6 years in two weeks

Howdy Hip Brother Tom,

I post infrequently because I never think about my hip. But I remain grateful to Tom, especially, and others here who added to my decision to get my hip replaced 6 years ago. I write to encourage any fence sitters and those who are still in recovery.

I had my hip replaced by David Mayman at Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. In our initial consult he was quite confident that I could do anything with my new hip. And he was right.

I was discharged 18 hours post surgery. Walked with my wife’s arm to the car. Cycled on my wind trainer two days later. Went to work 3 days later. Ran – slowly – after 11 weeks, only because he convinced me to wait because of the risk of developing fibrous tissue if running sooner.

Since then, bliss. I mountain bike every day. Crash occasionally. Run when I want to, although I’m so slow these days (I’m 73) that it’s depressing. But my hip is never – I said never – an issue. I climbed a small mountain with my granddaughter during the holidays and twisted, jumped 3-4 feet down small ledges and ran most of the downhill in hiking boots. The next day we skied some challenging terrain.

There is nothing, ever, that indicates that my hip is not the natural hip of a 30 year old.

I attribute this to modern materials, a good surgeon, and the use of computer-aided precision during the procedure, assuring alignment, leg length etc. Perhaps lucky genes too, I suppose.

But anyone who tells you life has to be limited is wrong. With today’s materials and skills, a hip replacement is just a blip in life. I can’t imagine how miserable I would be if I had not made this decision. I went from running and cycling 10-12 hours a week to constant pain and difficulty walking up two steps in a matter of about 2 months.

Best to everyone, and feel free to message me if you want more encouragement or some dilettante advice.

Steve Nelson