Now what?

[LDR]

Original Sx 1/2/08; manipulation 3/3/08. Pain control: MS Contin 15 mg BID; Percoset used for P/T. Discharged from P/T 5/19/08. Weaning off MS Contin. Currently taking 1 every 3 days. Any advice re: what to expect as I get off drug? Also taking 75 mg Lyrica a.m.; 150 mg Lyrica p.m. 4th & 5th fingers right hand tingle since on Lyrica. Any comments? Have recumbent bike (prior back problems), but need to engage hip in order to get going till knee warms up. Would upright bike be better? Walking up to 1 1/2 miles...again, need to be cognizant of tendency to involve hip. This hasn't gone at all as I'd anticipated. Any constructive comments would be appreciated!

 

[JenniferG]

Hi LDR. Welcome to the forum. Does the DR in your post name stand for doctor? Just your description of things seem quite technical and analytical. Truth is with this knee stuff that for as much as we all have in common, there is alos as many differences. Some folks have some withdrawal issues with the pain meds. Nausea, sweating, moods, etc. But they seem to be short lived a few days or so. I took percs and was fortunate to not suffer but still take minimal other things as a phasing off process. No experience with lyrica. Sorry.I've heard that the recumbent bike can be tough if you have a bad back, but it also has support and a bigger seat. You can check with your PT. Watch for Josephine, she has great wisdom and a good sense of humor as well.

 

[1jt@atime]

Hi LDR, It sounds to me that you are doing pretty well with your recovery walking a good distance and keeping up with the pedaling. I too have back problems and prefer the recumbent bike. I'm even going to PT at my Neurosurgeon's clinic and guess what the first thing is that they do? They put me on the recumbent bike so it can't be that bad for you! I think it's all a matter of preference. Try an upright and see what you think.

This recovery is not an easy one and I know you have heard the one year deal. My doctor has even mentioned 18 months to recover. I thought I would be faster then average simply because I was young and determined but guess what....my body just said no and has been doing it all on its time no matter how hard I've tried. Hang in there!

 

[Josephine]

Hello, LDR. I can imagine that after almost 5 months you would be getting somewhat frustrated. The recovery on these things seems to vary hugely from person to person so it's very difficult to give precise parameters about what may or may not happen.

But walking 1½ miles doesn't seem too bad to me. In fact, it seems pretty darned good!

 

[LDR]

Thanks for the encouragement. My family is worried that I'll damage my hip, as I engage it more than I'd like. I'm hoping that over time that will go away. LDR is simply initials, as my name was already taken!

 

[JenniferG]

Well LDR, we'll call you anything as long as it's not a swear! lol How blessed you are to have a family that is concerned for your well being and improvement.

 

[Weezy]

Hi LDR! I can tell you my experiences with a recumbent exercise bike with a bad back/hip....it works beautifully for me.

Actually, one reason I finally decided--after years--to get a TKR was because my hip and back were not going to improve as long as I was walking funny in order to manage my bad knees, especially the left. At 4 weeks out, my hip is REALLY hurting because of compensating, but I'm working with a structural therapist (Hellerwork) and she's helping me learn how to walk correctly and deal with my hip and back problems.

Its sure a long process! and its funny how all those things are connected...but I'm hopeful it will all come together.

Anyway, bottom line....I even ride a semi-recumbent "real" bike and its easier on my hip and back. My hubby introduced me to the type when we met, and I was able to comfortably ride a bike after 15 years of not riding. So it seemed very natural for me to use a recumbent exercise bike--similar sitting and back support. I'm up to pedaling almost a mile a day at 4 weeks out and my hip feels better after I pedal.

I hope you find a solution that works well for you!

Weezy