About two years ago, after a lifetime of running, aerobics, yoga, tennis, and everything else you can think of to keep fit, I found myself suddenly limping, in a lot of pain, and losing my quality of life. When I went to my (male) family doctor, he told me to get a hip replacement. He said it just like that: “time for a hip replacement.”
No discussion of the risks, none of the fact that there’s a long recovery, nothing about the perils of general anaesthesia. It may as well have been “replace the spark plugs.”
I’m not a fan of unquestioned medical advice, and my mother “sundowned” after general anaesthesia for diverticulitis surgery and never recovered, tipping over into Alzheimer’s disease and a terrible slow decline. So I tried it all: acupuncture, physical therapy. yoga, stretching, Celebrex — whatever.
Nothing worked. My joint was bone on bone. But I also have back problems, which I had always controlled through yoga, and I knew a lot about alignment. After all, the “hip bone’s connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone’s connected to the knee bone,” and they are all connected to the spine.
So I sought a surgeon who could help me with the hip replacement while not destroying the subtle alignment I had created in my back through yoga. The first guy I saw was so gruff that I walked out of his office. The second, a doctor in Tucson who does the minimally invasive surgery, admitted that he knew nothing about backs, and allowed as how my back wasn’t important, because after all this was my hip!
Finally I was referred to a female hip surgeon. And naturally, she listened to me and planned with me. She knew damned well that my back would be a problem, and she told me flat out that she couldn’t do minimally invasive surgery and guarantee my back would be okay after because she had to see inside the joint to position the new hip properly.
I trusted her, and we went through the surgery together, but it still wasn’t easy. Especially the recovery, about which no one is honest. If they told you it would be at least six months before you felt like a normal human being, you wouldn’t do it, so they stress the fact that you are up on your feet the same day. That’s not the same as being able to walk two golden retrievers on leashes. Also, the hospital itself is dangerous: nursing shortages, staph infections, complications, and all the psychological issues.
I had no one to talk to about these, and very little from the patient’s perspective to read. So I kept a blog here. I documented my fears, my opinions of surgeon and hospital, and my ups and downs during the recovery.
Please read it, share it, and recommend it to other people contemplating hip replacement. If we share enough stories, we will get good medical care. If we keep it to ourselves, we will literally suffer in silence.
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I had THR Aug 25, 09. I am 63 yr old female. I recovered really fast. Walked with cane into Drs office for 1 follow up (10 days). I have regained my life back and go to the gym 3-4 days a week. I never was a runner but want to try. I am afraid though. Almost everything I am reading online warns against it...............any thoughts anybody?
February 12, 2010 - 9:17amThis Comment
Dear "Anonymous," When I first read your story, although you said you had a THP - I thought that perhaps you had one of the other procedures done, such as the femoral head resurfacing (many in their later 20's or 30's) have had this procedure and they heal VERY quickly, and are back enjoying their pre-surgical activities. Many are pro-athletes such as ice skaters, hockey players, football, etc. Other's are just like me - athletic and in top form, or just people who have worn the cartilage off the femoral head.
For a THP, depending on the type your surgeon has used (the ceramic lined sockets are the ones that break apart), will wear down eventually. Some last longer than others, and ALL recommend no high impact sports. I played volleyball at my local Y - that's now out of the question. If you weren't a runner, this is not the time to start, and since I have friends who were marathon runners, it's out of the question. You run the risk of displacement, or breaking the implant, and depending on bone strength, it could set off a chain reaction of sorts. Do you swim? It's low impact, and depending on your level of fitness - you can gain enough stamina to swim faster and although I was in the pool, experienced the "runner's high" because of my speed and endurance.
Running is not recommended by any Dr. It's great that you had a quick recovery, but why risk a second replacement? You can walk, and walk fast enough to keep it UNDER running, but in my opinion - I definitely wouldn't take the risk.
February 3, 2012 - 9:36amThis Comment
Dear anonymous, glad that you're recoverd so quickly....that's the kind of story i like to hear as I am about to get my left hip replaced. I am still practicing yoga to keep in shape as it helps to recover more quickly. About you wanting to start running after your hip surgery..seriously, I don't understand why you would want scuh a sport when everybody is waning you against it...there are so many other activities you could do to keep in shape....Are you looking for trouble? then go ahead and jog...and you will probably have problem with your hip...Good luck
July 30, 2011 - 8:25amThis Comment
I just had THR about 7 weeks ago and thought I'd be all healed by now with no pain living my life like never before. I still am on a cane and my doctor seemed to be surprised by my slow progress. It's been very depressing realizing that it will be a long progress and like the person who commented above - I too have been having horrible pain on my opposite hip. I have never had problems with my left hip and now it actually hurts more than my right hip (that got operated on)! All I heard was how fast people recover from THR and have a better quality of life. I just hope this is true for me even if it takes 6 to 12 months! Thanks for the all the information.
January 24, 2010 - 10:39pmThis Comment
Hi "I luv dogs",
This October 10 will be the 2 year anniversary since I had my total hip replacement. I was 43 when I had it done, and recovery for me was incredibly slow and disheartening. I lived alone and although I had a good enough case manager through Hospital for Special Surgery, she did not pick up on the fact that I would need assistance getting around my apartment (2nd floor walkup), and generally caring for myself. I most needed someone to ensure that I did not fall and lay there with no help. (falling was my main concern, because of the risk of dislocating the new joint. Fortunately, within the last 2 years, I have not fallen once).
What I did learn (either by doing, or *not* doing) is as follows:
1) Make sure you have the best physical therapist who will motivate you to get moving, as you can tolerate. This is where I went wrong. I had a PT come to the house, and our sesssions did not move me along in my progress until I figured out the next point -
2) Go to a physical therapist's center or office, where they will put you on a stationery bike, some leg weight machines, and if you're lucky, some pilates equipment that will help your legs' strengthen, while relax you.
3) If you are not in pain, get walking. It is the **best** way to enhance your recovery.
4) Do not over-do it. Focus on your recovery only, and spend your efforts there. Become selfish if you need to, but put all other matters on hold until you get your strength and energy back.
5) Realize that it WILL take time. I wish I was told that I would still be on a cane a year later. My doctor visibly and vocally expressed disappointment by my progress, or lack thereof. I believe that what they show in the videos and brochures are the exception. The video of the senior male who was back to golfing within a few weeks completely frustrated and depressed me when I watched the video 6 months following my surgery, when I asked, "why can't **I** have such a good result?" I eventually did, after about a year. I ended up not relying on my cane any more when my job required that I travel back and forth to Mexico once a month for nearly 11 months. I was not wobbly with the cane by that point, and found that I did not need to rely on it.
6) Continue with strength training (through PT or on your own), making sure to not bend and twist in ways that will get you in trouble, and incorporate walking in your physical activity routine.
7) Acknowlege and accept that there may be things that you can no longer do, so that you can protect your surgical investment and your health. Also accept that you may not be able to do the things that you wished you had done (I wished I had gone skiing at least once in my life before having the THR, but I didn't get to), and find new things that you can enjoy during your time now.
8) Try to not to let having a THR wear on you emotionally. I look at it this way for myself: I was fortunate to live in a time and in a place that enabled me to GET a hip replacement. Decades ago, before the techology and procedure existed, people just suffered in pain. I try not to feel "less" of a person because I cannot do certain things as I had only a few years ago, but I am learning to let that part go and move forward,
During the first 6 months to a year, when friends would ask me if I regretted having the surgery, I did answer "yes", but I am finally at the point where I can honestly say I have no regrets and only wish I knew then what I know now regarding how I would feel today.
October 1, 2011 - 11:32amIn closing, I want to wish "Good luck" to everyone who has had a hip replacement and to those who will have one in the future.
This Comment
yes I am a yoga instructor and My hip feels stiff even now, it took 12 months to get back to normal,there are still things you have to be careful with, people who say they are doing this and that after 3 weeks ,poof, I was told not to drive for 3 months and to sleep on my back for 3 months, on two crutches for 6 weeks and then one for 6 weeks, its common sence the muscles have to heal and that takes time. I'm greatful there is no pain and just get on with my life the best way i can, I need my other one doing in 12 months.
July 22, 2010 - 3:37amThis Comment
Dear Francine, I am almost 3 weeks post op for a right THR. I also was rather mislead that I would be up and driving at 3 weeks. Well after the operation things changed!!!! Since my implant was cementless I was told I would have to stay on crutches for 3 months so the bone could grow onto the implant to secure it. I was a ballet dancer and after that I have been doing dance aerobics almost every day up 'til the day before my operation. I am going crazy just with this thought. Crutches are so awkward. I have very little pain and do lots of exercises every day. I still don't drive, I tried it but it is uncomfortable lifting the leg from gas to brake. I am told after 3 months I can resume a normal life, whatever that means. I am planning on going back to dance aerobics which is not recommended but it is a huge part of my life. I was planning on 4-6 weeks which was the original deal. Now it ends up my other hip needs to be done. Since the operation I have a pain in the side of my non-operated hip which was not there before the operation. It is very frustrating that the picture is not made totally clear before the operation. I, too, was just told, it is time for a hip replacement and I had to look everything up on the net. If anyone out there had a THR and went back to aerobics, please let me know how it went. Thanks,and I wish lots of encouragement to all, Babs
October 26, 2009 - 10:34pmThis Comment
Hi Babs - Thanks for writing. I'm sorry to hear you weren't given a lot of information about what to expect from your surgery. I wanted to provide you with some information on what to expect post-surgery, and to also encourage you to write back to us if other questions come up for you as you go through the recovery process.
Take good care,
Pat
For the first week or two following surgery, activity is very limited. After this initial period, crutches are needed for up to six weeks, and physical therapy and exercise begin (lasting for three to six months). Depending on your age, overall condition prior to surgery, and steadfastness in following the prescribed rehabilitation regimen, recovery from hip replacement surgery will take anywhere from two to six months.
Possible postoperative complications from hip replacement surgery include:
* Dislocation or fracture of the natural bone remaining in the joint
* Blood clots (most patients are put on a blood thinning drug for a short period of time immediately following surgery)
* Bleeding in the joint (especially in the days immediately following surgery)
* Loosening of the artificial joint within the hip socket (the most common long-term postoperative problem)
* Infection in the joint
* Pain in the joint
These postoperative complications can often be treated with medication or other non-surgical techniques. Sometimes, however, follow-up surgery may be necessary. If the artificial joint is damaged, a second hip replacement may be required. And, even with the current advancements in artificial hip technology, the artificial hip liner or the artificial hip itself will wear out and require replacement within one to two decades.
Here are some things you can do to prevent complications and improve the longevity of an artificial hip:
* Prior to surgery, arrange your home so that during your initial recovery period, you can keep your movement as safe as possible.
* Follow all of your doctor's and therapist's orders as to what physical activity you can and cannot do, especially while recuperating.
* Diligently follow your physical therapy and prescribed home exercise regimen.
* If you develop any unusual pain in the new joint or develop any kind of an infection, contact your primary care doctor or your surgeon immediately.
* After your rehabilitation period is over, continue with your home-prescribed physical therapy exercises.
* Avoid activities or sports that can cause you to fall or that put a large amount of stress on your joints (jogging, running, racquetball, singles tennis, basketball, skiing). Instead, opt for exercises that put limited stress on joints ( swimming, walking, or doubles tennis).
RESOURCES:
National Institutes of Health
November 5, 2009 - 5:55pmhttp://www.nih.gov/
This Comment
Yoga. I've been practicing yoga for ten years, and when I practice, I have almost no pain. I ran for 25 years, big distances (50-60 miles a week) and I guess I used a lot of body parts up:-)
September 27, 2009 - 4:40pmThis Comment
Your Feelings,
I am a 51 year old male that had a total H.R. about a year ago. I have been very physically active most of my life and over the last 5 or 6 years running for enjoyment and the high. I know what the doctors say about running after a THR, and to look for alternative programs, bike, swim, what ever else. I miss the running, the high from it the challenge and all that. Can anyone relate. Is there anyone out there that is running after a THR, and what are the real dangers. Life expectancy on the joint and all. Does it really reduce the quality of life, is pain or the danger of a replacement a real problem.
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September 26, 2009 - 6:22amThis Comment