Well chaps, following on from my total knee replacement some five months ago, I thought it was about time to give an update on how things are going for me.
As reported in my first post the procedure went as planned though I suffered some pain, which was to be expected. What I didn't expect was just how much pain I would have to suffer and for how long. I have experienced severe pain for thee months, even after taking every pain killer known to man, including opiates. I couldn't sleep for almost three months, three hours being the most and one hour, or less, being the least! I even resorted to sleeping pills, with little or no real affect!
Anyway I'm pleased to report things have started to improve somewhat over the last two months. I purchased an exercise bike when i came out of hospital and have used it lots over the last five months trying to get the articulation I need to enable me to ride the BMW! I have been seeing my physio regularly, who has been monitoring my progress and checking out the angle that my leg will bend. at the moment i've got 110-112 degrees. Not quite enough yet, as i'd prefer at least 120 to make it more comfortable on my bikes.
Having said that, I have ridden My Yamaha FZ1 about 30 miles or more and got on well with bike. the only thing I had to modify on the bike, was to lower the foot brake pedal an inch or so. You've worked out by now that my right leg has the new knee.
The BMW however, is a different kettle of fish, with its more aggressive riding position! Luckily, I'd purchased a set of HP rear sets off here some time ago, which allowed me to lower the pegs. I had to lengthen the brake pedal outwards and down a little. That's the bit my foot pushes on. The bike is sorned at the moment so I can't ride it legally, but wearing my boots, I can get my heel on the peg and reach the brake. Just a little more bend in my leg and i should be able to get my instep on the peg. So all in all things, are looking promising, I hope.
Would I have it done again knowing what i know now? NO!
It's been a horrendous experience, for me at least. Apparently everyone is different. some get over it in a very short time. Others, like me, don't.
So there you have it fellas, think deep and hard if you ever need this op and still want enjoy riding a sports bike!
I've really worked hard to get where I am but if my other knee wants doing I will leave it as long as possible to have it done. I just don't think i could go through all that pain and suffering again.........Far worse than having a baby!
Hope there's no ladies on here!
As reported in my first post the procedure went as planned though I suffered some pain, which was to be expected. What I didn't expect was just how much pain I would have to suffer and for how long. I have experienced severe pain for thee months, even after taking every pain killer known to man, including opiates. I couldn't sleep for almost three months, three hours being the most and one hour, or less, being the least! I even resorted to sleeping pills, with little or no real affect!
Anyway I'm pleased to report things have started to improve somewhat over the last two months. I purchased an exercise bike when i came out of hospital and have used it lots over the last five months trying to get the articulation I need to enable me to ride the BMW! I have been seeing my physio regularly, who has been monitoring my progress and checking out the angle that my leg will bend. at the moment i've got 110-112 degrees. Not quite enough yet, as i'd prefer at least 120 to make it more comfortable on my bikes.
Having said that, I have ridden My Yamaha FZ1 about 30 miles or more and got on well with bike. the only thing I had to modify on the bike, was to lower the foot brake pedal an inch or so. You've worked out by now that my right leg has the new knee.
The BMW however, is a different kettle of fish, with its more aggressive riding position! Luckily, I'd purchased a set of HP rear sets off here some time ago, which allowed me to lower the pegs. I had to lengthen the brake pedal outwards and down a little. That's the bit my foot pushes on. The bike is sorned at the moment so I can't ride it legally, but wearing my boots, I can get my heel on the peg and reach the brake. Just a little more bend in my leg and i should be able to get my instep on the peg. So all in all things, are looking promising, I hope.
Would I have it done again knowing what i know now? NO!
It's been a horrendous experience, for me at least. Apparently everyone is different. some get over it in a very short time. Others, like me, don't.
So there you have it fellas, think deep and hard if you ever need this op and still want enjoy riding a sports bike!
I've really worked hard to get where I am but if my other knee wants doing I will leave it as long as possible to have it done. I just don't think i could go through all that pain and suffering again.........Far worse than having a baby!
Hope there's no ladies on here!
