After surgery question

[skyhawk]

Hello to everyone. I've mostly been a reader on this board, but now my Right TKR surgery date is very close - Feb. 13, '09. I have really appreciated the information available from everyone here that has either gone through the procedure or is a knowledgeable expert! I hope I'll be able to contribute some day down the road, as a result of my experiences.
One qquestion I have, with respect to recovery and physical therapy goes is - Should I purchase an exercise bicycle prior to the surgery so that I will already have it at home, ready to use when I need it? Also, how important is it to have a bike at home to help with the range of motion type of exercise?

Thanks!

 

[Jamie]

Welcome Skyhawk. So glad you decided to post....especially now that surgery is getting closer. In regard to the bicycle, I personally think its a real help to have one at home all ready for recovery. I moved mine out to a living area right next to a window and my computer. After my TKR, unfortunately I was sometimes up at all hours. I would go on the computer for a while and then use the bicycle to gain and improve my ROM. It's very easy on you because YOU control how hard you push until you can finally make it all the way around. You can kind of rock the pedals back and forth and still get a push on the new joint without really hurting yourself too badly. I used a recumbent bike just because I prefer that type, but an upright one works too. I hopped on for a few rotations whenever I thought about it during the day and night and I believe that helped. It was ESPECIALLY helpful on those nights when I had Restless Leg Syndrome (your legs either twitch or you have a feeling that you MUST move them every few seconds....UGH!). The exercise on the bike and a heating pad on the small of my back cured it almost every time and I could get some rest.

 

[skyhawk]

Thanks for responding. I've read here several times about putting a heating pad on the small of the back. What exactly does that do for a patient?

 

[Jamie]

My non-medical opinion is that it relaxes the muscles in your back that are somehow causing the restless legs. I was surprised that it would work as well as it did for me, and I'm content to just call it "magic" and know that it can sometimes work for restless legs. Josephine (our forum nurse) may have a better medical explanation.

 

[SportHog]

Hi Skyhawk, welcome aboard. I found the exercise bike to be a very useful item in my recovery (RTKR 13.5 months, LTKR 9.5 months). Like Jamie said, you will rock for awhile both backwards and forward and all of a sudden, you can make it right around. Then lower the bike seat and start over again.
Good luck with your recovery.
Cheers, Ross

 

[skyhawk]

Ok, one more question. Since lowering the seat to get a different angle was brought up, is a "regular" bike configuration best, or "recumbent"? Any opinions from other users?

Thanks

 

[Linda2]

I found my upright bike very difficult to get up on after the surgery and couldn't ride it as long as I might have because of "backside fatigue" from the darn seat. I would have preferred the recumbent type. You can also just buy a set of pedals on a stand and sit in a regular chair. Those are nice to use anywhere and not too expensive.

 

[Jamie]

Ok, one more question. Since lowering the seat to get a different angle was brought up, is a "regular" bike configuration best, or "recumbent"? Any opinions from other users?

Thanks

You're right that you can probably get more flex on an upright cycle as opposed to a recumbent bike. It's really what is more comfortable for you to use. By the time you are all the way forward on the recumbent bike, you'll be well enough along in your ROM to do a whole range of exercises. At that point I used the bike more for cardio and strengthening the quad muscle.

 

[Josephine]

My non-medical opinion is that it relaxes the muscles in your back that are somehow causing the restless legs. I was surprised that it would work as well as it did for me, and I'm content to just call it "magic" and know that it can sometimes work for restless legs. Josephine (our forum nurse) may have a better medical explanation.

Nope - nothing to add. You said it all perfectly! (Dang it - I shall be out of a job here soon if I'm not careful!

)

I found my upright bike very difficult to get up on after the surgery and couldn't ride it as long as I might have because of "backside fatigue" from the darn seat. I would have preferred the recumbent type. You can also just buy a set of pedals on a stand and sit in a regular chair. Those are nice to use anywhere and not too expensive.

Love the idea of 'backside fatigue'! Know that feeling all too well!

As for getting onto the bike, I am going to have a mounting block for mine. You horse riders should know what I'm meaning! Hardest part for a 'biggy' like me is seeing round my belly to get my feet in the pedal straps!

 

[backbay38]

Skyhawk -- I bought a new upright stationary bike for home before the surgery. That way I had tried out the seat (in the stsore -- which is whyI didn't buy on the internet) and made sure the seat adjustments (height) worked for me. I second what everyone here says; it's the best for extending ROM or just warming up a bit as you progrees before you hit your serious exercises. My PT let me start with the bike about 10 days after surgery; I already had the necessary ROM to push the pedals around although the first minute or so hurt (and still does in the AM). You get a better workout as you recover on and upright bike but as others have said.. it's what you feel most comfortable with. Try before you buy if at all possible -- at your gym or in a store. YOu will always be able to use the bike -- for a good cardio workout in bad weather etc. as you recover..... good investmnent.

 

[execk2]

The new trend (not any more expensive) are walk through upright bikes so you don't have to lift a leg to get over the plastic casing. Your local fitness store will have them. I use a LifeFitness L3 upright (not walk through) and a bike makes a huge difference.

At first you can only pedal 3/4 around but after a few days you'll be able to get around, don't put the seat too low at first but eventually maybe just a tad lower than normal to get better rotation.

My doctor recommended not to try higher tensions for a few months.

I think getting an exercycle is a great idea. I also think that recumbents although more comfortable do not work the same muscles and since you can lean into the seat (and move your hips to cheat) do not give the same advantage to having to work your leg around while sitting on a normal bike.

 

[skyhawk]

Thanks everyone, for all the insight about what you have experienced. It sure helps to be able to hear what works for others. I'm sure I'll have more questions before and after the surgery, and I hope you will all continue to share.
I will do my best to log back on here after my surgery to give updates and also (most important) get some further answers and support.
This is a great group!