Long Distance Knee Recovery (Scott’s Total Knee in Wisconsin)
Summary:
- A failed total knee replacement recovery far from X10’s home base in Michigan.
- Unsuccessful physical therapy (including traditional P.T. and the CPM machine) in Wisconsin.
- A successful rehab with X10 at home; putting knee replacement in the rear view mirror.
My name is Scott. I am a financial planner, in my late 60s, living in Wisconsin.
About four years ago I slipped on a just mopped floor in a yogurt store and injured my knee. There was not any ACL damage but it did tear both menisci. I got along fine for a couple of years but finally had meniscus repair surgery. My orthopedic surgeon, who is also a close friend and former tennis partner, warned that we might not get the results I wanted. Arthritis was prevalent in that knee but not the other. It was worth a shot, however. His trepidation was validated as very little relief was secured.
I continued on for another year without any other treatment. I worked out five days a week and when I golfed, I walk and carry my clubs. Eventually I found that the problems with the right knee were causing issues with my left leg Achilles. That is when I decided that the knee replacement was probably what needed to be done. Our daughter is getting married this June and my wife voiced that she did not want me “limping down the aisle with Kelsey”. I had knee replacement surgery on November 27th. I wanted to wait until after golf season.
Left Total Knee Replacement
The operation went fine. I was religious in my recommended exercise regime and I used the CPM (continuous passive motion) machine 3 times a day. The first 2 weeks I had physical therapy every weekday even though 3 times a week was suggested as normal. I wanted to do everything I could to make the surgery a success. After three weeks I was in a pretty dark place mentally. I questioned whether the whole surgery idea had been a mistake. I wasn’t able to get my leg straight. Six degrees extension was the best I could do. Getting to 80 degrees flexion was a chore.
Physical Therapy Torture
The physical therapy seemed somewhat like torture. The therapist would push or pull until I indicated that the pain was too great. He would stop for about 30 seconds and then proceed to do it again. One would think that modern medicine would come up with a better procedure than that. We have been to the moon. I was told that getting the leg to straighten was important to avoid any limping and that I needed to get to at least 108 degrees flex in order to ride a bike. Those were my minimum goals. I did not envision how I could get to those places through the physical therapy I was receiving.
I searched the internet for knee replacement surgery recovery to try and find out if my situation was normal or very unusual. While doing so, I stumbled upon the X10 story. The testimonials were amazing. It sounded like just what I needed. The website map indicated that it was not yet available in Wisconsin. That was very disappointing. I called them up and contemplated traveling to Michigan for a few weeks, staying in a hotel there, and using the X10 in my hotel room. I finally decided to see if they, for ‘slightly painful’ sum of money, would deliver a machine to my home in Wisconsin. The sum was apparently sufficient because they agreed and a week later I got it. It was worth every dollar I spent. Within a few days I was at 0 degrees extension. The flexion was a longer and more difficult process. Almost every day I was able to make progress. The fact that I was in control, made all the difference in the world. Erin, the X10 coach assigned to me, was outstanding. She received my session results instantaneously from the machine’s WIFI setup. She offered encouragement and usage tips via email and phone calls.
The X10 5.0
The newest addition to the X10 fleet is the 5.0. Designed for pre-hab strengthening and range of motion training before surgery and quick recovery after surgery, the 5.0 and a trusty patient logbook allow our physical therapy and strength training teams to stay in close touch with our patients.
They picked up the machine on a Sunday, ending my long distance knee recovery. I used it for four weeks. My last reading was 127 degrees flexion. I can go up down stairs with no problem. I am riding the stationary bike with no issues. I look forward to a trip to The Masters this year and walking the hills of Augusta National without a limp. Dancing at my daughter’s wedding will be great. I can’t imagine how I would have done this without the X10.
I believe 5-10 years from now, if not sooner, the use of this machine will become standard operating procedure for knee replacement recovery.
The X10 Meta-Blog
We call it a “Meta-Blog” because we step back and give you a broad perspective on all aspects of knee health, surgery and recovery.
In this one-of-a-kind blog we gather together great thinkers, doers, writers related to Knee Surgery, Recovery, Preparation, Care, Success and Failure. Meet physical therapists, coaches, surgeons, patients, and as many smart people as we can gather to create useful articles for you. Whether you have a surgery upcoming, in the rear-view mirror, or just want to take care of your knees to avoid surgery, you should find some value here.
Scott – Thank you so much for sharing your story. My heart goes out to you and your pathway to finally getting recovery and relief. I can already envision you enjoying the golf course and Wisconsin sunshine having fun pain free! It is great to see another individual with the will to do what it takes to get what they want and need. So glad Erin was able to help!
Congratulations Scott! I am so glad that you had such amazing results after such a long road and so much of a struggle. This just shows that with hard work and determination, the possibilities are endless!
The exciting part now is to get back to all of the activities that you love that create a wonderful quality of life! Enjoy!
Scott – we really appreciate you sharing your story with us. You really went the distance to get your recovery back in order. Good for you.