Bad news - but renewed drive (looking for suggestions)

[engineer]

Oh does the flood ever stop? DM started her new chemo and they upped the does of the bad (harsh) drug from 40 to 140. She has nausea, heartburn and constipation and is truly suffering and I feel so bad that I can’t do anything. I realize that even if I was there and wasn’t two states away I still couldn’t do much but…you know what I mean.

Then today I go to the orthopedic surgeon and that was terrible. Good thing that I took DH with me. He said if I was in my 60’s and not my 40’s that we would be discussing the need for knee replacement surgery. That I must lose weight … duh? But it’s easier when you can exercise without pain. And since DH is the food prep/chef in the house then having him there to hear it and hopefully shake him up will help.

In the meantime I could do cortisone shots or start on hyraluronic acid treatment. That is a series of 5 shots (1 per week) and he could give me 2 but because he works out of Grand Forks and is only up here once a month, I would either have to travel down there or have one of the local quakes do it up here. And I don’t use the word quakes lightly. I elected to do the cortisone shots but dang that hurts when they put it in. He told me NO IMPACT, not even treadmill until I get about 60 lbs off! I love my treadmill and my videos and I can’t use them. So now I need to look for an elliptical or a stationary bike. I asked about weight lifting and he said to be careful and watch knee action and don’t be surprised if it hurts.

So now my knees ache slightly and I have a long road trip ahead of me. The only good thing is that we are going out to ID to pick up the horses. Finally after a summer of no horses my girls will be back!!!. Two days out and two days back, I am not looking forward to it. Then on Tuesday DH can go get baby Lucy and all three will be able to play in their new pasture. Thanks goodness for my critters.

[Gumbeaux]

I elected to do the cortisone shots but dang that hurts when they put it in. He told me NO IMPACT, not even treadmill until I get about 60 lbs off! I love my treadmill and my videos and I can’t use them.

I'm sorry that you are going through all of this.

I just got a Schwinn recumbent exercise bike and love it! Because it is whisper quiet it can be used in the den with other people watching TV.

[Robyn1007]

Another thought, do you have a regular bike? You could get a trainer like the Magneto or Fluid2 from Cycleops and put your bike on that. What about swimming, is that allowed? Water jogging? I'm trying to think of options here.

I know it's frustrating, trust me, I can't run right now due to my foot and I'd really like to run! Take care of yourself and enjoy getting the horses back.

[cniles]

Yikes Michelle! I wish I had some suggestions - the bike idea is a good one. No treadmill either - wow. Is Scott changing menu's? You guys eat pretty healthy, don't you?

I'm so glad you're getting the girls back (any baby news?!) Hang in there - keep checking in with the workout thread. Maybe they might have some suggestions as well!!!

[Valerie226]

Michelle, you just aren't catching any breaks here. what you were describing, the heat & inflammation and the need to ice all the time did not sound like happy knees.
On the good side, stationary bikes are relatively inexpensive and it might not be hard to find a used one if that's OK with you. same way with ellipticals, although decent ones are more expensive than bikes. Again, motion is controlled and there is little impact.
I was able to ride a stationary bike immediately after major knee surgery, carefully. It depends on what's comfortable and what is wrong with your knees. generally bicycling is considered pretty easy on knees. this is not a universal truth but the motion is pretty well controlled and it is low impact. Did the doc suggest glucosamine/chrondroitin? Regular NSAID type meds? What about walking ( not running) on the treadmill, especially at an incline? I would think you could modify some DVD's and use the parts that are less stress on the knees. Swimming/ water aerobics is always up on the list. Is there a Y reasonably close? Most of us can't go buy a pool!
I don't know if you have insurance that would cover, but how about a dietitian appointment for you & DH, the chief cook? Men can eat a whole lot more than most women and not worry about weight gain. not fair but true. could your DH afford to trim a few pounds too? that might be a help if both of you are in this together. Weight Watchers? I know they have an online group if there aren't close by meetings.

[Beth]

Sorry you and your mom are both having a hard time.

I am curious what the hyraluronic acid treatment consisted of. I stumbled upon that, read about it online and found it over the counter at Walmart, of all places, much cheaper than the health food stores. I got a bottle of 30 or 60 capsules for less than $5 and took one or 2 a day. For a bad knee, I'd be taking 2 or 3. I tried it for my neck, but I found it helped my foot. They say that supplements like HA, glucosamine and MSM help the larger joints (hips, knees and lower back) the most. Any reason you couldn't do that also and try to help some healing while you have the cortisone working on the inflammation?

My younger sister is in a similar situation and has heard much the same thing. She has done shots and will be facing a replacement down the road.

I have an eliptic trainer and have used the recumbent bikes at the Y. I would think that the recumbent bike would be better for you. Withthe eliptic, you are still flexing the knee a lot in a weight-bearing stance. Withthe recumbent, your weight won't be on your knees -- it will be on your hips.

Best of luck to you from one who has sought to avoid surgery for over 10 years now (neck -- not knee). You can do it!

[Valerie226]

Michelle, DH & I just got back from vacation , backpacking and hiking. You know what was the hardest on my knees?? sitting in the car (truck actually)....for several days. keeping your knees bent in the traditional passenger position does a real number on MY knees. Just a thought. see what you can do to keep them in a better position, or in multiple positions, when sitting and driving. If I could push the seat back so they'd be straighter it would help but the teensy back seat is full of gear.

[srahndennis]

Michelle -- Sorry to hear that things are so difficult right now. You're doing a great job trying to stay positive and keep motivated. I would do exactly as your dr recommends. DH and I talk about this a lot. We've both had back and foot issues and have learned that when we don't listen, we just extend the amount of time it takes us to heal. Losing weight will help a bunch but don't get bogged down by the number. Take it in smaller chunks - even 5 or 10 lbs will help your knees. I know you'll miss your treadmill & videos but the sooner you work through this the sooner you can get back to them. I've read about some workouts for ellipticals and bikes called itreads. I haven't used them but seems like lots of people do and really like them. Perhaps something like that would help energize you, too.

I think seeing a dietitician is a great idea. And it would help if DH comes along. It's really hard to eat right on your own when you're part of a couple. Especially if the other is doing most of the meal prep.

And don't forget about us on the home workout enthusiast thread! We're here for you. Take care of yourself & your Mom.

[Love to Run]

I don't spend too much time on this section of the forum but I read your post and can certainly relate to what you are going through. I live in Oklahoma and my 95 y.o. dad is in North Dakota going through chemo; actually he was hospitalized again last night so his health is up and down right now and it really is difficult being so far away. I hope your mother does ok with the larger dose and the aftereffects. We trying to get our dad to at least drink Ensure when his appetite disappears after a treatment.

About 17 months ago I began having problems with one knee and it was diagnosed as the cartilage wearing away due to my biomechanics when I run. My orthopedic doctor gave me 5 Hyalgan shots on 5 consecutive weeks. He told me I'd never be able to run the same mileage and it was imperative that I ice my knees after every run. The shots didn't hurt and have been a lifesaver to me since I was able to return to running. He said it might buy me 18 months or several years of pain-free running, there was no way of knowing. My experience with Hyalgan was extremely good but I've also been very compliant with his orders on what/how much exercise I can do, icing, etc.

Good luck with the nutrition/eating plan and the exercising for your knee. I hope your mom's treatments are easier on her in the future.

Carole