I was operated on 06/06/11. Beforehand I had lost all mobility from a prior hip arthroscopy which led to heterotropic occification or crazy bone growth in the muscle. Dr. SU was my surgeon and admitted he had his hands full due to having to remove all the bone growth and do a hip resurfacing being very careful not to cause any further H/O.
When I woke up I was immediatly better. My leg was laying flat and I was in no pain. Mobility came back very slowly but every day I had more movement. I can now bring my knee to my chest. I can place my foot on the opposite knee with slight discomfort and working on bringing the foot towards my groin. Before the operation my foot was 12 inches away from my knee. Bringing my knee to 90 degrees was painfull and more than 90 degrees was impossible.
Will this week I tried out the hip with a little BJJ with my son. Now I told my son to go easy and not to put his foot on my operated hip. We started with my son on his back and me in his guard. WELL my son immediatly went after his dad hard. Now my son is only 13 but he is 5'11 and 175 lean pounds and has been doing BJJ/Judo since he was 4. He regulary beats up on men and has never been beaten in competition in his age group. I am happy to say I fought out of his guard, went to a north/south position and submitted him. Now for those of you that don't know BJJ this required a lot of hip swivel and movement.
I then eased up and I was now in a high turtle position (on all fours) as I did wanted to make sure the hip was ok. NO PAIN with my son on my back.
I was then lying on my back with my son in the full mount. I went to escape and elevated his hips with my feet and went for reversal. (All of this requiring a lot of hip movement) At this point I am holding my son's weight up in the air with my feet. I then tried spinning him. This left my operated hip holding all of his unstable weight. My leg couldn't hold him up due to muscle weakness and gave out. BUT NO PAIN.
Now all day I waited to see if any soreness or pain would settle in. Much to my surprise the hip felt better (looser) and no soreness.
Now I do not recommend anyone trying out there hip as I did. I know my body very well, I am still highly conditioned, and it was still a risk. I am posting this to let others know that it is possible to return to BJJ after having horrific hip pain and lack of movement.
Nice mate! what sub you get him with? I have been unable to train in any martial arts for over a year now and for 3-4 months before that i was limited in what i could do! So the news that fellow mma guys are getting back to training post op is music to my ears!!!!
Quote from: Dannywayoflife on September 21, 2011, 03:20:48 PM
Nice mate! what sub you get him with? I have been unable to train in any martial arts for over a year now and for 3-4 months before that i was limited in what i could do! So the news that fellow mma guys are getting back to training post op is music to my ears!!!!
Arm triangle from the top north/south position. One of my favorites as I am top heavy so once I sink my weight down it is very hard to escape.
I know the feeling of not training. I have not done any sport since 09/09. I have tried getting on the mat but all with limitations and limited success. Just insist on the best doctor and tell him what you wish to accomplish with your new hip. Before the surgery Dr. Su specifically asked me what I wanted from the operation and I showed him the movement I needed. I have also heard of him asking other athlete patients what they needed.
Armtriangle is one of my favourites too.
I am pretty hopeful as my surgeon will be mr treacy he's done more than anyone else! Around 5000 but that count is a few years old. So I'm in good hands in the surgery department.
Did you gain any weight when you couldn't train? I've managed to put on about 40 pounds!
NEMESIS
That is awesome. Congratulations. You must be feeling great coming this far in the last 3 months.
Thanks for the story. I know Danny and I both are really excited to get the surgery done and get back to BJJ/Martial arts so your story gives us hope. Speaking for myself at least, I am definitely more confident that I can return to doing this sport after reading your post.
Thanks for sharing. Best of luck on your continued recovery.
I aggree totally rob it's great to hear from guys who are into the same sports as us further down the recovery line getting back into It.
I remember how broken I was when I first found out that I'd need a new joint and I honestly thought I'd never train again! Now atleast if my op goes well I have hope! Thanks to all you mma/martial arts hippies you give us so much inspiration!
Great news, Nemesis - you're right, it was a risk but you know your body. I found somewhat the same thing, my hips feel better when I push them a bit. Nice to keep the youngster down for one more year though 8)
I did everything I could to stay in shape and didn't gain any weight. That was a product being in pain and losing my appetite. After the pain was resolved i was amazed to realize how much of a true burden it was to me.
For example I would be working out my upper body in the gym and just limping from one part of the gym to another, being self conscious because of the limp, in pain from the hip, it would be very hard to have any sort of drive.
I have always carried a lot of muscle on my body but now that I can workout pain free everyone is commenting on how much more muscle I have been putting on. In reality the operation has been a blessing.
On keeping the kid down, i will enjoy it while i can but my days are numbered. My son is very motivated and is a solid adult blue belt at 13. In 8 more years he will be a 21 year old black belt and I will be a 50 year old black belt. This is a fact he joyfully keeps pointing out to me.
Nem,
I wish that could say ive not gained weight but due to being immobile from the hip and working like a loony. I just have badly neglected my diet and I've paid for it big time!
Ha keep the lad in check for as long as you can sounds like he's going to be a hand full:-)
Nem, have you managed to try any more bjj since your last little roll?
This is awesome to read. I'm exactly 2 weeks out from surgery and am nervous but excited to have my range of motion back and to be able to get back on the mats pain free in a few months. Tonight will be my last night of rolling for a few months so I better make it count.
Hay pete welcome to surface hippy! Your 2weeks out I'm 16 days out scary hay?
There's some good days ahead for you guys, after the recuperation. Best of luck, you'll do well. Several of us are in the process of getting back to normal (or as normal as martial artists are).
Quote from: hernanu on October 24, 2011, 06:42:26 PM
There's some good days ahead for you guys, after the recuperation. Best of luck, you'll do well. Several of us are in the process of getting back to normal (or as normal as martial artists are).
That's very true hern I've berm acused of many thing but being "normal" has never been one of them! ;D
Quote from: Dannywayoflife on October 24, 2011, 05:04:52 PM
Hay pete welcome to surface hippy! Your 2weeks out I'm 16 days out scary hay?
Way too funny. We will both have to motivate each other pre and post surgery for sure. I'm def. getting anxious and nervous as hell. I'm just praying for a good surgery and quick and healthy recovery. By next Summer I want to be tearing up the BJJ mats like a crazy person. HAHA
Ditto pete! I am a mix of excitement and fear. I have to put the whole of my future in the hands of someone else, and being the control freek I am that doesn't sit right with me! So believe me I know how you feel bro!
I'm planning on taking a full 12 months to heal fully its going to be hard but it will take me that long to burn the fat I've put on in the last 14 months!:-(
Quote from: Dannywayoflife on October 15, 2011, 01:13:25 AM
Nem, have you managed to try any more bjj since your last little roll?
Well today I was sitting in on my sons wrestling class getting a lot of joy seeing him throw men around. Yup that's my boy that is doing that. He kept doing the same mistake of letting them shrimp in because he was not putting his knee on the persons hip to block it and moving towards the head. Well I went down on the mat to correct him. As we are talking with me lazily on his side he trys to whips his Leg over my head and yanks my arm to arm bar it. Instead of sticking to just going over things and telling him to stop I quickly defended.
This had me stoping his leg with one arm moving my operated side foot to my butt so that I could go chest to chest. When I pushed off the operated side I was ok but when i did a quick shift of the hips while pushing off the operated side, with my foot very close to my butt it REALLY HURT. I stopped and was scared as the pain stayed and I couldn't get up for a few. I immediately thought I'm done just ruined it. All the hard work for nothing. BUT and thank God I got up shook it off and no after pain or sorness.
I will be going back this month but no rolling yet. Just doing technique and working on my timing. More for gaining more movement in the hip and continue to slowly build it up.
I know what you guys are going threw as I suffered myself for a long time. From 09/99 to be exact. If you guys want anything specific answered let me know.
Hope you feel ok now nem! I'm just driving up to Birmingham today for my pre op.
As you are going to I intend to start out just drilling before I start rolling when I've healed enough. Please keep us posted how you go mate.
Danny
Quote from: Nemesis on October 31, 2011, 01:28:20 AM
Quote from: Dannywayoflife on October 15, 2011, 01:13:25 AM
Nem, have you managed to try any more bjj since your last little roll?
Well today I was sitting in on my sons wrestling class getting a lot of joy seeing him throw men around. Yup that's my boy that is doing that. He kept doing the same mistake of letting them shrimp in because he was not putting his knee on the persons hip to block it and moving towards the head. Well I went down on the mat to correct him. As we are talking with me lazily on his side he trys to whips his Leg over my head and yanks my arm to arm bar it. Instead of sticking to just going over things and telling him to stop I quickly defended.
This had me stoping his leg with one arm moving my operated side foot to my butt so that I could go chest to chest. When I pushed off the operated side I was ok but when i did a quick shift of the hips while pushing off the operated side, with my foot very close to my butt it REALLY HURT. I stopped and was scared as the pain stayed and I couldn't get up for a few. I immediately thought I'm done just ruined it. All the hard work for nothing. BUT and thank God I got up shook it off and no after pain or sorness.
I will be going back this month but no rolling yet. Just doing technique and working on my timing. More for gaining more movement in the hip and continue to slowly build it up.
I know what you guys are going threw as I suffered myself for a long time. From 09/99 to be exact. If you guys want anything specific answered let me know.
That's what I've found - many things seem to go right, then you do a move and HELLO!...
It's why I'm trying to strengthen the supporting muscles - I know the large muscles are strong enough, it's the little ones that need the help.
Thats good to know ill make sure i really work on the stableiseing muscles!
One thing that people have had issues with, especially early on, when the muscles are not yet fully strong is anything that replicates the motion that the doctor did when dislocating the hip to loosen it so he/she could do the HR.
So early on, movement that aggressively turns your toes into your body and heel out is copying that movement (if I'm wrong, please correct). I think this is one of the reasons for the limitation some surgeons put on crossing the midline of the body early on.
Ok Hearn I'll bear that in mind. I plan on being quite conservative for the first 6 weeks then gradually doing light strengthening stuff. And lots of massage to break down the scar tissue.
Quote from: Dannywayoflife on October 31, 2011, 02:37:56 PM
Thats good to know ill make sure i really work on the stableiseing muscles!
What is really helping me is high rep work, perfect form and control, working stabilizing and glute muscles. This entails abduction, adduction, kickbacks, and calf raises to name a few. Again very light and easy after at least 3 weeks of doing nothing but walking.
Don't think of the weight. When I started I was working out it was with 1 measly plate on the adduction machine for a set of 12. I did not increase the weight until I could do 20. This is from a guy that would train with 315lb for reps off a 12 inch high box with ease. (this also probably led to my hips being destroyed but that is another story. Leave the ego for when you go on long walks.
Roger that nem. I'll bear that in mind.
Before I got my hr I was looking for anyone with a grappling background to see how they made out and I found none. For the benifit of all I decided to continue documenting my recovery. Well I have had small short burst of pain from attaining a new position in everyday life but no soreness. I have been hesitant to hit the mats again since my last time and feeling the strong shot of pain.
Fast forward to last week and I find out of a seminar that Kurt Pelligrino and another Pan American champ are giving at my old school cheap. I tell my son to sign us up. I attended today thinking I will take it easy staying away from throws and takedowns. Well Kurt Pelligrino didn't get the memo of my hip resurfacing and starts of with 30 minutes of takedowns. REALLY!!! Anyway 2 years of no takedowns and I was still doing better than most. My son even commented, "I knew you weren't going to have a problem taking people down". Thank god for muscle memory.
Then we did an hour of ground work. Yes I still can grapple. My son commented, "Your hips were a little stiff and it looks like your trying to avoid pushing off your feet." Shut up kid who asked you.
Now to the good. No pain. Stiffness yes. But joint pain no. It did hurt my scar when it was weighted but not the joint. My hip flexors are going to be sore and stiff. I do have some joint soreness but more in the non operated hip. In the HR hip almost nothing.
How far along are you since your surgery? I'm 11 weeks and next week I'm going to do a bit of light BJJ training. I will roll at about 25% or so and will only train with 2 guys at my school because they won't try going any harder and will allow for a slow roll. I will do technique so long as it's simple things and not butterfly sweeps or anything.
I actually found someone that is a BJJ blackbelt that is 6 months post op from HR surgery and he's been helpful. He said he's back to training about 80% or so and feels pretty good. He said triangle chokes and belly down armbars seem to put the most stress on his new hip so he's been avoiding those.
I won't be doing any takedowns for at least 1 year as the stress of slamming the mat could cause some issues I'm sure.
That is too cool, Nemesis. You know the little one is going to bust you every opportunity, right? The scar thing is probably scar tissue - just keep checking everything, but I'm glad you're back to grappling.
Quote from: PistolPete on January 26, 2012, 09:17:14 AM
How far along are you since your surgery? I'm 11 weeks and next week I'm going to do a bit of light BJJ training. I will roll at about 25% or so and will only train with 2 guys at my school because they won't try going any harder and will allow for a slow roll. I will do technique so long as it's simple things and not butterfly sweeps or anything.
I actually found someone that is a BJJ blackbelt that is 6 months post op from HR surgery and he's been helpful. He said he's back to training about 80% or so and feels pretty good. He said triangle chokes and belly down armbars seem to put the most stress on his new hip so he's been avoiding those.
I won't be doing any takedowns for at least 1 year as the stress of slamming the mat could cause some issues I'm sure.
Good strategy Pete - remember that 12 weeks is when the femoral neck is the weakest, so take care of that.
Nem thats awesome mate! I cant wait to be able to grapple again!
Quote from: PistolPete on January 26, 2012, 09:17:14 AM
How far along are you since your surgery? I'm 11 weeks and next week I'm going to do a bit of light BJJ training. I will roll at about 25% or so and will only train with 2 guys at my school because they won't try going any harder and will allow for a slow roll. I will do technique so long as it's simple things and not butterfly sweeps or anything.
I actually found someone that is a BJJ blackbelt that is 6 months post op from HR surgery and he's been helpful. He said he's back to training about 80% or so and feels pretty good. He said triangle chokes and belly down armbars seem to put the most stress on his new hip so he's been avoiding those.
I won't be doing any takedowns for at least 1 year as the stress of slamming the mat could cause some issues I'm sure.
I had my surgery 06/06/11. If you read the previous posts you will get a little backround. I would really wait more than 11/12 weeks. I waited 15 weeks before a "test run" but I am a very experienced athlete with my body. I also did TONS of rehab.
There are many takedowns that are not hip or over the head throws. I will be staying away from them permanently. Simple trips that give you an advantage is all I will ever be doing.
Last night my non operated hip was sore. Wasn't sure if it was my lower back, hip, sciatica, or combination. Anyway I couldn't sleep. Went to an excellent Chiro and he said my hip bone was out of sync. I was so twisted I was having problems walking straight. I had an aggressive adjustment and felt so much better. Attributing everything to my core not being ready for the takedowns and positions I still know how to do.
Last night I slept fine. Today I took an easy beginner class. I DID GREAT. I didn't do some things as I want to go back slow. I was very upset getting myself in good positions only to say, "what do I do now?" A far cry from when I had to decide which move I wanted to do. NO MUSCLE MEMORY on the ground.
Operated hip is fine. Very Very Light discomfort. No joint pain. NON-Operated hip is hurting. :-[ If I don't make it back it will be because of non-operated and not wanting to go under the knife again. I am certain it would be a success but with the grappling I was pain free. I worked out with weights. I did grueling cardio stair sessions. My non-operated and operated hip were fine.
Sounds great, Nemesis. Funny that the ground muscle memory is tough now. You'll get it back, but it might be associated with the smaller muscles for the more intricate moves.
Quote from: hernanu on January 28, 2012, 11:12:28 AM
Sounds great, Nemesis. Funny that the ground muscle memory is tough now. You'll get it back, but it might be associated with the smaller muscles for the more intricate moves.
My problem is like amnesia. I can get myself in good position. Before I would have to decide what route I wanted to take to finish out of a few different options. Now I am finding myself forgeting about what I can do.
Yeah I know what you mean nem when you have to think where do I go from here you never seem to be able to get a submission. Everything has to flow and come natural. At least that's what I've always found. I'm going to be so so rusty when eventually I get back to the mat I'll of been out of grappling for 2.5 years by then!
Did live grappling again. I have gotten absolutely swamped at work and my son hurt his knee. If he doesn't go to BJJ then I make sure I get him to the gym to work on his strength. Also I have been having very minor groin discomfort. It is not even enough to take an ibuprofen. My recovery has been great and without pain but it scares me as I never had it.
Well grappled with a purple belt. His right knee was bothering him so I told him I would only go to his left side. Very hard to pass a purple belt when he knows you are going left and you refuse to grab his right knee. Anyway I out pointed him.
I then went with a brand new guy but a solid young man. Quick work of him but at One point my hip was at a "different angle And I felt as if my HR was grinding for a couple seconds. Very scary.
During the warm up I felt new movement and angles in the hip. I knew I was going to be sore in the hips so I took an anti-inflammatory.
Sounds like your doing well mate but please take it slowly if your having issues like you describe.
Will next morning all was well. A little tightness and very slight soreness but no were near as bad as my first grappling session. Did the bike for 15 min and some minor stretching to get blood moving.
Niceone nem, I can't wait to get back on the mat. I think that my ROM needs to be 100% before I return.
I did 30 hard minutes on the eliptical without pain a few days ago. Today I worked out my legs with:
6 sets of leg presses for 30 reps
3 sets of leg curls
4 sets of leg kickbacks
4 sets of abduction ( legs out )
I did all this after a 10 minute ride on a bike
Thats awesome Nem!!
Nice, Nemesis. I have to find a kickback machine, my old gym had one and it was great. I think it's hidden in my new gym, but I'm still investigating. Still can't find a bathroom, limits the amount of time I can use to work out.
I wanted to add that on the leg press (or any leg machine) I am taking short breaks and the first few sets are hard but not max. I pick a weight and stick with it for all my sets. I get a great burn in my legs which is what I am after. This allows me to minimize the wear on the HR that I assume heavy poundages would bring.
No hip pain the next day. Some minor muscle soreness.
Keep up the good work mate!!
Went in for another session. Did 2 hard rolls. Technically as far as positioning I am great. Still slow on my transitions. HR hip is fine, slight soreness if anything. MY OTHER HIP ON THE OTHER HAND. :( has groin pain, and is sore and tight. If anything stops my BJJ it will be my old hip not the HR hip.
After my warmup I also have a very slight tightness if anything in my groin. After 2 hard rolls, with a muscular 185lb or more opponent, my HR hip may have a slight swelling feeling.
Awesome mate! I can't wait to be back on the mats! I can't wait to be back in the boxing ring either!!
What do you do for a warmup, Nemesis? Maybe if you vary that, your muscles will react better
Quote from: hernanu on February 18, 2012, 03:24:25 PM
What do you do for a warmup, Nemesis? Maybe if you vary that, your muscles will react better
Thanks for this. I never realized something. As rule I never stretch my legs before warming up for at least 5 minutes. That is except when I do BJJ as I stretch with the group. This is the tightness in the groin.
Non-operated hip still stiff with slight discomfort. Have not done anything because of my vivid memories of pain. I will be trying a strong anti-inflammatory / loosening supplement to see if that will help my hip joint.
No problem. I also never stretch before warming up, I remember nursing a groin pull for 11 months years ago (ay before OA), then getting smart and finding out about how ballet dancers warm up (was dating one). I started warming up and eventually lost the groin pain.
any updates on this hip and bjj? Im 5 weeks out from bilateral, Im a brown belt and im hoping to get back to training lightly at the 6 month mark....Ill likely start drilling and light rolling for a month or two just to be safe