How long before touring after knee replacement

[aggie]

After 40 years of walking around with no meniscus and five operations it looks like I finally have to replace the knee.  I can no longer ride without pain.  If you have had a knee replaced how long before you were able to tour again.  Any problems riding while strengthening the leg afterwards or on your first tour? 

[John Nelson]

I have a friend who had his knee replaced in April. He was riding a few weeks later and was touring fully loaded in August.

[aggie]

Thanks.

[hikerjer]

When I had knee replacement, I waited a full year before touring although I was doing shorter rides three months later. One has to be careful not to overdo it regardless of how well it might feel.  I don't want to go through that again.

[jrswenberger]

The stronger you are BEFORE the surgery,  the better the outcome tends to be.

[hikerjer]

"The stronger you are before the surgery,  the better the outcome tends to be"---

 Too true.  All the more reason not to put it off for too long.  With me, I just waited too long since I had a season ski pass and didn't want to waste it by having surgery until the season was over. Big mistake.  By the beginning of January I knew I'd have to do something drastic about my knee but I was damned if I was going to give up a season pass I'd paid for. So I continued to try to ski on it. That lasted about two runs when I just couldn't put any weight on it all.  Just hurt too much. Of course, trying to ski on it only made  made things worse.  I should have just  gone in and got it done right away.  I mean I knew it had to be done. After a lot of rehab with the "physical terrorists" my knee is stronger than ever. I can't believe how well it works now. Truly amazing to my way of thinking. But it took the operation, time and a lot of work to get there. Well worth it though.  Once I could ride even a little, I found that riding my bike each day was the best physical therapy I could do.  As long as I didn't overdo it.

Good luck on your operation. I don't think you'll regret having it. Best $37,000 I ever spent (or rather my insurance company did).

[canalligators]

What does your healthcare team say?  Fair enough to ask here for some real world experience, but your docs and therapy people will know your particular case and work with you for your best outcome.

[aggie]

Just an update on my replacement.  I was able to get back on a bike after 5 weeks.  However, I had trouble turning the pedals without pain.  At seven weeks I can ride with no pain although it feels and looks swollen.  Able to ride at least 30 miles per day but I am a little slower.  Not completely back to normal riding but close. 

[big blue cat]

I had mine replaced Jan. 10. I can ride using flat pedals. My knee doesn't
bend far enough to use clipless pedals. I am doing a self-supported 8 day trip starting this fri. in Mt.
You would think being in good physical condition before surgery helps but didn't help me.
I think i am the minority because all the people i know had smooth sailing. It's a case by case
thing. Do all the P.T. they tell you. The trip i am doing are days will be 40 - 60 miles. Normally,
go faurther. Good luck
Scott

[aggie]

I'm still working on my range of motion but it sure smarts when trying to get to where I was before surgery.  I'm able to use clipless pedals however I have a little trouble starting after I stop for a light or stop sign.   Starting a month long trip in October.

[hikerjer]

Do not despair. Recovery doesn't come over night. It took me almost a full year before I felt I was back to pre-surgery level. Just keep riding. I found it was the best PT for me.  Just a bit more of advice. I started a tour about 9 months after surgery and had to bail because it was too soon and too much.  Of course, I was pushing 80-90 miles through the Sierras and across the Nevada mountains and desert. I didn't do any further damage to my knee but the pain was intense. The doc said I just over did it. so be careful out there.

Best of luck for a continued recovery. My "new"knee is now far stronger than my other "good knee". It's truly amazing to me.