total knee replacement and diving

[FishyLady]

I am new to scuba diving and have only had two classes so far. My question is: Is there anyone who scuba dives that has had a total knee replacement and do you have problems diving with all of the gear on? My second class is when I was able to put all of the gear on, granted my instructor knew about my knee so other than the weight belt all of the gear was put on in the water. Being in the water the gear was still very heavy to me and I have had problems with my knee since my last class. Now I don't know wheter to continue or just stick to snorkling as it is much easier on my knee. After the surgery on the knee I was given a 40lb weight limit but I thought that was for on land only not including the water. My doc told me it would be okay to dive, but again I am having problems with the knee. Any advice would be most helpful as I am torn as to continue or to stop.
FishyLady

 

[cmufieldhockey8]

Welcome to scubaboard!

How long ago was your surgery? It takes the body (knee) a while to really get normal again, something like at least 6 months and probably closer to a year. But I'm not a doctor so what do I know? I'd give your doctor a shout; you may need more time before you pick up diving.

 

[cmufieldhockey8]

double post

 

[Steve_Dives]

I'm diving with all my original equipment (the stuff nature provided) still in place.

Carrying gear is a part of diving. You can probably find ways to work around some of the difficulty, such as using a cart or dolly to move gear. This might limit the locations you are able to dive, or you might have to depend on a buddy for some gear lugging.

A friend with knee problems said split fins help.

 

[adurso]

My wife had her knee done in November. She hit the water in June, no problem. She still expeiences minor swelling and stifness after racquetball, or long dives with long swims. If we are shore diving I will carry her gear to the water. Take your time and you should be able to enjoy diving.

 

[Steve_Dives]

I'm diving with all my original equipment (the stuff nature provided) still in place.

Carrying gear is a part of diving. You can probably find ways to work around some of the difficulty, such as using a cart or dolly to move gear. This might limit the locations you are able to dive, or you might have to depend on a buddy for some gear lugging.

A friend with knee problems said split fins help.

 

[judydivescoz]

I have not had a total Knee replacement but I have had 3 acl repairs along with a fracture in the tibial plateau (not quite sure of the exact medical term but I hope that is close)on the same knee along with arthritis. I use split fins..find them a bit easier on the knee and always try not to be wearing my bc and weights when I climb the stairs to get back into the boat. It works best for me on a small six pack boat. We tip the crew well for helping me with my bc and weights! If I shore dive, I put everything on and take everything off while I am in the water. Keep trying, do some strength training on your quads, diving is just too much fun to miss!

 

[Kingpatzer]

I have a good friend who is ex-navy underwater demolitions . . . due to some major injuries he sustained while on duty, he's had both knees and a hip done. He dives pretty regularly without any issues.

 

[fppf]

The gear should not weigh anything in the water, its neutral.

While it may be ok to put your gear on in the water while in a pool, when you get into open water you must have all your gear on ahead of time. I know a few people with knee and hip replacement. It seems to be a very personal case by case thing. Some have no issues and are good as new, others have lots of issues and are limited. Diving is one activity that is hard on the back and knees. If you have a 40 lbs weight limit I would talk more with your doctor. Just an AL80 weighs 36 lbs. Then think about climbing back up onto a boat in 3 foot waves, or making a shore entree and having to walk in with your gear.

 

[sberanek]

My usual dive buddy has had a knee replacement and multiple procedures on the other knee and he zips around like it's nothing. He says it's much better now that the knee is new (and healed). We both have had shoulder replacements and those don't bother either of us in terms of pain. I just have to make sure I loosen the right shoulder strap on the BC in order to get in and out better.

I'd say, make sure you do your physical therapy (if it's still required) and strengthening exercises, make sure your doctor approves (my ortho doc. said I could do scuba no problem), and don't push yourself beyond what your new knee can do.

--Shannon