Sports and activity following THR

Bones, joints and muscles
1

For the past 35 years I have been athletic.  When injuries would occur in one sport, I begrudgingly switched activities.  Two years before my THR I was forced to quit skiing downhill as well as serious cycling by my neurosurgeons who noted an issue of stenosis in various sections of my spine.  I took up swimming daily 1 hour and walking more.  I also walked for an hour a day in a pool 4 ft deep.  When my back pain worsened, I quit the small pool and started riding my bike to the gym in the morning.  I continued both even after hip fracture.  Although I could hobble to the pool and ride on flat ground, I swam without significant pain until I could literally not walk.  

Last week, sp 6 weeks THR, my surgeon told me I could swim and ride my bike some now.  Today was the first time I could ride a bit uphill.  Hell, I live in the Pyrenees and there is very little flat ground.  Anyway, I was ready to stop at any minute but I never felt stress on my quads or groin.  Of course, this pleasantly surprised me even though I was riding my 15-20 minute uphill home.  It’s only 5-6 minutes the other direction.  This was after 30 min swimming laps and a bit in the spa.  After home I walked a mile or two to complete errands.  No Problems, just tired as hell and thankful for the Spanish support of the siesta.  

Bear at in mind that we can support whatever wacky (stable genius)  or other ideas we have regarding any facet of our recovery on the internet.  But, do yourself a favor and thoroughly research any of your desires.  Don’t jump into physical exercise if you don’t have a solid physical base to build on.  Also, physicians recommend what they learn to be correct through many sources.  The funny thing I discovered in my meetings with neurosurgeons was that those of them who were cyclists themselves, strongly encouraged it for exercise but those who were not did not.  

My research indicates that swimming and cycling are good exercise post THR but anything to an excess is bad for you.  Prior to physical issues I was climbing in the Pyrenees daily on a road bicycle and before that in the Rockies, in the US.   Now, it’s only in moderation to the gym and home as well as around town because I do believe the bike vibration from a road bicycle is bad for stenosis caused from falling from many bikes.  You only have one body, use it Safely.  Just some thoughts.  

2

I agree. However, I am 13 weeks post op and running on the treadmill with no problems at all and approval from my doctor. Good luck. 

3

I only wish I could still run.

4

Ducksoup-

Your handle is a reference to  a Marx Bros. movie yes?  A sense of humor is always a good resource to own.  Your posting is helpful and a good reminder regarding physical fitness and inevitable limitations the human body undergoes but also an insight to the extent the body can be depended on.  Myself like a lot of others here have enjoyed and made good and hard use of our bodies for decades and took pleasure in that ability.  Losing a part of those activities comes with an emotional sense of loss.  We can sit with regret as our only companion or choose to enjoy a newly described physical reality.  You seem to have decided on a healthy perspective and are making the most o it.  No one knows the future, with time you may find additional strength to return to a wider degree of physical pursuits.  In any case I'm glad to see you enjoying the options you have at hand to you now.  You mention cycling in the Rockies but living in Spain.  Are you an expat American?  I ask because as I near retirement, and a likely bilateral THR, I am considering a substantial change to my circumstances including living abroad.  A concern for me is access to a good health club with a pool for lap swimming.  I was surprised to learn you had these facilities in the Pyrenees- an area I always assumed was too rural to support this kind of infrastructure.  I suppose that's a naivete resulting in not having traveled in Europe.  Could you elaborate?  Pm if you felt like it.  Good post, thanks for the encouragement.

Jim

5

and, most towns here have what is called a polideportivo or multi use gym.  Health and fitness are considered important.  As a retired person (jubilado) you also would qualify for discounts in many areas.

6

Ducksoup

I agree. Very sensible advice.

Mike