2 weeks to go

[harleyrider]

Hello everyone, I am so glad I found this forum, I had my pre-op physical today looks like the surgery is a go. I don't think I have ever been so scared about anything in my life. (except when I married my first wife 30 years ago)

Can anyone give me some input as to when I might be able to make a road trip form Colorado to Idaho?

 

[ship4]

Harleyrider,
Good luck! I would think a road trip of that length would have to be after you have healed considerably....... Are you having one or both done? I had both done and went on a 4 hour drive from NH to ME for a Blues Festival when I was 3.5 weeks out. We had to stop every hour or so, for me to stretch and not stiffen up. Your ride is 5 times longer it seems..... So I would say wait until you are able to walk outside without assistance and be able to do stairs. Most likely a good 8 weeks....... JMO
Best,
Crystal

 

[harleyrider]

I'm just having my right knee done on Dec 18th I am hoping to be able to drive with my wife to Idaho at the end of Jan (6 weeks post-op)

 

[edk]

Should be OK. Sitting for a long time with legs low is asking for some swelling, so
think about laying across the back seat reading a book for an hour in the middle of the tirp. Also stop frequently and do a bit of walking.

 

[SportHog]

Hi Harleyrider. Nice bike by the way. You will be riding it again in no time!!!
I remember that I was very anxious to have my first RTKR on Dec. 12/07. I was a bit paranoid that I might get a cold or flu that would delay the surgery. I didn't want that to happen. In Ontario Canada, it is law that you cannot drive for 6 weeks post surgery (at least that is what I was told at my hospital). At the 6 week mark, I met with my OS and he said it was ok for me to drive. I did drive at that point but found it easier to drive my wife's Camry as opposed to my Astro Van. I still found the Camry a bit constraining and usually only drove for short intervals. However I did do a 1.5 hour drive just over 6 weeks out. I suggest that periodic breaks will make it more comfortable for you. The right knee is a bit more difficult since you use it for gas and braking. But, everyone is different. I know of one case where a lady was told she could drive at the 3 week mark.
You will find this to be an exciting adventure. Just keep a positive attitude and do what you need to do pre and post surgery. I hope you are doing excercises pre surgery as well!!!
Cheers, Ross

 

[harleyrider]

Sporthog, how long till you could ride comfortably, I hope to be riding by late April.

 

[SportHog]

Hi Harleyrider: The 4 month mark was a milestone for me since I stated to feel comfortable with the new knee. I only had about a 2 week window to ride since I had the left knee done mid April. I rode again in September since I was at the cottage during the summer months.
Cheers, Ross

 

[Kimgrif]

I was only about 4 weeks out from my surgery (RTKR) and we had to drive 12 hours each way to a funeral. It was NOT fun. I did spend a LOT of time keeping my feet up on the dash (kinda tricky to do in a Toyota Camry and a stiff leg!), and we stopped a lot. I was still using crutches (just for stability) at that point. I wouldn't want to do it again, but funerals wait for no one. *sigh* I had my ice machine with me with a little device at allowed me to plug it into the cigarette lighter, as well.