Optimistically Optimistic

Hip Brother Tom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The picture says it all.   I was talking to 2 of my running buddies last night (Andy and Alex) and they told me that when the hip gets replaced, I’ll be the bionic man.  That’s how I feel…..the glass is at least half full. So it’s the 23th of December, and Christmas is just a few days away.  I’m hopeful and optimistic for the new year.  This year has been marked with some challenges, but I am excited for the new year and maybe more optimistic and hopeful than I’ve ever been.  Not much new to report until I go in for my pre-op appointment on the 12/29.  My Christmas gift is coming on 1/3/2012 and I’m as anxious as a little boy on Christmas eve waiting for the arrival of Santa.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

My Questions and His Answers

Hip Brother Tom

OK….so I really need to know some answers to my questions. I won’t have answers until my pre-op appt on 12/29…but figured I should start writing them down.

  1. When will I be able to put weight on my hip?  Dr. Tim says that he wants me on crutches for 2 weeks.  He says that he KNOWS I will want to put full weight on my hip before then, but he wants to make sure that I gradually add the weight and give the joint time to heal.
  2. When will I be able to swim? He is recommending that I wait 1 month.
  3.  When will I be able to Spin?  No spinning until the 3 months are over.  Spinning puts pressure on the socket and he wants the initial bone growth into the new “bionics” <– my word not his, to be uninterrupted.
  4. When will I be able to go back to work? He said I would be able to go back to work when I am ready.  He suggested a reentry into the workforce
  5. Can I do pushups?  1 Month.
  6. What is the most therapeutic position during recovery?  Can I sit at a desk? Yes I can sit at a desk, but I should get up periodically and walk around.  (Again, Dr. Tim’s suggestions as far as reaclimating to work…were a bit extreme – but I didn’t think he’d mind if I didn’t completely follow those suggestions).
  7. When will I realize that hip replacement surgery is not an out-patient thing?  Answered:  I actually did think it was an outpatient procedure.  Talking with Mark the pizza guy – who had his hip replaced…….I figured I’d be walking out the door on crutches the same day and tossing the crutches the next.  Tommy Tommy Tommmy sooooo much to learn.  I will be in the hospital for 3 days.  But I will have a computer and my iphone and words-with-friends, plus a few books that my boys thought I would find entertaining while I’m cooped up.

Other things:

  • I can do upper body work (lifting) but not while standing.  As a matter of
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The Calm Before The Storm

Hip Brother Tom

So now that I know the day has come….I’m cherishing the remaining workouts I have until I head over to the dark side of the moon.  Today was easy.  No running.  Just spinning happily away on the bike followed by some lifting.  I can still work out mind you…..spinning especially is easier on the hip, but there is just nothing like a good run to clear your mind and change your mental outlook.  There are many questions that I need to ask Dr. Tim when I meet him for at my Pre-Op appointment on 12/29.  Can I lift weights?  How long before I can spin? When can I swim?  (I won’t even ask about running yet).   I’m guessing he will want to slow me down a bit and first talk about how to change underwear and put on socks.  Well I will need to know that too I guess.  It’s time to start writing these questions down so that I can be armed when I meet him.   Tonight I would like to send a shout out to the Spokane Swifts.  They are the female version of the men’s running group that I run with.  It is by their example that the Spokane Distance Project was born.  I received a nice card signed by many of them wishing me well and hope for a “SWIFT” recovery.  Thank you very much ladies…….your thoughts and well wishes are appreciated.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Welcome to Hiprunner

Hip Brother Tom

My name is Hip Brother Tom.  I am a runner.  I had a hip replacement in January of 2012.   A month prior to my surgery, I started this blog to share my experience with anyone who might be facing the same fate down the road.  I wanted to show my weekly recovery progress and hopeful return to running.  Hence the name…hiprunner.com.  As time has passed, I have opened this site to others who wanted to share their experiences.  There is even a Hip Runners forum now.  We are the Hip Runner’s Club.  But it isn’t just about hips.  In February of 2018, I also had a partial knee replacement.  This site serves as a community of individuals of hip and knee replacements who are seeking advice on running again.    If you find yourself getting a hip replacement or a knee replacement, and would like to become a member of the Hip Runner’s Club, we would love to have you share your story on this blog.  Click here to become a member.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)