Climbing after total knee replacement
Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 4:44 am
Has anyone had a total knee replacement (TKR) and been able to resume climbing mountains? I may have it done in the next couple years. I don't need to climb anything real technical, but I would like to conquer Mt. Rainier. I've tried twice now and haven't made it yet. I feel the third time is a charm and now I know exactly how I will train to make it to the top. I've tried twice with RMI. I think they're a great guide service and I would try them again, but the guides are in their 20s and 30s mostly and don't cut any slack to someone like me, who at 59, may need to stop occasionally just for 20 seconds or so and catch my breath. I crapped out on top of Disappointment Cleaver, but with a little encouragement I now believe I could have kept going. I was not altitude sick, just somewhat exhausted and had difficulty regulating my body temp, so I sweated too much. I just don't know if I'd attempt it again knowing I have bad knees. After last year's attempt I was in pain for about 4 days after coming off the mountain. I can go up with no problem. It's the coming down that hurts. So I'd like to hear from anyone that has rehabilitated after knee replacement surgery to successfully hike and climb again. I've read where some doctors say you can hike again, but they say don't carry weight. Well, you can't climb mountains without carrying weight. On Rainier you have to carry about 40 pounds up to Camp Muir. Any experience or info would be greatly appreciated.