Things that I found useful
Orthopedic surgery legend Dr. William H. Harris has published a splendid book describing his pioneering work on total hip replacements. I found it hugely interesting and illuminating and encourage anyone who’s undergone hip replacement surgery, or is involved in research of any kind, to read it. Here’s a link to the description of the book on Amazon.com:
Hello hipsters, after 3 years of my RTHR i feel lucky to be running a daily 5k to stay in shape, soon I am planning to train for a half marathon and so on for the full marathon, the question I post for anyone who wants to answer is how much stretching should i be doing, my therapist suggested to stretch the hip flexors, ham strings and rectus femurs before and after running, is there any other suggestion for this?, and any restrictions on the stretches? so far i have not had any problem with any movement so far
thank you for your help… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
So on Christmas Day I did my first walk/run, having seen my surgeon a couple of days before who said that was OK. He’s a runner himself and knows there is no point telling me not to run!
I have a question though. What is the risk of running on roads as opposed to trails/grass? Is it merely wear and tear on the prosthesis or is there some other danger? I don’t anticipate doing very much in the way of road running but I would like to do my favourite10k race next year, which is all on tarmac. I’m just a little confused about the advice and the basis for it. I’m light and I try to run mid-foot rather than heel striking – does that make a difference too? Also, what about track running? My running club does a track session that is for all-comers (i.e. very mixed ability) and I’d love to go back to that again at some point, but not sure if track running is OK? I wouldn’t be trying to sprint, but the intervals sessions are really useful for building up a bit more speed/stamina.
Thoughts?… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
Surgery:
50 year old male, ceramic / poly hip, anterior approach. Got my left hip replacement April 4th 2016 (the right is still original and fine). Surgery was in the morning, could stand about 4 hours later but VERY weak. Should have eaten more that evening but stopped at 7pm, should have grabbed something before my 12 hour window expired (highly recommend Gatorade). No problem walking the next day. Used a walker for 4 more days, then a cane for 2 more weeks. Still “sort of” limped for 6 weeks, partly out of habit.
Hip history:
Had been slowing down for about 2 years now, although I have been running with a limp for 6 or so years. X-rays over the years showed that the cartilage in my left hip had been declining over the past 10 plus years. Doctor said that my labrum was torn, which I think I did several years ago riding dirt bikes. That all I can attribute my cartilage loss to, doc says that it’s not possible.
Running history:
Been running regularly for a dozen or so years, mostly to stay in shape for dirt bike riding, and I consider myself a middle distance runner. I really do like going 8 to 14 miles. Did my first full marathon 6 years ago (3:58), preparation held me back but even then my hip was hurting. My hip really didn’t stop me from running until last October (8 months ago), that’s when I knew it was time. Too bad it took 6 months to get it replaced.
Getting back into running:
10 weeks since my surgery date and I haven’t run yet. Been biking for 4 weeks and walking 2 plus miles 4 times a week for 6 weeks. Surgeon doesn’t want me to run for 16 weeks (possibly never), but I do have a 10 mile race in September and I’m using my biking and walking to at least keep me somewhat conditioned for that. So the 16 week “delay” isn’t great but won’t stop me.
Dentist??
So what’s this about needing to take an antibiotic … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
It’s been a while since I posted, mainly because I’ve had a lot of ups and downs. I’ve experienced two recoveries; one was 25 month ago, the other 13 months. I thought the first recovery was easier, but that may be jaded by the failing of my other hip. Many ask how to get back to running form. I think I have a good handle on what to do and what NOT to do.
Where to Start:
– Stationary Bike / Spinning after two weeks (Min) Slowly Build up time and resistance.
– Elliptical after 4 weeks (Min) Slowly build time and resistance.
– Walking. Lots of walking! I was walking up to 8 miles 6 weeks after my first procedure.
Running:
– When? 8 weeks for some, 6 months for others, everyone is different.
– Cross Train. Continue bike & elliptical, Try Yoga, Dance, Swim, etc.
– Develop a 10-15 minute core routine and do it religiously. (more on that later)
– PUT THE GARMIN ON A SHELF!!!
– Start real slow and slowly build distance.
– Concentrate on form.
– Develop the base distance and maintain that for a few months
– After base is developed, start building speed WITHOUT the Garmin
– Reintroduce the Garmin
That’s the skinny basics. I’ve had some great triumphs this past year and some even greater let downs. I built my weekly mileage to over 50 miles in 8 months. I ran an 11 miler with the final mile at 7:30. Why, because I COULD. Then I spent the next 4 – 6 weeks NOT running. Just because I COULD doesn’t mean I SHOULD. That’s when I put the Garmin away.
I realized my body wasn’t ready for my new hips. I had spent years running wrong. The medical professionals said I had a high pain tolerance. No, my body adjusted and found a way to work around those deteriorating hips. That’s why some of us have those funny gaits that our fellow runners make fun of. Many of us have spent years slowly adjusting and then bam, new hips and … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
After my last race report I was asked about my pain before and after so thought rather than replying as a comment, I would try to document my pain over the last 5 years from prior to my replacement to my operation, starting to race, my post operation injury and now my comeback. I’m not sure it will help all of you but if you can see similarities hopefully you know that you need to give your body time to recover, cross train to build up your core, glutes and upper body, and listen to your body and slow down when you feel discomfort.
Before THR:
I was lucky in that I didn’t have significant pain before my THR, what I did experience was almost like a trapped nerve. I would be sitting or lying down and then all of a sudden my left leg would jump as if the nerve got pinched. Some nights it was very annoying as it would interfere with me trying to get to sleep lying in bed. As far as walking, towards the end I could only walk about half a mile before I started limping, prior to that I could walk without a limp. I think what eventually led me to decide to have it replaced was that just standing on the beach fishing, walking in and out of the water watching my lines, changing bait, my hip would start hurting. I had delayed this decision for 10 years after being diagnosed as bone on bone after being told for 10 years prior to that I had hip dysplasia. Once I decided to have it replaced I decided to start running so I would be stronger when I had the operation. At first I could run every week, a few miles with some walks every half mile or so. Towards the end I could only run every other week as it took longer and longer to recover from a run, if you could even call it that. It was like having a plank tied to my left leg, I ran about 25 … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
Dear All,
I am no more (and no less!) qualified to offer advice than many others, including Hip brother Tom. But I know that I was desperate for hope when I found this site and therefore I offer a few things in response to questions posed by new visitors.
As a matter of responsibility, I suppose I must offer the typical disclaimer: Every case is different and my comments/advice may not apply to all situations. There – that’s out of the way.
After my own research, and lengthy conversations with my surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC, I believe most of the conservative restrictions post surgery are nonsense and old-fashioned. This field, like most other human endeavors, has advanced dramatically over the years.
1. The notion that the implant will somehow shake loose with impact or repetitive activity is false, according to my doctor. When the bone knits to the pores in the implant, it makes a solid bond. My doctor implied that the new femur is as strong or stronger than my natural leg. His only precaution was to resist running for 12 weeks post-surgery to allow the bone to grow properly into the implant. If too much motion occurs too early at the interface, fibrous tissue can develop, which is not a good thing. Thereafter, it’s good to go.
2. The idea of the parts “wearing out” seems equally nonsensical. Many, perhaps most, of the folks on this site have a ceramic “ball” and a polyethylene socket liner. Both of these materials have evolved so as to have nearly indefinite life. One study I read of the newest highly-crossed polyethylene showed virtually no wear at all after many years of activity. My impression is that they really don’t know the longevity because it simply hasn’t been in use long enough. But at least my doctor was quite certain that it will outlive me. I’m 67, but still as active as several decades ago. It seems silly to restrict activities at all, considering that the life of these things may well be 30 years or more. If … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
Just had my Pre-Op Dr. appointment. 5 days till surgery date. I have been
dreading all this surgery stuff. But what are you going to do? Hip won’t get any
better without surgery! I was a bit bothered in that I didn’t even have appointment with my Doctor, but instead with his PA. I really needed to hear the words from the Surgeon. I expressed that running has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember and wanted to build back my fitness post surgery by cycling but still wanted to be able to run 5k’s occasionally. PA’s response of course was “we don’t believe you should ever run on a prosthetic hip. That it will just not last! And that if a revision is needed later the surgery is
harder”.
I’m supposed to be getting ceramic/ceramic and I was curious if maybe I should be getting ceramic/plastic because of my goals.
I left the appointment wondering if 1) I have the right doctor, 2) If I still even want to go through this! Guess I have some real soul searching to do!… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
I’m not able to tell stories of minimal pain or no need to medicate or “hold me back” regarding PT.
I had my anterior approach right THR on Tuesday, April 1 at 5 pm. It was done and I was in recovery by 6:11. They said I did great and all had gone amazingly well. I got to see pictures of my femur head…flat on the top. Very delineated where the cartilage ended and the bare, eroded bone began. They said it was a really good thing that I got the surgery done. The joint was beyond shot.
I FELT great at that point. By 9 o’clock, I started feeling some inkling of pain. My teeth started chattering uncontrollably. Having decided to not be a “tough guy” and to follow directions and advice of those who had gone before me, I buzzed for meds. Fifteen minutes later, when the pain was actual pain and no one had shown up with any relief (or anything, for that matter) I buzzed again. “O, right! She’ll be right there!” Twenty minutes after that when I was in excruciating pain, I buzzed again and was pretty rude and nasty and pretty much experiencing pain worse than any I’d ever had before. The nurse came scurrying in, apologizing profusely, and administered dilaudid through the IV. While the pain melted away, I suddenly vomited the small amount of fruit they had given me once I was in my room. Thus began an 18-hour alleviate pain/empty stomach pattern until they figured out when to dose and what to use regarding the anti-nausea meds. Then it was much better.
My first round of PT was so painful. I was somehow able to get out of bed with my Thigh Of Fire and stand using the walker. I got about 20 feet from my room and said I was light-headed. Back to the room I went. Blood pressure 65/32 or something like that. And thus continued my PT pattern for the next 4 sessions before being discharged.
Last night as I was feeling frustrated I decided to see what … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
I remember when I was speaking with Dr. Tim prior to the surgery. He mentioned matter-of-factly that from now on whenever I go to the dentist I would need to take antibiotics one hour prior to the appointment. “Really?” I said, “For the rest of my life?”. “Yep!”, he said. “What about cleanings?” “Even Cleanings.” So today, I had a cleaning appointment clear on the other side of town and guess what I forgot? I COMPLETELY forgot about the antibiotics. But this dentist remembered me from my last visit. I had been there just prior to the surgery to get a confirmation that I had no infections in any teeth – a requirement for hip surgery. When I got there today, the first question they asked when I sat in the chair was, “Have you taken your antibiotics?”. So I have to try again next week. And you can bet that I won’t forget the antibiotics. Who’d a thunk the hip bone was connected to the jaw bone?… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
So I met up with a friend who I met through The Flying Irish Running Club. Greg is an all-around nice guy. The people who run at the Flying Irish Running Club are all that way. During the spring, summer and fall, the club meets at O’Doherty’s Irish Grille in downtown Spokane. It’s a fun club and its gotten incredibly popular. So popular in fact that you have to bring a DTH(designated table holder) if you plan to have a seat in the bar after the weekly run. Otherwise, it is standing room only. Greg contacted me a few days ago asking if I wanted to meet up so that he could impart wisdom from his own experience on the whole recovery process. His advice was simple and to the point. Take it easy and be patient. He had knee surgery several years ago and he too was antsy to get out and moving again. From what he told me, he tried to get back into his workout routine too soon and paid the price for it later. It also sounds like his surgery didn’t go as well as it should have. I need the constant reminders to be patient and wait. I too am getting antsy to return to my regular routine, especially with the old hip pain gone and the hip healing and improving each day. He leads a group of people every Saturday through “crossfit like” exercises and invited me to come along. I may have to take him up on it at least while my running has been curtailed for the next 2 1/2 months.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
Now that I’m home, I’ve been put on a physical therapy regimen that I must do 3 times each day. These exercises are such a far cry from old me….but it’s a start. This is the routine:
Ankle Pumps: Sitting or lying position, point your feet down and pull your feet up. (10 Times)
Quad Sets (Thigh Tightening): Lie on your back. With hip and knee straight, tighten the muscles on top of the thigh, pushing the back of the knee into the bed. Hold at least 5 counts, then relax. (10 Times)
Buttock Squeeze: Squeeze your buttocks together. Hold at least 5 counts, then relax. (10 Times)
Heel Slides: Lie on your back. Slide your heel up toward your buttocks, then slide it back down. Do not lift you heel from the bed. (10 Times)
Hip Abduction: Lie on your back. Place a pillow or folded towel between your knees to rmind you to not cross midline. Slide your entire leg out to one side and back to the pillow, keeping the knee straight. (10 Times)
