Knee Replacement Day October 12th 2021

Looks like the day has been set to have both my knees replaced. Whoever thought we would say things such as this?

I thought I would start a fresh thread out of respect for @OTHRider 's thread as I started muddying that one up with my own woes. Sorry Duke!

I'm not going to attempt to baffle you with fake heroism, I'm scared to death.
My recent cortisone shots to help me through Kokopelli are only now beginning to wear off so it's hard to make an emotional decision when you just don't "feel" that bad.

All the Pre-Op stuff is set as well, so I will share what I know, when I know for anyone interested in probably one of the most critical types of surgeries that affects mountain biking. Them dag burn knees!

 

How long you gonna be out?

 

What he meant to ask is " can you measure the width of your knees before and after the procedure "

Wish you the best Mikie, a fast and painless recovery. and when done you'll be leaping tall buildings.

 

@Mikie is gonna be 3/4” taller after the procedure and will have to raise his saddle accordingly.

 

I have no idea Amigo. I will probably know more once we meet for Pre-Op.

 

Actually.....
You just brought up a great fact! I have one leg one half inch long (shorter?) than the other which has always given me grief for accurate saddle height. So I have that on my list to request length adjustment of one or the other.

Plus... based on @Danimal 's valuable insight, I will have the Ortho measure knee width prior and after...

 

It's going to suck, but I also know you'll be better in the long run... And if that's not enough, you get to ride with Dio this weekend.

 

That always puts the "Danger" back into Danger Dirty D...

 

You will have to get mtb shoes with one of those platform inserts installed.

 

Or... the Doc can just use the skill saw to cut one leg to the same length as the other (preferred).

 

Have you ever gotten a pelvic adjustment ? That worked for me.

 

Yes he did…..he used a tree on Mt Pinos to adjust his pelvis.

 

@Mikie, I’m sure you know some who have had knee replacement, as do I. Nothing to be scared of. Two knees calls for a rebadging, though. Perhaps “Bionic Man”?

Anyway, hang in there. You’ll be better than new after the rehab period.

 

I would write "This is the short leg" with a marks-alot in Bold right on the knee.

 

sorry to hear. . hope all goes well..
my ortho guy, great doc, played bad cop good cop before and after surgery. Before surgery he was saying, you better not even think about riding bike for at least one year.. after surgery.. let's talk about it in a few months...
How many fractures doc? I can't count that high.. does crushed bones count?
post surgery.. went well .. your bones are dense.. screws holding well...
never gonna be the same but today after riding the floop... feels almost decent..
thank you doc!

 

Scared me. I thought Pelvic Exam.

As @mtnbikej mentioned Docs are for sissy's when it comes to Pelvic adjustments. I do it myself with trees at 15mph. All others are amateurs!

Pelvis has left the building... Whah Hah... Ah Thank you very much!

 

This^^ Mikie, hope all goes well. From what I understand you've been in discomfort for some time. Please know we are thinking about you.

 

@Mikie, you got this. My wife had them both done, but a year apart (June 2019 and 2020). She's doing fine now. Listen to the physical therapist. That is what will make you or break you.

EDIT: And just think of the PRs you can set with the walker!!!

 

Good luck! FWIW my wife loves her new knee. She can now kick me in the ass with twice the power!

 

I know you're not looking forward to being out of riding commission for a while but this is a good thing. Your knees have given you grief on and off for as long as we've been riding together. If anyone is tough enough to get em both done at the same time and make a 100 percent recovery in record time it's you. Don't worry there's still plenty of trouble we can get in to without riding bikes (think fishing, shooting stuff, barbecues & beer etc.) Oh and if you need someone to keep your DV9 company while you're on the mend I'm your guy.

 

My friend Eric had both knees replaced beginning of April. (Some have met him on my B* rides)
He had an infection delay, but has been back at a physical job (some limitations) for over a month.
Also, for over a month he has been doing 8-10 mile flat road rides
It will take time, but you will recover.

 

it feels like something the boss will give you

 

Got titanium? There is a place just up river in Portland that casts knees, they have scrap bins full of ones that do not make the grade. Maybe you can have them give you an E knee. You will be unstoppable. Of course I went to the doc's today and my broken collarbone is still not completely healed

 

Mikie, my last little pearl of wisdom..... I'm so damn happy with the progress of knee #1, that I meet with Dr.Barnett on 10/16 for planning knee #2 (and my 1-year checkup). Every time you have a little stall in progress, you'll be thrilled a few days later when you make a huge gain. It will be better - I'm still improving my range of motion at 11 months, keep up the PT even when your official therapy has ended. Best wishes!

 

Mikie-
PLEASE consider doing one knee at a time!!!
You will need time to heal. Having both done at the same time may screw you with your recovery!?!?
You are going to need the strength in one leg to help the other. As a made member in the Ti club I think the only person who will benefit from doing both knees together is your surgeon.‍♂️
$.02
I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Be well.

 

F@ck dude - all I can offer is to pray for you. As others have said, you are strong of will and body, and resilient as well. You will have a positive outcome in whatever time it takes.

 

I had to sleep on what you posted…
I didn’t want to reply with some shallow “Thanks for your concern” kinda thing.
I have a few other factors to consider unfortunately, and maybe fortunately.
For one, I’m running out of time. I’ve made it a goal to relocate to North West Arkansas some time shortly after February. Timeline relates to my career as well as my patience for staying there, and… one factor that may cause a rise on the site I’m not sure I want to stir up about vaxx stuff. I’m fearful that shortly down the road “they” may attempt to force me to do something I will refuse to do either prior to surgery or at my job.

Another is I’m not sure I want some Arkansan hillbilly doing the second procedure. I have outstanding health insurance through my company currently and all of that will go away once I step across the California border.

A third is just the, “I’m not sure I want to go through this twice” thingy. Once feels daunting enough!

However, you have no idea how much I appreciate you speaking up. Don’t let my thanks shut you down, if you got more concerns to share. I really want to stay open.

 

Sounds like a big event! Congratulations on firming up your plan, Mikie. The only thing to fear is the unknown, which isn’t much with routine procedures. As long as you’re putting your faith in science you might as well get the vax and be part of the effort to help everyone, including those helping you. Cheers.

 

Both knees at the same time sounds brutal... one knee sound brutal enough.

Hope you heal up quick for your future move and getting back on the bike!!

 

Don't worry, you'll still be able to tour Golden Eagle during your rehab.