So I am 11 weeks now after THR and I couldn’t have asked for any better progress to date . Week 5 I returned to work and started running again at week 4 gradually working my fitness back up so now back to running 3 days a week and full fitness . (and for all non runners dont take this up so early after surgery ) I am at the stage now I forget I had the surgery apart from when I go out to run I am extra careful about any trip hazards or slipping . Another few weeks and I am going to do 4 days a week to see how it goes.
I would caution others to understand that your fast rehab is not the norm. Most of us, probably older than you are, will take many months before feeling back to normal. In fact, with my first hip replacement, it took more than a year for various muscle pains to go away. I'm now walking my dog every day up and down hills and feeling really good. I'm happy for you that you are doing so well.
Anne How do you know . There are 91000 hip replacements in the uk per year . most people dont report good news and only the bad . yes people heal differently. my post is not about bragging and I am sure people wont jump to conclusions that they should all heal over night. my mother was 73 when she she had hers done and healed well.
Keith, I'm not trying to get into an argument over this. The surgeons who do the hip replacements advise patients that it can take six months to a year for a full recovery. I wasn't given the all clear to even drive until after my six-week check up. As I said, I'm happy for you that your recovery is going so well.
Hi Anne 68156, I totally agree with you, 91000 is a large amount of operations over the UK, but, and it's a big but, my assumption is that most of these are 60 plus, overweight and also have low mobility and other health issues. My experience at 52, 8 stone wet through, I found that because of my problem hip, I could not do much muscle building pre op as the pain was so bad, I used to run in my 30's and 40's but hip pain stopped all that. I find hiking more to my ability. My experience of this site over the last year is that folk want reassurance and advice and everybody has been great. I think if people want a slap on the back for doing what most consultants have advised against, they probably need to just post their first milestone and join a running club website where everybody will fawn over their fantastic achievements
Well, I'm sure that Keith's doctor has given him the OK to start running again and hopefully it won't lead to premature breakdown of the new hip. I'm in my 70s, not overweight, but it has taken me a year or more to feel back to normal after two hip replacements. On our walk this morning, my dog alerted me to two young deer grazing in a wooded area. That made the walk all the more enjoyable. It's wonderful to finally find pleasure in the small things after beginning to think the healing process would never end!
Hi Anne, I think in Keith's case he was relatively young when he had his op, also he was able to run up until the day before his op. I know in my case I could hardly walk by the time I got to the day of my op as I had had such a long wait, although I had always been very fit earlier. Also I don't think that most people are very overweight as recently they have reduced the BMI level to 30 I understand if you want a hip or knee op on the NHS. There are probably a few people over that level if there are particular reason for the op.
I am not after platitudes at all . and it is more of a blog . my surgeon has given me his full blessing to run and I have said numerous times all we hear is bad news on here never good because no one can say how well they are doing without being shot down . From reading the 2018 uk national joint registry report the findings are just all over the place and they just is not conclusive evidence for or against running . Age weight and prosthesis variations and the surgeon seem to be the biggest issues .
Until there are long-term studies done, no one really knows if running increases the chances that a hip replacement will need revision in later years. I notice that many runners have decided not to risk it and have chosen other ways to exercise. Only time will tell if that is the wiser choice.
I'm in the US so I don't know if most surgeons take BMI levels into account. I know I was told that my surgeon will not do hip replacement surgery on obese patients. I'm just glad that my two hip surgeries are done, I've healed, and I can move on from there.
I understand that surgeons don't like operating on obese patients as the possibility of infection and problems is higher, it is also more difficult. Also in UK it does seem they are trying to cut down on everything in the NHS because of cost.
Pleased that it's all going so well for you Keith.
Your surgeon is in a class by himself as most will caution against running. I am a former Marine in great shape. Use to run and workout 1-2 hours a day. My surgeon strongly recommended no running unless i wanted a resurface much sooner. after 6 weeks i went back to the treadmill and eliptical . A month later pain developed mid thigh around the stem called Microerosion. took it easy for a while and pain went away. Now no running just fast walking. i am in the US. others here gear the same thing no running but at your own risk as if will wear out sooner. good luck as its a part that will need a replacement. To others, walk as much as you can
Steve
Thanks for your post . What type of surgery did you have and all the component parts if a may be so bold ? My surgeon when I went in to see him asked me about my expectations after surgery. I said I wanted to run again and he didnt even bat an eye and said no problem for 5km and 10k but to make sure before I returned that I was strong enough on both legs. I'm not silly and it stands to reason a car engine running constant at 5000 revs will wear out quicker than a 2000 rev engine. the same could be said for how much load is added to the joint ie 15 stone or 20 .
Total Hip Replacement. Ball, Stem and Cup. Press Fit and unglued Titanium.
Dont get me wrong, you can run until it wears out. However some here may think its ok to run when the general consensus is to avoid running. many people dont ask their Surgeons and many surgeons dont mention it. i know folks into Full Contact Karate and BJJ. some have had further hip surgerys and accept the risk i am a Sandan in Shorei Goju and have hung up my Gi.
I dont want to be thinking all my life about what could have been as I could get knocked down tomorrow . I will take each day as it comes . If you read the joint registry yearly report the evidence is just not there to know right or wrong .
Keith, I'm 43 and soon to have my THR. I still cycle every day, with some discomfort but had to give up running a year ago. As someone who reads all the negative posts every day and also all the repeated warnings about how bad some of the potential side effects of the OP can be... I find your take on things refreshingly optimistic and a welcome relief from all the bad stuff out there. I agree your speed of recovery seems exceptional but like you said, how many people are as active as you pre-op, probably not that many. I think most people are concerned because the surgeons do present a worse case scenario, I guess that's their job. I really hope your Running continues to be a good thing and stands out as an example of what can be done when you're determined and fit. Personally, I won't be running or doing anything with too much joint impact again, keeping to the cycling hopefully and intense CV sessions on the cross trainer in the gym. Keep up the inspiration positive posts and I wish you all the best. Its good to know there are people out there pushing the boundaries , I really hope you don't do yourself more damage though mate.
Mart
many thanks for your response and is good to know some people do take encouragement from the posts. Life isn't over so make the most of it after you get the surgery and keep as fit as you can before it. The good thing with you and the same with me I was running right up to day before surgery so muscle tone was reasonably good . others dont have it as easy and can be sedentary .
Keith, how is your recovery going and fitness etc? I have a date for my op, 13th Dec and was just wondering how its been going lately for you? Are you still running etc?
Mart
Yes I am still running and upping my distances . I would say I am now back doubt times I was doubt prior to surgery. I did a 13 I run last week and felt good throughout and after. Definitely fitness before surgery pays dividends out the other end