Any experience riding after knee surgery?

[Jersey Girl]

Does anyone have any experience riding post-op? I am having a total knee replacement due to severe arthritis. I have been practicing getting on and off my i2 with crutches and a cane (believe it or not). Of course, walking will be good for rehabbing the knee, but I won't be able to walk too far. I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience, hints, tips, etc. Obviously, if it turns out to not be safe, I won't do it. But oh, how I'll miss my Segway. Thanks. If all goes well, guess I won't be able to say I use my Segway because of my bad knees (there is the other knee, though).

[jgbackes]

Does anyone have any experience riding post-op? I am having a total knee replacement due to severe arthritis. I have been practicing getting on and off my i2 with crutches and a cane (believe it or not). Of course, walking will be good for rehabbing the knee, but I won't be able to walk too far. I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience, hints, tips, etc. Obviously, if it turns out to not be safe, I won't do it. But oh, how I'll miss my Segway. Thanks. If all goes well, guess I won't be able to say I use my Segway because of my bad knees (there is the other knee, though).

I have a artificial left knee. Very old style replaced on April 13, 1981! It hurts when I glide, it hurts when I don't... Walking for me is much worse than gliding on the segway. BTW, do what your doc says about motion exercise.

[Jersey Girl]

? Time for a revision, Jeff? Technology is sooo changed now.

[jgbackes]

? Time for a revision, Jeff? Technology is sooo changed now.

I've been under the knife way too many times in the last few years to worry about my knee. Hardware that works is best left alone ;) Can you tell I'm an engineer!

[Suzined]

Long term there should be no problem. The issue is how soon can you "safely" resume gliding. No answer here other than don't rush it. I've had both knees and a hip done in the past and have really enjoyed my Segway. Just now I'm recovering from another total hip replacement (May 29th) and do not expect to safely glide till at least Thanksgiving. Frankly, I am concerned it may be even longer as taking a fall with a new joint can have most serious consequences. I was told that a total knee is the equivalent of having six broken bones (each saw cut on a bone is a break, three above the joint and three below). My experience is that knees are the most painful but hips are the most disabling. My last hip took about a year to become fully incorporated into my body. I'd guess six months for a knee might be a minimum time to wait. It isn't the stress of an uneventful glide that concerns me--I'd worry about a sudden bump or emergency turn, a hidden pot hole in a seemingly innocent mud puddle that would result in a need for you to make a sudden, hard twisting motion. That could really water your eyes!

Am I writing this for you?...or for me? I really miss gliding and am eager to resume. I am also very unwilling to take any unnecessary chances. I'd consider using the black key for awhile.

Five years ago, while waiting to see my orthopedic surgeon, I noticed a young man also waiting. His right arm was strapped to his body, hand on his left collar bone (Valpo sling?). I asked what happened and he told me he'd fallen in his shower a month after a total shoulder. He'd caught himself with his right arm, on his new shoulder. They'd had to remove the implant, strap up his arm for six months while it healed, then planned to re-install an artificial right shoulder. Every time I think of having an accident with an artificial joint, that young man's image and story explode into my memory. I get a shudder every time I think about it.

Be very, very careful and whatever you do don't rush it. Let us know when you start. All the very best!

[Suzined]

In response to Jersey Girl's question, a friend--not on the Segway Chat listserv but an active glider--sent me the following.

Ed,
No joint replacement for me yet but broken and pinned hip wasn't a lot of fun. As a matter of fact it was four years ago, I was about six weeks into recovery when they introduced the Segway to the public on GMA. I saw that program and ordered one the same day. Took four months and a certified training course before they shipped one to me. Times have changed.
Yeah, the glide shouldn't be a problem as long as you stay in wide open spaces on smooth paved or carpeted surfaces. It's those hidden problems that will get you and I can only imagine how much damage you could do. OUCH! You think you got everything licked then something jumps up and bites you. Think I would wait until I could handle a quick dismount or jump off and would defiantly stay on the black key.

[Jersey Girl]

Had my total knee replacement 6/28....definitely NOT FUN, not like riding my Segway. I pass my poor lonely Segway evertime I go in and out my front door (it's parked in my front hallway) on my crutches. I asked my orthopedic surgeon when I could ride, he replied, "have you ever ridden one of those things?" Huh? "Yeah, Doc, I own one, when can I ride?" Talk to me in 4 weeks was his answer. I'll keep you posted.

[Tarkus]

Had my total knee replacement 6/28....definitely NOT FUN, not like riding my Segway. I pass my poor lonely Segway evertime I go in and out my front door (it's parked in my front hallway) on my crutches. I asked my orthopedic surgeon when I could ride, he replied, "have you ever ridden one of those things?" Huh? "Yeah, Doc, I own one, when can I ride?" Talk to me in 4 weeks was his answer. I'll keep you posted.


All the best with your recovery, keep us posted.

Be Big,
Alan

[william collins]

I had the first one (Left)done in 2001 and now the right one done March 2nd this year ..I was back on my segway in three weeks after the replacement..And I'm back to the curb jumps ..Just got to remember to keep the knee bent and not stand stiff..still have some pain and forget a good nights sleep thats out of the question Wish the Doc would prescribe some Ambien or something ..But as far as gliding I stand some and sit some (Have the SegSeat) Can't walk to far so the segway is a God Send..Where you located Jersey Girl ...I'm in East Rutherford NJ..If were close mayby a glide together OK :D

[SegWayne]

"Wish the Doc would prescribe some Ambien or something .." ..Tylanol PM, pain relief plus a snooze

[Jersey Girl]

I was back on my segway in three weeks after the replacement..

3 weeks? That's Awesome! and for me, that's next week!!! Did your orthopedic surgeon know about that part of your recovery? What did he/she think/say about that? I know the risks come with falling, not so much riding. I have only had my i2 since March and have had 3 good falls, one in which I broke my elbow (didn't slow me down too much, was gliding 4-5 days later with the cast still on), the others just resulted in bumps, bruises, and abrasions. I have ridden over 500 miles, so maybe it's more about the mileage than the time owned/gliding. I just did a little practice ride in the long hallway of my condo building, need a crutch to get on and off, but the straightaway is a piece of cake. Ooh, if my friends/neighbors saw me riding the Seg on crutches with the 23 staples still in my knee they'd kill me! But I miss it so....

This Jersey Girl lives in DC. The only time I get to East Rutherford is for Springsteen concerts. My family is still at the Shore, Monmouth County, and I am home alot, but I haven't figured a way to get my Segway into my Mustang convertible (does not fit in the trunk). I am looking at some of the new hydraulic lift/carriers Segway is coming out with, Steve at Capital Segway has been a great resource (and becoming a friend, too).

I just joined DC Segway. When I do start riding again, which should be soon, it would be very helpful to do my first couple of glides with an experienced glider until I get my confidence back, and to make sure I can get on and off without a problem. Any volunteers in the next week or 2? I am downtown near the Verizon Center? Don't know about that curb-hopping, though.

[Jersey Girl]

I had the first one (Left)done in 2001 and now the right one done March 2nd this year ..I was back on my segway in three weeks after the replacement..And I'm back to the curb jumps ..Just got to remember to keep the knee bent and not stand stiff..still have some pain and forget a good nights sleep thats out of the question Wish the Doc would prescribe some Ambien or something ..But as far as gliding I stand some and sit some (Have the SegSeat) Can't walk to far so the segway is a God Send..Where you located Jersey Girl ...I'm in East Rutherford NJ..If were close mayby a glide together OK :D


Which one of your docs won't let you try Ambien, ortho, primary care, etc? I agree with the trial of Tylenol PM or something like that (the medicine in all those OTC sleep aids is diphenhydramine, AKA "benadryl", the major side effect of the antihistamine being drowsiness), but if it doesn't work, you have the right to INSIST on a good night's sleep and a prescription aid for same, if needed. I have been taking Ambien for years, couldn't function without it. I underwent a sleep evaluation including an overnight sleep study because I was concerned that I was addicted to Ambien. Result was negative for any medical problem, neurologist called it plain old "chronic insomnia". I was told I could get a refill on Ambien whenever I needed it. What the doc said was, "better addicted to Ambien and getting a good night's sleep so that you can function, than not taking it and continually being sleep deprived and living with the consequences." (I was falling asleep driving home from work on a regular basis when I did not sleep at night...not good, plus, I was functioning at a "chronic sub-par level". So, if your doc won't let you try it, ask another doc! It's a good medicine. Just don't ride your Segway after taking it!

Good luck, good sleep, take care of those knees, and always....Glide Safely!
Jersey Girl

[SegWayne]

"So, if your doc won't let you try it, ask another doc!". Yes, Yes... if you can't change the people you're with, change the people you're with.

[william collins]

It was the ortho doc that did the replacement .said that he dosn't like to prescribe sleep meds and told me to buy over the counter sleep aids ..I tried Sominex and SleepMD ..neither worked very well at all..And part of the problem is that I like to sleep on my right side and if I fall asleep on the that side within 20 minutes I get a terrible pain in the knee and calf..same leg that was just had the replaced knee..Wakes me up ..and we move to the other side ..Oh and another thing that seems to go with knee replacements is Restless Leg Syndrome...That alone will keep you awake ...constant moving about ..I don't remember all this from the first replacement but my wife says its all a repeat.. So then its just time till it heals..But in the meantime I just keep doing all the gliding I can..Watching out for potholes ..I only fell twice on my Seg and it was both times my fault. Once two years ago when I first got the seg and was stupid going out in the snow and slipped on Black Ice..seciond time was the same as Geo. Bush..Forgot to make sure it was in balance mood...That will never happen again..Many hours and miles on my belt since then:D

[Suzined]

It seems like a knee replacement four months ago and still having knee pains at night is unusual. (I've had three total knees in the past six years.) The first month after each surgery I used a constant motion machine--not to increase range of motion but to keep the knee moving. It really helped prevent pain. But after four months? Very unusual.

[Suzined]

I spent the night trying to think of the difference between total hips and total knees. My hips are "grow-ins" while my knees are "glue-ins". I would recommend at least a six month wait before trying a "grow-in" on a Segway. Glue-in knees might well be different. Do we have an orthopedic doctor amongst our group? ...I do miss gliding!

[SegWayne]

......... (I've had three total knees in the past six years.)

Ok, I'll be the one to ask....... Where did you put the third knee? Are there pictures? Is it like a Kickstand? If so, could it be "glued" to an i/x2?

[Jersey Girl]

OK, Wayne, you took the words right out of my mouth (..."oh it must've been when you were..." couldn't resist).

How long before your original TKR and the revision, what happened? Sounds like maybe you're plagued with RA? Sucks!

Very good point about "grow-in vs. glue-in", my knee is cemented, a DePuy rotating platform system. I'm hoping it lasts a good long time, like maybe 20 years. I had a miserable experience, they screwed up the epidural PCA and I got no pain medicine the first night after surgery. What part of "something is wrong, I shouldn't be having this much pain" did they not understand? My pain management was completely unacceptable post-op, I wouldn't wish my experience on my worst enemy (maybe W, no, I didn't mean that).

When I see the orthopod tomorrow, I will ask him again about Segging, he seemed to know exactly what it involves, and has probably glided himself. I will ask him to explain his reasoning and share with you all afterwards. So, do we have an orthopedic surgeon on this forum? Step up and tell us what you think. I believe this topic will come up more frequently for ortho docs and they will have to make clear recommendations and explain them in the future. In the meantime, I think I would be fine Segging here on these lovely wide DC streets, plus, I can go on the Mall (I got one of those little handicap stickers from American signs someone recommended on this site)!

Let's hear from ortho and P.T. on this, please.
Mary Ann

[SegWayne]

OK, Wayne, you took the words right out of my mouth (..."oh it must've been when you were..." couldn't resist).



Ok, great lead-in, but I'm not going to take the bait and bite......

Dr's are going to give you the "cover my ***" answer. If you were new to gliding, give it plenty of time.... if you are an experienced glider (not necessarily "fully experienced" (from another thread) you'll know as soon as you get on or moving if you should be doing it......

[Jersey Girl]

Thank you, Doctor!

[Jersey Girl]

"When I see the orthopod tomorrow, I will ask him again about Segging, he seemed to know exactly what it involves, and has probably glided himself. I will ask him to explain his reasoning and share with you all afterwards."

Got all 23 staples out and it feels good. My doc is very pleased with my progress just 2 weeks out from a total knee. I told him I had been on the stationary bike in our gym trying to improve range of motion, and to my surprise, made 2 actual full revolutions. He said, "That's great, you can't hurt the knee riding, walking, you'll even be able to ski late next season if you like."

"What about the Segway, doc?" I says with a grin. He asked me what possessed me to buy a Segway. So, I explained how I used to love walking around DC, that's one of the reasons I moved downtown. But the freakin auto-immune complex I have is degenerating my lumbar spine since I had surgery for a disc herniation 3 years ago, then tore the ACL in my good knee 3 weeks post-op and had to have that fixed a year later, and all of that has helped accelerate the arthritis in the bad knee, I found I couldn't make it as far as the Washington Monument (one mile) without pain and limping. As I considered having the knee replacement, I thought I'd try a Segway out at the Capital Segway store, just a mile or so from me, also (ain't this a great city?). I had looked into renting on the internet, but I was finding minimums of 3-6 months at $500-$600 a month, plus shipping. So I stopped by Capital Segway, rode one of the rebuilt older models that was on sale for $2,500, and then tried the new i2, listed at $5,000! I was hooked and bought after just 15 minutes. (I condensed this story a bit for the doctor).

I could tell he had glided before, so I asked him for details and got exactly what I expected. He had been on a tour with his 13 year old son (was not an i2). His son abruptly stopped while crossing at an intersection and Dad, not wanting to run him over, made a bad turn and fell. He did not get hurt, but knows first hand that you do have to be able to get on and off in a hurry and be prepared for sudden moves. He said my new knee is not ready for that. He said give it at least a month. I agreed that that was reasonable. He said, "you'll know when you're safe, if you're not safe, don't ride". OK, Doc, I'll wait until I feel safe, or at least another 2 weeks.

I'm gonna send him a gift certificate for an i2 glide with Capital Segway as a thank you.

[william collins]

Glad to here your doing well ..make sure you follow the PTs instructions ..Don't cheat..he says thirty times do the thirty..If hes busy don't just lay there and wait do a few extra pulls and bends..I assume your going to PT every other day like I did..do some at home in between..I bought my own TENS unit and Ice pack..Since my last post I find things are improving..little less pain and now getting the sleep I needed..Some bad days and some good ones.I now have some pills for the Restless Leg Syndrone..The next week or so and you'll be gliding all over DC..I think Sky Diving is out tho..He He...Good Luck:)

[Jersey Girl]

I got released from home P.T. today and start outpatient on Wednesday. I have also progressed to just a cane, have at least 110 degrees flexion, and am riding the stationary bike for 10-15 minutes at a time!

You know what that means....So, I felt safe today and gave it a go. Did about a 5 mile glide on the DC sidewalks and I did fine. I didn't do alot of zigging or zagging, mostly straightaway at 8-10 mph. I took it slowly at all crosswalks, too. I had most of my weight on and turned with the good leg, but I did find that Segging is a great way to get your balance or "proprioception" back after an injury or surgery; who needs those damn balance balls they make you use in PT?! It's the standing for long periods and subsequent swelling that will keep my riding limited for the moment. Boy did it feel great to be back out there. You should have seen some of the looks when I told the curious that I had a total knee replacement < 3 weeks ago! Time for ice and another variety of "a cold one" (haven't needed percocet in a few days either). Yee Ha!!!

[Suzined]

I tried getting on and off my i180 today for the first time since the total hip installation eleven and a half weeks ago. It wasn't pretty but I did it. I'm not about to go gliding till I can get off and on "quickly" and I'm guessing that won't be for several weeks. My balance is really stinko so thank goodness for the Gen1 machines. But now I have added getting on and off to my exercise routine. I'm not sure I could have started dismounts any earlier--rather difficult.

Life is good!

Ed

[Suzined]

My hip replacement was seven and a half weeks ago--not eleven and a half as I reported. No wonder I was thinking recovery was going slowly. My surgeon told me the "dismount quickly and safely" test was probably the best indicator. After twelve weeks the "grow-in" hip is about full strength--a "glue-in" knee is at full strength within a couple of days but the muscles need more time to knit together.

[Jersey Girl]

My hip replacement was seven and a half weeks ago--not eleven and a half as I reported. No wonder I was thinking recovery was going slowly. My surgeon told me the "dismount quickly and safely" test was probably the best indicator. After twelve weeks the "grow-in" hip is about full strength--a "glue-in" knee is at full strength within a couple of days but the muscles need more time to knit together.

Yeah, I'd say there is quite a difference between between 7.5 and 11.5 weeks post-op, about a month! Sounds like you are doing well, though.

That was the indicator for me riding, the getting on and off. I can do it without the cane, but it is easier with and I have taken it with me on the few glides I have taken (which included my P.T. visit the other day).

Be safe and a continued good recovery to you.
Mary Ann

[Linda]

Hi, had my knee replaced 5 years ago. The only thing I have trouble with is bumps. I have learned to bend my knees and this helps. I have no problem riding my segway i2.

however, my son claims that it just shut down on him. He fell and hurt his ankle. He is 19 and a very careful person. The section of road he fell on is flat and smooth. I have riden there myself and never had any problems.

[Linda]

Hi, had my knee replaced 5 years ago. The only thing I have trouble with is bumps. I have learned to bend my knees and this helps. I have no problem riding my segway i2.

however, my son claims that it just shut down on him. He fell and hurt his ankle. He is 19 and a very careful person. The section of road he fell on is flat and smooth. I have riden there myself and never had any problems.

I was wondering if anyone else has had any problems with the unit just shutting down. I would like to know since. I normally ride to work on my segway.

thanks Linda:)

[jgbackes]

I have only had mine Unexpectedly Shutdown (US) once. You should probably take your unit to a dealer and have the logs sent to INC. My understanding is that they are always interested in safety reports. In the past most people that have talked about US had some sort of loss of traction event.

In my case it was totally my fault, I was "bump jumping" the speed bumps at work. Loss of traction and loss of rider event caused the Segway to just turn off. I landed square on my back and the Segway skidded about 20 feet ahead of me.

BTW this was BEFORE I had PLIF surgery (http://www.spine-health.com/topics/surg/overview/lumbar/lumb07.html).

The key to bump jumping is 1) Don't do it, 2) If you must, bend your knees and keep your feet planted on the platform.

I hope both you and your son feel better soon!

jeff

Hi, had my knee replaced 5 years ago. The only thing I have trouble with is bumps. I have learned to bend my knees and this helps. I have no problem riding my segway i2.

however, my son claims that it just shut down on him. He fell and hurt his ankle. He is 19 and a very careful person. The section of road he fell on is flat and smooth. I have riden there myself and never had any problems.

I was wondering if anyone else has had any problems with the unit just shutting down. I would like to know since. I normally ride to work on my segway.

thanks Linda:)

[cmonkey]

Watch out for those speed bumps (it's even on the safety sticker).
I hit a speed bump once and got airborne. Because my legs were stiff, I bounced off the seg and was also tilting in midair. This is a double whammy in the seg's mind. Rider detects said no rider, and when the platform tilted in midair, the wheels tried to gain traction, but since there was none, they spun up and shut down.... all before i landed.

Messed up a perfectly clean piece of asphalt.

And the #3 rule to bump jumping is, if you do it (by accident or not), try to keep the platform level!

[jgb]

I am six weeks post ankle surgery. My segway has been a huge benefit. I find it easiest to step up with my good leg, then bring up the other. Besides that go slow and watch for bumps. I am still not allowed to walk very far, but am now allowed full weight bering which makes riding much easier. Good luck.

[Jersey Girl]

I'm not quite back to "slalom skiing" on my i2, but at almost 6 weeks post-op from my knee replacement, I'm doing quite well. I have developed a new style, with most of my weight on my good (? less bad knee, which I now find helpful to wear a brace/support on longer glides) leg, using the foot of the post-op leg to turn. I seem to turn alot of heads out gliding like this, too (leaning on good knee with brace, bad knee out front with big huge scar, and handicap sticker on fender).

I actually surpassed the 600 mile mark yesterday on a glide through a hot DC day. Not bad considering I bought my Segway in March, broke my arm a few weeks later, and then had a total knee replacement. Looking forward to the thousand mile mark! Thanks to all for your suggestions, support, and offers of help.

[Suzined]

After starting an exceptionally fine thread, Jersey Girl wrote "...I bought my Segway in March, broke my arm a few weeks later, and then had a total knee replacement..." After all the good information passing back and forth,. perhaps we should have advised her to simply stop going to that address.

My own update is that gliding resumed on my i180 eight weeks after a total hip. It might have been a bit early but I just couldn't watch the summer disappear without my participation. I still worry a bit at the slowness of my dismount, but have had no problems and no falls...or even almost falls.

[Jersey Girl]

After starting an exceptionally fine thread, Jersey Girl wrote "...I bought my Segway in March, broke my arm a few weeks later, and then had a total knee replacement..." After all the good information passing back and forth,. perhaps we should have advised her to simply stop going to that address.

My own update is that gliding resumed on my i180 eight weeks after a total hip. It might have been a bit early but I just couldn't watch the summer disappear without my participation. I still worry a bit at the slowness of my dismount, but have had no problems and no falls...or even almost falls.


EXCELLENT REPLY, SUZINED!!!! I should have gotten smarter sooner, seriously (and I don't want that to come off in any wise-*** sort of way, I really mean that, it makes me think. I hope people learn from this thread, isn't that why we do this?)

Here's the deal....the broken arm was soo stupid, completely my fault. Newbie on the Segway with great confidence...we all know how easy it is to get to that point. It was St. Patrick's Day, I was at a party, I love the Irish jig; it shouldn't count against Segway nor towards any formal "record".

The knee...that's actually why I bought the Segway, the knee replacement was knee surgery number 11 (yes, eleven...8 on "bad" knee, 3 on "good" knee. Does not count 4 ankle surgeries, back surgery, or 3 shoulder surgeries. Damn, the auto-immune complex!) My Segway has made such a huge difference in my life these last months, and I can't even imagine going through this surgery/recovery without it.

Again, you Guys and this forum have been soooo very helpful to me. I hope to be able to give something back to you. Even if it's admitting I have been stupid in the past. Suzined, Thank you.

Love from the Jersey Girl