Knee relacement surgery

[dnovo]

Thanks Darren.
I'm probably worried that you'll get me there, but how do I get back?

[zwickey2bl]

I've had both of mine replaced. The left one 2.5 years ago, and it was good enough for a Colorado elk hunt last year where I had to pack the elk out on a backframe (three trips up the mountain). I had the right one done earlier this year and it's not 100% yet but getting there. I can walk without pain. I can kneel but like others said, that's a little uncomfortable unless I have a little padding. I can even run a short distance if I need to, but don't make a habit of it. I can walk as far as I want to, pain free. I hit rehab hard. If they said do 30 reps I did 40. I went to the gym on the therapy off-days and worked it some more. I know it doesn't work the same for everyone, but it was the answer for me. I'm 59, btw.

[dnovo]

On Nov 10, which was the evening before firearms season opened her in Missouri, I killed a fat little 4 pt buck. It was the only shot opportunity I had this year with very limited hunting time. This stand was about 200 yds from my house but downhill. It would take me 15-20 minutes to get there with my knees.
A week ago I went out and took down my hang on stand for the year.
On Wednesday I had double knee replacement surgery. I'm at home now recuperating and working my physical therapy. I'm pleased at the progress I can see just from one day to the next. I'll be glad when I can get out for late winter scouting.

[SteveB]

Good luck! Had left done Dec 15 - couldn't have written a better outcome - flex is 130 deg plus. Right done Dec 16 - tougher recovery with more pain but flex is now near 130 deg. !st few weeks I worked on flex constantly. Let it hang off the side of a recliner and gently relax and hold. A lot of such passive stretching. Work on quad strength as well - it huge in support of the knees. And ice as much as you can.

I choose December to be ready to for spring weather (upstate NY) and really up the recovery. Did great walking the hills on the lease this fall and no problem climbing ladders. Can kneel but get there gently - no dropping to your knees. All in all far better than 3 years ago - would do it again if I had a 3rd knee  

[bendack]

Had my left done in June 2016 and my right in September 2016. My biggest piece of advice is to don’t be a slacker when it come to rehab. I hunted in 2016 and had no problems with walking and climbing ladder stands. I am just getting to the point of being able to crawl on my hands and knees. My biggest limitation is the ability to squat.
Good luck!

[zwickey2bl]

I couldn't squat before knee surgery, so that wasn't a loss for me. Ha.

[Bob Foster]

I get my left knee replaced on January 3, 2018. My biggest concern is being able to climb my tree stands. I use climbing sticks, does anyone have any experience or thought s about using them?

[Doc Nock]

Had mine done at 67... rotted out inside.  

Kneeling was recommended to NOT do..plastic underside to knee cap...but I do it--gently on a pad to do some exercises and with pads on knees in yard work.

Only thing I cannot do is to put that leg's ankle on the opposing non operative knee and bend the operative leg out at a 45* angle..used to, but as others said, small price.

Mine is still stiff if I stand long in one spot doing something, but I sailed thru rehab working HARD!  Arthritis has likely set in where it was all done as that is prevalent in my family history and creating some post op issues...

Sounds like you're on the go and doing well so keep at it..what you don't regain early on, my surgeon said their post op follow up shows no gains in a year over post rehab!

DO IT!

[dnovo]

I'm faithfully doing all my therapy. At 9 days post op, she took my walker away and I'm just on a cane. I'm getting around pretty good. The worst thing is trying to get a good nights sleep.

[Doc Nock]

it's been a couple years and I happily forget the sleep issues...

Guy (older) from church initially drove me to my PT cause I couldn't drive and he commented how much better I got around so soon compared to him... I told him it was because I wasn't married, he was.

He couldn't understand that till I pointed out if I want to use the bathroom, I have to get up and go. If I want to eat, I get up and cook and clean up. If I want my mail I walk out and get it...He had a wife to spoil him...

He went home and told her I said she made his rehab longer!      

Pain is just a way to know you're alive after an operation... Embrace the pain!  

Continue the progress...this too shall pass

[dnovo]

So when I went through my knee surgery, I had issues with my blood pressure and heart rate plummeting. They freak out when your heart rate is in the 20's. This happened 6 years ago with another surgery.  So just last week my new cardiologist put a heart monitor on me. The 2nd night I had an event where my heart stopped for 3.1.seconds. So Tuesday they're going to put in a pacemaker. It should take care of the problem and hopefully I'll be good for years to come. Any prayers for this to be successful are much appreciated.

[Doc Nock]

So much is being done with heart treatments and the pacemaker is one of the good ones!

My Dad had one put in and it solved a lot of issues for a good long time.

Prayers for success and a quick recovery...