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Flying Again after TKR

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MikeF

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OK...
Not much feedback a few months back concerning the effects of "Long Haul""
flights following TKR'...so here goes.

Bilateral TKR proceedure completed 11/03/08...Return to active Flight Status
03/10/09...not quite 4 months...Doc was gonna clear me at the 90 day point,
but there were still issues in my mind negotiating stairs...it hurt like he!!, so
we waited...as so many others have said, "don't push it".

Back to the line in March. Normal Schedule: Washington,D.C. to Tokyo (13 Hours)
Tokyo to Singapore (7 Hours) then return Tokyo...D.C. Days gone= 6.

Things I noticed:
1. I have to get up & stretch every 1-1.5 hours.
2. It's absolutely amazing how strong the "new" joints are.
3. Swelling...a definite issue...when the airplane cabin climbs to 8000' there is
going to be some expansion...LOTS of expansion for the first month.
Get and wear over the knee compression socks for at least the first month...
For us guys, they slip down ALL the time. options are: shave legs (NOPE)
Garter Belt (NADA)...Panty Hose...Dont Even Go There! Hey it's a guy thing! It Wont last forever.
Second month went to knee highs...relatively comfortable...and they work.
Probably am gonna stick with them till the 1st anniversary.
There was no pain involved with the swelling, just un-nerving.
4. Keep working out...this is important...I know cause I didn't!
If you do not keep the joint stretched out, range of motion suffers...
It took about a month to figure it out...now back on track.
So, all and all, an uneventful recovery. Most of my concerens (fears) were
unfounded..but untill you fully stretch em out, and gain confidence that the
new ones are as good, or better than before, you will miss the potential.
Cheers,
 
Mike, I remember when you first posted!! Guess we don't really get too many pilots on the forum with knee replacements. In fact, you may very well be the FIRST!!

First of all, I'm thrilled to hear about your recovery going so well. You did GREAT!!

And second, it is really helpful that you took time to post all these details for any others pilots out there who need knee replacements. There is much to be learned from what you went through.

I'm sure this whole thing was a very big deal for you, even though your post does an excellent job of making fairly light of what you've been through. Your sense of humor and good attitude no doubt went a long way toward your successful recovery.

Your flight schedule is brutal (at least it sounds like it to me), but you have managed to accommodate it. This information will not only help pilots, but also those who might want to take a trip as a passenger within a relatively short period after surgery (and 4 months IS a quick return to that type of schedule).

Your use of compression stockings was wise. Did you have any periods where you could ice your knees during those long trips? And did you try any over-the-counter anti-inflammants like Aleve, Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil?

I hope you'll hang around the forum at least for a little while. You bring a very interesting perspective to this surgery and I think our members would enjoy chatting with you a little about your experiences.
 
Great post ecspecially the part with dont miss out. I admit it took a while for me to walk w/o any aid. I was so scared. I was hearing everyone else doing it. Finally I did and it was great. I am so happy things have worked out for you, except the swelling. Thank you for the post as many of us are not as far as you are and it helps alot to hear those things. Thanks again. You do have a hard schedule, take it easy though. Please keep us updated, I would love to hear more of your progress....Happy Flying.!!!!!!!.lol
 
Things I noticed:

3. Swelling...a definite issue...when the airplane cabin climbs to 8000' there is
going to be some expansion...LOTS of expansion for the first month.
Get and wear over the knee compression socks for at least the first month...
For us guys, they slip down ALL the time. options are: shave legs (NOPE)
Garter Belt (NADA)...Panty Hose...Dont Even Go There! Hey it's a guy thing! It Wont last forever.

Second month went to knee highs...relatively comfortable...and they work.
Probably am gonna stick with them till the 1st anniversary.
There was no pain involved with the swelling, just un-nerving.

That is sooo funny! Can just imagine the comments from your flight crew if they found you were wearing panty hose!! :rotfl:
[Bonesmart.org] Flying Again after TKR
 
Mike this is extrmely helpful; I'm not a pilot but I go back and forth frequently to Prague - an 8 hour + flight. I wore the knee high TEDS on Jo's advice and they were fine -- and no swelling. I usually try to sleep for part of the flight but this time I got up more frequently to walk, do squats and toe lifts etc. just to keep the blood moving. It's good to hear with a schedule like yours there have been no issue of blood clots or the like. But I do think the key is working out and then getting up and moving around on the flight -- which I'm glad to hear you can do as a pilot. I mean you can't exactly stroll down the aisle 3 or 4 times ----
 
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