Community Forums

Barneyb · 05-17-2022, 07:26 PM

Well thanks to my better half’s argument we have decided to cancel our west coast vacation this year. I have had a bad knee for quite a number of years with arthritis that has been a rough road traveling. Our last trip I could only drive a max of 100 miles without stopping to walk and get my knee going again. Wanting to visit Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone and visit friends in Idaho we thought the 4000 mile trip would not be as memorable as if I was was more mobile and able to walk and enjoy more.
I looked so forward to this trip but in the end she is correct and I need to get it fixed so we can enjoy it more hopefully next year.
Knee surgery 1, vacation 0

Berryfarmer · 05-17-2022, 07:49 PM

Best wishes for a speedy recovery so you can get back to doing something we all enjoy.

Bangorbob · 05-17-2022, 08:17 PM

Been there and done that. Had a bad knee for many years. Refused to get it fixed. It didn't get any better. Couldn't sit behind the wheel of any vehicle for more than 45 minutes. After almost 18 yrs I finally got my knee replaced. Dr gave me 2 choices. Get it done OR be in a wheel chair. Glad I did it and now can travel pain free.

Good luck and do the hard pt. Itll be worth it.

Dutch Star Don · 05-17-2022, 08:20 PM

Had both knees done two years ago. I was able to go camping within a month after the first knee. Did so well, the doctor schedule the second one 3 months after the first. Second knee recovery was even easier as I knew what to expect.

Keep in mind, when they replace your knee, they're removing most of the pain you had. You're really just recovering from the incision and getting full movement back. My best exercise was on our stairs. I put the replacement knee leg on the first step and leaned into it. Pretty soon I was on the second step and had full bending movement.

High Road Travelers · 05-17-2022, 08:28 PM

Wishing you a speedy recovery and may you soon be traveling again.

twogypsies · 05-17-2022, 10:34 PM

I've had two new knees and a new shoulder. I can see a second shoulder coming up in the future.

Don't put it off. The surgery does wonders!

TechWriter · 05-18-2022, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barneyb

Our last trip I could only drive a max of 100 miles without stopping to walk and get my knee going again.

The wife doesn't drive?

Isaac-1 · 05-18-2022, 03:50 AM

Sorry about not getting to go on your trip, perhaps you can find something closer to home to do. We are doing such a trip right now, spending a week or so exploring some of those things to do within a couple of hundred miles from home, seeing what some of those towns that we have only stopped in to get gasoline in the past have to offer...

UTTransplant · 05-18-2022, 06:51 AM

The reason I (Pam) first started being the primary driver was Kevin has bad knees. For the last 3 years he has been getting injections of synovisc (sp?) injections, but we have an appointment for right after Memorial Day to plan the knee replacement he intends to get this fall. It takes so long to get the surgery scheduled that we are just going ahead with our summer trip. He can spell me on long days, but I will continue to be primary driver. And I have clearly told him that just because his knee is better doesn’t mean he can move to the driver’s seat again! I like driving.

Ray,IN · 05-18-2022, 10:48 AM

Our summer plans have been cancelled too; but ours is because I smashed the front cap of our MH.
The silver-lining _ I keep reminding DW of the fuel money being saved.

High Road Travelers · 05-18-2022, 11:19 AM

Ray, is there a story to go along with the smashed front cap, or is that better left alone?

Ray,IN · 05-18-2022, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wog099

Ray, is there a story to go along with the smashed front cap, or is that better left alone?

Yep, story is in my OUCH thread in the Winnebago forum.

baraff · 05-18-2022, 04:57 PM

I had severe arthritis in both knees, literally could not walk a block. Had them both replaced in 2016 and 2017.

Don't wait, get it done. It is a game changer. I got my life back.
p.s. - Physical therapy is the key to successful recovery. Work through it, it will be worth it.

twinboat · 05-18-2022, 05:59 PM

I waited on my left knee until the right one failed, back in 2011.

Was full time cruising on our boat at the time. Stored the boat in FL for the summer and drove up to NJ and had both knees replaced same day. 3 months later I had a hip replaced.
We made it back to the boat by October.

2 years ago I had the second hip done while RVing in Florida. Had a friend with a home to recoup for 3 weeks.

Get them done before they all start failing.