EXERCISE AND BONE ON BONE KNEES

I am posting this here and on the over 50 board.  I am looking for suggestions.  I am 2 years post op today, I am just getting back on my feet from a panni and hernia repair.  I still have about 100 lbs. to lose after having lost 200.  I don't exercise.   Having been over 200 lbs. my entire adult life and just prior to surgery going in the mid 4's, my knees are shot.  My one knee is bone on bone and the other is not far behind it.  I still want to hold off getting the knees for another 2 years.  Walking is out as I am in agony.  I can walk further, than before but unless I am taking the Tramadol or the Percs. I am in pain.  Going up step are bad, coming done is worse.   I am looking for suggestions.  I know I won't go to a gym, at least not until I have an idea of what I can do.   Can anyone give me suggestions.  I am seriously considering digging out some old Richard Simmons tapes and trying to do them. BTW:  Swimming is out, no pool available and if even if there was I can't fathom going down the pool steps and truth I am terrified of water (can't swim).  I also have lymphedma in my leg and I don't know if going into a publicly used pool would be good. HELP!!!!!!! Jeanne

What about an arm bike?  or a peddler you can use for arms and legs?  There is also a book called Chair Tai Chi, and maybe a video.  There are chair exercise videos available.  You can also use free weights for your arms and do some ab work.

I have a Billy Bo (???) Tai Chi tape and also a wheelchair exercise video.  I never thought of an arm bike.  I guess I have a skewed idea of what exercise is, I picture sweating, and moving until you drop.   Thank you for your suggestions. Jeanne

I have mild arthritis in my knee and in my big toes.  Now it's not bad at all and I tolerate it without any meds.  The easiest thing that I have found on my knees is the elliptical.  We have 3 different types at the Y here because of the different stride each one has.  I have my favorite that does not bother my knee at all.  Also, our Y has the silver sneakers program here.  They recommended that to me when I first joined the gym.  I took a different route, but there are programs out there specially for people with arthritis too.  I know your's is much more serious than arthritis, but it could be a step in the right direction.  And there are programs at hospitals for people who are not mobile at all.  The safe way to start exercising. 200 pounds is awesome and I commend you on continuing towards your goal of losing another 100 pounds.   

Thanks Kathy.  I considered the Y.  I live in Phillie so I might look into that once I know what I can do.  I also considered Curves but I have talked to some girls in the area and they weren't pleased with the support and support is what I need.  I work with a guy who does some personal training and I might ask him if he could take me on.   I guess I have more options that I thought about. Jeanne

I have one very bad right knee (bone on bone)and my left is not far behind. 2 suggestions. Ya need to get in the water BUT a better place to go is a Physical Therapists office that does pool therapy. Their pool is made either with very small steps, a ramp or if needed a hoist to get you in the water. Someone will be by your side the whole time. No worries about not being able to swim. Most insurances cover this therapy. Second do you have a rumotoligist? They can give you this wonderful series of injections (one every week for 6 weeks) in your knees. They are a liquid that kinda forms like a sponge between the knee bones where you are missing cartilage. Ask your Dr if it is something that is recommended for you and your medical issues. If you can have it, it can be a great help. They last between 6 and 8 months. For me worked real well on my left knee and not so well on my right but everyone is different on how it works. Good luck hunn and if you need any other suggestions from someone that is where you are as well  let me know. (though you have lost sooo much more than I have)

Kathleen

Thank you Kathleen, I will look into the Physical Therapy.  I am changing ortho docs as Pennsylvania Hospital has the top ortho docs in the country and I know they have a PT department.  I did try the shots (Synthis?).  I found that with the lymphedema any injections brings on a bad case of cellultus.  I am scheduled to see my GBS and see what kind of hook up he can get for me at the hospital.   Thanks so much for your suggestions, this is what I need to see what my options are as I thought I exhausted them all. Jeanne

seriously, check in to the Y.  Mine had a personal fitness program that I chose over the silver sneakers.  It was like a free personal trainer, but they were more like cheerleaders.  They interviewed me about how I felt about exercise (I was soooo negative) and we talked about barriers to exercise (time...big excuse) and then they set me up on a program.  I did treadmill for about 15 minutes the first day and I thought my legs were going to fall apart. They felt like jello. Anyway, I am rambling.  The Y is very affordable and many Ys have a wide variety of demographics who attend.  Rich, families, fit, extremely obese, old, young, hotties, not so hotties (LOL).  I really don't think you would feel out of place there.  Each Y is different.  I pay $39 for just me (all classes included) and it's $59 for the family.  They base it on the socio-economic demographics for the area.  I love the Y and their mission. Good luck Jeanne (is your name pronounced Jean or Jeannie--my mom's name was Jeanne and it was pronounced Jean)

Hi Kathy, I will be checking out the Y.  There is one that is not too far from where I live and they have a parking lot so that will make things easier. I never realized how affordable they are.  If I can luck out and have someone work with me that would be great.  There is also a nice size family gym right across the bridge in NJ.  My one friend who is also WLS joined and said it was nice environment.   BTW I pronounce my name Jean ne.  My real name is Genevieve but been Jeanne since as long as I could remember. Jeanne

Hi Jeanne -  I second the YMCA motion.  Find out about the water aerobic classes there.   Both my knees are bone on bone - I have an automatic surgery date to have both my knees replaced once I weigh about 200 lbs.  I have bone spurs that are HUGE and the ends of my bones are no longer smooth - they are very rough and shredding themselves!  Would you believe I live on Celebrex (yes, even AFTER surgery!) LOL Anyway, my orthopedic doctor will ONLY allow water activity.  I swim my butt off several times a week for excercise - not that it helps my knees (because my knees are beyond help) but he wants me to lose weight as quickly as possible so I get to surgery sooner.  He says that any lifting weights with my legs will shred them even faster as will simple things like leg weights in the water or using foot fins for kicking. Every YMCA I have been at either have very generously sized stairs/ramps to walk up and down or a portable ramp that can be put in the water for you to use. Good luck!