Today is day 14 since (left) total knee replacement (TKR). I followed surgery prep instructions diligently, except did not drink a sports drink a few hours prior. I was told I'd be there several hours, so would need 'nourishment' the sports drink would provide. Instead, I drank a zero calorie electrolyte mix. I was also allowed to eat up to 8 hours prior to surgery, but I stopped 32 hours prior, and continued to fast afterward, a total of 72 hours. After that, I ate one light meal per day for the next 4 days. My thinking, was to keep the digestive system empty so the body could focus on healing. Day after surgery was the worst, it felt like I'd been ran over by a truck. But next day I began feeling better, and an exercise bicycle was delivered, per doc's order, and I logged all five, 12 minute sessions that day, and every day since. On day 3 post surgery, I began PT at a nearby facility, 3x per week. On day 4, I set the walker aside and stopped the pain pills. The physical therapist recently said I am doing well, and most TKR patients are still using walker or cane at 3 weeks, so that was encouraging. I am also continuing PT at home for my left shoulder, and range of motion is good as new.
On day 5, I sat on both motorcycles (GL1800 and BMW Airhead) and, with effort, could get my foot on the floor board / foot peg, albeit with much pain; day 6 it was easier, but painful; day 7, pain was more tolerable; day 8, pain was much less, and I could operate the shifter, so I rode the GooldWing about 75 miles, and have ridden both bikes a collective total of about 400 miles since.
While riding, I constantly exercise the knee, alternating foot position on the peg/floorboard, for more/less knee flex. I also use the highway pegs to straighten the knee some and do 'foot pumps'. I also often hook my heel over the highway peg and pull the leg forward, for max straightness of the knee.
No regrets on the surgery, I pray for continued improvement, and getting fully back into the swing of life, which includes riding motorcycles. Hope to see y'all on the road!
On day 5, I sat on both motorcycles (GL1800 and BMW Airhead) and, with effort, could get my foot on the floor board / foot peg, albeit with much pain; day 6 it was easier, but painful; day 7, pain was more tolerable; day 8, pain was much less, and I could operate the shifter, so I rode the GooldWing about 75 miles, and have ridden both bikes a collective total of about 400 miles since.
While riding, I constantly exercise the knee, alternating foot position on the peg/floorboard, for more/less knee flex. I also use the highway pegs to straighten the knee some and do 'foot pumps'. I also often hook my heel over the highway peg and pull the leg forward, for max straightness of the knee.
No regrets on the surgery, I pray for continued improvement, and getting fully back into the swing of life, which includes riding motorcycles. Hope to see y'all on the road!
