My wife has an artificial mitral valve and a pacemaker. She's over weight. Both her knees are bone on bone. She's 76 years old. Her orthopedic surgeon said due to her physical issues and age he doesn't recommend knee replacement. She had the cortisone shots in both knees but it only helped for a few hours. What can she possibly do?
https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/medical-lab/physical-therapy/exercise/global-153-pedal-exerciser-silver-vein-knocked-down?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi7SnyMCA5QIViv7jBx3Uag-3EAQYAyABEgJb6_D_BwE
They're called "pedal exercisers" and can be used by both hands and feet. Rehab facilities have more expensive, heavier versions. The home version runs about $15.00.
The question would be though if she's able to move her knees, and comfortably, enough to use the bike while it's on the floor.
My father used one of these, exercising while sitting in his chair reading.
Your wife is facing immobility and wheelchair at this point, because at this point it is either that or a total knee surgery. And the latter is not on offer.
Again, on the weight. Have you asked the surgeon "If there is less weight can she have surgery, or is surgery still out due to medical issues?" That may take the weight off the table as an issue. Or may give incentive that if there IS weight loss there may be surgery and less pain.
So very sorry. There are few things more depressing than constant pain. Docs are afraid of opioids and giving them now to the extent they will often not prescribe when they SHOULD. The pendulum swings one way, then the other, and seldom stays in the middle common-sense area.
So sorry.