Dr Su and post operation activity

[meister]

I am going in Jan 12th, and really wondering what people think about the long term effect of going back to full activities after proper rehab and time.  For example, is it wise to play tennis, golf, paddle tennis full on like before?  or will this shorten the life of the hip and cause you to need another operation sooner.

51 year old male, having resurfacing done,

thanks

G

[dwbitt]

Hi Meister,
Welcome to Surfacehippy.
I believe many of us here have selected Resurfacing because it allows us to resume the activities we enjoyed before our hips became problematic. Some people here are less active than others and simply chose this procedure because it is a bone conserving approach allowing for a conventional Total Hip Replacement in the future if additional surgery is ever required. Younger patients are more likely to need a revision after 20 years or more, the longevity data has not yet been compiled.
I'm 65 and decided this is the best procedure for me, and you have selected one of the best Drs. in the world to do your surgery.

There are athletes on this site that have completed IronMan Triathlons just months after receiving their new hips.
Will the device last longer if you avoid strenuous activity? Well, maybe it would, I have not seen any revision data indicating the device failed because of the activity level of the patient.
I suppose if you simply sat on the couch for your remaining years the device might last until your ready to 'check out'.
It is also possible that "use it or lose it" logic might prevail, bone is made stronger by stress, bone ingrowth to the implant is an important aspect of the success of the device!!

I encourage you to explore this site between now and January 12th, I'm sure you will enjoy the vast knowledge base the exists here.
Here is a link to one of Dr. Su's patients and his logic for selecting the BHR:

http://www.surfacehippy.info/robertarnot08.php

I just passed 3 weeks post op with Dr. Su and I know you are going to have a great experience.

Regards,
Dave

[David]

Meister,
I'm a patient of Dr. Su post-op 12 weeks and 50yo.
Been active all my life, high level competitive in a bunch.
I feel like the clock has been turned back 15 years with no pain.
Golfing, swimming, cycling, boarding all feel better so far.
You will be good...
David

[Jimt]

Hello David,

I am having surgery Friday Dec 2nd by Dr. Su on my right hip.  I am a 45 year old male traveling from Indianapolis because I am lucky enough to be a candidate to have surgery from Dr Su.   I am. 4th Dan black belt in TKD and avid Golfer (6 handicap that has been going up!). 

This site has been great.  The stories really help to keep positive and to know what to expect.

JimT

[Dannywayoflife]

I've read a few studies that show no correlation between high usage and wear of the device.
I think the most important thing is to rehab properly and allow your bones to recover before resuming high end activity. I've read that Derrick mcminn has attributed atleast 2 failures in the 9-12 year range due to a too early return to sport.
These devices are designed to create what's called thick film fluid lubrication so meaning the articulating surfaces actually don't touch.
Take it easy for 12 months and then gradually return to your activities. That's the advice of both Derrick mcminn and Ronan Treacy the developers of the bhr. 

[David]

Hey Jim,
You are almost there.  Just be diligent with your pt/rehab and you will be right back at it.
I've got my 3 month post-op appointment with Dr. Su tomorrow a.m...can't wait to see if all is looking as good as I've been feeling and performing.
Danny,
I can surely wait a while before I start running and doing more high impact activities.  I'll listen to Dr. Su and my body and feel 'll know when it's safe to go.  Thanks.
David

[Jimt]

David,

How long was it before Dr. Su allowed you to golf?

Jim

[Woodstock Hippy]

Meister, the answer is really; we don't know.  These hips have only been approved for a short time in the US and not many people overseas have had them long enough to be a true test either.  For me, I'm 61 and I intend to die with these hips.  I've been a long distance runner and triathlete for over 30 years.  As the hips were failing over the past two years I took up long distance mountain bike racing. So my new plan is to continue mountain bike racing, race in long distance open water swims and try to get my 5K running time down below 22:00 at 63 years old.  I think we have to modify what we did before and stay in the game and make sure that these new hips last as long as possible.

David, good luck with Dr Su tomorrow!

[David]

Jimt,
Just looked in my log, hit some balls, wedges, half shots & putts at 6 weeks.  Played a full round at 7 weeks and have played once a week since.  Played collegiate golf way back and held a 2 for a while.  This is the most golf I've played in at least 10 years.  Starting to get a feel back just in these few rounds...and NO PAIN!
Best...D.

[Jimt]

David,

Awesome news!   So loading the right hip is not an issue?  I can't rotate my hips enough to get a good shoulder anymore.

Hope your check up went well today!

[David]

First time out on the front nine I was all arms, then realized nothing was hurting or tweaking.
Started to turn on the back and the smiles began...no pain or hurt...