Also new to group

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I've been lurking for a while and have found the posts to be helpful,

so I wanted to introduce myself too.

I had CP diagnosed about 12 years ago (I'll be 50 next year), and had

arthroscopies with lateral releases on both knees (one about 10 years

ago, the other about 8 years ago). Before my diagnosis, I was a

runner but my knees just weren't holding up to the impact so I had to

give it up. I was told I had a tracking problem, but later was told

it isn't that bad (I probably didn't need the releases, but thought

they might " cure " me and allow me to continue to run--ha!). I have a

lot of damage, at least some at Level III.

However, I have been lucky to be able to manage my pain pretty well

and stay active. I don't run anymore, but racewalk, cycle, and swim.

I have been doing triathlons for the last several years (racewalking

instead of running). I also just finished a century (100-mile) bike

ride last month. I also do yoga and a lot of core conditioning. I

have seen a chiropractor who practices active release therapy (which I

highly recommend), and I now think that my knee problems are probably

the result of biomechanical imbalances in my hips, pelvis and back.

(My knees just took the first and most direct hit--I also have had to

manage shoulder, lower back, glute, and hamstring issues.)

I take glucosamine chondroitin religiously, even though I have no idea

if it really works. I also always wear knee sleeves while racewalking

and cycling--I found that if I don't wear them, I begin to develop

unmanageable knee pain. I'm not sure why they work (a friend of mine

calls them my " magic sleeves " ;-)) Does anyone else wear these and

understand what they really do? Maybe it's the compression? A PT

once told me that they probably weren't helping with tracking.

I know my days being as active as I am are numbered, so I just try to

appreciate what I can do now. The last time I had my knee x-rayed

they thought they saw some possible damage on my one femur which can't

be good. (And of course that is the knee that bothers me more)

Anyway, I appreciate being able to read all your posts. It is good to

know others who are in the same boat!

Kim