Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:32:43 GMT

Well the core decompression operation and hardware removal was a success. Now time will tell. Doc says in 6 months we will know if this worked. He said it should heal up if I abandon running so that's great news. I've learned a lot throughout this process and that both my hips are early arthritic...fantastic. About circulation, arthritis and AVN: Hips can develop osteoarthritis through a lot of different mechanisms; athletes typically have this condition earlier in life as we work those joints so hard. I have arthritis in both hips as a result of poor lifetime circulation and genes. If anyone has heard of MTHFR and knows about how it works in our body, I would like to hear it as I probably have a genetic defect in the MTHFR gene. Genetic variation in this gene influences susceptibility to occlusive vascular disease, neural tube defects, colon cancer and acute leukemia, and mutations in this gene are associated with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency (this gene mutation. I'm on a cocktail of supplements to help with oxygen uptake to increase circulation in the hip area. (I saw a nutritionist who was a former oncologist to get these supplements before surgery) PM me if you want to know about them. I also am getting a DNA test done as I mailed off my saliva to a place that will look for that gene defect. Anyways, I'm feeling so much better after taking these supplements. I have a clearer train of thought, drinking a few beers doesn't feel so painful, and my energy level is very strong, almost like I'm 28 or so. I swam twice in the last four days. 2.5 weeks since surgery and I swam 1200 yds on Thursday, and a mile Sunday at Barton Springs. I haven't swam in two years...I felt very strong unbelievably. The hip is really stretching out around the incision and the doc was right to put me back into the water so quickly. I love my doc for that reason alone. My avascular necrosis was probably also caused by the gene mutation as well due to blood restriction. Sure, the fracture set things in motion but the lack of correct blood flow was a contributor. Regardless of your genetic predisposition I also learned about wound healing...and I particularly remember what it was like at 10 years of age to cut my hand or leg and literally watch it heal before my eyes in a few days. As we age that process slows down and we wonder why. I asked the nutritionist about this and once again, the supplements "will bring that healing back to what it was like in your younger days". I have been dumbfounded at how fast I have healed since surgery. I cannot express enough how a team of physicians have been the key to my recovery. I think we are conditioned to put trust in one doc and go with it but in reality...nutrition is such a major part of healing and we generally don't associate a doctor with nutrition recommendations. So an oncologist turned nutritionist was a godsend for me. The road to a total hip replacement can be accelerated by being stubborn as well. I broke my hip being stubborn five years ago. I read a few forums where people were asking about what hip replacement would be best for running. That's just nuts imho. You have about three shots at THR revision. Why would you want to accelerate the process if you didn't need to? Why risk forming microfractures where the stem enters the heart of the bone? Swim for the rest of your life, hang up the late in life tri aspirations and accept defeat. It's okay to do so; I'll drink a beer with you and remind you to be glad with your condition. :chug: Every doc says the same thing...swim until you're 130, you can't do anything better for your health. :applaud: Well, I could be back here in 6 months facing a total hip replacement and that would be okay. It could happen in 5-15 years or it could never happen. Time will tell. Attitude is everything. I'm happy with whatever happens and I'm no longer scared of the outcome. I'm heading home in :30 minutes to hit the pool in my neighborhood. 1.5 more weeks of crutches, 1 week on a cane and then I wait for life to run its course for 6 months. If anyone wants more information on any of this stuff please pm me or email me directly as I will be more than happy to share. All the best to a fun filled summer of swimming melanoma free!!! :bliss:

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

ande — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:31:01 GMT

Well I will need a THR on my right side. Wonder if anyone here can vouch for how their THR has affected them in their quest for speed. I will be bummed if I can't kick long sets like I used to but will live with the verdict regardless. Any comment or input is greatly appreciated. Hey Graham, Man, what a bummer. I wish I had some great info about others who've been through it, especially ones who were as young you are. I don't give training advice on medical issues, just, work with your docs, physical therapist & coach about what you can and can't do post surgery. Most of all, pay attention to what your body's telling you & err on the side of caution. It would suck to do something dumb and have to go back under the knife. We'd love it if you'd share your story about how your injury & situation happened then share your experiences & journey after surgery. February 2012 I had a minor sugery. (1 inch scar on my ride outer forearm) My doc told me to stay out of the water for 4 days. When I got back in the water, I'd apply liquid bandaid to my wound which kept it covered the whole practice. I imagine he'll tell you to stay out of the water longer. Good luck my friend, hope you have smooth surgery and a speedy recovery. Ande

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:37:40 GMT

I got great news from the doc today. No need for total arthroplasty! I will need a core decompression since I'm very early AVN. There was some communication errors on behalf of his scheduler who gave me insomnia for four weeks while I waited to meet him. Four weeks no weight bearing, seeing Dr. Leupnitz Tuesday before surgery to fortify nutrition while I heal and then, I'm hitting the water to get back into shape. It's funny how I try to stay away from the water and life keeps putting me back in it. I give up, I will accept that I am eternally a fish and must now swim upstream for a little while I heal. Thanks for the kind words Ande, GDavis and slhellman. I think that if the core decompression doesn't work that a resurfacing is a possibility. I have a 60% shot at total recovery. The nice thing is that the screws are coming out and the bad news is that I have a bit of osteoarthritis outside the joint caused by the fracture scar. oh well, I was never a good frog kicker anyways. :bliss:

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

orca1946 — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:32:22 GMT

HI ORCA again, last summer they went in again cuz of particles of wear from the 1st hip parts. I'm 1 of 3 that the Doc. has that has had prob. with. Much better now,but it took 5 months at the gym & pool to get back this time.

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:36:57 GMT

Thanks dude! That makes me feel a ton better about the process.

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:48:04 GMT

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:41:38 GMT

Don't worry about it. After the THR you will be like new! I don't notice any difference in how it functions (with regard to speed). I can do very long kick sets with no problem!

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

orca1946 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:00:53 GMT

My 2nd hip replalcement & I was back in the wter in 3 weeks . Watch flip turns & pushoffs. Good luck.

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:21:55 GMT

Guy, Thank you for your feedback! I was very interested in your comments about continuing hip PT. I have been traveling lately and sometimes spend a whole day in a seminar. On those days, I do not get to do any exercise and my hip seems to be not as happy on those days. Besides swimming, I ride a stationary bike and play golf so I've been giving it a lot of work. I will keep up the hip rotator exercises and hope to get my breaststroke kick back. I have not been competing and haven't been off a block in decades! thanks again, Jenny

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Gdavis — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:17:56 GMT

Jenny, I have also found traveling and long spells sitting quite hard for an old hippie but my comfort with both have improved steadily post HR. To add to your exercise you might want to consider some work on a trampette and balance board. My PT had me jogging on the trampette, pausing to balance for a few seconds every 3rd or 5th step. Similarly the balance board mobilized lots of the muscles around the hip joint. I suggest you check with your PT if this might be helpful. There are of course lots of other exercises you could do which might be good for when you are on the road. Good luck! PS I improved my breaststroke time again last week, but maybe it was my new tech suit!

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:23:01 GMT

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Gdavis — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:48:33 GMT

I had a THR in Sept 2008, 2 days after I turned 50! I had so much pain that I had to swim with a pull buoy, couldn't kick at all. Four weeks after surgery I was back in the pool, swimming easily and resistance walking. I asked 5 physical therapists when I could start doing flip turns. These guys had over 100 combined years of experience and they couldn't answer this question. I got so sick of open turns, I started doing flips 2 weeks after swimming, or 6 weeks after surgery. It was a non-event. Breaststroke kick, however, still is a mess. It doesn't feel good at all. I need to strengthen my hip rotators. I do a leg workout once/week, but must not be pushing those rotators enough. I also still feel some discomfort in the leg which is coming from the non-cemented implant - still bonding going on (it's been 6 months today). All my other strokes are doing well and my energy is back. I am very happy with my THR and wish I had done it earlier. Hi Jenny I'm glad that your THR is going well. I have a few thoughts for you based on my rehab experience from a 2006 hip resurfacing. Like you I was back in the pool as soon as could be and most things went well. Like you my breaststroke kick was horrible (though I should say that it was always fairly horrible.) However, over time things have continued to improve and a few weeks ago I was surprised to swim my fastest 50br since I was a teenager (I'm 50 too). My take aways: 1. Be patient - you may find hip strength and flexibility can continue to improve for years - mine has. 2. Do as much hip strengthening as possible, both in and out of the water. For example, after workout I stand in the hot tub and do adductor/abductor strengthening against water resistance. This is also something you can do between swim sets. 3. Keep the hip specific PT going indefinitely. If you are interested I might be able to find my hip PT program and send it - but you probably have plenty of exercises already. In my case, I had lost years of conditioning from "protecting" my painful hip, so it's not too surprising that I had a lot of work to do to regain strength. Your breaststroke may always feel slightly strange, but my guess is that with patience you'll get back to a breaststroke kick you're very happy with. Good luck PS Off the block starts are another item to be patient with!

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

ViveBene — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 05:39:23 GMT

Craig - I'm sorry to hear the providers are unresponsive when you are in so much pain; that is a red flag about them. If you know a good doc in the area, perhaps you could ask whom he/she would go to with such a problem? Pathologists in particular know quite a lot about surgeons and their outcomes. Good luck exiting this problem and returning to better health soon! VB

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:34:05 GMT

I swam 2 days in a row. Now my right hip is so sore I can barely stand on it. The PA from my doctor's office never called the other day. i am thinking of trying tofind another doctor. I am really confused. I ve always had realy great and understanding doctors. I think this guy is too busy.

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:24:07 GMT

When the pain first started the doctor was very gung ho about doing something. Then when cyst was found on my L1 vertabra, he cooled down a lot. My hip is a constant pain. Right now not so bad. Suday, I could barely walk. The on-call doctor told me to either go to the ER or take aspirin or Tylenol. I couldn't get to my car to go to the ER. I'm waiting for the PA to return my call. Wheni swim is the only time my hip doesn't hurt but afterwards it does.

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

orca1946 — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:04:06 GMT

You will be able to do all stuff but hard runnig as it cuts down on the long term of the implant. I had the same side replaced after i WORN THE SOCKET INTO AN OVAL? & 7 years on the original. WAS THIS A FAULTY SoCKET OR JUST A FLUKE? I still swim 3 times a week on the team with no side affects other than a really tight IT band that I am working on. Good luck & get back to swimming soon!

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:20:00 GMT

After my total hip replacement, I was back in the water after 5 weeks (pretty much as soon as the wound healed), and I was back doing flip turns after 7 weeks (after my hip precautions were lifted). I would not be afraid of the replacement. Your life will be vastly improved!

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:15:28 GMT

During the spring, my doctor talked about using stem cells to help my hip. Then during the summer he talked about a partial operation to fix part of the problem. Now no go. I have taken prednisone for 24 years for my asthma. My body stopped producing cortisone naturally . I swan Wednesday and only felt good while in the pool. It hurts to walk and my leg tingles. I am told to take the pain pills prescribed. The pills do nothing to ease the pain. They do cause me to hallucinate. Once at work, I thought a little lady in a red dress was talking to me. She was asking me t follow her down this hallway. I wondered why she thought I could possibly fit down this short hallway. Then I realized there was no hallway there. Does anyone think it is time to get a second opinion? Right now it feels as if a hot iron bar is stabbing my hip.

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:49:57 GMT

I had mine done on Jan. 30. As for my hip, the arthritis pain is completely gone, and has been since the surgery. My range of motion is improved. I've done some body surfing and will start surfing again as well. Could have done it months ago, but haven't been in the water. If you want to contact me off-line, I'm happy to provide more information. My doctor (Schmalzried at the Joint Replacment Institute in Los Angeles) is the best, bar none. I'm happy as hell w/ my results and life is vastly improved. cheers sabretooth Have you surfed yet? I am recovering from a broken hip, and may have to get a THR. My fear is I may not be able to surf again. If I'm stuck playing golf the rest of my life, what's the use?

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Gdavis — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 02:05:55 GMT

Thanks for the feedback HH. Interesting. Sounds as though your rehab is going very well - especially the post workout beers. Good luck with it. Best. GD

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 13:38:30 GMT

Gd - Excuse me for being tardy in response to your question but I wanted to touch base with my O/S on the resurfacing issue. We did discuss it intially but I couldn't recall the reasons for not doing it. His view of resurfacing from a surgical standpoint is that a larger incision is used and more soft tissue is disturbed to facilitate reaming of the femoral head and the acetablum. The femoral head component is cemented in place and cemented components have a greater incidence of becoming loose. In large boned patients, such as myself, the size of the femoral implant can, but not always, be larger than the orginal femoral head and that a corresponding acetabular implant would necessitate more bone to be removed for the pelvis to accomodate it. Resurfacing has been performed for a relatively short time compared to THR. There dosen't seem to be sufficient clinical evaluation data on resurfacing such as revision rates, longevity and the release of metal ions from metal on metal wear. There is also some speculation that with a resurfacing the weakest point of the joint is at the femoral neck and may be prone to fracture. The most important consideration for anyone thinking of THR, resurfacing or any medical procedure for that matter, is the skill of the practitioner. I am 5 weeks post op today. I have returned to work on light duties for 4 hours per day and am back to driving a standard shift. I have been in the pool every day starting last Friday. Last nights W/O consisted of: 15 X 50 metres pull on 60 seconds ( average 42 sec. with very careful open turns ) 5 X 50 flutter kick 10 sec rest ( no board ) 200 scull with pull bouy 4 X 25 fly on 40 sec. 4 X 25 back on 40 sec. 4 X 25 free on 30 sec. I also tried about 15 seconds of water polo "egg beater" without discomfort. Post W/O therapy consisted of a beer, ice pack and quad stretch with heat.

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Gdavis — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 05:14:21 GMT

Very clever move hH! A competitive swimmer O/S sounds ideal. I expect you'll be the "poster child" for diligent and successful rehab. As a matter of interest I was wondering why you went THR rather than resurf?

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 10:21:17 GMT

Gd....your right on about seeking out a good O/S. I think I've got the best. We both swam for the same age group club. I was on my way out and he was on his way in. He was a Canadian National Team member in the late 80's - early 90's, 1991 World University Games 100 back champion and at the age of 39 he recently went a 1:00.88 LC 100 back, just missing the Canadian Pan Pac Trials QT. Up until May we trained with the same age group club. He has a great interest in how I'm progressing. His attitude and attention to detail are second to none. That alone may be worth a few tenths.

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 07:59:52 GMT

I am now 3 weeks post op with a total hip replacement. Up until the middle of May I was training 4 times per week for a total of 16K metres supplemented with weights and additional cardio. At 54 I'm pretty young to be having a THR but the discomfort was overwhelming me as I couldn't sleep without potent medication. The draw back to having a THR or resurfacing at an early age is that a revision will have to be done in 12 - 15 years. My challenge is to make it last as long as possible given my activity level. This will require me to modify my weight bearing activities from here on. No running, skipping, ice skating or anything that may put undue forces on the new joint. It will also require me to be diligent on rehabing and maintaining the hip flexors, quads, glutes, back & abs. The affected side has been bearing weight since the surgery and over the last few days I have taken steps without the cane. I can go up and down a flight of stairs step over step with ease only using the bannister for support. Physio starts in earnest next week and pool work the following week. I can't understate that the greatest risk in ANY surgery is the possibility of infection. If you get a bug in there and an infection sets in then ALL the components MAY have to come out and you start from scratch. From a swimming standpoint it is going to interesting to see how long it will take to get back in form. Prior to the surgery I was swimming the 50 & 100 LC free in 27.5 and 1:02.03.

RE: Total Hip Replacement/Hip Resurfacing

Former Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 05:56:22 GMT

Thanks for the info. I just went and saw a guy who does hip resurfacing. He wasn't very enthusiastic about my case. Apparently the rheumatoid arthritis is a bit of a problem, as is the possible metal ion release for a young woman. He didn't recommend a total hip replacement at this point either, because I am 31 years old, and he wanted me to wait as long as possible. I don't know what as long as possible means, but I guess as long as I can swim happily, I will wait. He also said that there was no guarantee that the biking would be better after the surgery. It seems like everything I read online is so positive about the surgery, that I was surprised at his reluctance. Anyway--thanks again for sharing your experiences! I guess I will be waiting for a bit longer.