Knee Replacement

[BigUmp56]

Last Friday morning I had another knee surgery to repair some torn cartilage in my left knee. It was the fourth time I've had surgery on the left knee. I thought based on what the doctor told my wife while I was in the recovery room that things went well and I would be back on my feet in no time. Well, this afternoon I had a post-op follow up with the doctor and the news wasn't good. He says that I'll need to have the knee replaced sometime within the next three to five years. I guess it's full of osteoarthritis and won't last much passed that. I'm wondering if any of you have had a joint replacement surgery or know of another official that has. Some of the things I'm worried about are:

* How long was the rehab.

* How much strength and mobility was lost after the procedure.

* How much pain was involved during the recovery.

* Do you feel that you (or they) are an effective umpire after having the replacement.


I'm certainly going to go get a second and probably a third opinion before I do this.



Tim.

[Richard_Siegel]

Read this on WebMD:

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/78/95614.htm

[robbyrudd45]

Remember- whatever you have surgery on- DO THE REHAB 110%! This is the key to coming back at full strength.

[BigUmp56]

I want to thank all of you that replied either here in the thread or by private message.

Richard, thanks to the link you provided I discovered a new technique being used that's a much less invasive procedure. I plan on discussing it in detail with my doctor during my next appointment.


Tim.

[Richard_Siegel]

I want to thank all of you that replied either here in the thread or by private message.

Richard, thanks to the link you provided I discovered a new technique being used that's a much less invasive procedure. I plan on discussing it in detail with my doctor during my next appointment.


Tim.

I found quite alot of info out there on the subject. Google "knee replacement" and you will get alot of things to read. That article was a very good one. Do your homework and make your doctor answer all your questions.

[boyinr]

I have been close to three people who had knee replacement surgery. The two that did markedly better were very active and in good physical condition prior to the surgery. The other one was less active and seemed to have more difficulty bouncing back. All three were able to return to thier normal levels of activity although it took one a lot longer to rehab. Maybe do the rehab as a prehab if you can stand it? Best of luck.

[Canadaump6]

Last Friday morning I had another knee surgery to repair some torn cartilage in my left knee. It was the fourth time I've had surgery on the left knee. I thought based on what the doctor told my wife while I was in the recovery room that things went well and I would be back on my feet in no time. Well, this afternoon I had a post-op follow up with the doctor and the news wasn't good. He says that I'll need to have the knee replaced sometime within the next three to five years. I guess it's full of osteoarthritis and won't last much passed that. I'm wondering if any of you have had a joint replacement surgery or know of another official that has. Some of the things I'm worried about are:

* How long was the rehab.

* How much strength and mobility was lost after the procedure.

* How much pain was involved during the recovery.

* Do you feel that you (or they) are an effective umpire after having the replacement.


I'm certainly going to go get a second and probably a third opinion before I do this.



Tim.

Best of luck with your knee surgery. I hope everything goes smoothly.

I know a man who had a knee replacement surgery, and after about 6 months he could get onto a ball diamond and umpire youth games, although he couldn't run. A year later and he's back in decent shape to umpire, but again running is still not something he wants to risk doing. So basically it shouldn't take too long to get back onto the diamond, but the running part is the hardest thing to get back.

[killdump]

Personally, I think that I would be too worried about catching a fastball off the knee, to worry about the ball game. I know that is why we have the leg guards there, but it would still be in the back of my mind regardless.

[BigUmp56]

Personally, I think that I would be too worried about catching a fastball off the knee, to worry about the ball game. I know that is why we have the leg guards there, but it would still be in the back of my mind regardless.

I never really thought about it until I read your post. In 16 years I've been hit in the hands, arms, shins, chest, mask, midsection, and shoulders, but I can't recall ever getting hit in one of my knees in that time.



Tim.

[lpd63]

I had my right knee replaced last January 24...I was back on the ballfield by the middle of April...Running at first was a bit dicey...not because I could not, but because I was mentally unsure I could run...I suddenly found my self at 2B while doing a HS Frosh game by myself and did not remember running to get there. The running comes with time and dedication...You will know what you can and can't do.

I worked over 150 games on my titanium/plastic knee without any pain other than muscular aches associated with getting the knee back into shape. In fact the results were so successful that I am now recovering from having the left knee replaced this past December 19. I am scheduled for HS games starting the end of March and anticipate having a full season.

As has been mentioned previously...the key to success is your dedication to the rehab. As I did not know what to expect prior to the first surgery, my recovery time was longer. However, I began pre-therapy prior to this second surgery and am weeks ahead af where I was last year. Even with a commitment to the rehab and keeping in shape, it will be close to a year before you will feel you are close to 100%.

As for taking a fastball off the knee...I took a foul right off my kneecap this past May in a HS Varsity game and did not feel it any more than when I had my natural knee. The secret to any protection is good equipment...we all know that.

I believe that these new knees have given me a new lease on my umpiring avocation...If you have any questions please feel free to contact me privately.

[robcichon]

I have a friend who had double knee replacement. Not much pain (some soreness & throbbing immediately after surgery) until rehab started in earnest BUT he was diligent about the rehab, asked tons of questions, never missed a session and now, the guy can run sprints.

Your attitude is everythingat rehab. If you intend to come back 100%, you will. My friend said the pain was worse with the osteo, then with the initial rehab (after the first week of rehab with meds, the pain went down measurably).