I am 5 years out of a BHR on the right side. I have always been a runner, but it did take me 4 years to get back to running. My hip just wasn’t strong enough and I had a lot of failed starts. But after years of PT work, I am back full swing….

I ran the Cherry Blossom 10 miler and the GW Parkway 10 Miler races in DC this spring. I had hip flexor problems during the race, although I’ve had them since this whole hip thing started (I had two previous surgeries to try to fix FAI). But my annual cortisone shot cleared that up.

Anyway, I have just signed up for 4 half marathons and a 10 miler over the next year. Crazy, huh??? I was feeling that good!

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Original Story

I am 43 years old and I have HR scheduled for Dec 14. I’m scared to death. Actually crying as I write this… Not of the surgery, but of going through this all for nothing…

I should start with my backstory…

I’ve had 2 previous arthroscopic hip surgeries for labrial tears due to FAI. In fact, it seems to have had surgery every 2 years – this next one is just about the 2 year anniversary of the last one.

The first one they just cleaned up the tear. The surgeon said he couldn’t believe I was walking as I had so many tears. I actually had run on the tears for months before I broke down to see a doctor. I’m a marathon runner and to us, what’s a little pain. (although, when it got obvious something was really really wrong, I did stop running, and right before the surgery I could barely sit without severe pain)

The recovery was hard the first 2 weeks due to terrible amounts of swelling, but after that I was up and about and back to running. Then the tears started to happen again. This time, the went in and did oestoplasty to shave the bones to fit better. While overall I was moving better after surgery, I ached for months. Finally, I got the go ahead to start running again. It was a slow start, but eventually started to train for the Army 10 miler. One bad run last summer and I decided to back off and stick to 5 miles on the treadmill. At least I was still running. Then last April, I did a hard run, then went scuba diving, then went dancing (I was on vacation) – it seemed all these activities at once did me in and I came back unable to walk.

I went to my surgeon and he said I have OA and he had never seen such a severe case progress so quickly. 6 months prior I had no signs of OA. While he thought I needed resurfacing, we decided to try cortisone and PT for a while (I just couldn’t wrap my head around OA and a replacement) I was in such terrible pain, but had a little relief. I went back to see my surgeon again a few months later when I realized there was no cure for OA. He recommended Dr. Mont in Baltimore. We also decided to try another cortisone shot. This time, it was a miracle. I was able to run (ok, a mile or two, but I was running), could walk without a limp. I couldn’t bring my knee to my chest, but hey, who needs to do that!!! I had some restrictions and a little pain here and there, but I felt great.

This was the state Dr. Mont saw me in. He said I looked fine and he doesn’t treat xrays but pain. He said I could keep getting cortisone shots every 3 months for the rest of my life if it helped. But no running as I could damage the bones and then no longer have a window for HR.

As the cortisone shot began to wear off (only really lasted about 1.5 months and the pain slowly came back), I am back to constant pain. I went ahead and scheduled the surgery but now absolutely terrified!!!!

Not of surgery, after 2 I’m a freaking pro at this. Of not getting better. Of being back here in a year or two or even 5 in the same place. Of not giving cortisone more of a try. Of waiting too long. Of waiting not long enough.

Dr. Mont also said I will have no limitations on running and can start as soon as 3-4 months post-op if I wanted.

December 18, 2011 I had my HR on Wednesday with Dr. Mont and everything went well. I must say the improvements I am feeling every day is amazing! The first day the thought of just going to the bathroom brought tears to my eyes… now I am moving around no problem. My operated leg is sore and feels like they put extra lead in the hip (feels so heavy) so sliding in and out of bed I still need assistance. But for 4 days post-op, I am not complaining!

bAt Day 6 post op, the good news is I have very little hip pain. The bad news is the muscles on that leg have become so painful, I no longer can do minimal movements. The pain is on the lower part of my thigh, right above the knee. It feels like it does after a really really hard workout. Tender to touch, almost impossible to use. I understand that the muscles are cut and moved around during surgery, so I’m not surprised they ache. But I am surprised they are so much worse today. I have been moving around, but with the pain, I wouldn’t say I’m over doing it – went up and down the steps once (actually that was mostly on my butt like a toddler as the pain too severe).

I am just going to concentrate on the fact that my hip feels absolutely amazing!

So basically today I am going to rest more and apply lots of ice. I know elevation is also part of the RICE equation, but not sure how I can elevated AND keep the 90 deg rule AND be able to get something done beside sleeping!

June 14, 2016

I have fully gotten back into running!  Really running and training!! I just ran my first 5K since all my hip problems started, and I placed third in my age group!  Wahoo!!!

As I was nearing the finish line, it occurred to me that I finally pain-free.  Yes, it took me a long time to recover – and more importantly to have the confidence again to try to race.  But I am finally here!!!

Next up, my first 10K in 10 years

October 13, 2016

I am almost 5 years post-op.  I ran marathons pre-hip everything…   For lots of reasons, I’ve had a few false starts getting back to running post-op.  And truthfully I’m scared shitless to cause any damage to this wonderful hip that has me active again. So I worked slowly on strength and flexibility over the past few years.

But I’m finally here.  Training for the Marine Corp 10K here in DC in 3 weeks.  I did a 7 mile run – slow and steady – last weekend.  But I felt so amazing I’m almost tempted to try something longer than a 10K for next race….

Dare I try a 10 miler?  or a half marathon?

My fear is ending up with a revision too soon. I’m 48 years old (has surgery at 44) and I’m hoping this hip will last me until almost 60 years old, so the revision after that will be when I’m 80

March 20, 2017

I have been training for two 10 mile races in April and my training is going amazing well.  Ran 10 miles yesterday with absolutely no problems. Hilly courses tend to be much harder for me but other than that, I’m doing great. So great that when a friend asked me to do a marathon with her… I actually considered it. Then I spent some time researching BHR failures and causes. I turn 49 in a few months and would like this hip to last as long as possible.

June 9, 2017

I am 5 years out of a BHR on the right side.  I have always been a runner, but it did take me 4  years to get back to running.  My hip just wasn’t strong enough and I had a lot of failed starts.  But after years of PT work, I am back full swing….

I ran the Cherry Blossom 10 miler and the GW Parkway 10 Miler races in DC this spring.  I had hip flexor problems during the race, although I’ve had them since this whole hip thing started (I had two previous surgeries to try to fix FAI).  But my annual cortisone shot cleared that up.

Anyway, I have just signed up for 4 half marathons and a 10 miler over the next year.  Crazy, huh???  I was feeling that good!