Hi, All!
I posted this in the New Members forum a few days ago and got zilch for replies. Then, it hit me: go into my own age group board and try it there! (I am 61)

Here was my post:

"I'm looking for other JC members who might have artificial joints. Mine are my right hip and both knees so far. Osteonecrosis is what ruined my joints, but I refuse to give up.

Anyway, after reading over some of the topics or threads on the forums boards, it seems that most people feel that walking 3 to 4 miles a day is the optimum exercise level. I think someone said in another thread that this is mentioned somewhere on Jenny’s website…?? Well, if you have artificial joints, this is very, very difficult if not impossible to achieve.

I’d like to ask other AJ members, what else do you do for vigorous exercise? For me, water therapy works well. Fortunately, I have my own hot tub which is roomy and deep, that allows me to do some mighty vigorous water exercises. Before that, I would go to our local YMCA and use their pool.

Also, I’ve been on a walking at least five times a week program with a friend of mine who also has AJ’s, and we do manage to do at least a mile each time we walk. It may not sound like much to others, but when you are lugging around several extra pounds of steel and plastic, it’s a real effort!

So, how ‘bout it? Anyone else ‘out there’ like me? I’d love to read your replies!"

Rie

Hi Rie
Boy! you get up early. the time on your post is in the middle of my night. LOL. That' a visa versa... I'm replying when you're sleeping.

Anyway, what to do with AJ.... I have the same problem only different ... 18 years ago I was in a horrific motorcycle accident that rearranged my body. My left leg limits my walking BIG time ! My fibula (bowed bone) between knee and outside ankle is in 3 pieces and always will be! It is your balance bone. I have a tendency to lose my balance. I lost the muscle/ ligament tissue also from the knee down and they moved my calf muscle to the front to cover the 'gap'. (gross! sorry.) And I got steel rods through my tibia and femur. Both had broken in half. So, I know about the weight of the hardware too.

Funny thing that walking is your topic.. I just tried my treadmill this past week. got 3 days at 3/4 mile per walk and feel like I'm going to be laid up for the next 3 weeks. YES, it is rough! And 'normal' consultants just ask what kind of exercise have you done this week?? and how much walking have you done? I have a pedometer and it says I go between 3/4 mile per day and 2 miles per day. I feel the 2 mile days! What to do... what to do? Probably the lack of normal activity is how this extra weight got a head start with me. I was hyper active previously. Moral to the story?
I've been looking into the Weslo Walker or the Tony Little Gazelle Freestyle. You glide on them rather than walk. Read the reviews...
And, hubby bought me a Wii. Ever played one? You get lots of movement. It comes with a Sports DVD. Golf, Tennis. Bowling. Baseball. and BOXING !!! That's the one I get exhausted from!!
I love water but don't do public swimming pools. This body would not get into a bathing suit in public! haha.
Please tell me -- what do you do for exercise in a hot tub? I have one and would love to know. I use to do just trying to move my arms under the water...
speaking of HOT tub. I had a very busy day today shopping! I'm going to go sit in it for a while.
Later,
Jo

Hi Jo!
Very nice to 'meet' you! I'm so sorry for your accident and injuries and can fully understand what you are saying here. I, too, had to educate my JCC about a re-arranged body. (I just loved that, by the way!) She expressed gratefulness for my little edu-session, as she truly had no clue.

I lost my joints to Osteonecrosis, a very bad bone disease. It does to the bones exactly what bone cancer does, but it’s not cancer and not life threatening to the patient. It is, however, deadly to bones and joints.

Just like you, I had an awful time the first week or so trying to hit that “10,000 step” goal. NO WAY, I thought. Not possible. So, I kept at it and each day I was able to increase the steps walked a little bit more. Now, three weeks later, I can walk approx. 1 and ½ mile a day without caving in to the pain and discomfort, which invariably follows.

My hot tub is my life line back to good health. What I’ve developed is a set of exercises that work the entire body. I’ll tell you here about the legs ones (and later on if you like, I can tell you about the abs, arms, chest, etc. ones)

For legs, first turn on a radio! Pick a good music station, with a good mix of fast and slow songs. Then, pretend you are on a stationary bike and pedal to the music. Stretch legs out straight, pedal without lifting feet out of water and keep time to the music. If you do this to one rock and roll song, which usually lasts 2 and ½ min., that is a total of approx. 240 rotations! That’s going at a pretty fast clip, about 10 rotations in five seconds (yes, I use a clock, too and time myself). Slow songs mean about 4 to 6 rotations in 5 seconds or 48 per min. NOW…here is the best part!! Because we are using the resistance of the water, you can think of this as being nearly double on a stationary bike in the gym! I usually rest in between songs for a good 5 to 10 minutes. So, a workout session for me last about a full hour (remember, I do total body)

Start slowly. Build up, one day at a time. If you try to do it all at once, you’ll only defeat yourself. Our muscles need to slowly build up to this; overworking them can break down muscle tissue for folks like us. For ‘normal’ people, this is a snap, but not for us. By the way, it is a good idea to check out any new exercise program with your doctor (if you were injured or sick like we two members) and get his 'blessing!'

Let me know if you try this and how you made out, ok? Wishing you lots of success!

Rie


PS
I don't sleep much! Total "type A" personality here!

Interesting, Rie.
I just got out of the hottub..... so I'll have to try the leg pedaling tomorrow. Never thought of that... and was truely interested in what you do for exercise in the hottub. I just lay there ad float. haha. Actually, it feels so good to let the jets work on my body and relax.

You certainly have a rough road with this disease. I'm so sorry to hear something like this exsists and you've got it! Dang. mine was an abrupt re-arrangement. Yes, that was my word. Somehow it sorta fit the explanation / description. It draws a picture... weird pic, but everyone seems to satisfy other explanations.

Now, I'm a bit reserved to play the radio that loud when I'm in the hottub ... you got to get it loud past the jets noise. We live in thin atmosphere.. noise travels. We have an acre... you'd think we could hollar and nobody would care. Wrong. ok, I've got it -- a new toy might be needed... an ipod! Hubby has looked at them and he has his retirement job at Radio Shack. A man's dream come true! LOL. Some of the ipods are under $50. And that way I could put slow song or a fast song.

Tomorrow I've got to go to the chiropractor. I had xrays taken of my neck.. it has deteriorated quite a bit. I have a brachial plexsus injury to my left arm (translated: I damaged 3 of the 5 nerves that operate you arm). Oddly, they said I would never move it again. much prayer and therapy have made it 1/2 way decent. The doctor thinks my spine is deteriorating to the point that I'll start re-gressing with use of my arm. And thats not good. The chiro says he can only help me but not fix me. great... not! I knew the athritis was growing in leaps and bounds. Dang.. I made old age a rough ride within a few seconds of that crash. Oh, well.. my philosophy is that I could not get anywhere (like the doctors told me) or I could do mind over matter and postpone the inevitable.....

I'll be talking to you soon about treading water.
Jo

Hi Jo & Rie,

Reading your messages, I feel so lucky -- I've only had one knee replaced (so far). I have osteoarthritis, and over several years my knees got worse. Walking became more difficult and the extra weight (extra person I was carrying around) didn't help (plus problems with my feet and a hip injury). Sometimes I've felt like kicking people who say "anyone can go for a walk".

Last September I found out I would be having surgery within a few months, so I went straight to Jenny's and signed up. I lost almost twenty pounds before my op in January. (I thought it was going to be in March!) My experience was very positive. I had the choice of staying awake with an epidural (?spelling), thereby avoiding the aftermath of the other drugs, so I went for it. The biggest shock I had was the AMOUNT of swelling! The literature the hospital hands out says "bring comfortable supportive shoes"; it should say, bring a heavy duty plastic bag and a string. Actually I loosened the straps on my Birkie sandals. They have my orthotics built in, so that counted for supportive.

The followup physio was very good, (esp. the warm pool) and I faithfully did my exercises at home right up to the middle of May, and lost another twenty pounds. In May we found out my husband has pancreatic cancer and hasn't very long, and things have been hit and mostly miss since then. I haven't lost any more but haven't gained it back either; so far so good! I know I'm not looking after myself, but decided that's the way it is for now. Right now we're hoping and praying we'll have this Christmas together. It will be our 24th anniversary.

I'm hoping to start swimming and/or water exercises soon. Am looking for an ozone pool relatively close to home; prefer to avoid the chlorine if possible. Also trying to make time for Tai Chi classes. I went years ago and loved it, but need to start from the beginning again. Oh yes; I figure walking at the mall and through the warehouse sized grocery stores counts for at least a couple of miles.

By the way, as I was merrily losing weight I thought I'd soon weigh less than my husband. (Insert bad word here.) He's six feet tall and down to 145 now. I'm not -- either! Five foot two ish, and 185 now. Have been trying to work on my motivation recently, other than delaying the second knee op. Health is always the big one.

Anyway, here it is 1:30 am, PST, and the nurse is coming in the morning, so I'd best get a little sleep first. Thanks for listening. I hope things go well for both of you.

Tracey

Jo,
“Abrupt rearrangement” is a PERFECT way to describe what happened with you. Wow…what a visual that is, for sure! God bless ya, gal. Yes, my disease is a toughie, but so are a lot of diseases. That is how I have to view it, or I’d go bonkers!

I know just what you mean about the relaxing aspect of hot tubbing. It is tempting to just lie there and let the hot water work its magic! However, the exercise plan I’ve developed has been used in my organization with many members and they all report improvement in many areas. Weight loss is one of them, especially if you are dieting. Firming up weak or sagging muscles is another benefit, which actually help to brace the AJ. Besides, if further surgery is ever needed, it helps to go into it in as good a physical shape as one can.

Here are some easy ones I start with (pedaling comes later) I do these slowly, 3 sets of 20 exercises each, to slow songs:

1. Simple leg raises – Just raise your legs, one at a time, through the water. I call this my “Rockette Kicker” exercise!
2. Put legs out straight (keeping them underwater) and slowly pull them apart, way out to the sides and then pull them together again
3. Leg pulls – put both legs straight out in front of you, then as you bend your knees, pull both simultaneously toward your body. Stretch ‘em out straight again and repeat. This one is great for the abs and tush, too!
4. Leg “curls” – One leg at a time, stretch out straight, and then slowly rotate your leg (make circles). I do about 10 circles at a time with each leg, then built up to 20.

I have more, lots of them! But, these are a good start, I think. Get that iPod! This goes so much easier and is more fun when done to music.

Jo, since you are going to your chiro tomorrow, please ask him about doing these exercises. I always recommend telling your doctor before you start any new exercise program. Let him guide you, ok? Good luck at your appointment! (you sure do have a lot on your plate, too!)

Good luck!

Rie

Tracey,
I know what happened to you is serious (all AJ operations are serious), but I have to tell you how much I enjoyed your writing style! You had me laughing there a few times! What a great attitude you have – more power to you.

I am so sorry to hear about your hubby’s pancreatic cancer; that is one tough cancer with which to deal, for sure. You are to be congratulated, I think, for not gaining back any weight through this crisis. Right now you have so much on your mind and heart and my heart just goes out to you. {{{Tracey}}}

I love it that you are looking ahead and making plans to take better care of yourself. You are a very good example for the rest of us. Tai chi is wonderful, and I love walking through the malls when it’s cold or raining outside. Those are great ways to get our exercise in! With AJ’s I found it is imperative for me to keep in as good a muscle tone as I can. Exercise can also help swelling to go down, if and when it happens.

I know what you meant about severe swelling post-op! I loved your “plastic bags and string shoes” – I laughed out loud for real! Aren’t you glad that’s behind you for now? I’ve had both knees done so far, and let me tell you, there is nothing like being mobile again. Four years in a wheelchair was enough for me, thank you!

Hang in there, Tracey. I will say some extra prayers for you and your hubby.

Rie


OS
You said "nurse is coming" in now?? Are you in the hospital and getting more surgery?? If so, may I wish you a very successful outcome! Please do keop us posted!

Tracey, God Bless you and your husband! Glad that you are going to go back to Tai Chi. People who don't understand what oriental sciences and practices do for a person, they just don't get the good stuff life can offer. I sincerely pray that your husband has a comfortable time of this. Is he taking any chemo treatments? I pray that you and hubby get many days together! And celebrate Christmas and your anniversary. How special that would be!

Funny about the bag shoes. I just ordered some new shoes -- and have to get new orthotics made. I get the orthotics that a prothesis guy makes... not like the podiatrist. Those hurt my feet so bad that I can't walk and throw my back out! My friends look at these cute shoes and I have to go to the 'tankers'. Ugh!

I know what you mean about the size difference between you. My hubby and I used to look good together - not too big, not too thin. Then, I went past him and was tilting the picture. Then he came down with diabetis type 2 that runs in his family. He had lots of trouble getting it under control. 2 years later and it is still a struggle. But, he lost so much weight! Now people look at him and wonder why he's so thin! He did start out watching his weight. Men lose faster than women. But, he had another underlying problem, his blood counts were off. They were afraid of cancer too. He lost 60+ lbs. His blood is better. They could not find a cause for that. But, the picture now of us together is awful! I just want to match him a little and not look like the BIG woman standing next to him! Ugh. So, Jenny and I signed up again. I had done it Jenny's way in 1993 and 1994. Only wanted to lose 30 lbs then. haha! Now, I have that extra person walking around with me too. I'd like to lose 75 lbs. But think realistically, it will be 55 if I'm lucky. We look like Jack Sprat and wife.

Hello Artificial joint folks. I am new to JC. I have had three total knee replacements. The third one not so good. I never came out of the nerve block for 8 months. I had to have a brace made for my leg that went into my shoe to make my toes come up so I could walk. Then I ended up with a fracture, then I had the metal post going through the bone marrow hitting my thigh bone and making that blug but thank god it settled down. I did not get the theraphy I should have. I spent a year and a half going to my orthopedic chicropractor thank god for her cause she re-built my muscles and tendons.

I am 60 now but had problems with my knees in my late 30ths. I kept being told not old enough for knee replacment so my 40ths I could not even do the grocery store. After my 2nd knee replacement I joined Weight Watches (cause they had it at the gym) did Yoga , Tai Chi and worked out everyday at the gym. Well I guess I did too much and had to have the first operation replaced totaly. I did lose 30 lbs. It was a great felt good found my inner self again with my Yoga and Tai Chi. until the third replacement then all that weight loss found me and brought friends.......

During those times I lost both my parents, my husband and sister both had cancer (Thank God they are OK) and had to deal with that and I got put on the back burner.

Now it is about me..... It is nice to read all the stuff you articial joint people have written and gives me hope.
I joined Jenny Craig this time instead of weight watches as I like the idea of all my meals being prepared and measured. I have a long haul ahead of me about 80 lbs, then I will be back to where this crap all started and was really enjoying life and active and just married.

So keep talking about what you are doing so I have something to read.

Mollozz

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[quote name='maemaeg' date='Jul 21 2009, 06:36 AM' post='490339']

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HELLO FELLOW JC GALS!!!
I am very new to this site. I joined JC 4 weeks ago and am doing fair. I am 66 yo and not quiet sure how this all works, but I am giving it a shot.
I have 2nd knee replacement coming up Sept. 17th. I had right knee done 4 years ago and it has been great. I have Pulmonary Fibrosis (diagnosed a year ago Januar) and the doctor did not want me to get my other knee done because of the lung situation. But, my readings have been good so I am going to go ahead and do it. They will do a spinal in the hopes that I will not have to have so much oxygen that way. I am notlooking forward to the surgery and recovery but the out come is great, sooooo here we go.
I hope this gets out to you gals and we can visit this way.
Tracey, hang in there and do take care of yourself.
BLESSINGS ALWAYS, MAEMAE

A major hello to all of you wonderful, brave ladies! Like you I also have knee issues of a serious nature which prevent me from doing any movement other than upper body strengthening. My doctor has urged us repeatly to get a swimming pool - which if we lived in a warmer year round climate we would not hesitate but our pool season here is so limited I was elated to read that a hot tub could be used for water therapy!

Please post some updates for us and we need each other here badly:))

suzanne

wow! MaeMae you are going on a rough journey. I pray that all will go good. It probably is a very good thing that you joined Jenny. Stick with it! You're about to learn a whole new life style. It takes a while to really recognize the changes -- just as it will take you a while to recupe. So, you might as well do both at the same time.

You did not ask any questions... so, under this column header, must regarded artificial joints.... or exercise with them. Either way... you are going to have lots of exercise with therapy and just trying to get around. Trust me... and, as you know... that will take all of your strength. So - just enjoy the Jenny food plan. Weight loss still works!!!!

good luck.
Jo

I can't wait for your birthday to reach your goal - you are soooooooo close, I know you will do it:))

suzanne