Hello all from a newby!
I 've been suffering from some pain in my right leg, and bowing to familial pressure finally visited my GP a couple of moths ago. I was x-rayed, and there are things happening to my hip joint, but the GP thinks it's not bad enough to operate on yet. I limp all the time, but I must admit that the thought of being hospitalsed terrifies me, so I'm more than happy to delay any op for as long as possible. I'm sixty, very active, slightly overweight, and my GP suggested using an exercise bike to get fitter. I've been doing this almost every day and enjoy it. I've improved my times, distances and levels on the bike, and am losing weight, however I am very concerned that the cycling action may be hastening any detiorioration in my hip hip joint. Any of you good folk got any experiences, please?
Hi Grannysoo
I also started having pain in my hip at age 59, 18 months ago. GP thought it was arthritis and sent me for an X-ray that showed only slight changes. Had many weeks of waiting for various tests until now I am being admitted for a total hip replacement tomorrow, as the very slight OA on the first x ray progressed rapidly. I can't say I'm in constant pain as some are, but the pain on walking and subsequent limmp have seriously impacted on my life and my ability to do anything. Given the long long NHS waiting times (I know they say 12 - 18 weeks, but they have ways of delaying whilst staying within the guidelines such as fobbing you off with an appointment with a "GP with special interest" instead of a proper orthopaedic surgeon). My advice would be to ask for a referral to an orhtopaedic surgeon straight away - at least that way you'll be in the system and then if it does progress quickly you'll minimise the length of time you really struggle. As regards the exercise bike, I think its important to be as fit as possible and getting some weight off can only be a good thing. As cycling is non weight bearing, this is probably one of the best things you can do. Swimming is also good.
Hope this helps - all the best with whatever you decide
Rosie
Thank you so much Rosie,
That certainly helps, good luck for tomorrow xx GS
Hello Newby. I am 66 and 11 weeks post op. Have osteoporosis and always in danger of fracture. Saw orthopaedic surgeon on the NHS and although slight OA he said best to get THR before fracture. Gave me a 6 week window and said do not plan any trips away. Was called on week 4 and given 24 hours notice. Not time to get scared but did use the 6 week window to prepare house. Think hip will deteriorate regardless but exercise will improve muscles and this will aid recovery. Losing weight is a bonus as it puts less pressure on heart, better for operation. I had a spinal block with sedation. First class service from my NHS. 6 Physio session while in hospital for 3 days and then to continue exercises at home by self. Had follow up at 8 weeks and all going well. Further follow up in September. Take your medical advice and they will do it when the time is right but they will want you to be in the best possible condition to ensure a good outcome
Dear Grannysoo - Welcome to this site of wonderful hippies .... How is your pain level? I was in denial for a long time and waited until my movements were so restricted, gained an emberassing amount of weight because of it and was in a lot of pain.... My advice is: don;t wait that long - it seems that you are doing the right thing - the bicycle is good and will help to keep the muscles flexible - of course it shouldn't hurt ---- the thought of having to have surgery is scary, no doubt about that .... if possible see an orthopedic MD to get more information about your condition .... In the meantime, take care ...warm hug
Thank you Renee,
You've brought a little tear to my eye, how kind you all are!
I still work, and my job ( if you can call it that 
involves a lot of driving, and a lot of dogs, and I am anxious about the not being able to drive ( and the tripping over of my hounds
My husband will retire in 3 and a half years, and I'm hoping to hang on a bit longer.... x
Actually grannysoo, If it is a sitting statuary bike, it is low weight bearing and good for the hip.
The pain is probably from arthritis because you are using it more.
Swimming is the best exercise for low wt bearing.
Putting it off the hip will continue to get worse.
My surgery was st 68, most went well I'm one yr.recovery.
As for the hospital it's only for a couple days.Then home u go. best to you. Don't over do the exercises.and listen to your body.Warm hugs to uxxx
Hi , my x ray looked pretty good but after op surgeon told me there was no cartilage left , so I am glad I had it done . Pick am also 60 and 17 weeks post op this week and hip is great . Yours won't get better without op so bite bullet and go for it , it is not too bad honestly .
Mary
dont hang around, i am 63 and in total i waited 5 years from diagnosis to op , the op was the best thing to have happened to me (apart from the usual life stuff of course) i hadnt realised how much pain i was in until it went!!! dont delay have it asap - exercise bike is good both before and after
val xxx
hi mary how are you? was wondering where you had got to xx
Oh have you missed me ?
went on a cruise last week , didn't realise how shattered I still was !
x
Thank you Valerie,
I really dread the thought of hospital and not being able to drive and work, but I know deep down that you are right
sounds like you need a holiday after your holiday!
all being well you will be able to drive after 6 weeks and depending on the type of work you do you will be able to return soon after - I am a teacher in a mental secondary school and I went back after 8 weeks, went back using 1 crutch then changed to a stick and now nothing - although i keep the folding cane in my bag and take it out if i am moving through the building at break or lunch to remind everyone that I am armed and dangerous so keep out of my way! fortunatly we have a new building and so have a lift because stairs are an issue for a while .As for hospital, again all being well, you should be home by the 4th day and as long as you have lots of chocolate you will be fine!
val xx
It seems that chocolate is compulsory!