Knee surgery patient needs advice!

I torn my Achilles tendon in Dec and it killed me that I couldn't do anything. I was in a walking boot for four months! I could walk, but it was rough! Do you know anyone who has a hand bike? Or set up a pully type system that would allow you to do cardo by pulling rope toward you over and over. The best method for this is to get a good pully (from the local hardware store) and screw it into the wall somewhere then put the rope through . As long as you keep it tight you should be able to work enough to at least get your heart rate up. It's cheaper then buy at hand bike and it wouldn't have be in your lap. I guess it depends on how "on your back" you are. Good luck and remember it'll heal and that's when you can get back into shape!!

I deal with that issue every day. I need a surgery but have not had it done. I can walk and I can swim but I can't do ANYTHING with bending my knees ( one flight of stairs up or down- starts cracking fireworks inside at least one of my knees.) So, when I go to the gym, I wear rubber stiff brace on my knee (I got it from Medic store). I do 60 min walk on the trademill with 15 degree inclination at 3.0 speed. It burns 600 cals in 1 hr:bigsmile:
Check gyms around you and don't forget YMCA, you should be able to find one for about $19-29 per month (with pool and sauna included).
Good luck!:flowerforyou:

I was recently in exactly the same boat -- I had knee surgery and the lack of cardio was making me CRAZY! Honestly, I just got through the time as best I could, and when I got the okay I got back on the exercycle and would do an hour at a time with no resistance (as per my therapist).

It's been a few months now and I still feel it when I try to do lunges or run. So really, the only advice I can give is the same I'm sure you've heard a million times. DON'T PUSH IT. Just resign yourself to this time that you need and if it hurts, stop.

I know you don't have a ton of money to spend, but sometimes the local Y or college will let you swim at their pool.

I second (third) the hand bike advice as well. Unfortunately, once the knee goes you really are limited in your sports and that's why it's so important to let it heal...so that you'll have a whole lifetime of being able to do even common sports.

Good luck and keep us posted!

I had my left knee replaced in September 07 and spent lots of time doing range of motion exercises as part of the rehab. Get a towel or bungee cord (or go to the sporting goods and spend money on an adjustable strap). Lay on your bed and place the towel around your ankle. While holding the towel with both hands bend your knee as far as possible using the towel to help when you get to the pain zone. I did this multiple times every day for 6+ months to help get my range of motion back. It hurts like @#$@ but it works. When you get to the point where you can get on a stationary bike make sure you adjust the seat to a height that is appropriate for you body structure. Most riders have the seat way too low. Low seat = more bend required. The seat should be high enough that your leg almost fully extends at the bottom of the pedaling cycle.

One other comment. My wife tore her ACL and ripped her meniscus about 2 years ago and she developed so much scar tissue during the immediate aftermath of the surgery that she ended up in a second surgery to remove scar tissue because there was no way she could break through it with exercise. Hopefully you are not suffering from this problem.

I tore my ACL a few years ago and my physical therapist put me in the pool! I say swim until you can't swim anymore....

Well, did you talk to your dr about what you are allowed to do? Have you gone to a physical therapist yet to help teach you what you can do and how to start working your muscles? The reason I am asking is because I had to undergo surgery to have my ankle fused. Let me tell you this has been a huge shock for me. I used to play tennis, racketbal, run, go to the gym and do everything, after I had to be in a hard cast for about 7 months or use a wheelchair, and it took me about 4 to 6 months to walk again. I have to use a specially built insert to help me walk like a normal person. I asked the doctor to help me relearn how to exercise again. So I went to physical therapy. That helped me alot to learn what I can and can not do. I started with Tai Chi first, then I went on to the gym, and now I am going to Curves. Remember this was not just happen over night. The process took took me over 1.5 years of hard work. I love going to Curves, but there are days I hurt, and cann't go. Like today, but I keep working at. Don't stop, keep up the work, and soon you will see results. I bought the Wii, and I get to play tennis again! You have no idea what it was like to play tennis again knowing you can never run. I cried when I played my first game. Now I plan to buy the yoga tomorrow. I am so excited. Sorry I took so long.

More advice! Great!
I had a meniscus repair done and have been going to physical therapy for it. I can use the stationary bike, but it hurts sometimes because my knee cap slides out of place. This happens randomly so, I'm limited in a sense that I can't bend my knee very far unless I know my knee cap is in place. This usually means that I actually move it into place with my hand. Sometimes I use tape to hold it into place; it doesn't last long though.
I am looking for a cardio exercise that doesn't involve the knees at all. Something to work on the other parts of my body. Maybe a cheap video you can do sitting?

So why didn't your surgeon do a patella realignment if your having these kind of problems with your knee still? Doesn't seem right! Ok I work in surgery so I get a little out of hand when it comes to all the things offered and things you could have do to fix the broken parts! :happy:
Maybe there is more to your conditions, but I would talk to your Doc again about that problem!
Good luck to you, Kelly!

I am now doing Yoga, or let me state what I can with a fused ankle. My left side I have learned how to do Yoga differently due to the fusion, and my right side I can do anything. I plan on getting the Wii Yoga on my next pay period to help me with my workout.