

Yours must be different to mine. They gave me a piece of paper with dos and don'ts. The latter included running, kneeling, and twisting the knee.
They didn't really need to bother with the paperwork 'cause if I try to do any of those I know immediately that I made a big mistake.

[flashg]

Yours must be different to mine. They gave me a piece of paper with dos and don'ts. The latter included running, kneeling, and twisting the knee.

They didn't really need to bother with the paperwork 'cause if I try to do any of those I know immediately that I made a big mistake.


I got no such instructions, I can do what I'm comfortable with. There are many knees on the market made by different manufacturers. Interesting thing is I asked about replacing the meniscus if it wears out, he said yes its a simple operation.
Yes twisting a little much can be painful for me as well.
Kneeling is easy and not uncomfortable at all now for me.
I gave up running a few years ago because of my knees, I won't be starting again.

[nzspokes]

Cheers for the offer, I don't have a bicycle, but if I get one I'll remember your kind offer.
I'm thrilled the pod braces are comfortable and such a good price, normally very expensive, but we pay for quality. Your just lucky.

Yeah I know I was very lucky with them. Surprised how comfortable they are.

[scumdog]

Yours must be different to mine. They gave me a piece of paper with dos and don'ts. The latter included running, kneeling, and twisting the knee.
They didn't really need to bother with the paperwork 'cause if I try to do any of those I know immediately that I made a big mistake.

Have a look at what is involved in the police P.C.T. and see what I've put my knees have been through since my op.:crazy:

[pritch]

Have a look at what is involved in the police P.C.T. and see what I've put my knees have been through since my op.:crazy:

That was interesting. My bionic knee wouldn't like the running and jumping but at least I'd get an extra 104 seconds to complete the course.:whistle:

I note that the website says some Police forces do not have fitness tests. I can believe that looking at the many fat cops in the USA.

[oldrider]

Something (read pain!) is starting to tell me that I may soon be taking more than a passing interest in threads such as this one - soooon! :eek: ouch! :crazy:

[flashg]

I posted on another thread I think, that I had bought "Mobius" knee braces. Today I spent five hours riding my Beta up and down a river bed with some crossings etc, with mates. I had three offs, the braces did the job and protected my knee's perfectly (no pain at all)
I have lost a lot of fitness, work to do.

[oldrider]

Just reread this thread thanks for all the incites.

Had full knee replacement Monday 15 August - started walking on it that night - been going really good but is swelling up tight now and hot!

Was able to flex it to 120 degrees at discharge and walk without aids (crutches sticks etc) think now it might have been too good and may have over worked it!

We are shifting house at the moment. :brick: How do we collect so much fucking junk??????

Treasures from way way back we have to pay to store or get rid of! :thud:

Got to go to the first exercise class tomorrow - might get a few home truths dealt out! :spanking:

[Oakie]

A few years ago my account manager at the bank had the surname Faichnie ... pronounced Fake knee. True story!

[Voltaire]

I had my hip replaced in May after putting up with it for 5 years, last year living on painkillers.
Never had an operation where I was awake before :eek5:
Was off work for 2 weeks, crutches for 6. I work in an office environment and can work from home.
Walking 3-7 kms a day to build up strength that has been lost over the last few years.
Week 13 took Ducati 900 SS for its WOF and a short ride.
New titanium and ceramic joint is fine, OEM one will need doing in a few years.
I'm glad I did a lot of travel and bike riding when I was younger as you just never know what's coming.

[flashg]

Just reread this thread thanks for all the incites.

Had full knee replacement Monday 15 August - started walking on it that night - been going really good but is swelling up tight now and hot!

Was able to flex it to 120 degrees at discharge and walk without aids (crutches sticks etc) think now it might have been too good and may have over worked it!

We are shifting house at the moment. :brick: How do we collect so much fucking junk??????

Treasures from way way back we have to pay to store or get rid of! :thud:

Got to go to the first exercise class tomorrow - might get a few home truths dealt out! :spanking:
Glad it's going well, don't over do it. Because it'll end up slowing your recovery.
My brother had a knee done a couple of years ago, he gave me good advice regarding the scar.
He said buy some "Bio oil" and massage it into the scar and keep doing it, working on the uneven and lumpy area's. Doing this helps to desensitize and soften the scar and makes kneeling a piece of cake. This I did and it's bloody true. My scar is a thin line and perfectly smooth.
120° bend is awesome so early in your recovery. As swelling reduces getting more bend was easy
Try and find out from your surgeon what knee you have, some only bend 125° Mine is supposed to bend 140° but does 145° easy.
Some can hyper extend (my brothers one has couple of times)
Mine can't because of design. Knowing what you have will help you in rehab.
Best of luck and keep us posted.
Don't be shy to ask questions as there's a few of us that might have the answers.
Work the scar [emoji16] it hurts a bit, but keep at it.