I just found your TH-cam vid. Loads of fun. Lots of good info. My mate just went through rt knee replacement. It has been very hard on her. But two knees? I agree with Wendy: a bugoff. Jan 15. Good luck is all I can say.
Hi Roy, We just wanted to add our best wishes to those already sent for your up-coming knee procedure and also to thank you and Wendy for all your videos over the last year. Merry Christmas to you and all the Ride with Roy followers. Kevin and Jackie 🎄🎄🎄
Thank you, Kevin and Jackie, that is really kind of you both. We also wish you a very happy Christmas and thank you for your support as it keeps us motivated.
Wishing you both a very merry Christmas and a speedy recovery after your operation, Roy! I’m excited to hear more about the King John Way project as well.
Best wishes on the surgery and recovery. I'm glad you have the trainer. A few years ago, I was unfortunate and broke my patella. The trainer made all the difference in rehabbing my knee.
Best of luck with the op mate, I've been there. Had a complete knee replacement in 2020 myself. You need to really work to get full motion after the op. Not gonna lie, it's hard work, not easy but you can do it! I rode 4000 miles this year, so you can get there. Hopefully see you in the Velo Verdi soon. All the best from a 60 year old rider from Notts👍
All the best with recovery - I had 2 x partial knee replacements July 2018 at age of 55. Mine was bone on bone on inners. Had them done on same operation via NHS and it was all good. It hurts for a while, but get good physio and onto the turbo trainer as soon as possible. Being fit and healthy prior to the operation is the best start. Give me a shout if you want
Roy and Wendy, here's sending best wishes for a lovely Christmas holiday for each of you and your families. Roy, hope you have a successful knee surgery and a complete and speedy recovery with no ill after effects. Wendy, you have a very pleasant singing voice. I wish I could sing as well. 🤶🎄⭐️🎅🙂
@@LLewis-vu9qf thank, you, Linda. It’s good to hear from you. We also wish you the very best for Christmas - and be sure to book a hearing test as soon as possible 😀
Best of luck with the surgery Roy and hope you have a speedy recovery. Another good reason to try and stay fit as we get a little older, it can help with recovery from the hurdles that get thrown in front of us.
Thank you, Andy. Fitness helps in so many ways. I really need my regular cycling fix so that’s my motivator to recover quickly. Wendy and I chat solidly for all the hours we are out cycling which is good for mind and body.
Really enjoyed the vid guys,, even the singing and jokes 😂 Best wishes to you both for a Happy Christmas and New Year, and of course for the up coming op Roy. Speedy recovery and hope to see you back cycling as soon as. Looking forward to the King Johns Way, and have thoughts of making that my BIG ride in 2025.
@@rolandbrooks467 glad to see you getting out again after feeling poorly. I’ll send more information when I have it, Roland, but SKDC are interested in putting on a ‘Grand Depart’ from Grantham, so hope you will be there.
Good luck Roy I like you , long distance no problem, LEL, PBP, but step off the bike and walking like Qozy Modo. I managed to get another 5/6 years without surgery. In March i had TKR right knee. I know what you're going to go through and a brave man you are, but remember you will be back on your bike. I look forward to your recovery videos. Happy Xmas to you both.
Not brave - probably blissfully ignorant and foolish. My wife certainly thinks I am. If it was going to be total I would have probably done one at a time, but I’m hoping partial will be easier 🤞
Hi, Roy, sorry to hear you'll be out of the saddle for a while. I had a total KR (right leg) about 10 years ago at age 57, after decades of bone-on-bone pain. I think your idea of weekly pre- and post-op reports is an excellent one. I certainly had no idea what to expect, in spite of extensive online research. The implications for regular exercisers are very different than for the typical older, overweight, sedentary candidates for knee replacements, so I think that sort of content would provide a valuable source of information. Tips: 1) Take laxatives post-op! I was not told this when discharged, and the effect of co-codamol on my GI system almost resulted in an A & E visit. 2) Get yourself a "slidey board" (piece of Formica - or just sit on a hard surfaced floor, like laminate), and buy a length of orthopedic tubing (the sort of thing we used to call "elastic bandage"). Roll the elastic bandage into a doughnut shape. Sit with your back supported and your heel in the doughnout. Work on knee flexion by sliding your heel back and forth to bend the knee. I was very worried that I would have insufficient knee flexion to be able to pedal, but this really helped. [And long-term, consider getting shorter cranks] 3) Post-op nerve damage and pins and needles. I had horrible pins and needles, literally like hundreds of pins sticking into my skin around the knee, which kept me awake at night. If you get this, a useful hack is to buy some E45 cream and some cling film. Rub the E45 into your knee before you go to bed, and then wrap it with cling film. You may not get this, but if you do, this hack is a blessing. 4) Grill the physios for exercises, and make sure they know you are an "athlete." Good luck! After the post-op pain has reduced (which took a few weeks for me), the absence of the old joint pain will feel like a minor miracle.
@@davidrowe8747 wow, thank you, David, there’s nothing like first hand experience. I was just telling my wife that I needed to buy laxatives and then your message popped up 😀 The surgeon thought the videos would be a great idea and specifically asked me to report honestly on the pain. I wasn’t sure whether that was because it would be less than I imagined or worse. Of course, pain is very subjective. The fact that he doesn’t use a tourniquet is said to help reduce post op pain. He has also given me two bottles of a concentrated carbohydrate drink to be taken two hours before the procedure, which is also said to improve the outcome. As the anaesthetic is spinal and I can be awake, I jokingly said I should make a live stream 😀 He recommended they give me a sedative so I sleep through it as it will sound like a carpenters workshop…
On the subject of physio. It’s included in the cost of the op but in Windsor, which is clearly out of the question. However, Charles (the blind tandem rider) was a physio before he lost his sight, so has offered to keep an eye on me. The surgeon knows my passion for cycling and recommended this procedure with that in mind. I already use 165mm cranks so that box is ticked. And that E45 and cling film tip is genius!
@@RideWithRoy I had a spinal for mine, also. As a sport scientist, I found the "live" experience fascinating. At one point, the doc asked me to stop talking as he would need to focus on what he was doing! A TKR is a lot more invasive (as you indicated, it sounded like he was doing a kitchen installation - tapping the insert into the femur, for example). I'm sure a partial replacement will result in much less pain and a speedier recovery, especially for someone with high fitness and motivation like yourself.
@@RideWithRoy I meant to also say that the trainer is a really good idea. You can work on joint mobility with low/no resistance, and being indoor, you can stop at any time and just climb off if things are harder than expected. I didn't have a trainer back when I had my TKR, but wish I had. My recovery took longer than wished because it was mid-winter and I lived in Scotland at the time - much too dangerous to risk even walking outside because of ice.
@@RideWithRoy The comments from everybody are very encouraging. I was informed by my surgeon last week that the time is now right to have bilateral TKR beginning first with my right knee with the other knee possibly being done 3-4 months afterwards. I couldn't really get first hand knowledge of how it all might affect my cycling and am reassured by the feedback David and others are providing. It really is a measure of how others regard and appreciate your great vlogs. All this will begin for me around February and am really looking forward to your pre-op videos Roy. Thank you and wishing you the best for your own surgery and Christmas wishes for you and Wendy from Dublin.
Good luck with the operation next week and your recovery journey. I think I’ve mentioned before that I suffer with raynauds and I find the Planet X crab gloves are a game changer, in fact I have to take a spare pair for after the cafe stop as my hands get too hot and make me sweat and they get damp.
@tedjackson9370 thanks for asking,Ted. Oddly, I’ve had no pain at all, so far. I did quite a bit of physio, yesterday, so one leg was aching last night. Physios are pleased as I was walking with crutches on day 1 and doing stairs on day 2. Also, they were surprised that I can straighten both and have 110 degrees bend, which they put down to pre op fitness. But I realise it’s going to take some work to maintain and develop that. I’m going home today.
@ All the riding long miles will be a big benefit your leg muscles will be very well developed.💪 Sounds like your on the right path for a full recovery Stay away from the biscuit as much as possible, (digestives with a bit of something on them is my downfall)🍘🍥
@tedjackson9370 The food in here is excellent so I must admit to a full English this morning. However, I’m very mindful of taking on more calories that I can burn off, so Weetabix here I come.
@@janeg1685 Thanks for your comment . Yes, I using my new smart trainer daily to maximise fitness as well as other strength building exercises. I’m not up to 400km Audax standard though 😀
Great video, I enjoyed Wendy’s singing (no really!) The trouble with modern cars and auto lights, is that fog is often not dark enough for the sensors to register and switch them on and motorists have got lazy. Wish you a speedy recovery Roy!
Thanks, Gary. You are spot on regarding cars making people lazy. My car virtually drives itself, so I can understand how people get lazy. I suppose all this automation allows more time for texting 😳
@@pete1927 I remember that too, Pete, and my dad starting the Morris 8 with a handle 😀 And more bikes than cars the road. Ah, nostalgia’s not what it used to be 😀
@@RideWithRoy Trouble is Roy they were still saying that after cars had alternators and starter motors and their off spring still swear by it cos Grandad said 😂
My wife had 2 full knee replacements done 6 months apart. She has no trouble on the bike. In the first weeks she could not get a full rotation on the trainer, so we used a stationary pedal thing with shorter cranks that was recommended by physio. Worked great and now has no issues.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, the last time i saw the NHS physio therapist, he said i have bone on bone on the inside of my right knee, but its wasn't bad enough to operate on, so he just gave me a cortisone injection, but did say i had strong muscles in my knees and to keep up the cycling as much as I can to help the muscles stay strong.
@RideWithRoy I had the final cortisone injection in my right knee 23 months ago, but the first in my left knee, I really should go back to the doctors about my right knee, but feel like I can still manage at the moment, even though in s lot of pain, I just try and fight my way through the pain. That's the way I've always been, always think some people are far worse than me,
There should be no need to be in pain. You are probably in more pain than me. My view is that if I leave it longer my muscles may suffer through reduced use. I would get back to the Doc and tell them you’ve had enough.
When you said the cyclist said are you going to be the back end of a horse I had already thought that! I imagine it's a common thing when you mention Pantomime! Good luck with your future op Roy! And Seasons Greetings to you both and your Families🎄☃️🎄
@@top_banana Thank you! I do have an e-assist Ribble that I mainly use for guided ride leading. My preference is to ride myTitanium gravel bike, so I am seriously considering a Boost Bike conversion kit, as I can easily change that back to non powered when it suits. I am aiming to do as much of the 300 mile King John Way route as possible, starting on 3rd May, so the Tempest with power would be my ideal choice. I shall be making a review of my experience checking this out in the coming weeks. Thanks again for your good wishes.
Wishing you and Wendy a happy Christmas and thanks for a year of enjoyable videos. Having worked most of my working years in the manufacture of knee and hip replacements I have no doubt you'll be very pleased you're getting your knees sorted. It sounds like you are having Unicondylar implants, the big advantage is you keep more of the original knee. When i started in the orthopaedic industry the success or failure was really down to the skill of the surgeon. Not just his medical skill but how good he was with his hands. One surgeon who had terrifically good results was also a keen cabinet maker, says all really. Times have changed and with technology the need for this level of hand skill has been greatly reduced. It was common knowledge back then that how active post surgery a person is makes the greatest difference to how it turns out post op. Buying the trainer seems an excellent idea, so recovery should be swift,not Zwift! 😁 You can always put it on ebay when you're fully recovered.
Thanks, Colin, that’s interesting. One of my reasons for choosing Mr Bourke is that he uses the Stryker Mako Robot, to ensure accuracy. The other pluses are that he doesn’t use a tourniquet and the anaesthetic is spinal. As I’ll be awake, I jokingly said I should probably do my first live stream during the op 😀 He said I would be welcome but he wouldn’t advise it as it would sound like a carpenters shop - so your cabinet maker comment was highly appropriate 😀 Mr Bourke is supportive of me making some recovery videos as it will help inform people of what to expect. He particularly wanted me to comment on the pain 🤔
@@RideWithRoy Yes, robots, keyhole surgery and the like have made a huge difference. Having said this it's still useful to have sharp hand tools available. I wish my cycling chum would get his knees done. Even on his ebike he struggles going far.
I'm subscribing to find out how things go for you. I'm getting a hip replacement done in 2025, and one knee is getting problematic too. I've had to take off my clips because the angle was creating discomfort in my knee. I couldn't move my foot enough to compensate. My sister is getting her knee replaced about the same time you are. My brother has had both replaced (individually). My mom also has had both replaced several times, plus hips and one shoulder. Family genetics is intent on making us easy prey for the lions if we were hunter-gatherers. :)
Welcome! I hope you’ll like the cycling content too 😀 My neighbour had one knee done and I asked her to describe the pain. Her answer was ‘do you really want to know?’ I’m hoping partial will be easier. I use Shimano MTB type cleats with the ‘M’ as these are easier to unclip and have more float. I shall have a bike fit afterwards to ensure everything is aligned. I wish your sister all the best for her op.
Hi, John. I shall be giving more details on here but If you, or anyone else, would like to send me an email to ridingwithroy@gmail.com (note that it’s riding as opposed to ride) I will gladly send you full details. Bear in mind that we are still checking the route so there may be some fine tuning required. There is also a selection of shorter themed routes which I shall be creating during my downtime.
A Range Rover driving around like no-one else is on the road, well I never ... All the best for your upcoming knee operations Roy, going in with maximum fitness will see you right 🤞👍
Good luck with your procedure next month. I’m six months in from my full knee replacement and just starting to get out riding. Brave of you to get two partial replacements at the same time. Bit of advice. Do your physio, but… not too much.
@@philrobson1614 thanks, Phil. The physio picked up that I might be in danger of overdoing it, so good advice. I’m hoping that partial may lead to a faster recovery, as I don’t think I could cope with 6 months without riding.
@ I’ve been riding for a couple of months, trying to keep them flat and an e-bike is helping with hillier rides. Well done for getting pre op physio to help you get back on the bike sooner.
Hope all goes well with knee ops and wishing you a speedy recovery. Perhaps you should buy a tandem and fix the chain so only Wendy pedals and sings, you could control steering and brake :) BTW, we need to campaign local councils (and farmers) to sweep up after cutting hedges, getting too many hawthorn punctures!
Good point on the hedges, Steve, but not so good on the tandem idea 😀 Imagine no escape from that singing, although I suppose earplugs would work. The main reason though is that I’m the one who usually gets lost, so not the best pilot 😂
I usually start off with cold hands and find they warm up after about 5 miles or so. I also often find that the weather is completely different upon the Belvoir ridge to what it is in the Vale. I presume your 2nd cafe stop was at the Wildflower Farm Cafe at Langar. We sometimes go there, but it is a bit pricey!
Too bad about the knees. My wife and my mother both had total knee replacements. Total knee results in a managable decrease in movement. You're probably lucky, with only partial. My hips are likely going first. Walking on a store concrete floor any amount of time, the hips announce themselves! Probably it's wise to get this done early in the game before a chronic medical condition makes you a poor surgical risk. I wish you a speedy recovery, and many more good years ahead!
I have had full knee replacements on both knees with about 6 weeks between operations. First knee progress was very quick, about 6 to 8 weeks but the second took at least twice as long. That was about 6 years ago when I was 72. I was quite concerned about not overdoing it on the bike but now I rarely think about it. Perhaps a little more careful descending as falling off probably wouldn’t be a good idea. I’ll be interested to watch your progress.
@@brianhowe8896 thanks, Brian, good to know. It’s strange that the second took longer to recover. I rarely overdo it on the bike in any case and falling off is never a good idea 😀 As I said in the video, the surgeon is keen for me to make the recovery videos, so I’ll do my best to make them interesting.
The wife had a full KR last Feb -just about recovered beginning of May but then end of May I had a stroke so not much cycling this year but at least we are still here. We are fine weather cyclists any way, and there has not been much of that! Good luck with the ops
I really love getting outside, even on a cold day, so I’m not sure how well I will get on with Zwift. The problem I have is the automatic reflex to chase down anyone in front - and there’s too many people on these simulations for me to chase 😀
Yes I have tried thin silk gloves inside cycling gloves which works well - except then you have to take two pairs off to unwrap my copious supplies of food that I take with me! 🤣
You might be surprised at how quickly you recover , because you will have muscle tone , and cycling will have given you the mental attitude to deal with the hard stuff but also to pace yourself . anyway , are you getting a bed pan fit before you go in ?
Oh dear, please don’t go there 😂 At the pre op day they said they would send me home with a toilet seat riser 😳 They picked up on my motivation as well, so warned me not to overdo it in the first two weeks. They said there are two types of patient. Those that don’t do enough and those who overdo it. Good to know that I may be surprised as during the pre op day I was left feeling slightly concerned. I think it was all being aimed at a total replacement, while the surgeon said that a partial leaves most sports people much more able to recover quickly. Thanks for your reassurance.
@@InHomeHappy no, probably a life of grovelling on my knees 😀 I’ve done a lot of walking and running throughout my 72 years, so that’s probably the cause. Doc says cycling the best low impact exercise, so that wouldn’t have caused it.
All I’m allowed to say is that I’ve been invited for cucumber sandwiches without crusts. My only stipulation was that handy Andy isn’t there, although he now seems to have arranged that himself 😀
wow, ive got removed cartlidge from both knees ,i also have raynauds (that gives me cold extremities ) i wish you all the best with the opp and i will be sure to follow it. (cartlidge was removed in my early 30s cant squat very well but mobile otherwise
Hi Roy I’ve had both knees partially replaced my left one 16 yrs ago and my right one 4yrs ago I took up cycling and hiking 10yrs ago had about 9weeks off work as a bricklayer each time and back enjoying cycling after about 15weeks also had a hip replacement 5years ago all thanks to osteoarthritis good luck with your op and I’m sure you’ll be fine are you getting op private or nhs
@@jeffred6616 thanks, Jeff. That’s reassuring. I’m chose private so I can choose the surgeon and the time. I wanted to get it done before it becomes too bad, although in the past few weeks it has become quite debilitating. The only downside is that the op will be in Windsor which is 3 hours from home. I shall get the train down there and my son will take me home.
I'm a bit worried about you having both knees done at the same time. I've refused the op but I've known a lot of people who haven't . Many had complete replacement one at a time and most had serious difficulty with pain and recovery etc. One lady had both done years ago with no problems at all (but she only weighs 8 stone) and one fella struggled for about a year but managed to jive and dance ok. Another had a similar operation to what you're having but only on one side. He was a kung fu master and was fighting again within 6 months. The problem for you as I see it (struggling as I do from time to time with my knees) is moving. With one painful knee it is difficult but doo-able with a stick and painkillers. Moving around with two painful knees is impossible and you would need someone with you 24 hours a day for at least 4 weeks . If you have the worse one done first and thereafter the other I reckon you'll recover quicker particularly by using an indoor turbo trainer to keep muscle in the better leg and gently introducing movement in the worse. Whatever you decide good luck. As an aside, when I fractured my foot, I rode my turbo with ordinary platform pedals so that the foot wouldn't turn against the knee as the angle had changed. Afterwards, I had to reset my cleats as my toes on one side preferred to point more outwards than before. I think you might need to do something like this aswell.
@@CDeBeaulieu Thanks for your concern - a concern that my wife shares. I discussed it in detail with the surgeon and he was confident that, due to my fitness, flexibility, determination and it being only partial, I should cope well enough. My wife will be suffering as nurse, so I will have 24 hour support. The surgeon has a lot of experience with golfers, tennis players and cyclists and will be using the Mako robot for accuracy. The partial replacement retains the ligaments and muscle, plus he doesn’t use a tourniquet, which all helps with recovery. Interesting you mention the Kung fu master. Although I haven’t trained for a long time, I am a Tae Kwon-do 1st degree black belt, and have retained most of my flexibility from that. Having said all of this, I know it’s going to be tough, but I have weighed that up against doing recovery twice over. I shall be recording my progress so we shall all see 😳 Good point about alignment on the pedals. I have considered this and will be going for an accurate bike fit as soon as possible afterwards. Thanks again for your comments, which are very much appreciated.
Hope the op goes well. I'm sure the cycling will put you in a good place for recovery and rehab 👍 And indoor cycling is great -- get a big screen, subscribe to Fulgaz and think of it as going for an indoor ride, complete with coffee and lunch stops, not as doing a session on the turbo. It can get very immersive.
Wendy thinks I’ll get hooked😀 My wife wasn’t impressed when I asked her to have bacon rolls ready for my halfway stop. The Saris H3 came with three 1 month trials for apps. I’ve started with Rouvy and will work through the others over the next three month. I like your suggestion for the mindset.
I think she’s bringing out a Christmas album 😀 I shall be sending you some detail on the King John Way, tomorrow, Richard, as I shall value your input.
Thank you all for your good wishes. Wendy and I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a successful 2025.
Watched this earlier Roy ,
Hope the op goes well and wish you a speedy recovery.
Also wish you and Wendy a happy christmas.
@@davestubbsystubbs thanks, Dave, and we wish you the same.
Thank you both for a year of lovely videos. And all the best for your op, Roy.
Best wishes for a successful op and speedy recovery Roy.
I just found your TH-cam vid. Loads of fun. Lots of good info. My mate just went through rt knee replacement. It has been very hard on her. But two knees? I agree with Wendy: a bugoff. Jan 15. Good luck is all I can say.
@@reidwagner1508 thank you, Reid. I’m hoping partial replacement will be easier. Watch this space 😳😀
Hi Roy,
We just wanted to add our best wishes to those already sent for your up-coming knee procedure and also to thank you and Wendy for all your videos over the last year.
Merry Christmas to you and all the Ride with Roy followers.
Kevin and Jackie
🎄🎄🎄
Thank you, Kevin and Jackie, that is really kind of you both. We also wish you a very happy Christmas and thank you for your support as it keeps us motivated.
Best wishes to both of you and those close to you for Christmas and 2025. Go well with the operation Roy and your recovery
@@rbailey6949 thank you. And we wish you and yours the same.
Best wishes with your op Roy. Wishing you & Wendy belated Christmas wishes and a Happy New Year to you both 🥂
Thanks, Gez, and a happy new year to you and your family.
Merry Christmas Roy and Wendy. Best of luck with the op and recovery. Look forward to your future videos. All the best, Paul
@@RidingHighCycling thank you, Paul, and a merry Christmas to you too.
Wishing you both a very merry Christmas and a speedy recovery after your operation, Roy! I’m excited to hear more about the King John Way project as well.
@@englishcyclist thanks Tom. I was about to send you some details about it as I’ll value yours and Richard’s input. Probably be tomorrow now.
Merry Christmas Roy and Wendy. hope you have a speedy recovery after your Knee op Roy. See you next year.
And to you, Paul. Thank you for your help this year.
Have a good Christmas, Roy, and all the best for your operation in January and a speedy recovery 👍
@@andrewtownhill5838 thanks, Andrew. And you.
Best wishes on the surgery and recovery. I'm glad you have the trainer. A few years ago, I was unfortunate and broke my patella. The trainer made all the difference in rehabbing my knee.
@@opus5204 thanks. My son bought me a sweat guard as he said not to underestimate how much I’d sweat - he was not wrong 😀
Good luck and happy new year. My ruptured quad led me to an ebike for recovery. Love it so much.
@@pedalingpast60 Thanks! Yes, I expect my e bike will be getting an airing.
@RideWithRoy following you now. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all goes! I'm sure the cycling will be a great benefit.
Roy the very best luck with your knee operation and recovery
@@robertwilkinson9756 thank you, Robert. Best wishes for 2025.
Sorry to hear about your knees. I hope your procedures go well. Thanks for all the effort you put into your channel and Happy Holidays.
@@RiverCat999 thank you, Jeff, we appreciate your support. Happy Christmas also.
Best of luck with the op mate, I've been there. Had a complete knee replacement in 2020 myself. You need to really work to get full motion after the op. Not gonna lie, it's hard work, not easy but you can do it! I rode 4000 miles this year, so you can get there.
Hopefully see you in the Velo Verdi soon. All the best from a 60 year old rider from Notts👍
@@simonbonfield thank you, Simon, that really good to hear.
Have a wonderful Christmas and all the best for the operation and your recovery
@@andrewturnbull7690 thank you, Andrew, and we wish you the same.
All the best for your op and speedy recovery, Roy. Have a great Xmas too! 🙂
@@onemorecyclist thank you, and you.
Very best wishes for a speedy recovery!
@@michaelleek2036 thanks, Michael.
All the best with recovery - I had 2 x partial knee replacements July 2018 at age of 55. Mine was bone on bone on inners. Had them done on same operation via NHS and it was all good. It hurts for a while, but get good physio and onto the turbo trainer as soon as possible. Being fit and healthy prior to the operation is the best start. Give me a shout if you want
@@gareth_gj thanks, Gareth, that’s good to know.
Hope your op goes well and you recover quickly. All the best and Merry Christmas
@@djrlloyd thank you, David, and to you.
Roy and Wendy, here's sending best wishes for a lovely Christmas holiday for each of you and your families.
Roy, hope you have a successful knee surgery and a complete and speedy recovery with no ill after effects.
Wendy, you have a very pleasant singing voice. I wish I could sing as well.
🤶🎄⭐️🎅🙂
@@LLewis-vu9qf thank, you, Linda. It’s good to hear from you. We also wish you the very best for Christmas - and be sure to book a hearing test as soon as possible 😀
@RideWithRoy -- Maybe I should be looking at a cognitive test. I read that last remark and it took me a couple of seconds before it sank in. 🤣😄👍
😀Being the season of goodwill and all that, I am sure you know it’s all a big tease 😀
@@RideWithRoy😂
Thank you Linda - hope you have a lovely festive holiday. Starting a new TH-cam called Ride without Roy in the New Year 😢😂
Best of luck with the surgery Roy and hope you have a speedy recovery. Another good reason to try and stay fit as we get a little older, it can help with recovery from the hurdles that get thrown in front of us.
Thank you, Andy. Fitness helps in so many ways. I really need my regular cycling fix so that’s my motivator to recover quickly. Wendy and I chat solidly for all the hours we are out cycling which is good for mind and body.
All the best with your surgery and recovery. Maybe we'll see more of the Ribble when you're back on the road. Happy Christmas to you and to Wendy.
Thanks, Kate. Yes, the Ribble is ready and waiting 😀
Roy good luck with you knee operations & i hope you have a speedy recovery
@@skewwer thank you.
The sheep had a heachache, love it. Well done. Get better soon.
@@keefbrown speaking from experience 😀
Have a good Christmas both. I’ll continue watching 👍
@@subrogation747 thanks you Michael.
Really enjoyed the vid guys,, even the singing and jokes 😂
Best wishes to you both for a Happy Christmas and New Year, and of course for the up coming op Roy.
Speedy recovery and hope to see you back cycling as soon as.
Looking forward to the King Johns Way, and have thoughts of making that my BIG ride in 2025.
@@rolandbrooks467 glad to see you getting out again after feeling poorly. I’ll send more information when I have it, Roland, but SKDC are interested in putting on a ‘Grand Depart’ from Grantham, so hope you will be there.
Best wishes to you!!!
Only just discovered your TH-cam. ✨👍🚴♀️
@julesprichards welcome. Jules. I’ll be publishing more information about the route soon after Christmas.
Good luck Roy
I like you , long distance no problem, LEL, PBP, but step off the bike and walking like Qozy Modo. I managed to get another 5/6 years without surgery. In March i had TKR right knee. I know what you're going to go through and a brave man you are, but remember you will be back on your bike. I look forward to your recovery videos.
Happy Xmas to you both.
Not brave - probably blissfully ignorant and foolish. My wife certainly thinks I am. If it was going to be total I would have probably done one at a time, but I’m hoping partial will be easier 🤞
Not sure Roy is quite like you 😂 - LEL and PBP they are some awesome achievements! Well done!
Except for the Quasimodo bit 😀
Hi, Roy, sorry to hear you'll be out of the saddle for a while. I had a total KR (right leg) about 10 years ago at age 57, after decades of bone-on-bone pain. I think your idea of weekly pre- and post-op reports is an excellent one. I certainly had no idea what to expect, in spite of extensive online research. The implications for regular exercisers are very different than for the typical older, overweight, sedentary candidates for knee replacements, so I think that sort of content would provide a valuable source of information.
Tips:
1) Take laxatives post-op! I was not told this when discharged, and the effect of co-codamol on my GI system almost resulted in an A & E visit.
2) Get yourself a "slidey board" (piece of Formica - or just sit on a hard surfaced floor, like laminate), and buy a length of orthopedic tubing (the sort of thing we used to call "elastic bandage"). Roll the elastic bandage into a doughnut shape. Sit with your back supported and your heel in the doughnout. Work on knee flexion by sliding your heel back and forth to bend the knee. I was very worried that I would have insufficient knee flexion to be able to pedal, but this really helped. [And long-term, consider getting shorter cranks]
3) Post-op nerve damage and pins and needles. I had horrible pins and needles, literally like hundreds of pins sticking into my skin around the knee, which kept me awake at night. If you get this, a useful hack is to buy some E45 cream and some cling film. Rub the E45 into your knee before you go to bed, and then wrap it with cling film. You may not get this, but if you do, this hack is a blessing.
4) Grill the physios for exercises, and make sure they know you are an "athlete."
Good luck! After the post-op pain has reduced (which took a few weeks for me), the absence of the old joint pain will feel like a minor miracle.
@@davidrowe8747 wow, thank you, David, there’s nothing like first hand experience. I was just telling my wife that I needed to buy laxatives and then your message popped up 😀 The surgeon thought the videos would be a great idea and specifically asked me to report honestly on the pain. I wasn’t sure whether that was because it would be less than I imagined or worse. Of course, pain is very subjective. The fact that he doesn’t use a tourniquet is said to help reduce post op pain. He has also given me two bottles of a concentrated carbohydrate drink to be taken two hours before the procedure, which is also said to improve the outcome. As the anaesthetic is spinal and I can be awake, I jokingly said I should make a live stream 😀 He recommended they give me a sedative so I sleep through it as it will sound like a carpenters workshop…
On the subject of physio. It’s included in the cost of the op but in Windsor, which is clearly out of the question. However, Charles (the blind tandem rider) was a physio before he lost his sight, so has offered to keep an eye on me. The surgeon knows my passion for cycling and recommended this procedure with that in mind. I already use 165mm cranks so that box is ticked. And that E45 and cling film tip is genius!
@@RideWithRoy I had a spinal for mine, also. As a sport scientist, I found the "live" experience fascinating. At one point, the doc asked me to stop talking as he would need to focus on what he was doing! A TKR is a lot more invasive (as you indicated, it sounded like he was doing a kitchen installation - tapping the insert into the femur, for example). I'm sure a partial replacement will result in much less pain and a speedier recovery, especially for someone with high fitness and motivation like yourself.
@@RideWithRoy I meant to also say that the trainer is a really good idea. You can work on joint mobility with low/no resistance, and being indoor, you can stop at any time and just climb off if things are harder than expected. I didn't have a trainer back when I had my TKR, but wish I had. My recovery took longer than wished because it was mid-winter and I lived in Scotland at the time - much too dangerous to risk even walking outside because of ice.
@@RideWithRoy The comments from everybody are very encouraging. I was informed by my surgeon last week that the time is now right to have bilateral TKR beginning first with my right knee with the other knee possibly being done 3-4 months afterwards. I couldn't really get first hand knowledge of how it all might affect my cycling and am reassured by the feedback David and others are providing. It really is a measure of how others regard and appreciate your great vlogs. All this will begin for me around February and am really looking forward to your pre-op videos Roy. Thank you and wishing you the best for your own surgery and Christmas wishes for you and Wendy from Dublin.
Good luck with the operation next week and your recovery journey. I think I’ve mentioned before that I suffer with raynauds and I find the Planet X crab gloves are a game changer, in fact I have to take a spare pair for after the cafe stop as my hands get too hot and make me sweat and they get damp.
@@heidijarvis777 thank you, Heidi, much appreciated.
Good luck for your operation hope it all goes smoothly and you back on your bike soon 👍👍
@@tedjackson9370 thanks, Ted
@ how are you getting on hope the pain is easing and you starting to move around a bit
@tedjackson9370 thanks for asking,Ted. Oddly, I’ve had no pain at all, so far. I did quite a bit of physio, yesterday, so one leg was aching last night. Physios are pleased as I was walking with crutches on day 1 and doing stairs on day 2. Also, they were surprised that I can straighten both and have 110 degrees bend, which they put down to pre op fitness. But I realise it’s going to take some work to maintain and develop that. I’m going home today.
@
All the riding long miles will be a big benefit your leg muscles will be very well developed.💪
Sounds like your on the right path for a full recovery
Stay away from the biscuit as much as possible, (digestives with a bit of something on them is my downfall)🍘🍥
@tedjackson9370 The food in here is excellent so I must admit to a full English this morning. However, I’m very mindful of taking on more calories that I can burn off, so Weetabix here I come.
Sorry forgot to mention , get as fit as you are able before your opp - I rode a 400k Audax 2 days before my opp - it helps recovery.
@@janeg1685 Thanks for your comment . Yes, I using my new smart trainer daily to maximise fitness as well as other strength building exercises. I’m not up to 400km Audax standard though 😀
Great video, I enjoyed Wendy’s singing (no really!) The trouble with modern cars and auto lights, is that fog is often not dark enough for the sensors to register and switch them on and motorists have got lazy. Wish you a speedy recovery Roy!
Thanks, Gary. You are spot on regarding cars making people lazy. My car virtually drives itself, so I can understand how people get lazy. I suppose all this automation allows more time for texting 😳
Re the car lights, when I was a lad the old boys used to say drive on side lights…. It saves the battery 😂
@@pete1927 I remember that too, Pete, and my dad starting the Morris 8 with a handle 😀 And more bikes than cars the road. Ah, nostalgia’s not what it used to be 😀
@@RideWithRoy Trouble is Roy they were still saying that after cars had alternators and starter motors and their off spring still swear by it cos Grandad said 😂
You may not get BOGOF but I hope you’re negotiating a discount for the double operation (assuming that you’re going private).
You must know me well 😀 yes, it is private and a lot less cost than two separate partials.
My wife had 2 full knee replacements done 6 months apart. She has no trouble on the bike. In the first weeks she could not get a full rotation on the trainer, so we used a stationary pedal thing with shorter cranks that was recommended by physio. Worked great and now has no issues.
Thanks, John, that’s really encouraging. And they were full replacements, so partials should be easier.
Happy Christmas Roy and Wendy and all the best for your operation and 2025. All of a quiver ho ho ho 😂
Thank you, Martin, and to you.🏹 😀
Thank you! Yes I was proud of that joke!
Wishing you a speedy recovery, the last time i saw the NHS physio therapist, he said i have bone on bone on the inside of my right knee, but its wasn't bad enough to operate on, so he just gave me a cortisone injection, but did say i had strong muscles in my knees and to keep up the cycling as much as I can to help the muscles stay strong.
@@FENCYCLIST thank, Michael. I had reached the limit of steroid injections. The surgeon would have required me to try injections before operating.
@RideWithRoy I had the final cortisone injection in my right knee 23 months ago, but the first in my left knee, I really should go back to the doctors about my right knee, but feel like I can still manage at the moment, even though in s lot of pain, I just try and fight my way through the pain. That's the way I've always been, always think some people are far worse than me,
There should be no need to be in pain. You are probably in more pain than me. My view is that if I leave it longer my muscles may suffer through reduced use. I would get back to the Doc and tell them you’ve had enough.
When you said the cyclist said are you going to be the back end of a horse I had already thought that! I imagine it's a common thing when you mention Pantomime! Good luck with your future op Roy! And Seasons Greetings to you both and your Families🎄☃️🎄
Than you, Roger, and we wish you the same.
Good luck with the op and a speedy recovery 👍
@@MrAnon-2024 thank you, Paul
Good luck with operation and best wishes for a speedy recovery. I wonder have you thought about an ebike to help with recovery.
@@top_banana Thank you! I do have an e-assist Ribble that I mainly use for guided ride leading. My preference is to ride myTitanium gravel bike, so I am seriously considering a Boost Bike conversion kit, as I can easily change that back to non powered when it suits. I am aiming to do as much of the 300 mile King John Way route as possible, starting on 3rd May, so the Tempest with power would be my ideal choice. I shall be making a review of my experience checking this out in the coming weeks. Thanks again for your good wishes.
Wishing you and Wendy a happy Christmas and thanks for a year of enjoyable videos.
Having worked most of my working years in the manufacture of knee and hip replacements I have no doubt you'll be very pleased you're getting your knees sorted.
It sounds like you are having Unicondylar implants, the big advantage is you keep more of the original knee.
When i started in the orthopaedic industry the success or failure was really down to the skill of the surgeon. Not just his medical skill but how good he was with his hands. One surgeon who had terrifically good results was also a keen cabinet maker, says all really.
Times have changed and with technology the need for this level of hand skill has been greatly reduced.
It was common knowledge back then that how active post surgery a person is makes the greatest difference to how it turns out post op.
Buying the trainer seems an excellent idea, so recovery should be swift,not Zwift! 😁 You can always put it on ebay when you're fully recovered.
Thanks, Colin, that’s interesting. One of my reasons for choosing Mr Bourke is that he uses the Stryker Mako Robot, to ensure accuracy. The other pluses are that he doesn’t use a tourniquet and the anaesthetic is spinal. As I’ll be awake, I jokingly said I should probably do my first live stream during the op 😀 He said I would be welcome but he wouldn’t advise it as it would sound like a carpenters shop - so your cabinet maker comment was highly appropriate 😀 Mr Bourke is supportive of me making some recovery videos as it will help inform people of what to expect. He particularly wanted me to comment on the pain 🤔
@@RideWithRoy Yes, robots, keyhole surgery and the like have made a huge difference. Having said this it's still useful to have sharp hand tools available. I wish my cycling chum would get his knees done. Even on his ebike he struggles going far.
All the best with the op. I had aneurysms behind both knees and needed a leg bypass. Though not the same, real life stories are very helpful
@@CarlKeen-y7k thanks, Carl. I hope all is well now.
I'm subscribing to find out how things go for you. I'm getting a hip replacement done in 2025, and one knee is getting problematic too. I've had to take off my clips because the angle was creating discomfort in my knee. I couldn't move my foot enough to compensate.
My sister is getting her knee replaced about the same time you are. My brother has had both replaced (individually). My mom also has had both replaced several times, plus hips and one shoulder. Family genetics is intent on making us easy prey for the lions if we were hunter-gatherers. :)
Welcome! I hope you’ll like the cycling content too 😀 My neighbour had one knee done and I asked her to describe the pain. Her answer was ‘do you really want to know?’ I’m hoping partial will be easier. I use Shimano MTB type cleats with the ‘M’ as these are easier to unclip and have more float. I shall have a bike fit afterwards to ensure everything is aligned. I wish your sister all the best for her op.
Hi Roy & Wendy I'm new to cycling and you mention the King John Way route. How can I get involved in this?
Hi, John. I shall be giving more details on here but If you, or anyone else, would like to send me an email to ridingwithroy@gmail.com (note that it’s riding as opposed to ride) I will gladly send you full details. Bear in mind that we are still checking the route so there may be some fine tuning required. There is also a selection of shorter themed routes which I shall be creating during my downtime.
A Range Rover driving around like no-one else is on the road, well I never ...
All the best for your upcoming knee operations Roy, going in with maximum fitness will see you right 🤞👍
Probably a poor farmer!
More than likely on the school run in the Vale.
@@robertallardice8119
😁
speedy recovery at 49 I relised I needed to get an Ebike for heavier loads and days my body is sore or a little weak
liecestershire ah not too far away , rode a few miles around there 🙂
Good luck with your procedure next month. I’m six months in from my full knee replacement and just starting to get out riding. Brave of you to get two partial replacements at the same time. Bit of advice. Do your physio, but… not too much.
@@philrobson1614 thanks, Phil. The physio picked up that I might be in danger of overdoing it, so good advice. I’m hoping that partial may lead to a faster recovery, as I don’t think I could cope with 6 months without riding.
@ I’ve been riding for a couple of months, trying to keep them flat and an e-bike is helping with hillier rides. Well done for getting pre op physio to help you get back on the bike sooner.
Hope all goes well with knee ops and wishing you a speedy recovery. Perhaps you should buy a tandem and fix the chain so only Wendy pedals and sings, you could control steering and brake :) BTW, we need to campaign local councils (and farmers) to sweep up after cutting hedges, getting too many hawthorn punctures!
Good point on the hedges, Steve, but not so good on the tandem idea 😀 Imagine no escape from that singing, although I suppose earplugs would work. The main reason though is that I’m the one who usually gets lost, so not the best pilot 😂
Wow me doing all the pedalling!! You must be joking!
Good luck with op Roy, Re the King John I’d make sure I am on the Grimsby leg should be guaranteed a battered whale and chips!
@@pete1927 not too struck on battered fish, Pete. I prefer it to be just slapped around a bit 🤦♂️
@ 😂😂😂
Merry Christmas and you take care👍💪
I usually start off with cold hands and find they warm up after about 5 miles or so. I also often find that the weather is completely different upon the Belvoir ridge to what it is in the Vale. I presume your 2nd cafe stop was at the Wildflower Farm Cafe at Langar. We sometimes go there, but it is a bit pricey!
@@Trevor.Adams640 it was, Trevor. Wendy only planned to use their loo but I suggested refreshment. I agree about the cost - as bad as the Old Wharf!
Too bad about the knees. My wife and my mother both had total knee replacements. Total knee results in a managable decrease in movement. You're probably lucky, with only partial. My hips are likely going first. Walking on a store concrete floor any amount of time, the hips announce themselves! Probably it's wise to get this done early in the game before a chronic medical condition makes you a poor surgical risk. I wish you a speedy recovery, and many more good years ahead!
Thank you, David. Yes, my thinking was to get it done early before my mobility affects the outcome.
I have had full knee replacements on both knees with about 6 weeks between operations. First knee progress was very quick, about 6 to 8 weeks but the second took at least twice as long.
That was about 6 years ago when I was 72. I was quite concerned about not overdoing it on the bike but now I rarely think about it. Perhaps a little more careful descending as falling off probably wouldn’t be a good idea.
I’ll be interested to watch your progress.
@@brianhowe8896 thanks, Brian, good to know. It’s strange that the second took longer to recover. I rarely overdo it on the bike in any case and falling off is never a good idea 😀 As I said in the video, the surgeon is keen for me to make the recovery videos, so I’ll do my best to make them interesting.
I suffer with Raynaud's have gone with battery heated gloves well worth the cost
Yes, I think it’s one of those things that you’ll be in no doubt that you’ll need them.
Good luck! Go hard and do what your PT sez.
Sorry - have you met Roy? Do as the PT says 😂😂
The wife had a full KR last Feb -just about recovered beginning of May but then end of May I had a stroke so not much cycling this year but at least we are still here. We are fine weather cyclists any way, and there has not been much of that! Good luck with the ops
@@rodneystacey1155 thank you, Rodney. Sorry to hear about the stroke, I hope you are feeling up to cycling again by spring.
😅Sorry to hear. It’ll be temporary. You’ll recover better than before. Trick is do the rehab and walk, walk, walk, ride, ride, ride.
I always use a very thin pair of gloves inside my winter gloves as I suffer badly. Works a treat.
They are cycling gloves but look like inners almost
@@brianridley1102 I’ve tried that, Brian, and didn’t help me, unfortunately, although I know it works for most.
@@RideWithRoy heated gloves it is then or sit on Zwift in a meetup with Wendy instead on really cold days 🙂
I really love getting outside, even on a cold day, so I’m not sure how well I will get on with Zwift. The problem I have is the automatic reflex to chase down anyone in front - and there’s too many people on these simulations for me to chase 😀
@RideWithRoy ha! I know what you mean.
Could be good for your rehab with no vibration from our wonderful roads.
Yes I have tried thin silk gloves inside cycling gloves which works well - except then you have to take two pairs off to unwrap my copious supplies of food that I take with me! 🤣
You might be surprised at how quickly you recover , because you will have muscle tone , and cycling will have given you the mental attitude to deal with the hard stuff but also to pace yourself . anyway , are you getting a bed pan fit before you go in ?
Oh dear, please don’t go there 😂 At the pre op day they said they would send me home with a toilet seat riser 😳 They picked up on my motivation as well, so warned me not to overdo it in the first two weeks. They said there are two types of patient. Those that don’t do enough and those who overdo it. Good to know that I may be surprised as during the pre op day I was left feeling slightly concerned. I think it was all being aimed at a total replacement, while the surgeon said that a partial leaves most sports people much more able to recover quickly. Thanks for your reassurance.
The most looks awesome 😎. Did you lose cartilage from biking?😮
@@InHomeHappy no, probably a life of grovelling on my knees 😀 I’ve done a lot of walking and running throughout my 72 years, so that’s probably the cause. Doc says cycling the best low impact exercise, so that wouldn’t have caused it.
Good luck with the op, Roy. I reckon you'll do a 100k within a month of getting back in the saddle.
Maybe the surgeon can throw in a couple of new warmer hands for free?! 😂
My question is though, is the theatre inside or outside the castle walls? 👑
All I’m allowed to say is that I’ve been invited for cucumber sandwiches without crusts. My only stipulation was that handy Andy isn’t there, although he now seems to have arranged that himself 😀
wow, ive got removed cartlidge from both knees ,i also have raynauds (that gives me cold extremities ) i wish you all the best with the opp and i will be sure to follow it.
(cartlidge was removed in my early 30s cant squat very well but mobile otherwise
Hi Roy I’ve had both knees partially replaced my left one 16 yrs ago and my right one 4yrs ago I took up cycling and hiking 10yrs ago had about 9weeks off work as a bricklayer each time and back enjoying cycling after about 15weeks also had a hip replacement 5years ago all thanks to osteoarthritis good luck with your op and I’m sure you’ll be fine are you getting op private or nhs
@@jeffred6616 thanks, Jeff. That’s reassuring. I’m chose private so I can choose the surgeon and the time. I wanted to get it done before it becomes too bad, although in the past few weeks it has become quite debilitating. The only downside is that the op will be in Windsor which is 3 hours from home. I shall get the train down there and my son will take me home.
I'm a bit worried about you having both knees done at the same time. I've refused the op but I've known a lot of people who haven't . Many had complete replacement one at a time and most had serious difficulty with pain and recovery etc. One lady had both done years ago with no problems at all (but she only weighs 8 stone) and one fella struggled for about a year but managed to jive and dance ok. Another had a similar operation to what you're having but only on one side. He was a kung fu master and was fighting again within 6 months. The problem for you as I see it (struggling as I do from time to time with my knees) is moving. With one painful knee it is difficult but doo-able with a stick and painkillers. Moving around with two painful knees is impossible and you would need someone with you 24 hours a day for at least 4 weeks . If you have the worse one done first and thereafter the other I reckon you'll recover quicker particularly by using an indoor turbo trainer to keep muscle in the better leg and gently introducing movement in the worse.
Whatever you decide good luck. As an aside, when I fractured my foot, I rode my turbo with ordinary platform pedals so that the foot wouldn't turn against the knee as the angle had changed. Afterwards, I had to reset my cleats as my toes on one side preferred to point more outwards than before. I think you might need to do something like this aswell.
@@CDeBeaulieu Thanks for your concern - a concern that my wife shares. I discussed it in detail with the surgeon and he was confident that, due to my fitness, flexibility, determination and it being only partial, I should cope well enough. My wife will be suffering as nurse, so I will have 24 hour support. The surgeon has a lot of experience with golfers, tennis players and cyclists and will be using the Mako robot for accuracy. The partial replacement retains the ligaments and muscle, plus he doesn’t use a tourniquet, which all helps with recovery. Interesting you mention the Kung fu master. Although I haven’t trained for a long time, I am a Tae Kwon-do 1st degree black belt, and have retained most of my flexibility from that. Having said all of this, I know it’s going to be tough, but I have weighed that up against doing recovery twice over. I shall be recording my progress so we shall all see 😳 Good point about alignment on the pedals. I have considered this and will be going for an accurate bike fit as soon as possible afterwards. Thanks again for your comments, which are very much appreciated.
Hope the op goes well. I'm sure the cycling will put you in a good place for recovery and rehab 👍 And indoor cycling is great -- get a big screen, subscribe to Fulgaz and think of it as going for an indoor ride, complete with coffee and lunch stops, not as doing a session on the turbo. It can get very immersive.
Wendy thinks I’ll get hooked😀 My wife wasn’t impressed when I asked her to have bacon rolls ready for my halfway stop. The Saris H3 came with three 1 month trials for apps. I’ve started with Rouvy and will work through the others over the next three month. I like your suggestion for the mindset.
Best wishes Roy. Shame no more Wendy's songs for a little while :(
I think she’s bringing out a Christmas album 😀 I shall be sending you some detail on the King John Way, tomorrow, Richard, as I shall value your input.
No way would I ride on those roads in that visibility.
We wouldn’t have gone out/taken that route if we’d have known, Bob.
Nor would I - it was totally unexpected! Shows the need to always have lights on your bike…as you never know!