Has anyone here used a float tube after recieving a full knee replacement?
I am roughly 6 weeks out from recieving a new knee. I am bending it enough for a 1/2 hour ride on my bicycle, and will soon try the float tube .
I feel as though I will be able to progress with few problems, but would like to hear from someone that has done it. Illinoisgiller
[signature]
I don't have any experience of knee surgery, but if you go, you might consider a back-up paddle. I have heard of people using ping-pong paddles or a kayak paddle with their float tube. Even the ends off of a pair of kids' oars that go with the little inflatable rafts might be usable. Good luck to you and hope you have a chance to get out on the water. Seems like a little mild exercise would be good, but too much might be a "pain".
Good Luck!
[signature]
[cool][#0000ff]I know of quite a few tubers who have successfully kicked a tube around with knee problems...up to and including a replacement. I know a couple of guys who SHOULD have knee replacements that can't tube because of the pain. But, I also know a couple who have had major surgery or replacements and who move around well with no problems. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Of course, each situation is potentially different and people heal and respond differently. As I had a medical professional suggest...kicking under normal conditions is a form of passive exercise. However, it is never a good idea to subject a problematic knee to excessive abuse...like kicking in high wind or trying to go too far too fast. Do not plan to tow a water skier. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]My suggestion is to get the replacement and complete the therapy sessions. Once it is feeling strong enough for routine walking and light exercise, try it out GENTLY in your tube. Launch in a protected area and work through the range of movement and controls...turning, etc. Then go home...without fishing. See how it feels the next day. If there is no tenderness or swelling, try another limited session...maybe with tackle. Don't overdo it. Make sure you are strong enough to handle it before getting carried away.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Regardless of what I say, be sure you let your doctor know what your plans are and get professional input. Today's technology makes getting joint replacements more routine and with fewer failures or complications. But as already noted, every situation can be different. Listen to your doctor.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good luck and let us know how everything turns out.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
I should have explained a little more.
I have completed a full knee replacement and been released from tharapy. I will be trying the tube in some quiet water soon.
In fact when I last visited the surgeon a week ago,he said he wants to see me again in 6 weeks and he demands a complete fishing report of Southern Iowa lakes. [
](He is a fly fisher)
I'll just use common sense and progress as I feel secure with.
I have purchased a little extendable plastic paddle just in case. Thanks for the input all, Illinoisgiller
[signature]
My father was a lot like you; after each knee surgery he wanted to get out in a float tube weeks after surgery. For him the hardest part was getting to the water. He would take me along and I would carry his gear to the waters edge. As for kicking around he told me that it actually would make it feel better. The slow kick in the water as opposed to the therapy where they really work your knee was actually kind of nice. Well the best of luck to you. On top of that it sounds like you are a die hard fisherman. Not many would even think about fishing shortly after surgery. I personally would, but of course I've fished in full snow storms before . . .
[signature]
Good luck on the tubin trip. I was going to suggest the collapsible paddle but you already beat me to the punch. Take it nice and easy and hope all ends well. I think it will be good for your knee as well.
[signature]
I was finally able to get all together and try a trip into a walk in area for an enjoyable day of fishing.
The weather was great. Light wind from the East didn't put a dent in the joy of catching one sassy bluegill and Red Ear after the other . I had a floating fish basket in front of me the entire time on the water. I had no intent to save fish on this trip, Just had it there out of habit. lol
The new knee didn't give me any trouble, The Fish Cat#4 tube is such a dependable fishing ride. The Eagle Fisheasy 320C was flawless as usual. It was replaced this year with a 500C . I might be getting one and use the 320 on my loaner tube.
What a great day on the water. I hope you are blessed with the same soon. Illinoisgiller aka ole giller
[signature]
Good deal! That looks like some fun pan fishing. I wish our pan fish lakes would warm up a bit and get active.
[signature]