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My wife has been out of town this week and I have had to act as the cook for my two youngest boys.  My philosphy has always been, if it takes longer to prepare, than it does to eat, I just can’t prepare it.  I don’t have the passion to cook and admittedly it makes me a terrible cook.  So last night, I put on my chef’s hat and took the boys to one of my favorite Irish restaurants in Spokane – O’Doherty’s.  A running group that I used to run with prior to my hip surgery, The Flying Irish happened to be meeting up at this same restaurant.  The club started out at this restaurant, hence the name ‘Flying Irish’, but outgrew it and moved to a new location.  Apparently they were running a “legacy” run from this location.  It was good to see some old friends who were still with the group.  While the boys and I were eating, Hip Runner Michele came up to me and introduced herself.  Michele has been a longtime member of the Flying Irish and it was nice to see her up and at em just one month after her hip surgery.  We had a good talk and discussed her progress with the new hip.  Everyone is different, but I couldn’t help but think how similar our thought processes were 1 month after surgery.   With the absence of the arthritic hip pain, I was antsy to get back to my workout routine.  I’m a fairly positive guy, but my optimism was tested during those first few months.  Patience is needed while the surgery site heals.  Michele looked great!  It was a quick meeting but still it was nice to meet another Hip Runner who lives in the same town.

In other news, last week, I met up with some of my teammates from my running club, the SDP (Spokane Distance Project).  Late in the summer we had mapped out a half marathon course that would allow us to make some some   ….. er ….. hydration stops on Spokane’s fledgling ‘Ale Trail’.  We … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

I am 61, active, a retired homeschool mom. I have run since highschool off and on. I joined a group of running ladies in 1999 and moved into longer distances. I really felt strong and good about running in 2011. I easily ran 2 half marathons a month apartnand decided that halves were a better choice for me than marathons. But after the second half, I had pyriformis and flexor issues that I could not shake. Gradually my running became more painful. It was a grief to not be able to run with my friends. An x-ray this summer showed how advanced the arthritis has become. I have a hip replacement scheduled for January. I think I am still in a bit of shock to be planning this.  Sometimes I wonder if I am jumping the gun on this surgery. I just did a 5k comfortably on grass last weekend and definitely passed a number of people. But I almost did not run it because I was not sure my hip would hold up. I may be able to run more and faster than some of the general public, but I have to remember what I could do if I had a hip that worked.

This site has really encouraged me that my activity can improve with a new hip. Running is not my meaning in life but it sure adds joy and companionship for me.

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Hello.  I just had a total hip replacement on Sept. 24, 2014.  I have a ceramic on plastic, posterior surgery.  I’m not that old, 51.  I’ve been running for over 25 years, and hope to continue for another 25…at least.  I’ve raced all distances from 5K to marathons.

When I asked the doctor if I’d be able to run with the new hip, he said “yes, but it’s not encouraged”.  He would prefer that I walk or bike for fitness.  Why?  Because the plastic liner won’t last as long with running as it would with low-impact activities.  I asked him how long it would last if I ran every day.  He didn’t know!  He just shrugged and guessed five years?

I thought my racing days were over and that I’d be lucky to run once a week.  But after doing a little more research, and reading some of the comments here, I’m encouraged that I will be running more than once a week, and racing again!

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Hiprunners!  All of your posts should now be copied to our facebook page now……www.facebook.com/hiprunner.  (Hope this works….I’m optimistic!)

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90+ year old HipRunner Dixon did not let a hip replacement in 2008 stop him from competing in the USATF Masters National Championships.  He continues to work hard  to improve his running form, even going so far as to have a coach help him with his running form.  At 90 he has goals.  This is a lesson to us all, to never….ever…..give….up.  Way to go Dixon!  You are an inspiration to all of us.

Dixon’s Note:

Last week I met with a long time friend, good runner and, for the past 20 years, a runners’ trainer.  I explained to her my problem trying to move from a fast walker to a slow runner and showed her your message describing how I might accomplish this. She videoed me while shouting “heel” –”toe” after every ten or so steps and guess what I began to actually run!  First time since my hip replacement in 2008 except for the few times I ran a bit on a polyurethane surface track at a indoor track meet!

Hi everyone,
I just visited Dr. Bryan Kelly yesterday to follow up on next steps.  He feels I’m candidate for hip resurfacing as opposed to a THR because of my age (37).  He said that some of his patients in the NHL have hip resurfacing.  He referred for to Dr. Su who works out of his same practice and of course doesn’t take my medical insurance in network.  I need to follow up with a consult there.  The main concern is my dyplastic right hip has little to no bone coverage in the front and rear so how will the new ‘cup’ seat in the acetabulum.  I guess I’ll find out…

I did get a cortisone shot yesterday at HSS.  My arthritic pain had quieted down but I said what the hell.

Thanks again for all your support!  I found an awesome sprint Iron Man or aquathon in Randolph NJ in August that I plan to attend.

Damon

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It is obvious the fitter and stronger you are going into surgery – the better your recovery will be. Thank you, my hip brothers and sisters for helping me reach this conclusion. As a result, I have decided to use the 2 months I have before surgery to get into the best shape possible.

I’m going to get back to a lot of the stuff I used to do, like weight lifting, spinning, yoga, and maybe a few short runs (except I am going to try my last long run tomorrow). Do any of you have any suggestions as to specific exercises or equipment that might be useful?

I have taken stock of all my strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, I have a great new family of hip runners that understands and supports me. I have a lot of “miles in the bank,” a positive mental attitude, and a head as hard as a rock.

My hard head can also be one of my worst negatives. Like racing, one of the hardest things to learn is not to start out too fast. I will have to fight myself to be smart about my recovery, and try not to take on too much too soon.

I am not in the physical condition that I should be. I gained 7 pounds since the summer to 165. I won’t share my waist line measurements. That increase is too depressing. But I will share an example of pre-surgery atrophy. My right thigh of 24 inches is a full inch larger than my left thigh. My right calf is 14 5/8 inches while my left is only 14.

Training starts tomorrow!

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My name is Peter M. My old friends call me Sammy. In Central Park they sarcastically call me Speedy Petie.

When I was healthy I used to finish in the front of the middle of the pack. I guess you could say I was average when it came to speed. Instead, distance was my thing. I could run all day if you kept me watered and salted. Nonetheless, in my running club (NY Harriers) I am the slow, old guy.

I love to run. I used to run 6 or 7 days per week. The only reason I would take a day off would be to rest up for a race. I raced hard against myself every weekend. And during July and August I would run the Summer Series up near Mohonk Mountain and the trail races up in Kingston. That makes 3 races per week during much of the summer. I believe I’ve run more races than any other slow guy on the planet.

One of the greatest joys I have experienced in my life has been running the trails with my now 8 year old grandson, Mitchell. He’s so cute! He can’t understand why they don’t let him run the adult races. He is also very competitive. When he was younger he didn’t like the idea of me running ahead of him. He would grab onto my running shorts to slow me down. I long for the days when someone, even a small child, had to slow me down. I LONG TO RUN THE TRAILS AGAIN WITH MY GRANDSON.

That is why I have finally decided on THR. It was a long haul over these past 5 years, but I believe I am finally on the right path. As I stated in my previous post, nothing is worse than being reduced to a lounge chair while the rest of my real family races in the woods. After reading the posts of my esteemed brother and sister hip runners that precede me, I have a renewed hope and optimism that I may someday be able to resume this joyous … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Hi everyone,

I just received the results on my MRI on my right hip and it looks like degenerative arthritis.  Coincidentally, I was going to PT to get ‘hip strong’ again and started a very mild exercise routine through Core Performance.  I ended up severely straining my hip.  Quick background on me, I’m 37 years old with 4 children ages 6 to 6 months.  I started to get hip pain in my late 20s after running 5ks.  My doctor told me I had hip dysplasia in both hips my whole life.  I went to Dr. Kelly at age 33 to get athroscopic labrum repair and reshape some of my femoral head.  He told me my right hip was in bad shape.  Needless to say, I continued my normal actives such as Crossfit, jogging, swimming, and biking.  Unfortunately, due to ongoing injuries, I’ve now come to terms my quality of life and bucket list goals are in jeopardy.  I never ran a marathon yet.  I’ve never competed in a sprint iron man.  I’d love to do all these things but feel I need a new hip to avoid getting injured.  I haven’t gone to HSS yet.  My father in law is an ortho (semi retired).  He said I shouldn’t pursue running as the fear of wearing down an artificial hip at a young age.  He had concerns over replacing it too many times.  Does anyone have any referrals to any docs at HSS?  Great meeting  everyone!  I felt so much better after finding this site and reading your inspirational stories.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Hello New Brothers and Sisters. And thank you for being here. I have already found the wisdom in all of your posts invaluable.

Moreover, I am extremely grateful to have discovered there are others out there like me. I am ecstatic not to be alone anymore! Unlike my real family, I have a new family that understands me and my need to run. I finally have someone I can talk to!

Don’t get me wrong – I’m also grateful for my real family. After all, they are just concerned about my health and wellbeing. My 87 year old mother thinks I’m “nuts.” My daughters are a bit more kind. They classify my desire to keep running as one of my “eccentricities.” My real brothers are less kind. Whenever we meet one of them inevitably exclaims, “How can you run? You can’t even walk!”

I have also been reprimanded by strangers who have stopped their cars to offer me assistance after watching my awkward gape. I didn’t know my limp had gotten so bad. And get this: The other night I was lectured by one of the young kids at the track as I slugged my way around the outside lane. Even hardcore runners think I’m crazy!

Maybe I am a little crazy? Perhaps. But I guaranty I would be a lot more crazy if I gave up running. I came to this conclusion, very painfully, at one of the trail races this past summer. My daughter brought a lounge chair so I could sit at the finish line and watch. Imagine that! I used to race every week (in the middle of the pack). Now I was reduced to a lounge chair? I cried that night. I don’t care what the doctors say. I WILL NOT GIVE UP RUNNING! THE PAIN FROM NOT RUNNING HURTS A LOT MORE THAN ANY PHYSICAL PAIN GENERATED BY MY OLD, ARTHRITIC BODY.

I have exhausted all other treatments and remedies except those offered by faith healers. It is time for me to come out of my state of denial. It is time for me … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

I’m curious to know what brand / model devices folks are running on.

Any real life success stories (or challenges) are welcome.

Thanks!… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

With XC Season in full swing, I have been forced to take a break from running competitively.  It is a nice break.  In my last post, I indicated my knees were really really sore.  I am getting PT for it and they are getting better.  I was given some new stretches so that my hips will be more flexible.  And surprise surprise, these stretches have kind of started making my hip hurt a bit.  I am sure it is because I am working the joint more than I have been, so I am not too alarmed….but for now, I am just in maintenance mode with my running.  XC season will be over at the end of this month and I will re-assess my situation.

Today, the following message was posted by a woman named Robbin under ‘The “Hip” Runner’s Club” Page….

I had a RTHR March 2013! Having worked as a Orthopedic nurse helping others recover from post-op procedures, I never imagined I would go under the knife. I was a 7 mile a day runner and I thought I was going to die not running. All the other cardio equipment at the gym did nothing for me. After I found this site, I started to RUN and boy do I feel GREAT! I just started running two months ago and complete 3 miles at 5.0 every 2 days. I gained 30 ponds after my surgery, so I’m working hard to get my weight back down.

We should unite at an annual conference! Cheers!

Isn’t that the case for anyone who gets a hip replacement?  When all you’ve ever known before was running….it is so easy to add the weight afterwards when you have to give up the running.  The same thing happened to me when I was first diagnosed with arthritis in the hips.  I gained weight.  For many, the options are 1) Stop running….and possibly gain weight (if you don’t find an alternative way to burn calories) or 2) Keep running, stay in shape and risk a hip replacement down the road.    I chose option 2.  I am … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

I’m a 47 year old male who has been active as a runner for the past 20+ years.

I even got involved with smaller scale on-road and off-road triathlons before my left hip became chronically sore to the point that I have basically stopped running as of earlier this summer.

My primary goal is to be pain-free so that I can have a normal daily life (play with kids, do yard-work, basic day-today activities).

But if I could return to some level of jogging, running, biking, etc…, that would be a huge bonus.  (I’m much happier when I can run 3-4 days a week…even if its at a slower pace).

I’m looking for REAL stories / feedback to find out if it’s realistic to return to these activities via FHP or Resurfacing.

I welcome all response and feedback!

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It was another successful year with the DHD Boys (Dirty Half Dozen + 6).  My downhill leg was easier than I thought and I was able to average 5:45’s on that leg.  My other 2 legs weren’t as easy and I had trouble holding 6:35’s for those legs.  Still, that first leg made me feel faaaaaaast.  This was the 29th straight year for the Dirty Half Dozen + 6.  Six of these guys all went to High School together way back in the day.  I am lucky enough to be one of the “Plus Six”.   We finished 6th in our division – in the medals.  This year the team’s pursuits were featured on www.oregonlive.com.   I am grateful that I was able to take part again.  The hip did awesome.  Seriously!  I am 2 years and 8 months post hip and I didn’t even notice the hip.  The bigger issue was my knee.  My right knee is still recovering from a hard hit I took during Hoopfest.  I have decided to take a small break from racing while I give it time to recover.

Changes…

Over the weekend, I modified the front page to have a login link.   Just a simplified way to get logged in to the site.  I also replaced my “Hip” Runners list in the side bar with the most active Hip Runners who post.  If you create a post, you will be in the list.  This is all due to the fact that I could not keep up with the number of registrations coming in.

Also……..

I’m working on a shirt, and have a prototype in hand.  I hope to have them for sale on the website.  Here are some pics of the front and back….

For the sake of production, let me know if you are interested.  I don’t plan on making a killing on this shirt….just want you to be able to advertise…..how tough you REALLY are.

Happy Running……

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I took up triathlons in April 2012.  Did my first sprint tri in Dec 2012 after losing 60#.  Then in April 2013 I was hit by a car while cycling.  A hip repair surgery was unsuccessful to in late Oct 2013 they did a full hip replacement.

So after a very long layoff and recovery from the two surgeries I started training a few months ago.  On Saturday I did a modified triathlon Swim/Bike/Swim subbing the second Swim for the Run.  I just needed to get an event back under me again.  Hoping to do another event late this year with the run.

Feels great to be back at it.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

I just got this in the mail yesterday.  It’s not a first place award, but I’ll take 2nd place without complaint.  I left all of my SDP running buddies home, so it helped to clear the way for me to place in my age group.  Pretty cool little trophy.  I especially like the  adjustable  whammy bar.

A motto to live by: “You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing”.

HIP Runner Dixon.  I have to send a shout out to our oldest “Hip” Runner.  Dixon H is 91 years strong and a hip replacement did not stop him from running in the USATF Masters Track Championships this summer.  He sent me a video of his race and asked me if I knew of ways to improve his speed.  You can check out his performance here: Dixon’s 800 Meter Run – 2014 Masters Nationals Age 89-99.  Dixon lines up in lane #2 on the track (Red Shorts – White Tank).  Being out on the track at 91 years of age is proof positive that Dixon is one “THR Tough” Hip Runner.  Way to go Dixon!  If you have any points that might be useful, shoot them his way.  Way to stay young Dixon!  You are an inspiration to us all.

New Hip Runners.  The list continues to grow.  Welcome our newest “Hip” runners….and help them by providing feedback, once they are able to post.

Michael L –  Hi, I have just found out I have a Labral tear of the cartilage in my left hip, I’m a 55 year old triathlete and have experienced increasing discomfort and a decline in range of motion over the last 18 months. Does anyone have any experience or comments on treatment options please ?

Brittney K – 

I had two total hip replacements at the age of 17 and 18.. I’m now 23.  I used to be a soccer player. When I got my hips done my doctor told me that I couldn’t run anymore and I’m not allow to do any real exercise except for therapy.

Hey everyone we have some new “Hip” runners to add to our growing community.  Be sure to welcome them enthusiastically after they post their first posts:

Cathy G – Hello!  I had hip arthroscopic surgery in November 2013 and I had a large Labral tear repaired with three anchors and CAM & pincer impingements shaved down. During surgery, the OS also found that I have a rare hip disease called Synovial Chondromatosis which is a tumor that makes tiny cartilage pieces (looks like rice) and fills-up the space in my hip joint. Since this condition is so rare, I don’t know a whole lot about it and I don’t know anyone who has been diagnosed with it. I also have damaged to the lateral cutaneous femoral nerve from the hip arthroscopic surgery that I deal with every day, along with some pain and very limited ROM due to the hip disease.   I ran before my surgery in November but could only go about 3 miles before I would need to stop because of pain. Now, I’m up to 8 miles and working towards my first HM. I still have pain but I don’t want to stop running! I’m addicted completely and luckily my OS is supportive of me running! I know that a THR is in my future. I’m just trying to hold off for as long as possible and just hope that I can keep running into my old age. I’m definitely inspired by your story because I worried that a THR would mean that I would have to stop! I have hope!!By the way, I started a running group on Facebook called FAI and THR RUNNERS so we can start share stories and support each other. We are a unique breed!

Kristin – THR at the young age of 47 in January of 2014.  Out of Winona, MN, Just wants to be a member of the club.

S Marie – I am a very active person, I’ve run marathons, danced, hiked etc. I am not happy that I had to have hip replacement! Even saying it makes me

I’m now at 3 weeks past surgery. I’m one of the ones who fell into a new hip. I’ve felt so many sore muscles in places I didn’t even know I had muscles like from trying to slide over to the side of the bed and then get up . I still can’t put a sock on my THR side foot but I can do it with a reaching arm device or, even better with my husband, Randy, nearby. I don’t understand what muscle it is that won’t let me reach that foot but I am getting closer.

I went back to work day 4 after surgery but hadn’t expected to be so exhausted. I may have pushed going back too soon, even though I only worked 5 hours/day at first, and am a speech therapist in a hospital. I’ve been walking a mile but am not happy with the way it feels. First I had to learn how to walk bringing my THR leg through straight instead of hip going out and toe turning in. That’s working ok now. I’ve always felt my walking stride was jostling and jarring. I think my slow shuffling jog has less impact than walking so as soon as my legs will let me. I will start transitioning to a gentle jog and later on to running.

My goal at this time is still to run Marine Corps in October. Hopefully with my husband in sight now and then. And for now we will be volunteering at the Keys 100 this weekend instead of running the 50 miles we had entered.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)