Knee replacement (also in NL)

[Pep12]

Hi - wasn't sure where to post this??

Thought some of you guys may be able to help me?

Just wondering if anyone has had or knows of anyone who has had a full knee replacement and if so how long it was before they could ride again? Did they manage to return to their previous form on horse-back e.g jumping etc or did they have to calm things down a bit?

Any thoughts or experiences gratefully received.

 

[northernnewfiediva]

Hello there - this post has made me complete my registration and get posting after a long time lurking!
Had my right knee fully replaced about 4 years ago at a relatively young age - best thing ever! I was riding again after 6 weeks with no pain ( although I did fall off first day out with a sharp turn at canter and a loose girth....) and a bendy knee which I hadn't had for years. The knee is probably the best joint I have now and has in no way stopped me doing anything I want on my horse ( or off it!) Its old age rather than the knee that has slowed me up, still gallop and jump but have had to learn to trot in circles as well! Joint is a bit heavy to start with but you get used to it and doesn't constantly hurt/ache/fall out/swell or do other bad things!
Go for it

 

[kirstie]

Hi, a girl at my yard had a full knee replacment. It took her a little while to get going but she is fine now and rides most days.

 

[Pep12]

Thanks guys that sounds really promising. My mum will be delighted to hear that you were able to ride after 6 weeks. She has been so bothered by the bloody thing I am sure that it will be a big improvement for her. Due out of hosp this weekend so fingers crossed. Thanks again guys.

 

[soulfull]

A bit more complicated than a knee (so specialists have said) I had an ankle replacement which then mean't I spent 8 wks in a cast. 3 months later I was back in the saddle. 16wks later started jumping again.

6 months on I can say it is so much better. The pain I was in before was unbelievable! It still hurts but I now ride most days

 

[irishdraft]

Our huntsman had both knees replaced 2/3 years ago, 6 weeks to the day he was back on board and now goes better than ever as no pain and we do not hang around, lots of decent jumping etc says its the best thing he ever did

 

[Gamebird]

My MiL has had her left knee replaced twice and hunts twice weekly despite the second time not going totally to plan. We do a lot of riding and leading and the only thing we changed was moving the led horse to the right (off) side so that it didn't bang her knee.

 

[Fairy Dust]

I didn't have a knee replacement but did recently have my ACL (cruciate ligament) in my knee done in October. They told me I wouldn't be able to ride for at least 4 months and jumping for 9..........but I was back on after 2 months and have been jumping since January. I often spoke to a lady who had a knee replacement when I went to see the consultant and we were both in a lot of pain after the operations. I think it completely depends on the individual but also on how much physio and strengthening exercises you do. I was in so much pain afterwards and still can't cross my legs or kneel down fully but riding is fine, especially if I ride long in my dressage saddle- knee sometimes swells up if I ride for a long time with short stirrups.

Hope this helps, I was so upset when my consultant gave me the average time frames but they always exaggerate the times (I suppose they have to cover themselves!!)