Pwalter

How do I find information about specific sports and BHR.   Two years ago I was much more active, competing in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, XTERRA (off-road) triathlon, and weight lifting.   When can I safely return to these activities and any precautions during healing.   

Thanks.
Robert
BHR left hip, Jan 2007
BHR right hip, Feb 2007 by James Rector, Boulder, Co

Hi Robert

I am sorry but I don't have any specific information about your favorite sports.  I would suggest that you ask your surgeon when you can safely return to your previous activities.

I assume you read the stories about the other athletes http://www.surfacehippy.info/athletes.php  posted on my website  Some of them returned to their previous sports very quickly.  Cory was running a marathon at 3 months and an Ironman Triathlon, at I think, 6 months, later.  But most US doctors will not let you return to such activities that quickly.  They are very conservative compared to the overseas doctors.  The overseas doctors have much much more experience than the US dotors.  So they pretty much know what a person can do and when they can do it.  Many US doctors will not want you to run - but many people do.  It is something you need to talk over with your surgeon.  The different surgeons use different surgical approaches and techniques and that affects how your body works after surgery.  My doctor, De Smet, does a long incision, but only takes 45 mintues to do an operation. That way you recover more quickly. He is able to get in and get out and does not disturb surrounding areas of the hip.  He uses stitches and no drains and there is no bruising or swelling.  The US doctors usually use staples and drains.  The incision seems to take longer to heal than the overseas doctors.

I am sorry I don't have more specifics for you, but I don't have contact with any other athletes than the ones I have posted.  It does seems that everyday you read about another popular athlete getting a hip resurfacing or total hip replacment. I think in the next several years there will be many more stories about athletes getting hip resurfacing since it allows them to remain active without any restrictions.

Pat