Prater 76 #1 Posted February 22, 2012 Looks like the doc was able to prolong my knee a few more years before replacing it. I had a couple of tears repaired this morning. I was ready for the replacement though, but after 8 surgeries now I think this may be the last temp fix before the full replacement. Now I just get to sit here and read for the next three days...no WH fun for me in the 70 degree winter wonderland outside...no baths either...LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,378 #2 Posted February 22, 2012 You get a couple more years and you can get your Wheel Horse fun right here! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaineDad 85 #3 Posted February 22, 2012 Steve: I feel your pain - literally! I have had 9 knee surgeries all on my right knee. I have had acl reconstruction, pfl reconstruction, open debridments, and more. I even used a walking cane for two years. My best advice I can offer is to keep moving and try strengthening all of the muscles that support your knee. Two years ago my right leg was so much smaller muscle-wise compared to my left leg. I had a standing order with my doctor for nearly 6 years of Vicodin because of my chronic pain. I would be in so much pain that I would be in tears after doing something physical outside. I was in physical therapy for all of those years too - I had enough! I decided to try something different - my knee was shot, but not my muscles. If I could rebuild my muscles around the knee than I perhaps could live a better life. I decided to start strength training. Two years later - longer story short, I now am in so much less pain and I have my life back. I share my story with a lot of people around here and would be willing to answer any questions you have. Each situation is different - but the principles are the same. Let me know if I can help. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,144 #4 Posted February 22, 2012 I've had my fair share of the knee surgeries myself. Knock on wood, no problems since I saw a sports medicine physician back in the mid '90's. Also, getting back on my bike helped a lot too. For me, the low impact, and long duration excercise is essential to keeping my knees strong and limber. I used to put crazy miles in the saddle, but these days, I'm mostly riding during the warm summer months, and including some stationary bike during the winter. Take it easy Steve, good luck with your rehab. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,819 #5 Posted February 22, 2012 Good story Micah. I've had several surgeries on my knee, but my wife has had both of her's replaced. The first was a little rough, not to say that the second was a breeze, but while in physical therapy for the first knee, her therapist suggested 4 weeks if intense PT on the second knee, just prior to surgery. She did, and number 2 knee recovered in 1/2 the time that the first one did. Now, she is on the stationary bike every couple of days. She does not want to go through the whole thing again if she can help it. Prater - Do what the doc says, and enjoy the great weather while just looking at the horses. They will still be there when you are healed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Prater 76 #6 Posted February 22, 2012 Thanks Everyone, I crushed my knee in a motorcycle accident when I was 21. I now have stage 4 arthritis and not much cartalidge left. The doc wants me to be at least 45 for replacement and I turn 41 next month. I have been on the treadmill quite a bit over the last couple of years and had a bad treadmill at a hotel on the road that caused my knee to buckle. I waited a bit too long to see my doc who is a sports medicine specialist with his own hospital. He just did not want to replace it yet and the MRI looked like it may need the replacement. He convinced me to do a scope so he could look at the joint first. He told me that he would make repairs if he thought that would get me to a better age for replacement. I have a nice mountain bike with full suspension I plan to get on when i can. My brother is a Police bike patrol officer and he wants me to go ride the easy trails with him. That should help me get back to where I need to be without a lot of high impact on my knee. I have been strength training at the local gym as part of my weight loss program. I am Down from 260 back to 235, I was down to 219 before the divorce started but eating habbits and my knee pain has kept me out of the gym... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wheelhorse656 20 #7 Posted February 22, 2012 well Steven I hope you get betytyer soon my grandpa is going to probly have to have a knee replacement because he tore his meneniscus ( If thats how you spell it.) He tore it because it was so badly worn out it was just like a krumpled up torn blob. he had it fixed to put off knee replacement but it only lasted a few months and it was done so looks like he is goingto be having it done soon too..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martin 2,133 #8 Posted February 23, 2012 steven, hope you have a good recovery and it gets you a few more years. i cant imagine how much pain you are in. yes i have knee problems that flare up every now and again from 15 years of heavy construction work, but ive been lucky to be able to get over it each time by resting up and there good for a few more months before they give me pain again. take care. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,382 #9 Posted February 23, 2012 Steven, Funny how we have certain things in common... We both like this wheel horse hobby and both having knee problems! I am a vol. wrestling coach at the local high school (top 3 team in the state). Last week while wrestling the 182lbs varsity kid my foot planted on the mat and my entire body turned the opposite way. I was afraid to look down in fear that my knee was dislocated .After an MRI on Friday it was determined I tore my ACL, Munisicus and damaged my MCL. I have learned they call that the "trifecta"... This morning I met with the doctor and scheduled surgery for Tuesday. After that it is about 4 months rehab.... I feel your pain !! Hope it goes well for you... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwgdog66 23 #10 Posted February 23, 2012 Steven, My right one needs to be replaced, ACL is 3/4 torn with scar tissue grown into the tear. My doc told me he wanted to wait until I was 53 to replace mine, that way I may not need another when I'm in my 80's. Knock on wood, I retired right after my last knee surgery and quit all the insane running the Army had me doing. The technology has made leaps ahead now with options when it comes to it. I've been doing low impact strengthening exercises since my last surgery in 2005. The Glucosamine supplements help also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brrly1 1,146 #11 Posted February 23, 2012 Steve, do what they tell you to do. I have torn both ACL , also tore my PCL on the right knee, which is still torn. Then this last summer I came off of the lift gate of my work truck and broke both knees (tibia's). Spent eight weeks in a wheelchair with no bearing weight on my legs. I am still going thru therapy 3 x week, 2hrs a day. When this is all over and done with I am looking at a knee replacement on the right knee,eventually the left knee will also be replaced. I know exactly how you feel, been there, done that. Good luck. My thoughts are with you. It is No Fun Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimD 3,345 #12 Posted February 23, 2012 Rest up now and heal properly. Summer is coming and you'll want to be out there having fun on the horses. :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Prater 76 #13 Posted February 23, 2012 Thanks for the support. Last night was rough, he also shaved and resurfaced the bottom of my knee cap. It was painful last night and sleep was difficult. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
specialwheelhorse 174 #14 Posted February 23, 2012 Steven: You can just calm down now and formulate in your mind the cure for all those little bugaboos that have to do with red stuff. Its like all those revelations you get at night then when you are able you can really tear into things. I can understand to some degree, Dee was involved in some kind of rehab for five months after her double back surgery last year. I had to take care of everything then for both of us, GET BETTER !!!!! Consider this a get well card from JIM @ DEE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,973 #15 Posted February 23, 2012 WOW Steve...8 surgeries on one knee. You know they practice medicine. Best advice I saw above is to keep working on strengthening all of the related muscles..and do good drugs. It is much worse when you get older. Hang in there Steve. Best of luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidD 0 #16 Posted February 24, 2012 Steve, I am really sorry to hear that. I knew you have had a lot of surgeries, keep hanging in there. A orthopedic specialist cleaned out my right (motorcycle wreck in 1976) knee about 10-12 years ago. He told me nothing left to do but replace it. He wanted me to try and make it to around 45 too. I have made it to 55 now, still haven't screwed up enought courage to go down for the length of time that is required to do the replacement. Sure wish there was a way I could help you out of that one. Hang in there,, PS. Sorry about the other weekend, ended up being at my grand-daughters Jump Zone birthday party until 6:45 or 7:00. Wish I was younger, sure looked like fun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Prater 76 #17 Posted February 24, 2012 No worries David, there will be more chances to get together this year... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dresden Guy 24 #18 Posted February 24, 2012 Steve, I know that knee pain is no fun, and you've had a real bout with your knee. I just had my left knee replaced, full BioMet implant, and wish I would have done it sooner, but circumstances precluded. But, finally had it done 12/9/11. I spent the next 4 weeks on the "OUCH COUCH" at home and going to 3 X week PT rehab. I have full range of motion and the "bone-on-bone" pain is gone, and there is only minor discomfort as the new knee all "knits" together. I have to have the right knee done as soon as I am ready. When I got home from the hospital, my wife dropped me off at home and went to get my Rx for pain,etc. When she got back I asked how much the prescriptions cost, and she said $862,00 at Walmart. The doctor had written a Rx for 14 self-injectable, anti-coagulant doses (Erixtra by Glaxo) at $60 each. So each morning I gave myself a shot in the stomach and then took my Vicodin pills. I found out later that you can get the Glaxo injectors from Canada for $10/each. Steve, hope you can get some relief and maybe avoid any more surgeries.... enough is enough! Regards, Steve (aka Dresden Guy) P.S. - just got my BioMet implant card to carry in my wallet for TSA or other metal detector encounters. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Prater 76 #19 Posted February 25, 2012 Bandages are off today, just some swelling. I figured there would be more bruising. At least I got a shower today...LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwgdog66 23 #20 Posted February 26, 2012 Good to hear. Hang in there buddy :handgestures-thumbup: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
