The man with stainless steel knees---off topic a bit

Brian Rupnow · Dec 11, 2024

Today I went to visit the surgeon who did my second complete knee replacement surgery on 14-Nov-2024. I spent part of the morning in X-ray, and the remainder of the day waiting for my chance to talk with the surgeon. He said the second operation was "without any issues", same as my first total knee replacement surgery in May. I have spent three of the last weeks boogying around the house with my walker, and this past week have been walking with only a cane. Yesterday I got really bold and worked on my lathe and mill for about four hours. (and yes, it felt really good to do some work in my shop.) I haven't had a great deal of pain, but the joint is stiff and I am in physio twice a week to get the new knee working smoothly with good range of motion.---Brian

Ghosty · Dec 11, 2024

Brian,
It is good to hear that you are up and around now, take it easy and get every thing going as it should, don't push it too hard
Cheers
Andrew

ChazzC · Dec 11, 2024

Glad you’re on the mend, Brian, keep up the good work.

Had my shoulder replacement surgery last Thursday and am doing light PT at home; feeling good and just taking Tylenol. I have my first Post-OP next Friday and will start formal therapy afterwards. Fortunately, my Orthopedics office has their own Radiology Department, and I have firm appointments for both X-Ray & Surgeon so no waiting. Plus, with online access to my records I can see documents & results as soon as the Team.

ddmckee54 · Dec 11, 2024

My dad had his knees replaced about 30 years ago. He was very conscientious about his physio and exercises, so he made a full recovery. A couple of my other relatives weren't as diligent and their recoveries reflected that. Physio-therapy and the exercises may suck, but the alternative is worse.

ChazzC · Dec 11, 2024

ddmckee54 said:
My dad had his knees replaced about 30 years ago. He was very conscientious about his physio and exercises, so he made a full recovery. A couple of my other relatives weren't as diligent and their recoveries reflected that. Physio-therapy and the exercises may suck, but the alternative is worse.

My boss at the time 20 years ago had his knee replaced: first day back he used both crutches and stayed in his office as directed; 2nd day, 1 crutch and he hobbled across the parking lot, up a flight of stairs and into the food manufacturing facility; 3rd day he stayed home (combination of pain and orders from the owner).

Engineville · Dec 11, 2024

It is terrific to hear that you are doing well! I enjoy following your model engine projects.

GreenTwin · Dec 11, 2024

I had to have my right shoulder worked on, and as the doctor said, "It takes a long time for soft tissue recovery; if you use it too soon, you will ruin the work I have done to repair it.".
So I took it very easy for many weeks, but got my shoulder working again.

Good luck with your knee.
There is nothing quite like being able to use a joint without pain.
.

Ken I · Dec 12, 2024

Just been to see a knee doctor (like an hour ago) and I am going to need a pair of those myself sooner rather than later.
Glad to hear it went well and you are up and about again,
Regards, Ken I

ShopShoe · Dec 12, 2024

Glad to hear that you're on the mend and venturing into the shop.

Take it easy.

--ShopShoe

lathe nut · Dec 12, 2024

Brian Rupnow said:
Today I went to visit the surgeon who did my second complete knee replacement surgery on 14-Nov-2024. I spent part of the morning in X-ray, and the remainder of the day waiting for my chance to talk with the surgeon. He said the second operation was "without any issues", same as my first total knee replacement surgery in May. I have spent three of the last weeks boogying around the house with my walker, and this past week have been walking with only a cane. Yesterday I got really bold and worked on my lathe and mill for about four hours. (and yes, it felt really good to do some work in my shop.) I haven't had a great deal of pain, but the joint is stiff and I am in physio twice a week to get the new knee working smoothly with good range of motion.---Brian

Glad to hear that all is ok, I have friends that has had them done all but a couple without success, now want I want to hear is when you go out for a jogging and get used to that I want to see the read out on the screen of the speed that you ran at, I have friend that have gotten up in excess of 60 miles per hour, well that might not be correct, glad you back in the shop, Joe

SteamChEng · Dec 12, 2024

Glad you are up and about and into the PT! You'll be back in the shop building things in no time now!

Had my right hip replaced a little over 2 weeks ago. I'm walking without a cane now and have pretty good range of motion. I have PT twice a week, and when I can put on my right sock again, I'll know I'm about finished.

Best wishes for a continued low-pain recovery!

Henry K · Dec 12, 2024

Glad to hear you are doing well.
About 15 years ago I had a chance to visit the Stryker facility in New Jersey. They make things like knees on some very nice and clean CNC machines.
As machine shop type people, we would probably marvel if our Doctors would show us a video of the manufacturing process - amazing.
Good wishes on your full recovery!

Wheat47 · Dec 12, 2024

Brian Rupnow said:
Today I went to visit the surgeon who did my second complete knee replacement surgery on 14-Nov-2024. I spent part of the morning in X-ray, and the remainder of the day waiting for my chance to talk with the surgeon. He said the second operation was "without any issues", same as my first total knee replacement surgery in May. I have spent three of the last weeks boogying around the house with my walker, and this past week have been walking with only a cane. Yesterday I got really bold and worked on my lathe and mill for about four hours. (and yes, it felt really good to do some work in my shop.) I haven't had a great deal of pain, but the joint is stiff and I am in physio twice a week to get the new knee working smoothly with good range of motion.---Brian

Sounds like you're doing great. I had one knee replaced six years ago, the other one a little over a year ago. Latest one is still a bit stiff, but the more I walk and use it, the better it works. My biggest suggestion is DO NOT STOP THE THERAPY!! And do more if you're comfortable with it. I did a stationary bike. I couldn't do a full revolution for a while, so I just went as far as I could, then back and forth. (Only trouble with a stationary bike after you ride it for a while, you have to turn it around and drive back!!!LOLOL) I had a lady friend take me to therapy for a week, but it was in her little car. After the first trip, I asked her to take me in my pickup. It was a challenge to get in and out of her car!! After two weeks, I figured out how to drive. My Dr. suggested I do stairs, only 2-3-4 steps at a time at first.
Yes, it is good therapy to do some shop work. Just be careful. I have a draftsman's chair/stool in front of my lathe. That helped a lot.
What are you building?? I've started building some small brass/steel/aluminum tops/spinners. They're quick, fast and easy.
Jon

Jojo · Dec 12, 2024

Congratulations on a successful surgery!

olf20 · Dec 13, 2024

Congratulation on your replacements and recovery. As we get older we need parts repaired or replaced. What a wonderful time to live in. I just had 4 more stents, 1 week recovery and ready to go.
olf20 / Bob

The man with stainless steel knees---off topic a bit

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