Coming back from serious injury?

tracydr

I'm finally returning to exercise after a serious joint illness of both knees and ankles. Had stem cell surgery on both knees which was a long, difficult recovery. The ankles are starting to respond to medications. ( plaquenil and Coumadin). Knees are quite a bit better but I still have some fractures/damage in the bones and cartiledge which will probably cause me to need knee replacements in 4-5 years, maybe sooner. Hoping the blood thinner and plaquenil will help my ankles to go into remission. Ankle replacements are no fun, especially with my disease. I have multifocal avascular necrosis, lucky me. ( osteonecrosis).
I was on crutches, wheelchair or walker for a total of 6 months. Inactive for a little longer, due to need to avoid weight bearing. I quit working last June because I could no longer perform my job due to standing and medication. Basically, it's been a long and difficult year, March 2013-2014.
I'm currently walking 30 minutes twice a day at 3.0 mph. My strength in the core, and basically all over is seriously reduced. I went from being able to foxhunt for 5 hours to zero. There is no way I could ride English right now!
I will need to decrease walking soon as our outside temps are getting near 105 each day.
I'd like a good program, strength and cardio, for the gym. I like to swim, row, do the elliptical.
I am a member of 24 Hour Fitness, too so I can go there for most workouts. Hiring a trainer is not an option, at least for the next three months.