I'm getting my hip resurfaced in 2 weeks (Martial Artist)

[PistolPete]

Well, I've been dealing with hip pain for a few years now and the past year and a half things have gotten progressively worse.  It started with pain and a limp when I noticed one leg seemed longer than the other.  A visit to my PCP said I need to see a chiropractor.  I saw him for a few months but nothing changed.  He did some X-Rays and an MRI and said there was a little arthritis.  When training BJJ I noticed there were a ton of things I couldn't do and I also had trouble tying my shoes or rotating my leg.  My flexibility was dropping by the day.  I made an appointment with an orthopedic Dr. that took one look at the X-Ray and said "Oh my god, there is nothing I can do for you."  He referred me to a sports specialist who was going to perform arthroscopy. 

I decided this wasn't a good option so I met with Dr. Snyder out of Newton Wellesley Hospital.  He said I need to have the resurfacing done so here I am 2 weeks out.  I'm nervous about the operation and recovery but am hoping to not have any issues.  I'm only 35 years old and in good shape.  I work out all the time and live an active lifestyle.  What advice do you all have for me to make this as easy as possible?  I will take things easy post op and make sure things are fully healed and that my bones attach to the implant before training hard.  It's a marathon not a sprint.

Anyways, just looking for some support from the experts.

Thanks,
Pete

[Tin Soldier]

Good job for getting it taken care of.  I'm 42 and there are a number of folks here that are younger, so 35 is not that young for OA.  I didn't do much on the front side of surgery, others have, such as special PT muscle work.  I think there is a section here that has some threads on it.  Otherwise I'm sure a few folks will post. 

Marathon, indeed.  Keep in mind for martial arts and that sort of extreme flexibility, it may take awhile to gain that back.  I'm 7 months post op on my left and that hip is still pretty stiff.  I should have done more stretching, but the right hip slowed me down.  You may be ahead of the game by just being more flexible already, from years of martial arts. 

Good luck and keep us posted on recovery.

[Dannywayoflife]

Pete,
       I sure wish my hip had lasted to 35! I was also heavily into martial arts prior to my hip getting too bad,(mostly muay Thai and mma/bbj ). I'm 28 I am having my left hip done on the 9th of November, I carnt wait as I've not trained for about 16 months now and I've gotten propperly fat!!
You have already said recovery is a marathon not a sprint that seems to be echoed by all the top surgeons so your obviously a sensible guy.
Congrats o. Finding this site as I'm sure you will find it as helpful as I have!
Atb Danny

[rbt2011]

Pistol,

There are a few of us that have some background in martial arts and needed a resurfacing.  I am 37 and am scheduled to get surgery in a few weeks.

The best advice I have from about one year on this site is the following:

1) Find an experienced doctor.  This far and away the MOST important thing you can do.  Find out how many resurfacing procedures they have done (Not just hip replacement procedures) and get him to answer all the questions you have.  (Patty has a list of questions you can print off and bring with you.)  If you aren't comfortable with the guy you have now, then search the website and locate an experienced surgeon in your area or find another surgeon who you trust to do the procedure.  Several will review your x-rays for free and if you have a PPO, I am told the health insurance aspect is not that painful to get approved.

2) Find out what device the surgeon uses.  Make sure you are comfortable with this particular device (In case you did not know there are several devices out there).

3) Ask questions and do searches on past posts for things you are not sure about.  Everyone here is GREAT and is happy to help you along.

Good luck to you and best wishes for your upcoming surgery.

[David]

Pete...you are doing the right thing.
I've had ongoing hip issues for 5+ years. Had Hip arthroscopy 3 years ago and had a little relief, but never really improved my strength and flexibility enough to improve my performance.  All just slowly, then progressively got worse.  After having had the BHR recently, all I can say is I wish I had done it 3 years ago.  I'm 50 but have the brain and body (except for the hip) of a 12 year old.
Best of luck, go for it positively and you will prosper...
David

[curt]

Brother, age doesn't matter...pain does.   Whenever it hits, take care of it.  For most of us, we waited too long (for the first one, in the case of the bi-lats), and the pain gets dramatically worse and more quickly.  I travelled 7 hours by car to get to the surgeon of my choice.  Ride down was no problem, but ride back seemed a little long, even with the polar ice machine.
Basically, find an experienced guy and get 'er done.  Someone once asked me when you know its time.  For me it was when I could hardly walk and could NOT sleep at all.  I wish I had known it was time a LOT sooner.  Happy to be where I am now, though.  Good luck and you will be in good hands with this site and a little research.  Curt