Knee strengthening and injury protection

Thanks to all for the encouraging words and helpful advice.  Yup, thanks to Frank I have a stationary flywheel bike in my kitchen/family room now and it is getting used, hopefully resulting in stronger knees.  I've been convinced to try a cortisone injection before going for meniscus surgery, and after nine hours the knee feels better than it has in six weeks. 

It's very clear that skiing powder 12" or deeper is so comfortable, and groomers put a lot of stress on my knees.  The forecast looks great for at least five or six more powder days this season, and I hope to enjoy them beginning Friday.  I must say I'm concerned about pushing too hard, now that the cortisone makes me feel like "a little superman" (thanks Stefano de Benedetti.)

More advice on how to ski carefully is welcome, please share it.  I've read some worrisome reports about adverse side effects, but hope they are from snake oil salesmen.  This site is encouraging:  www.medicinenet.com/cortisone_injection/article.htm

My hat's off to those of us who persist, I've skied with some of you, thanks for your inspiration.  Likewise I appreciate my senior sitters and trailbreakers who are so patient and fun.

remember to remember to take it a little easier.
b

This thread reminds me of a bunch of old ladies talking about their latest bowel movement.

Good luck Silas! Hope to ski you again soon.

This thread reminds me of a bunch of old ladies talking about their latest bowel movement.   

Huh, I've had plenty of discussion with other skiers about knees and kneehab, but I've never been privy (sic) to old lady bowel movement conversations. I guess you must run with a different crowd...

Being of a certain age entitles me to speak on bowl movements but I rather talk about cranky /abused knees.

I agree flesh fluff is best, but groomers aren't so bad if a gentle graceful movement edge to edge is practiced. Ive been learning and using the Harold Harb "Phantom foot move" Best described by Lito Tejada Flores in his video "Shaped skis " . So much easier on my knees.

Since my last meniscus surgery Ive avoided crud, cutup and bumps.

Hope your cortisone shots helped.
I experienced my first knee surgery last month (about a month today) for a medial meniscus tear. Surgery was indicated after an MRI which showed the tear to be large enough to produce a flap which created a random "popping"sensation(with an incredible amount of pain)when I walked. The radiologist also found a lot of other "damage" to my knee, which after reviewing with my ortho Dr turned out to be very minor. He checked my ACL, MCL and cartilage during my surgery, confirming no injuries or concerns.

My Ortho Dr and I had discussed post surgery plan. When I brought up PT he told me to swim or ride a bike. I didn't have access to a pool, so I rode my bike. The plan began with stretching and range of motion exercise introduced the day after my surgery progressing into easy (no hills) road riding starting four days after surgery. Monitor for swelling or pain.

Riding my bike felt better then walking(no weight bearing). I worked up mileage and swelling/discomfort lessened every day. A month later I'm back at work and light running. Re-inducing my weight workout this week.

Good luck to you.