Torn meniscus

rnprincess
rnprincess Posts: 103 Member
edited September 29 in Fitness and Exercise
Ok, need some help and encouragement. My primary exercise is walking, and in May I had an injury. I tried to keep going but it just kept getting worse. I had a pulled hamstring which did get better but my knee was still bothering me. Found out I have a torn meniscus, and will need surgery. I have scheduled my surgery for 8/15 but in the mean time I feel kind of like a 'blob'. I cannot walk, and it hurts to stand for periods of time. I am feeling pretty down-any suggestions!

Replies

  • fitnessbugg
    fitnessbugg Posts: 141 Member
    How about doing some weight work on your upper body, back and ab work? That way you will still be working out and improving yourself, and you will feel productive! You don't need to go to the gym. You could invest in a weight set of 3, 5 and 8 pounds or find something in your cupboard that has some weight to it.
  • bussdean
    bussdean Posts: 3
    The healing time for a torn meniscus isnt to bad, i've had the operation 5 times on both knees. Just think positive and look at the long term picture, better to sort knee out now that have severe problem later!!
  • aroman619
    aroman619 Posts: 4
    I had the same surgery a few years ago. If you have the option try to use a pool to exercise. It keeps the weight off the joints but you are still able to be somewhat active.
  • webdiva1
    webdiva1 Posts: 326 Member
    You have access to a pool? It takes LOADS of stress off joints and is really relaxing. I had knee replacement surgery back in 2003, and when I finally got to the point where I could submerge my leg, stretching and walking slowly in the pool was a godsend.

    Hang in there ... knee injuries are no fun. You'll make it. :)
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    Definitely do some ab and upper body work. Even things like leg lifts, where you don't bend your knees, should be doable. Good luck!
  • cjjones007
    cjjones007 Posts: 602
    x2 with the upper body work - lifting weights doesn't have to mean "bulking" up - and in truth unless you are trying to lift crazy heavy weights for just that purpose - you'll find that it tightens and strengthens (and burns calories) without actually bulking...

    It's a great idea
  • rnprincess
    rnprincess Posts: 103 Member
    Wow, five times! I don't feel so bad.
  • rnprincess
    rnprincess Posts: 103 Member
    Thanks so much for the encouragement. I do have small hand weights, and access to a pool. I am going to try and get to a water aerobics class this evening.
  • letsdothis2010
    letsdothis2010 Posts: 190 Member
    Hey there, I had surgery less than a year ago to repair my knee (work injury). I second the advice about the upper body strength training & swimming. It'll make the process a lot easier if you can stay physically active in some way.

    Make sure you find a good place for physical therapy after the surgery!!!! I cannot stress that enough...it can make or break your recovery. It took a long time for me to have my surgery and that leg muscle had some atrophy going on, so good on you for getting the surgery done quickly!

    Stay active now, get into therapy quickly, and work hard...you'll be just fine!!!
  • janemartin02
    janemartin02 Posts: 2,653 Member
    HI!If you have access to a pool.I had surgery in feb and have been doing the water as part of my therapy.Dr says it`s good and does help with the healing after surgery.
    Can you do upper body ex?
    good luck with the surgery.
    jane
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,993 Member
    Boxing on a bag. Burns loads of calories, challenges your VO2 max and doesn't require you even having to stand.
  • rnprincess
    rnprincess Posts: 103 Member
    Hey there, I had surgery less than a year ago to repair my knee (work injury). I second the advice about the upper body strength training & swimming. It'll make the process a lot easier if you can stay physically active in some way.

    Make sure you find a good place for physical therapy after the surgery!!!! I cannot stress that enough...it can make or break your recovery. It took a long time for me to have my surgery and that leg muscle had some atrophy going on, so good on you for getting the surgery done quickly!

    Stay active now, get into therapy quickly, and work hard...you'll be just fine!!!
    Thanks, my surgeon is a sports medicine specialist for knees and shoulders, they partner with the pro football team, so are really big on the physical therapy. They actually have my first physical therapy set for the day after surgery. They said about six weeks of therapy.
  • rnprincess
    rnprincess Posts: 103 Member
    HI!If you have access to a pool.I had surgery in feb and have been doing the water as part of my therapy.Dr says it`s good and does help with the healing after surgery.
    Can you do upper body ex?
    good luck with the surgery.
    jane
    Thanks, actually found out they have a water aerobics class in my class tonight-so I am going, I can't swim (don't know how) but hopefully the water aerobics will help-and will be something I can add to routine for the future.
  • rnprincess
    rnprincess Posts: 103 Member
    Went to the water aerobics class in my complex tonight-and the instructor did not show:-(
    But, I did not let that stop me, I stayed in the pool, walked in place, ran in place, kicked, and did my own aerobics. And must admit it felt really good!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories