In late October, I had a successful joint replacement surgery performed on my right knee. Although the surgery was successful, the healing was not easy. It takes work and I was committed to making the eventual outcome as successful as the input. To do that, I had to follow a path that would not only strengthen the joint, but also lead to better health. Let me take you down that path a few steps.
Readers may recall that I also had successful hip replacement surgery in July of 2018. The recovery process for a hip replacement was not all that difficult in my case and, within about five weeks, Helen and I resumed hiking, biking and other forms of exercise with no problem. I expected the same result for my knee. I was way off the mark on that assumption.
The aftermath of knee replacement is pain, swelling, and discomfort whether sitting, standing, or sleeping. I was never far from an ice pack for about ten weeks. Fortunately, my insurance covered extended physical therapy and therapeutic massage and I took full advantage. The therapists were wonderful and worked their magic well enough that I felt good about leaving on our Florida trip shortly after Christmas and two months after the surgery. Our trip was delightful but, I still had some pain and soreness. Extended walking was not easy. The ice pack remained my friend.
After we returned to Knoxville, I decided that enough was enough. Although my surgery was in October, the pain and soreness began toward the end of our southwestern trip in late April and I had not taken part in any form of exercise once the symptoms developed. I was not careful about my diet either, and I was setting daily records on the scales. In addition, the lab tests came back from my annual physical and my cholesterol was up (never a problem in the past), blood pressure was up (also never an issue), and my blood sugar elevated. My clothes no longer fit. On top of all of that, we have two extended RV trips planned for this year. I knew it was time to head in another direction whether it hurt or not.
The first thing I did was return to my exercise class at the YMCA. I enjoyed seeing all of the friends I had made there since I joined the “Kick-Starter” class over three years ago. That first class—45 minutes of continuous movement—was a challenge, but I survived and, when we finally completed the last set of stretching exercises, I felt very energized. I am now attending the Y three times a week and feel better after every session.
Despite the return to an exercise routine, I still could not get my weight down so, I went to the extreme. I placed an order for two months of Nutrisystem For Men in early February. I participated in the program in 2017 and lost 26 pounds in two months. Hopefully, this would work again. To give my program a little more oomph, I took another drastic measure and gave up my beloved mugs of cold beer. That, my friends, is a serious commitment!
Now, two weeks into the program, I have lost 16 pounds. I can now go most of a day without thinking about my knee, and it is feeling much better overall. I can tell that I am regaining some of the strength in it, but still have a long way to go. I also notice less stress on my feet after a weight reduction. Carrying that extra 16 pounds had taken a toll that I did not realize.
Within two miles of our home we have a beautiful park with long walking trails alongside the Tennessee River. On Sunday of this week, I decided to push the envelope a bit further and go for a walk of over two miles—something I had not done since we returned from our trip to the southwest. I laced up my hiking boots, grabbed my hiking pole, and drove to Lakeshore Park. Most of the primary trail is flat, but portions of it leading down to the river are very steep. I knew I could handle flat but the steep parts concerned me. I decided not to think about the hills, and focus instead on the fun around me. The many dog-walkers out for a Sunday stroll provided a pleasant distraction. Taking my time, I completed the two miles in about 45 minutes and had a good time in the process. Two miles might not be a big deal to some, but it was a big deal to me.
At 71, and blessed with very good health until this knee episode, I realize that good health and maintaining an active lifestyle requires effort and discipline. In June, I go back to my physician for a follow-up visit and another lab test. We’ll see if my program is working and I’ll share the results. Until then, I’ll continue Easin’ Along the path toward better health and better bones. Wish me luck. Cheers…(V8 Juice)!
Good for you!!! Walking is something I need to get back into!! I think about it, now I need to walk out the door!!!🤪
Good morning, Luanne,
It is a great way to get you going, and it doesn’t take much effort. The hardest thing about exercise walking is taking the first step. Do it! Thanks for stopping by!. Joe
After four weeks of being idle due to a severe cold, I’m slowly easing back into walking … best form of exercise. Fortunately, I have an abundance of great trails to choose from. Here’s to continued good health!
Hi, Ingrid,
Four weeks is a long time and, with your high energy level, I know that was not easy or fun. It will be good to get you back on the trails…don’t forget the camera, I need some Arizona sunshine. It’s snowing here today. Joe
SNOW?😞 You need to get south. We’re enjoying a gorgeous day in Phx and the poppies are blooming. Snapped a couple of really nice shots this morning.
Poppies on a gorgeous day in Phoenix will go a long way toward putting that cold behind you. Enjoy…and share the pictures!
Once again, another wonderful story. I’m so pleased that your making great strides in your “better health” program. Hang in there dear brother!
David
Hello, Brother David,
I’m making a few good strides and, at my age, any strides are good news. Hope the shoulder is doing better. Talk soon! Joe
HI, Joe – I am glad that you are now feeling better and have taken wise steps to improve, and maintain, your health. This is great advice to all!
Good afternoon, Donna,
I am well on my way to complete recovery. The aftermath of the surgery was a good reminder that good health is not a given and requires some work and discipline in our “Golden Years.” It’s not hard, it just requires taking the first step. Have a great weekend! Joe
I am 7 weeks into my recovery from a full knee replacement. Think I am doing better each day but there are some days worse than others. Still working hard to regain muscle strength.
Proud of you and your proactive approach. I hope to hit the walking trail in the next week or.
Hi, Bert,
The first two months were no fun at all. Once I felt good enough to attend exercise classes, things improved rapidly. Hang in there…there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for stopping by.
Joe, I’m so happy for you that you’ve made a commitment to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle – good for you! (On a purely selfish note, that means I can expect to be reading wonderful posts about your adventures for many more years. Yay!) Our bodies are absolutely amazing in what they can do, but they function best when we put forth the effort to provide them with the proper fuel and best conditions. Small changes in our lifestyle can have a huge impact on the quality of our lives. When you mentioned a two mile walk, I was expecting you to report that it took you an hour or more. The fact that you accomplished it in 45 minutes was impressive. (And you can’t beat that walking environment – Lakeshore Park is lovely!) If you’re ever inclined to skip your walk or your class at the Y, feel free to borrow one of my favorite motivators: “I am stronger than any excuse.” Keep up the excellent work, my friend!
Good morning, Mary,
Many thanks for the kind comments. If I didn’t love the RV lifestyle so much, I might not have made the effort, at least not as much as I have lately, but I am nowhere ready to give it up, so the body needs to be ready for the road. I love your motivator. I will keep that one handy the next time I’m looking for an excuse. Stay warm up there.
I find it amazing that different individuals can have such different outcomes from the same (or similar) medical procedure. Whereas you had little difficulty recovering from your hip replacement, my hip replacement recovery was much like your knee replacement recovery…while my knee replacement recovery (all three of them) were much like your hip replacement recovery…. how does that work ????
I’m glad you’re on the path to complete recovery and return to the lifestyle and activities you enjoyed in your 30’s, Joe 😉. I am glad to report my recovery from hip replacement is nearing completion. I am back to pickleball (at about 65% of my previous level), long walks, biking and riding my Vespa…. our community fitness center is closed right now, so I’m desperately seeking alternatives; outdoor pickleball is widely available now, and I’ve arranged for a temporary membership in a commercial fitness facility (that one better not close!!). I’m still doing PT (targeting the spine), and life seems rosy.
My best to you, Joe, and my thanks for your well-narrated travelogues and your virtual symposia on so many interesting topics! Keep’em comin’!!
Guy
Hello, guy,
I’ve had you on my mind lately and wondering how the recovery was going. Glad to know that you are doing well. I’m walking and feeling better than I have in quite a while. Just received word that our exercise classes have been cancelled until further notice and that is something I will miss greatly. Thanks for visiting Easin’ Along and for the kind comments. If you make it back to Knoxville, let me hear from you. Joe
Thanks for sharing your trials and tribulations with knee surgery. Bert is in the same predicament — pain, lack of motion, etc. I’ll be sure he reads this. Who knows? He may call the Y and join in to an exercise class. It really is something we all should do. Here’s hoping you and Helen are safe and healthy no matter where you are during this time of social distancing. It’s a bummer for travel bugs, for sure.
Hello, Rusha,
Bummer is putting it mildly. Please encourage Bert to come to our exercise class. The Y is closed and I REALLY miss it. I’m still playing with pain but not as much as pre-surgery. We should do dinner sometime and I’ll give Bert a good arm twist to join us. Thanks for checking in. Joe