25 Week Post THR Update. Two 5Ks done.

Been awhile since I last posted, this Tuesday will be 25 weeks and the hip is doing great. I’d say turned the corner on recovery at 5-6 weeks. Was jog-walking, jogging at six weeks. I’ve lost all the weight I had gained after surgery and run first two 5Ks this month, first was 25:20 and last week 25:30.   I’ve lost some speed but have no hip pain. Have been averaging 12-15  miles a week and some 400 intervals on the track once a week.

On the minus side, I’m now having some ‘hip pocket’ pain in the other (non surgical) hip after training and 5K runs. It’s not acute like the other was before surgery, but it’s noticeable. I’ve cut back on the miles the last couple weeks, and taking some ibuprofen. Don’t know what will happen, perhaps a hip injection is in the future after a doctor visit. Time will tell.

Also had a brief discussion with my doctor about THR surgical approaches at my 15 week check up. I had a mini posterior approach, but asked about the anterior approach. He said the anterior approach is trendy now and very much promoted, but not new. Said it’s been around for 40 years and he prefers the mini posterior especially as regards potential complications. In any case, I’m very satisfied with my doctor and my THR result. I think whatever the approach having confidence in your doctor is the most important part. I wouldn’t trade my doctor, he’s been great and very supportive of continuing with my running.

Lastly, I have no worries now about the post surgical hip precautions. I tie my shoe easily and with no pain. My doctor said that extreme flexion combined with internal rotation would be the most compromised position for dislocation. I think he just mentioned it out of caution but honestly I don’t give it any thought in day to day activity.

Thanks again to Tom and all on the contributors on HipRunner. The site has been a source of motivation to get back on the roads and competitive again.  It can be done.