LIDDYBET429
7/21/07 1:46 P
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After having one hip and one knee replaced (different legs)at age 50-something, my orthopedic surgeon told me that I couldn't hurt either joint by exercising reasonably because the pain would stop me from pushing either too far. So,with that idea in mind, I have joined Curves and have been able to do all the equipment there. Some I can do better than others, and some require an "interesting" style of getting on and off, but I am feeling better and more confident on my feet, and more flexible, since starting about 6 weeks ago.
When I first had the knee surgery, the follow up physical therapy was a must. It can be quite uncomfortable -- even painful occasionally -- but without it I'd still be using a cane and not able to walk like I want to.
During the day I get up and walk every 90 mins or I get really stiff. It doesn't have to be far (bathroom and back, for instance) but just getting up and moving keeps me as agile as possible.
The building where I work is one floor and is about the size of a football field. If I walk around it outside once, it takes 5 minutes. If I walk "around it" inside (a shorter distance) it takes 3 minutes. So I try to do one or the other 5 times per day. It might not seem like much but it adds up; also because it isn't really that much it's easy to talk myself into doing it. I have a task set up in Outlook (my e-mail program) to get up and walk at set hours of the day that are 90 mins. apart to remind me.
Hope this helps -- yes, there is life after joint surgery: I did the "Twist" at my daughter's wedding less than a year after the knee replacement. Of course, the champaigne helped!
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