Hip replacement

[s7ephanie]

Has anybody had a hip (or both) replaced? can one cycle after and if so how long after? I 'm asking because my doctor thinks i may have to have both replaced. Going to try my hardest to avoid having it done!!

 

[ColinJ]

My dad should have had his done, but was put off by a horror story from one unfortunate person whose ops hadn't gone well.

My brother-in-law had to have one hip done after breaking it when he fell off a ladder. (He had it pinned back together but it never healed properly and went necrotic.) He doesn't cycle, but was walking about on it fairly quickly, and eventually got on with his life, pretty much as before. Unfortunately, he'd been given one of the metal-on-metal ones which are now causing problems - read this. He is being monitored and will probably have to have a second replacement at some point. They can't keep on doing these operations, so the ideal is to leave them as late as possible so that one or two see you through to the end of your life.

In terms of avoidance ...

My hips were showing signs of wear over 15 years ago. I started taking daily supplements of Glucosamine Sulphate and Cod Liver Oil after reading that they might help. I am fairly convinced that they have since 15 years of extra wear and tear when carrying 3 or 4 stone of surplus weight have not made the hips significantly worse.

Losing weight (if you are overweight) is advisable, to minimise the load that your hips are having to carry.

I find that mashing tough gears on my bike makes my hips ache, so I use very low gears for going up steep climbs.

I used to run, but that was making my hips hurt so I packed it in. Walking and cycling are generally fine.

I found swimming breaststroke uncomfortable - the kick action hurt my hips, so I was avoiding that too.

Read about the potential benefits for bone health of Vitamins A, D3 and K2 with Calcium and Magnesium.

 

[postman]

The Division of Joint Replacement and Reconstruction at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has provided the permanent activity guidelines following hip replacement surgery.

Approved
Walking
Climbing stairs
Moderate housework
Light or moderate hiking
Swimming
Moderate weight training
Riding a bicycle or a horse
Repetitive aerobic stair climbing
Bowling or golfing
Dancing
Doubles tennis
Cross-country skiing
Moderate alpine skiing

-

 

[postman]

Housework Don't do heavy housework (vacuuming, lifting) for at least one month. Light housework such as doing dishes or preparing meals is okay once you feel up to it. Talk to your surgeon and therapist about when to resume other household activities. -

 

[PK99]

Has anybody had a hip (or both) replaced? can one cycle after and if so how long after? I 'm asking because my doctor thinks i may have to have both replaced. Going to try my hardest to avoid having it done!!

A friend has had both done. Lifetime cyclist he was back on the bike around 6 weeks after each. Orthopod was amazed but put it down to cycling fitness.

Ther were done 5/6 years ago, he happily does 50/60 miles on or off road.

 

[albion]

I know one horror story and one very positive one.
In postponing 'my gamble' I have abandoned walking and on the whole choose to cycle in easy granny gear mode, especially so when doing longer distances.
My walking gait was never that great and now, 32 months after abandoning walking I can say it is certainly the weight on the hip that is the problem. Even when walking very boring flat routes that simply could not be avoided.

If you think you know the catalyst to the pain, methinks it will take a good year to prove you/have can bypass the culprit exercise action.

 

[s7ephanie]

I know one horror story and one very positive one.
In postponing 'my gamble' I have abandoned walking and on the whole choose to cycle in easy granny gear mode, especially so when doing longer distances.
My walking gait was never that great and now, 32 months after abandoning walking I can say it is certainly the weight on the hip that is the problem. Even when walking very boring flat routes that simply could not be avoided.

If you think you know the catalyst to the pain, methinks it will take a good year to prove you/have can bypass the culprit exercise action.

I have to do some walking with the dogs

 

[albion]

For me, I realised walking was much the culprit when I walked 3 fast miles to catch a train with a medium weight rucksack.
My hips were in agony for a few days after.
It thus seemed logical that it was my walking that kept the hips inflamed. And so it proved.


re walking dogs - On safe paths it is common to see cyclists walking the dog. There was once a couple of dogs enjoying pulling a light cart too.

 

[fossyant]

My bro in law has had one of his done in his mid 30s, now 40. He was told to leave it as long as possible until he was in too much pain, as each replacement hip lasts 10-15 years and they can only do 2 or 3 replacements over your lifetime. So as a relative youngster, try and go as long as you can before the operation.

He was rough for a while after, but was soon back up playing golf again. Does two 18 rounds each weekend now. He isn't a cyclist. I think running is a no no after, but cycling is recommended. I know folk who have had both done post 60 years old, and one goes out climbing still.

 

[s7ephanie]

For me, I realised walking was much the culprit when I walked 3 fast miles to catch a train with a medium weight rucksack.
My hips were in agony for a few days after.
It thus seemed logical that it was my walking that kept the hips inflamed. And so it proved.


re walking dogs - On safe paths it is common to see cyclists walking the dog. There was once a couple of dogs enjoying pulling a light cart too.

One dog is in a stroller !!! (he isn't well) and the other is a french bulldog, not good for running with bike !!

 

[albion]

When I stopped walking the hills I tried local walks but the thin hard ground also aggravated.
If you have enough soft grassland maybe try that.

 

[Dangermouse]

Eileen (Babytiger) my missus, has had her right knee replaced twice within 18 months, as the first one didn't go too well, but she had the second one done at Sheffield under the Claremont hospital and within 8 months she was back out on her bike, ok she cant do great distance yet but it is gradually building up, 25 mile is nothing to her now, so hopefully if I can keep her going decent distances I can see a good 60 or 70 miler on the cards just after spring, and at a decent speed as she is able to keep up with me on fast 15 mile rides, get a second opinion on your surgery as it will definitely affect riding after it has been done, then its a one way trip, it cannot be undone, and remember the hip is held in place by the pelvis which you use to sit on too so could also be a factor if you experience pain after surgery, give my missus a PM and she can give you better info than we can..........she has and still is in the same boat as you, and will tell you what to expect

 

[Berties]

If you need to gave it done get the process started,hips do tend to deteriorate quickly once they start giving pain,if you can push for ceramic do so they cost more but last the longest,my mate had them fitted at 30 after chemo destroyed his hips,he's like a spring lamb ,you will have to build up all exercise including walking,my mother went private and had both done and the before and after care has been brilliant,ask lots of questions at all stages,and take as much Physio as they will give you

 

[Leaway2]

My late Father had both his done, amongst other things. Only good things to report.

 

[GlasgowFinn]

I've had both my hips replaced.

Life changing.