I'm Back!

[ScottFaulkenberry]

After umpiring High School Baseball for two seasons, my right knee decided not to cooperate, and had to have a total knee replacement in November 2014...I missed the 2014 & 2015 seasons because of it, but just got the OK to Umpire again for the upcoming 2016 season. I have not been on the Forum for awhile since I was not umpiring, but am looking forward to the season and getting back on the website...Was wondering if any of you out there have had a total knee replacement and have returned to Umpiring? If anyone can let me know what to expect, I would appreciate it! Been hitting the gym and bicycling to try and get back in to shape...Excited to get back as I really enjoy Baseball and Umpiring!

[maineump]

We have a guy that had both knees done. He says it feels a lot better and can run again, but ice is the answer after each game - on both ends of the replacement, due to the banging it takes

[ScottFaulkenberry]

I imagine I will be sore after the first few games getting back in shape...Thanks for the reply...I need to talk to him to find out what to expect...

[JaxRolo]

Welcome back!

[KenBAZ]

Welcome back. One of my regular partners has had both knees replaced. He has cut back on his schedule a bit but still works a lot of games. He stays on pain meds. Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

[smckin]

welcome back!

[maineump]

I imagine I will be sore after the first few games getting back in shape...Thanks for the reply...I need to talk to him to find out what to expect...

He doesn't do the e-mail thing (still in the 80's LOL) I will check with him. We worked quite a few games and had some long rides to talk. I asked him how he came back - follow surgeons orders, he talked to a therapist that worked with sports - we have a good one here due to a D-1 school. Get a regimen that they set up for you.

I noticed his plate stance changed some, and he got some new shin pads. As a paramedic, I would think you should have the extra piece above the knee to protect the top end of the 'new knee'. I have had both of my knees extensively repaired, and found that the pivot move was the hardest on them in the beginning. Take lots of advil to keep the swelling down - Welcome back man.

[Aging_Arbiter]

I had 1 total knee replacement in Sept of 2012.  Rode my Harley in a local parade with the VFW & Legion riders 5 weeks later. I was back on the field for HS ball in March of 13.  I worked a limited LL schedule and (babied) that leg for most of the spring.  Fortunately, SWMBO saw this.  She approached me and said that since I was going up to @‌maineump territory for the SLWS at the end of 2013, I need to get out from in between my own ears and RUN.  Well, I've never been the most graceful, or fleet of foot, but I was able to realize that I could get around as well as I used to, with much less pain.  I've had the triple knee leg guards, so I had nothing to change to, even though I probably would have.

My knee doc knew that I was an umpire, and said that I could run.........on grass.  Apparently, running on asphalt isn't encouraged after a knee replacement.

[ScottFaulkenberry]

Thanks guys for the encouragement....I think running on it will be the toughest thing to get over, and like Aging_Arbiter said, I think it is more apprehension than anything...I have a great doctor who has been really supportive of me getting back on the field...He said go have fun and realize your knee is better than it was when I was hurting and hobbling around the field the last season I worked...Our head instructor said the pivot is a problem, he does college and says some guys who have had knees done don't do the pivot anymore and don't have any problems or catch grief from coaches....I have Wilson Pro Platinum Shin Guards, they have two knee caps....You suggest going to some with three?

 

[Aging_Arbiter]

As far as the triple knee, You need to do whatever you feel more comfortable with.  In time, you will figure out what you can/cannot do, but it will be a short list of the cannot's.  If yours was anything like mine, your back will feel better as well from the way you compensated when you walked due to the pain.

[ScottFaulkenberry]

Thanks for info....Since you have been through it, I might wear you out with the "Have you felt this before?" questions LOL....

[Aging_Arbiter]

PM me anytime...........

[Ump29]

Welcome back!