Just needing to vent About This Page:

[JackieB]

I feel your pain. I had my first knee replaced at age 48 and my other knee at 49. Due to an accident in PT after my first knee I am now scheduled for a replacement of parts on May 19. For the past 2 years I have used the scooters at the grocery store. Last summer I rented an ECV at WDW and it was a life saver. Right now steps are a big problem and I use an elevator whenever possible otherwise I need to go step by step slowly. I also recently found out I have degenerative scoliosis in my lower back. Standing or walking any distance or time causes severe back pain. Sometimes I get depressed about what I can no longer do. Try to stay positive and definitely find a doctor who won't wait until 50. Let the doctor know you can't live like this any more.

[Pax]

Originally Posted by revral

I've been told to stick to non weight bearing activities (biking & swimming) for exercise [...]

I highly recommend a recumbent tricycle, like I ride. Lots of folks in the FaceBook group for owners of a particular brand (TerraTrike) have had knee and hip surgery, and swear by their trikes as some of the best (and most fun!) physical-therapy activities ever.

And, bonus: with a cooperative doctor willing to write a prescription for one, many kinds of insurance will pay for all or part of a 'bent trike.

As a huge bonus, you can take back at least SOME of your independence - a trike would allow you to get out and about, without driving, and in the fresh air.

Given your knee problems, I'd recommend a Rover like mine, as it has a fairly high seat (almost the height of an office chair), making it easier to get into and out of.

This is a picture, from last year I believe, of my tricycle:



And here's my housemate's much newer trike, the same basic model but with a wider seat and custom color:



If you would like more information, send me a PM and I'll point you at the TerraTrike website, as well as answer any questions you (or your doctor!) might have, if I can!

[revral]

Pax, thanks for the suggestion & the willingness to answer questions. If the seat is almost the height of an office chair seat it's definitely worth considering. Although with the recline/tilt of the seat/chair and lack of arm rests getting up & out would be a concern.

[Pax]

Originally Posted by revral

Pax, thanks for the suggestion & the willingness to answer questions. If the seat is almost the height of an office chair seat it's definitely worth considering. Although with the recline/tilt of the seat/chair and lack of arm rests getting up & out would be a concern.

The seat's angle of recline is adjustable (the range is 35 to 70 degrees); the two pictured above are pretty close to the most upright they go. The seat is listed as 16.5 inches high, which sounds a lot lower than it feels, at least to me (the wheels are 20" diameter, plus the thickness of the tire on each side ... and the seat isn't _that_ far below the top of the wheels, so ...).

With the brakes locked, the handlebars can be used to help get up; the maker also sells a product called "Versa Bars", designed specifically to aid in getting in/out of the seat for anyone with mobility or balance issues; they mount to the handlebars, giving a pair of hand-holds parallel to each other (oriented like you'd hold a cane, if standing between the bars).

There are a lot of other aftermarket things that can be added, too - sun canopies, a cargo rack (with panniers and expandable trunk bag, you can do a 6-7 grocery bag shopping trip by trike!).

The big drawback is: these are NOT inexpensive cycles. The purple one there, cost about $2.5K before sales tax (6% here in CT, I believe). And Rovers like ours, are among the least expensive adult trikes on the market. Some of these puppies start at $4K or $5K. START ... and then take off like rockets once you start adding accessories.

Hence, seeing if you can get it prescribed, so your insurance will possibly pick up at least some of the tab.

[revral]

Originally Posted by Pax

The seat's angle of recline is adjustable (the range is 35 to 70 degrees); the two pictured above are pretty close to the most upright they go. The seat is listed as 16.5 inches high, which sounds a lot lower than it feels, at least to me (the wheels are 20" diameter, plus the thickness of the tire on each side ... and the seat isn't _that_ far below the top of the wheels, so ...).

With the brakes locked, the handlebars can be used to help get up; the maker also sells a product called "Versa Bars", designed specifically to aid in getting in/out of the seat for anyone with mobility or balance issues; they mount to the handlebars, giving a pair of hand-holds parallel to each other (oriented like you'd hold a cane, if standing between the bars).

There are a lot of other aftermarket things that can be added, too - sun canopies, a cargo rack (with panniers and expandable trunk bag, you can do a 6-7 grocery bag shopping trip by trike!).

The big drawback is: these are NOT inexpensive cycles. The purple one there, cost about $2.5K before sales tax (6% here in CT, I believe). And Rovers like ours, are among the least expensive adult trikes on the market. Some of these puppies start at $4K or $5K. START ... and then take off like rockets once you start adding accessories.

Hence, seeing if you can get it prescribed, so your insurance will possibly pick up at least some of the tab.

Interesting. You're right that 16.5" sounds low but I actually took my yard stick & measured my office chair which is raised as high as it will go & the 16.5" mark was part way up the cushion of the seat. So that's not as low as it sounds. Yes they're expensive but it would give me form of exercise that I hopefully will be able to do, improve my health & help keep me active & mobile; it would be worth the investment. Plus I'd still be able to use it in the future after my knees have been replaced or assuming it's in good shape & I wanted to sell it. Thank you so much for this suggestion. The more I learn & think about it the more of at least a temporary solution to some of my issues it sounds like. I definitely need to have a discussion with my doctor about this & other things & then possibly/probably go to a dealer to check them out in person & go for a test ride.

[Pax]

No thanks needed - for one, I'm pleased as punch to be helpful. For two ... I'm a recumbent-tricycle enthusiast now, so the chance to spark someone else's interest is a pleasure unto itself.

[poohmaine]

I also agree: You absolutely need to get another opinion with a doctor that will LISTEN and understand the impact this has on your life and just how unbearable your pain has become. If replacement is not an option, there are other things you can do. I know many people who have artificial cartilage put in both knees, including my brother-- it relieved his pain and gave him back his mobility. Making you wait is just wrong. I hope you're feeling better soon.

[Snowysmom]

I can understand how you feel about the limitations this puts on your life. I had both knees replaced at the same time last year and it was the best thing I ever did. My life is so much better now. I have been traveling and danced all night at my son's wedding. I don't even remember the pain I had before and it was bad. I was 58 and my PT said I may need it done again in 20-25 years if I am still here. The surgeon says the replacements could last the rest of my life or at least until he retires. By then, the techniques will be even that much better than now. I know of people who had knee replacements in their 30's and 40's and are now living active lives. Please visit the website bonesmart.org. They have alot of great information. I know you are in your 40's but with that much pain and limitations on getting around it would be worth it to look into knee replacements sooner rather than later.

[feonag]

I wouldn't wait either. If you will need to get another replacement in 20 years then I would rather get it in my 60s then 70s. And it will only get worse and worse. My grandma is 88 and is bone on bone and it has bowed her legs. Everything hurts up and down her legs and back because of it. There is no rebuilding cartilage, once it is gone it is gone. She never got a replacement thinking she could handle it now it is too late. I am actually shocked that if you are bone on bone that the ortho docs do not insist you get a replacement considering how much damage that can do to your legs and back. Find a doctor with more sense.