Well I got the news this morning, suspected it

[solo1]

I went to the orthopaedic surgeon.  Xrays shows my right knee is bone on bone and the left is getting there. He recommended surgery.

I'm going to try to hold off until winter.

[98 T]

Wayne,

I'm sorry to hear about this.  I hope it's correctable.  You won't be able to speed shift the Miata with both legs in a cast.

But I'm sure you'll do what ever you and your doctor think is best.  Best wishes...

Loth

[Cliff]

I hope the best outcome for you, knee replacment has come a long way over the years, but the recovery process is still a bit of a beast to get past.  Good luck to you.

[Gear Jammer]

Good to have met you at Inzane Wayne.  Wishes for a successful operation and speedy recovery.  You'll be back kickin' ass in no time     

[Robert]

Dont worry my dad was bow legged and wobbled like mad and he had both knees done one at a time. They had him up and walking the next day and he was home out of therapy within a short time. Has no problems both legs straight and walking beautifully with no pain. Just make sure that who ever you picked has allot of experience with knees. He went to New York to get it done.

[RainMaker]

My sister-in-law has bionic knees ( ) and her life improved immensly after the operation.   It's like she was 20 years younger afterwards.

They can build you stronger, faster......

[Black Dog]

Wayne,

My dad was 81, when he had both knees replaced 2 1/2 years ago...  He's not running races, but he's getting along very well for a guy his age 

Hope all goes well.

Black Dog

[solo1]

I'm 82 and I was talking to my daughter today.  She's employed in a Rehab place. I told her that I have waited 29 years longer than she did.  She had her knee replaced this year.  She also know all about rehab.  The only thing that I have left to decide is whether to have both done at once. 

Thanks everyone for your encouragement  I'm going to give it a lot of thought. I hope that I have until Winter to decide.  They're not real painful, just can't be trusted, sorta like me. .

[alph]

solo,

my wife's grandfather is 87 years old.  he has had 4, count 'em 4 knee replacement surgeries on both legs!!!  my mother is 77, she had a knee replacement about 5 years ago, she had both of them done at once.

neither one of them regreted having the surgery.  it was painful for the first month, but they're doing great eversince.

my mothers goal was to dance with her husband on their 50th wedding aniversary, and she did. 

make yourself a goal, then when you do it, you'll never think of the pain you had to go through to get it!!  (hint, riding the valk cross country again!!)

alph.

[Daniel Meyer]

We've got some pretty good wrenchs hanging around the VRCC...we could probably give ya a discount!

Seriously, good luck and I hope you heal up fast.

[John Schmidt]

Wayne, you might see if you're a candidate for the procedure that doesn't cut all the muscles and tendons. They only make about a 3-4" incision on the side of the knee, some patients have actually had it done outpatient....come in early, operation at 7:00am, go home before supper. Some patients in their 70's & 80's have come back for a 2 week followup using no canes, crutches, etc.  Just something to consider, full recovery is less than two months for most.

[solo1]

I heard about it John.  I don't know if my knee is the right candidate for it, I'll be doing more checking. on that too.
There's a  number of things coming up in my life that all affect what I'm going to do.  Decisions, decisions, decisions.

[R J]

Wayne, I had 1 knee done Nov 08.     I'm still a little weak in that knee as far as muscle goes.......    Personally, I don't think I would of wanted to do both at the same time, but every one has their own opinion on that.

Part I didn't like was they told me I'd have to go to a Rehab facility for about 6 to 9 weeks, and then go to regular physical therapy 2 days a week for another 4 weeks after they let me go home..

When the time comes, I'll probably have the other knee done when it goes.....

My surgeon was or is one of the early on who do not cut the muscle on a full replacement.   However, he does slit ya open, push those muscles around when they are sawing and drilling.    Heals quicker and easier to get the muscle tone back.      I'd of been fine on the muscle tone if it hadn't of been for this firkin 40' leash of O2.

[big d]

wayne, my mother had both her knees replaced at the same time and she is a couple years older than you. dont worry about it. have them both done at the same time so you aren't laid up too long. will see you soon and stay strong.   darrell

[Karen]

Whatever you decide to do, Wayne, I wish you the best possible outcome, and steady healing and improvement. You could be back on your bike next year, anything is possible. They do wonders these days. Please keep us posted.

[medic263]

Wayne,
With the advances in medicine now days, knee replacements have come a long way!  Keep a positive mind and work towards a goal.  You have a lot of family support and VRCC family support, so you will do fine.  I know several people that wished they would have done it sooner since they felt so much better!
Marcia

[Big Rig]

Wayne,

I know people that have had one and then the other, they all say the same thing. Wished they got them done at the same time. One question, didn't you sell your Valk because your knees were bad? Imagine being able to ride a fat lady again...81 and still young.

What ever you decide, all the best for a speedy recovery.

If you need info on Ortho surgeons, send me a PM.

Dave

[Super Santa]

Wayne,

Good to meet you at Inzane.  Wishing you the best and a very speedy recovery.  Surely wish I had been there to see the Miata on that golf cart bridge.  Pictures would have been priceless.