Hip Replacement

larmurf

Hi

I would like to hear from anyone who has had the above done.
I am 4 1/2 weeks over the operation and thought I was coming along well
though still mainly on two crutches until my daughter told me about an
acquaintence of hers in Dublin who is cycling after 4 weeks. My surgeon told
me to wait 3 months and I am going to take his advice, though I was considering
setting up a turbo trainer in the kitchen. I was in good nick before I went in still
doing over one hundred miles a week with a max of 40/50 without much trouble.
Problem was one leg had worn to the extent that it was 40mm shorter than the
other.
Anyway any comment advice or experiences of others that would let me know
what to expect would be gratefully received.

geoff_ss

A very good friend of mine has had both her hips replaced and has cycled and walked very many miles since. I think she's 72 and had the operations (separated by only a few months) about 5 years ago - though time seems to fly these days so it could be longer

I can't remember how long it was before she started riding again but I remember her commenting that the surgeon was pleased when she confessed to have ridden 60 miles the day before, on the back of the tandem. IIRC the main worry with riding is the range of movement required. Apparently it can cause problems so I'm sure it's best to listen to the doctor, although, if they aren't cyclists themselves, they may not understand the need to get fit again.

I'm seeing Margaret tomorrow when we go for a walk. I'll ask her how long it was before she rode the bike again.

Geoff

onehipwonder

I had a hip replacement done 3 1/2 years ago (i was 39) and it was 4 weeks before I was off the crutches. People do tend to have different healing rates so I would advise that you heed the surgeons advice. I also found that doing the stretches provided by the physio helped and walking and keeping the joint moving are also important.

Having this op got me back on a bike after many years and it has grown into a full blown love affair :shock:

It sounds as though you were more active than I was before your op so some gentle spinning after say 8 weeks may be ok for you. I was back at work after 10 weeks and my job does have a physical aspect and I felt fine.

So listen to your body and the very best of luck - I have not looked back since having the op.

geoff_ss

I checked with Margaret today. It's actually 9 years since she had both hips replaced. The first in November and the second in January. Since then she's ridden over 50k miles and had 2 walking holidays in the Dolomites - so there's hope yet! She told me it was 2 months after her second operation before she got back on her bike though she rode a stationary exercise bike gently before that.

You seem to be on track, so listen to the doctor. Good luck.

My hips are beginning to ache a bit but neither of them is too bad. Knowing how well replacements work is a confidence booster.

Geoff

larmurf

hi

Thanks for the replies they give me a lot of hope for the future and I
really do miss my bike especially sunday morning runs around the
back roads of Monaghan and Fermanagh