Maintaining ROM - When is enough enough

[edk]

I almost feel like this is an open message to Doug in the middle of the night, but
he seems to know more about exercise than anyone else here (actually he seems to
know more about everything

So I've been basically doing the ride the bike and crank down the seat thing
and I have great ROM. Lately however I've failed to get any lower and my
discomfort level has increased. After being off narcs for about 10 days, I'm
waiting for a 5/325 to kick in so I can get back to sleep. Its a different discomfort
than in the past as well - its a no comfortable positions again. So I'm wondering
if my knee is telling me this is all you are going to get and be happy with it.

So now the other question which comes to mind is what do I have to do to maintain
ROM? Do I keep the seat at "uncomfortable" and figure in a week it will be OK painwise
or do I raise the seat and be comfortable but perhaps lose a bit of ROM because I'm not
pushing it.

Or am I just so tired and doped and rambling?

 

[JenniferG]

I'm not Doug. Duh. But what is your ROM? My PT guys say 140 is max and TKR will never get there just by design. They have said anywhere between 115 and 130 is good. So in my thinking, as your heading suggests there is a point when enough is enough. In the infamous words of Gat, Just sayin'.

 

[Josephine]

Sounds good to me. I wouldn't expect to keep it up forever. But then, I'm not Doug either! (hehe!)

 

[JenniferG]

But then, I'm not Doug either! (hehe!) (Josephine)

I'm not Doug. Duh (Me)

Thank goodness, huh Jo?!

 

[edk]

I'm not Doug. Duh. But what is your ROM? My PT guys say 140 is max and TKR will never get there just by design. They have said anywhere between 115 and 130 is good. So in my thinking, as your heading suggests there is a point when enough is enough. In the infamous words of Gat, Just sayin'.

This is good to know. I haven't been measured in weeks but I would bet its at least
120

 

[Doug]

Well hey you guys. That one isn't easy to answer. I have deleted about six responses.
I know what you want to hear is that you get to a level of strength and flexibility and you can stop. Unfortunately, that isn't the case.
A couple of months back, Gat and were in a similar position of questioning ROM and how much is enough..and the big question of would we have an MUA.
I quit measuring at 130. I'm happy with where I am. I'm doing everything I want to.
We are all different physically. Both in age,strength, flexibility and body structure. And to a large degree,when it comes to working out, mentally.
Strength and flexibility is like a stock market chart. It goes up and down. Depending on your "effort". If you are happy where you are, stop pushing at this point. To KEEP what you have, you are going to have to do what I call a maintenance workout. Slack back on the effort for a few days and see how it impacts your ROM.
I've found that as far as maintenance, I only have to drop the seat low twice per week for about 3 mins at the lowest point.
EDK, I would recommend you take a break for a few days from pushing it hard. You might be developing some tendinitis. Raise the seat and relax.
Don't crank down on the resistance.
I hope I answered your question..I know I will keep thinking about the issue now for hours..
I'll check back later.

 

[JenniferG]

As far as the sleeping, I have a difficult time staying in position for any longer than 2-3 hours. These big stiff mechanical feeling things need to flip over, or stretch out, or curl up. Not pain, just change. So maybe ed, that is what is going on for you?
Doug how low are you putting the seat? Guess we'll be lift our legs and extending/flexing for life!?

 

[Jamie]

I have slacked off on riding the bike, but I am working either outside in the garden or inside on remodeling projects (up and down ladders, painting) almost every day. For me, that seems to be keeping my ROM where it was. But.....I think I could and would feel better if I would get my rear in gear and do some bike riding each day. It's the old story....just have difficulty making time. Doug, I think your suggestion to try phasing back a little is a good one. If you are paying attention to your body, you'll know if you begin losing ROM because things you used to do easily will feel different (pain or tightness in the knee). That would be the sign that you should go back to some more aggressive exercise.

My fear is that I might still develop more scar tissue and/or adhesions even at 10+ weeks out. I don't know how long there is a risk for that.

 

[edk]

Doug: That's amazing it took me about 6 tries to do the original post - it was
hard to say what I wanted to say and not sound like the sleep deprived dope
crazed lunetic that I was when I wrote it.

JenniferG: I do frequently get the gotta moves. Some nights I feel like
I'm on a spit that turns me over about once an hour (I guess til I'm done)

 

[JenniferG]

Doug: That's amazing it took me about 6 tries to do the original post - it was
hard to say what I wanted to say and not sound like the sleep deprived dope
crazed lunetic that I was when I wrote it.

JenniferG: I do frequently get the gotta moves. Some nights I feel like
I'm on a spit that turns me over about once an hour (I guess til I'm done)

Yes we have 3 side 1, 2, 3 taking turns, Everything but the stomach (someday). Feel bad for the spouses, but I think my hubby is used to it from presurgery pains.

Jamie, careful on that ladder. That would scare me like stairs.

 

[Jamie]

Jamie, careful on that ladder. That would scare me like stairs.

Actually the ladder is easy. And it really works the quads going up and down. I'm used to doing a lot of ladder work in our remodeling and building projects, so it's something I was really looking forward to getting back to. Our great room has been "half done" for almost two years because I just couldn't do the work....mentally or physically. It's so wonderful to get back to it again. We have a two-story entry that DESPERATELY needed painting and Sunday I got most of it trimmed out and ready for the roller. I love looking at the progress. It's cloudy here today so I will probably work on it again today rather than try to go outside. Think I need a rest from the gardening anyway.....no bending over for a day or so.

But thanks for your worries and concerns!

 

[JenniferG]

We have decided to move. We thought about it off and on for the last couple years, but we are ready. Son is out of school and we need a change. Going to stay in the area just want more house different features and maybe one level (wonder why?). So, Since I'm not working right now my job has become thin out clean up and pack. I may end doing some painting to freshen up, but now I CAN!

 

[Jamie]

What a grand idea, Jen!!! We had that "move" talk when we retired 5 years ago and finally decided we liked our house and neighborhood and the fact that we are so close to everything that we like to do. So we opted to stay and make modifications to the house to update and make it look more like today's construction (it was built in 1977). But if we didn't already have a first floor bedroom, we'd be moving. At this point, I can definitely see the value of not having to do stairs unless you feel like it. What we have been doing is what you are tackling....paring down all the "stuff" we have accumulated over the years and getting rid of things that are not really needed. It's difficult!!! Our basement is FULL of my parents' estate and it's hard to let go of the memories. But I'm getting better and better at it. I don't envy you with the task of packing up to move, but the excitement of a new home is the best!!! Hooray for you!!! And now you CAN do what you need to do. That makes it even better.

 

[Doug]

Jenn,
I start my seat height at 8. Depending on how I feel, every 4-8 minutes, I stop, dismount, stretch, and lower the seat one setting. Today, I went down to #2. For my height, #2 is squeezing it pretty tight. I've got some other problems with my new knee as I posted yesterday. I decided I'm giving the leg a rest this whole week. In fact, I'm leaving tomorrow to go to the beach in Gulf Shores Alabama for three days. I'll walk, play in the Gulf, and eat fried pickels and shrimp the whole time!!

 

[JenniferG]

Fried pickles? should that end up on the recipe thread? I get my bike PT's) to 4. @ sounds like it would be like a munchkin. Are you going to see Gat? Where's he been any way? Have a good time. Bringing the lap top?

 

[Jamie]

Ohhhhhh, Doug. One of the true great treasures of the south....fried pickles!!! I had them only once on a trip to San Antonio and they were heaven. I piggishly made a meal out of them! That AND the beach??? NOW I'm jealous!!!

 

[Doug]

No computers are allowed on this trip. I need to get my wife away from checking in at work.
I had a friend that was frying pickles 25+ years ago. The first time I ate them I was hooked. Especially if I have some hot sauce to go on them.
I'll post the recipe when I get back. It is very simple.
Gat isn't in Gulf Shores. He is in Georgia. Don't know where he's been.

 

[northman22]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels like a rotisserie chicken when I sleep. Not usually pain, but discomfort. I still sleep in the guest room so my wife gets a good night sleep. We have a tempurpedic mattress and it just hasn't worked for me since surgery. It forms to my body, but makes it difficult to toss and turn like I need. Jennifer...I also feel like I have big metal knees. It always feels strange when I put them on a mattress or something for therapy. Almost like metal knee pads.

I am thinking of going back to work next week so this topic of how much and how long was very helpful..........Steve

 

[Doug]

I haven't had restless legs since I quit the pain pills..

 

[Jamie]

I don't get them now unless I overdo it. I think it will get better with time as my muscles get stronger. Some of those muscles haven't had much of a workout in a very long time!