Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Yeah, let us know when you're back home..........I'll bring y'all dinner one night .

Big Day! Good luck Ernie. Looking forward to seeing you upright and running on that knee very soon!

Thanks Andrew and Patrick!!

And so......it begins.

I was a bit anxious this morning as we drove to the hospital. While I knew I needed this knee fixed it's tough to realize that both of my knees are now made up of titanium/plastic. They are not the same as a real knee but it sure beats the alternative.  It also makes you thankful when you see the  plight of many that have more severe leg injuries.

Shortly after 9 they wheeled me in to the meat locker and took me to lala land. Next thing I know I was in the recovery room. After getting the feeling back in my legs around 1:15 I did my 1st set of exercises. Not hard in a normal setting.....but doable with some effort.

They then wheeled me to my room where Debbie was waiting. What happened next was incredible. They had me sit up, then stand and then walk 15' to my bed. Sounds like no big deal but it is. I am no longer at zero and they got me off that number in a hurry. They also got me sit down on the bed and I was able to achieve just over 80 degrees in range of motion. I am totally stoked! What these folks can do with a repaired broken down knee is mind boggling!!

Dr. Tom Klein is my surgeon. He is better than good.

Well, they just brought me dinner and they want me to sit on the chair to eat......another milestone.

I know that there will be many setbacks and obstacles but so far today has been good day.

Good to hear things are looking up!  I'll be thinking of your rehab tomorrow as I fish trophies with Greg Buckner on the Fin Finder.

Just saw the doc and things are looking pretty good. He challenged me to get to 90 degrees today. Last time, that took a week. Amazing the technological advancements.

So far, I am taking very little pain meds. I don't like them as they are narcotics.

Curly wrote:

So, will you be going home on Thursday

That's the plan but don't know what time, usually late pm. However, they won't make that call until tomorrow (clots and infection). I need a clean bill of health to leave.

Curly wrote:

....and will you be hungry at dinner time?

YES!!

jumping jasper wrote:

Small world, Dr. Tom Klein is a member at River Bend. His son Ryan worked for me in the tennis shop and is a very nice tennis player. They are a great family and he is the go to guy around Great Falls

I think I have paid for Ryan's college at Wake. Tom has done 4 surgeries on me, one on Debbie and numerous bone fixins with the kids. I think I have refered over 10 people to him.

Ernie,

Glad to hear the procedure went well. You'll be back on your bike in no time!

Curly wrote:

I'll bring y'all dinner one night

That was good.....thanks.

i have a buddy who just finished PT for his knee. i can email you both if you wanna trade tips/tricks.... he was always excited when he could get a few more degrees of bend....

Last edited by bart2puck (Dec-29-11 7:44PM)

I am now 31 days into this process. It has been a good ride with lots of improvement. However, the next 30-45 days will show less visible improvement but will dictate how the knee will be for my future. To say that there is no pain would be a big lie but I would rather deal with that rather than the side effects of the narcotics. At PT, they break down the scar tissue in order to get gains. I go to PT 3X a week for 2 hours each session. I work the leg 3X a day, 7 days a week. I count in my sleep. Any of you who have rehabbed and have done reps will understand.

Biggest problem now- not being able to drive. Try that for 31 days and tell me how you like it. I am very thankful for my wife who has been a great partner through this.....I owe her big time! At least 2 more weeks before I get cleared to drive.

So far, I have taken several walks up to 40 minutes (1.8 miles) and can ride my bike for 20 minutes a session (@ 4 miles). I have a bike on a trainer in my workout room.

Can't wait for warmer weather so I can get out on the water......

Went to the ortho doc today and he said, "see you in  a year". Those were great words to hear.....

I have 5 more PT sessions and then I am DONE!