Remember, even if you can't get all the way back to the level you were at before being injured, that's probably better than not getting fixed at all, right?  I can't run remotely as fast as I did just 10 years ago.  I accept that I never will.  I can say with absolute confidence, though, that I WILL run, which is waaaaaay better than the limp and crumple that I was doing when I just walked prior to surgery.  All a matter of perspective.  I wouldn't trade where I am now for anything.  Good luck with Dr. Su and a very happy outcome.  Curt

 Interesting topic.
I am 11 months post op and did used to enjoy sprinting. I was never competitive but probably did around 12seconds for 100 in my late 30's. (now 45) I would love to be able to sprint to the shops, hurdling the road barriers like I used to leaving my housemates amazed that I could be back so quick.
At around 5-6 months post op I still hadn't felt comfortable jogging and would play tennis with a skip when moving off, to protect the weak hip.
However at 11 months I'm still surprised at how much better things are getting each week.

I cycle absolutely everywhere and although I'm sure this helped recovery after the op I have decided that it's now holding me back so I've started walking more.
The first few times.... walking 1/2 mile to the shops at a fast pace the next day the hip would ache. However that means it's 'learning' and deciding where to build up strength. I only started this 'walking more' two weeks ago and can already feel the benefits.

So now I'm beginning to believe I will sprint and hurdle barriers again.... (actually I don't mean hurdle, I mean one hand, legs together..... you'll know if you do it!)
And I very nearly did it the other day but pulled up, I think it was psychological, but I'm just so happy with my new hip I want to protect it. It's wierd 'cods most of the time I already don't know it's there, only when going to extreme edges of motion range.
It just reminds you just how amazing the body is. there are noticeable improvements every week but getting to 100% like 4 years ago before the arthr. took hold will probably take 4 years.... just hope the right hip doesn't go and I get a few years at peak.

Stick with it.

(LBHR 15th Dec 2010 Mr O'Hara, Birmingham)

Very cool, cassiewoofer... nice to hear your update. I'm about the same place timewise, but with two. I'm also starting to do things that are like before.

I've taken up juggling again, since it seems to involve the small muscles in keeping your balance to support the arms... I'm trying to learn to juggle while balancing on one foot, since that seems to really challenge the smaller muscles. I also use a slide board at home, sliding side to side to simulate skating. Overall, trying my damndest to supplement the straight forward motion of things like running or biking with some side to side or balancing things.

I even started doing balancing on a "T" board to force balancing side to side or forward and back. I figure in six months I'll take up surfing with my newfound balance  ::)

Quote from: hipnhop on July 13, 2011, 09:40:30 AM
I am four months out and tried to sprint yesterday (on a treadmill). I held a 9.0 (that's sprinting for me) for 60 seconds.  Felt so much better than slow running - felt lighter and less impact. Stopped because I am slowly trying to build up.  No soreness or pain in operated hip. Knee in un-operated hip started to hurt like hell.

I plan to start running again in six months. Just testing the waters and they feel good.

I REALLY needed to hear this..  Keep us updated.  I have to be able to run again.  If the doctor to me "after surgery you still wont be able to run" I wouldn't have it.

Arrojo - nice to hear you have it scheduled.  Good luck and keep us posted.

Hern - Those are the same types of exercises my PT wants me to do.

I posted on this before No.2.  Now, at 3 months post op on No.2 and 9 months post-op on No.1, I am starting to feel a little spring in the legs.  I didn't have it much in between surgeries because I was dealing with pain and ROM issues in the second hip.  I do think, now that I've gotten some spring back, that I may well be playing soccer again in a year and I may also be sprinting close to what I used to.  I may be overly optimistic, but at least the Frankenstein walk is gone.