It Is Summer Time! Time To Get On Those Real Bikes!

[referee54]

Hey, we all know how much those stupid exercise bikes helped us out, right? Now it an awesome chance to ride a real bike (if you can) and actually go somewhere---not just sitting in your living room, family room, etc! It is summertime and time to get outdoors, darn it!

It doesn't matter how fancy-shmancy the bike is--get out there and ride that thang!

It is good for your strength! (Quads and Hams.)

It is good for your ROM (Mine is still getting better---beyond 120!)

It is good for your cardio-vascular system

It helps keep off the weight that we all lost!

It is good for your mental health, as well--you get out of the house and actually do something and make gains in your own PT!

You do not have to ride long and far, but a little ride here, and a little ride there will help you feel better in so many ways! Pretty soon, the miles may add up---and you are free!

Start by riding up and down the driveway---around the block, or up and down the street...as Nike used to say---"just do it!"

Sorry for the sermon,

The Right Reverend Tim Campbell

 

[JudyS]

Hey Tim,
I am 5 weeks past hip replacemet and I can't wait until I get the OK to ride outside.
I am a former obsessive runner and I have to turn to other sports now and cycling is the top of my list.
I know at this point I could not get that leg over the bar!!

I had arthroscopic hip surgery in Feb. When I was given the ok to ride, of maybe not specifically, I almost killed myself as my leg would not go over the bar!!!!!

I just need to be patient
JUdy

 

[referee54]

I used to run 25-30 miles a week--when I had my microfracture surgery my ortho told me to begin to ride a bike for cardio-stuff. It took some getting used to---I still see people running down in our metroparks today (it was absoutely goreous here today) and I wish that I could still be running. Anyway, now, I have to bike. I don't "run errands" anymore...I "bike errands."

Tim C.

 

[1jt@atime]

Good to hear from you Tim. When is the big bike ride you have scheduled?

I am excited about getting on my real bike too. I'll be 5 weeks out tomorrow on the second knee and my ROM is good enough but I feel I need just a little more strength before I go for the real thing. I'm sure I'll be taking some bike trips with my husband this fall along the C&O canal path here in the VA/MD area. The leaves will be real pretty. Karen

 

[JudyS]

Tim
When I was living in Atlanta area, I tried hard one summer to run less and bike more. I was in pt for my back and knee. I used to ride my bike to pt. It was pretty dangerous there, but I too used the bike to go where I had to go!!
I always ended up going back to running exclusively. My doc told me I could do anything but running after the new hip. I must have looked at him funny as he then said..Do you promise... Still not sure if I said anything.

Judy

 

[referee54]

My ortho, at my last appointment when he released me, said that the only reason that I could run was "FOR MY LIFE." He said that was it.

Tim C.

 

[Nursepair]

Whenever I see anyone running I often think how long before they will have knee, hip and back problems with all that jarring!! Cycling is much less impact. Having just had the MUA still can't use a real bike, but hope I will one day, prefably before the snow comes back in late October!!

It's 3.30am here and I will "jump" on my stationary bike soon as I have been tossing and turning for ages, can't get back to sleep, knee hurts like billio at the moment!! Will I ever get my knew knee working properly? Sometimes (like now) I doubt it. I am at 6 months now, and a ROM of 97 or less at the moment. Can you tell I am having a pity party at the moment? Go to see the OS on Tuesday again, he won't be pleased, he bent it to 120 on Monday. He said I shouldn't get much swelling this time, he was wrong, same old problem!! Oh well, will probably feel better if I get back to sleep later.

Good to see you back Ref.

 

[Teach4]

It was good to read everyone's post. Nursepair, I'm with you! I'm trying not to become frustrated, but it's so hard! Last doctor visit, they told me to be at 100 in 12 days (7/23) or they will probably "manipulate" my knee. I'm working so hard! But an hour after I exercise, I'm stiff again.

I'm really hoping they will let me ride my bike outside again soon. I'm at 9 weeks and riding the stationary bike, but still compensating with my hip. PT says its o.k. I'm still moving it. Going on vacation with my family and hope they let me ride outside bike in 2 weeks. Think they will?

 

[Josephine]

Never did learn to ride a bike.

Too late now tho.

Learned to ride a horse when I turned 40!

 

[JudyS]

Jo,
It is so not too late.
Judy

 

[Doug]

I hate the bike. Absolutely hate it. When I get off I feel like my butt has been violently examined by the seat!!!
Having said that, it was the best machine to use for ROM and recovery during the first few months.

 

[referee54]

I hate the bike. Absolutely hate it. When I get off I feel like my butt has been violently examined by the seat!!!
Having said that, it was the best machine to use for ROM and recovery during the first few months.

If you were to get a good saddle, you could really see the difference. An excellent saddle will let you ride a long, long time.

Tim C.

 

[edk]

Yeah, men need a seat which is urinary tract friendly lest you get
the infamous urinary strictures from pounding your crotch on those
old racing seats.

 

[referee54]

Hey Ed---how close are you to the University of Illinois? Are you emplyed there? Great place...I also know a professor down at Normal, teaching at Illinois State.

Tim C.

 

[Rowdy66]

Doug I had to stop laughing before I posted an answer; I totally agree with you about the bike and the seat and, also, about it being the best thing for ROM. As soon as I finish icing my low back I am going to ride it though. Rowdy

 

[Doug]

Yeah but with the bike I couldn't dare put ice where I was hurting. I'd talk like Mickey Mouse....just sayin'

 

[beachcomber]

I'd love to teach at a place called Normal. Sure beats the heck out of Dysfunctional!

Hey Ed---how close are you to the University of Illinois? Are you emplyed there? Great place...I also know a professor down at Normal, teaching at Illinois State.

Tim C.

 

[referee54]

A "normal" school was the name given a great while back to a university that turned out teachers. Illinois State University, a darned good university that turns out teachers, hence, is in Normal, Illinois.

Betcha guys didn't know that, didja!?

 

[Doug]

Well I for one will sleep better with that tidbit.
Hey Ref, are you hurtin' for some grits yet????

 

[1jt@atime]

So does that mean teachers are normal or they are just trying to tell themselves they are?!?!?? Positive reinforcement.... I had heard that normal term before....