Wish me luck!

[Chock_Full_o__N]

We leave tomorrow for the first camping trip of the season. I had knee arthroscopy 4 weeks ago. I'm getting around a little better, using one crutch for balance; my cane is too wobbly still. I went out to the camper to load our food. Did pretty well, took my time on the steps. Hoping I can manage in the state park without throwing myself down.

[wannavolunteerF]

Chock, I forgot to say, glad your surgery went well. Miss being there this weekend, but just couldn't make the trip.

[wannavolunteerF]

i wore New Balances for a long time, but have bought my last few pairs at the running store. Went to a store that has real knowledge of shoes, they put you on a treadmill and tape you walking (for me, since I don't run) and then recommend shoes based on how your feet, ankles, legs turn as you move.

I first took my son at the recommendation of my DD who was running regularly at the time, bought shoes for him and after a month working at a summer camp, he said the shoes were awesome, that since he had the new shoes it was the first time in his life (20 years) that his feet didn't hurt at the end of the day. The folks at the store were great and took over an hour with him helping him find the best shoes for his very flat and very wide feet. Nice thing is the price, while more expensive than some of the shoes you buy at chain stores, they are worth every penny and less than some of the "stylish name brand" shoes.

[Chock_Full_o__N]

emzee wrote:
I am curious as to the number of the New Balance shoe you find so comfortable. I have a problem with my feet and could use some advice for shoes.

Hmm, I can't remember--500,600? I couldn't find comfortable NB shoes at any of the regular retail stores. In desperation, I found a NB store. When he measured my foot it was MUCH wider than I realized. No wonder those other shoes hurt my feet!..

The other thing is that I wear orthotics 100% of the time. Without them I'm almost crippled

[emzee]

I am curious as to the number of the New Balance shoe you find so comfortable. I have a problem with my feet and could use some advice for shoes.

[Chock_Full_o__N]

Ex-Tech wrote:
A high quality elastic knee brace did wonders for me after surgery. i highly suggest using one until you build back strength in that knee.

Oh, yes, I have one of those. The kind that has the knee cap stabilizer on the outside. The knee is way to unstable for me to walk around without it. I got it from the orthopedist's office and it's working well. I just take it off at night because it's uncomfortable and wakes me up.

[Ex-Tech]

A high quality elastic knee brace did wonders for me after surgery. i highly suggest using one until you build back strength in that knee.

[Chock_Full_o__N]

CA POPPY wrote:
And really good, solid shoes! Mine, a particular New Balance style, have saved my rear end a few times, because they don't slip or slide. If I make some dumb move, at least one of my feet is firmly-planted at all times. Good luck and don't forget to have some fun.

I can attest to the value of New Balance shoes. It's the only shoe I wear, period. I get them at the New Balance store because they have the ones with more stability built into them. Of course, they're a LOT more expensive than the ones you find at Sears, but I can get them in my size, 9EEE. I have flat feet and I wear custom orthotics every day, all day.

We're going to leave in the morning. The weather today didn't cooperate with us. There's no reason to fight it. I'll lay in a fire in the fireplace tonight since we can't have a campfire. :W

[CA_POPPY]

And really good, solid shoes! Mine, a particular New Balance style, have saved my rear end a few times, because they don't slip or slide. If I make some dumb move, at least one of my feet is firmly-planted at all times. Good luck and don't forget to have some fun.

[64thunderbolt]

My son in law had knee replacement about a month ago with cadaver parts. He's riding his bike on a 32 mile round trip every day. Goes to the gym everyday. He's a bull rider and had St Lukes Tempe sports medicine guys with him through the last rodeo season everytime he rode then they did the replacement. He's very fortunate they wanted to get experience and info on rodeo injuries. Don't skimp on the PT and ice is your best friend. Please be careful going in & out on the steps. I have been without an ACL for 27 yrs and all is good so far. Good luck & happy camping.

[Chock_Full_o__N]

Well, there's no way I'm pedaling 20 miles but I can go about 2 miles now, something I couldn't do 4 weeks ago. I'm working the PT like nobody's business. The knee joint isn't painful, but the soft tissue on the sides and back of the knee are still very tight and sore, still waking me up at night. Walking with the crutch and brace gives me more stability.

I plan to let DH do the dog walking this weekend. I'll stick to the paved roads. It's supposed to be a good weekend. We'll be leaving in the rain tomorrow, but I don't mind a little rain.

[Thunder_Mountai]

Glad you are doing better. Just remember to just keep moving fast enough to stay ahead of the first shovel full of dirt, because when it hits you, it's all over.

First scope job back in 1985. Less than two weeks later I rode my bike 20 miles. Second scope job around 2000. Took my own stitches out and never went back to doctor. After third scope job in 2003 the knee never came back. Knee replacement in November of 2011. Knee is as good as it was 20+ years ago.

Canes, crutches don't matter. Just keep movin'!

[lizzie]

Enjoy yourself. Hope the weather is good. lizzie

[Reader1]

Take your time, slow and careful movements throughout your trip will help make the coming trips so much better. Most importantly ENJOY yourself.

[Chock_Full_o__N]

yeah, I'm still babying it a lot. Better watch out for me zooming around Walmart on one of those electric carts!