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18 April 2011

Annual Update

I've been to the ortho who says that after five years, I'm doing really well.  I know that's true, because I do anything I want to do. I am still practicing yoga, walking 1-2 miles a day, lifting weights and doing Pilates when I can. I would still recommend this surgery to anyone in pain.

Does it solve other problems? No. I still have the same issues with my back. But because they are not complicated, they are something I can live with.

If you want to talk to me about hip replacements, just comment and I will answer to the best of my ability. It has been fun hearing from people all over the world.

12 comments:

Carl said...

I'm so glad I found this blog.

60 years old and have been fighting a bad hip for several years.

Just a few days ago my mother of 86 had a hip replaced. Due to some torn muscles she'll be in a nursing home for about 2 months but looking forward to getting out again.

I had a knee replaced 5 years ago. At that time my doctor said that they way I went thru that ordeal, a hip should be a chip shot for me.

I guess my only concern is the hip and knee are on the same leg thus further limiting my range of motion and other restrictions. But I'm sure, when I finally make the final move, it'll all be worth it.

You make it sound like life is worth living again.

Carl said...

Just wondering, would riding a bike after a FHR be any issues.

Francine Hardaway, Ph.D said...

I am not a doctor, but my friend had a knee replaced and the rehab seemed harder than mine. I have ridden a bike often since my hip, altho more in the gym than on the road because I now have a greater fear of falling. This is probably just me.

I fought my own hip for four years before I finally caved to the idea of surgery. Good luck,

rosesmix said...

delighted to come across your blog. one of the best Ive seen on this subject which Ive been trying to avoid...you know the 'dead elephant in the corner' ?? thats me!!
Im about to have it done (still got to make appointments etc - surgeons are elusive beings, so am accumulating as much evidence as I can before "D" day. Roseanne

Francine Hardaway, Ph.D said...

OK, Cal, this is bad advice, but I have ignored the restrictions on my range of motion after my hip surgery (not crossing my legs, etc) and just listened to my body. If it hurts, I don't do it. And as a result, I have gone back to many things, I don't fun, but that's because of my low back, not my hip. I ride a bike, although not on the street. That's more a comment on Phoenix and its lack of bikeways.

Rosesmix, choose a surgeon with a decent bedside manner if you can. That's very helpful. Just because someone is a technician doesn't mean they're a good doctor.

Ridz said...

Hi Francine..
My father got his right hip replaced this month. He is 51 years old. He is in so much pain that he is getting very discouraged and negative about ever getting back to near-complete normalcy. He is an outdoors person. He loves fishing, camping, rafting,etc. I was wondering if he'll be able to return to rafting and camping (main concern: sleeping in tents). It would be great if I can get some sort of re-assurance from you. I would then be able to keep the dismal atmosphere in my home to a minimum. I'm away from home so I'm trying to help lift up my dad's spirits in any way I can.:)
Thanks a ton (:
-Ridhima

Trudy Jo said...

Hi Francine,
I, too am really happy to have found this site. I am 51 years old, female, menopausal,diagnosed osteoarthritic since age 25 and have been an avid yoga practitioner and biker. Ironically, while I cannot walk the length of myself without assistance, I can ride bike, not over rough terrain, but certainly get outdoors easier.I am facing THR or resurfacing. It's a tough decision. I don't see where most responders are discussing their options. What is commonly performed. thanks a ton!!

Francine Hardaway, Ph.D said...

I didn't have any option, because I was bone on bone. A hip should be a chip shot, and it depends on the rehab you are willing to do. I can't tell you what to do, but I'd get it done.

River said...

I'm due to have my left hip replaced in the next 2 months. As the time gets closer I get more afraid. I have been unable to do almost everything for almost a year now due to my hip. I have gained tons of weight, can hardly walk and feel so unhealthy that I'm afraid I won't survive the surgery. I had a shoulder replacement a year ago and had a very difficult time dealing with the hospital, anathesia, etc.... I am maker myself sick just thinking about going in for my hip...but I just can't take the pain any longer.....got any "words of advice" to help me through this?

Francine Hardaway, Ph.D said...

River, I am not a doctor BUT, I am trained in yoga, which tells me that you're telling yourself the wrong story:-) You are correct that you can "make yourself sick by worrying," so don't worry.

I worried like mad, because I had never had surgery before.

Surely you have chosen a different doctor or a different hospital from last time,or at least had a conversation with the doctor telling him your fears?

Good doctors and hospitals make you undergo extensive tests (like EKGs, etc) before surgery to make sure you will survive it.

Do you have a support person to go with you and advocate for you? You need one of those, as well

Unknown said...

Hello there,

I am 33. Very active (lift weights, play tennis), but for the last 5 years I've been living with avascular necrosis of my right hip and have been told a hip replacement is inevitable.

The only discouragement I sense from myself is that I won't be able to do the activities I used to be able to do when I was completely healthy. I know the pain will be gone, but am fearful of only that.

Is there any advice you can give me??

Thank you

Donnie

Francine Hardaway, Ph.D said...

Donnie, I don't run, but I do everything else I used to do.Tell your doctor you play tennis, and he/she can put in a larger ball joint to prevent dislocation. Then you should probably not test it too much for the first year. After that, I'd just go for it. I did modified yoga poses for the first year.

I'm not a doctor, and everyone's body is different. Some people just don't dislocate, and some do.