Here is a place to tell other possible Hip Resurfacing Patients how well you are doing, how far you are riding and how soon your are back to riding after hip resurfacing surgery.
Yesterday I went for my third ride since surgery on May 8th. I spent 5 hours covering 200 miles in the Eastern Sierra of California. It was a beautiful day and my hip felt fine. I feel fine today also. It's still a little challenging getting on the bike, and I'm not ready for dirt riding yet but all in all I'm really pleased to be back in the saddle again!
That's great! I bet the scenery on your ride was beautiful! Yep, getting on and off the bike (as a passenger) was not and probably still is not the most graceful looking, but I can do it! And to be able to ride pain free is amazing. The other day, I had to hop off rather quickly (shhh, don't tell my husband)....he turned the bike just a little too sharp leaving our driveway and it started to fall over, so I had to jump off quickly to help get it back up right, and amazingly, I got right off and helped him before it fell all the way over. I thought later, I don't even remember HOW I got off, but I did it without thinking about it. If that had happened prior to my surgery, well, let's just say, I wouldn't have been very helpful. I had my surgery in January of this year and we went on a good 3,000 mile round trip in May/June!
Here's to your continued healing and safe riding!
MOTORCYCLES ????? Them things are dangerous aren't they ? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Glad to see this section in here, Good stuff.
I don't ride in the street, just desert riding and some oldtimer motocross. I doubt I will be riding for close to a year as I don't want to ride until I am absolutely 100% sure I can take a moderate crash without fear of dislocation or knocking something loose etc. But knowing that I will be back motivates me to get into the best shape of my life 8) Several oldtimers (40 yrs. & up MX club) I know have new hips and have come back to be quite competitive. One guy is in his 70's, has both hips done, and races twice a month :o I am the first guy in our club (socalotmx.org) to get a resurfacing and will keep you posted as the info comes in. Now get off the computer and go put something exiting between your legs. B.I.L.L. out.
Well, I would have to say motocross is definitely a lot tougher on your hips, along with everything else! It's tough enough on a 20 something, let alone a 40 something! To be able to get back to motocross after this surgery just shows how far technolgy has come! I'm sure most people who have had this surgery and can get back to the acitivities they love will classify it as a miracle. Do you do any of those fancy tricks, like Cliff Hanger, Double Grab, Hart Attack, Nac-Nac or Whip? Ride safe!
Quote from: takilasunrise on October 02, 2008, 09:51:56 AM
Well, I would have to say motocross is definitely a lot tougher on your hips, along with everything else! It's tough enough on a 20 something, let alone a 40 something! To be able to get back to motocross after this surgery just shows how far technolgy has come! I'm sure most people who have had this surgery and can get back to the acitivities they love will classify it as a miracle. Do you do any of those fancy tricks, like Cliff Hanger, Double Grab, Hart Attack, Nac-Nac or Whip? Ride safe!
No no no .....it's more like "Roll a Cross" The oldtimers club is pretty laid back with more emphasis on comradarie than results.
"The only doubles I do have cheese" ;D
Hi all,
Left BHR 11/28/07 Dr. Ure. I was back on a motocross track in April 08, a little under six months out. I ended up riding motos and a little trail riding three to five days a week all summer with no issues. I have even been riding on a supercross track from the middle of the summer on. I've always said it and I will say it again, I truly believe that moto is way esier on your hips than alpine skiing unless you fall off.
Rock on,
R. Webb
Quote from: rob webb on November 07, 2008, 01:10:42 PM
Hi all,
Left BHR 11/28/07 Dr. Ure. I was back on a motocross track in April 08, a little under six months out. I ended up riding motos and a little trail riding three to five days a week all summer with no issues. I have even been riding on a supercross track from the middle of the summer on. I've always said it and I will say it again, I truly believe that moto is way esier on your hips than alpine skiing unless you fall off.
Rock on,
R. Webb
"Unless you fall off" :D Ha Ha Yeah that pretty much sums it up right there. It's not the riding, it's those pesky get-offs that take the fun out of it. Thats awesome you were able to ride at 6 months, I think my goal will be to surf 1st. and then start desert riding next season and start racing with the oldtimers again in 2010. Where do you live ?
Maybe I'll see you at a track. See ya, Bill
I just joined Surface Hippy a couple of days ago. Suregery, BHR, schedule 11/19 (next Wed.)
Really glad to find some kindred spirits (bikers) here on the site.
My intent was to have as much of the winter as possible to heal up. I sure hope to be able to put on the miles next spring when riding season starts again. It sure was frustrating this fall when I couldn't even sit on the bike since the middle of Sept, much less get in some fall rides. And of course, any day it was over forty degrees, I had to share the road with the lucky stiffs who were still riding. Frustrating!
JohnS
Last weekend I did my first single-track trail ride on my XR650L.
I am just over 6 months post op and went with a friend on some moderated trails, maybe 5 miles total. There were a couple tricky spots, one I let Kevin take my bike across some abandoned railroad tracks with no room for error, but other than that I rode the rest.
We spent about 5 hours touring in the Sierra foothills above Placerville, CA.
Quote from: Clydascope on November 18, 2008, 04:54:22 PM
Last weekend I did my first single-track trail ride on my XR650L.
I am just over 6 months post op and went with a friend on some moderated trails, maybe 5 miles total. There were a couple tricky spots, one I let Kevin take my bike across some abandoned railroad tracks with no room for error, but other than that I rode the rest.
We spent about 5 hours touring in the Sierra foothills above Placerville, CA.
How did your hip feel ? The XR650L sounds plush but heavy. I'm thinking about one of those KTM 300 electric start 2 strokes since its my right hip. Glad to hear your able to ride at 6 months. I'm hoping to be ready for next desert season. Does the XR have a button ? Had a XL500 for awhile, fun to ride but no fun to start ha ha. I think I want a button on my next bike.... ;D
Gotta say, my hip feels fine. I've been working hard with my PT and this has had positive results.
My XR is a big bike, not exactly a trail machine, but I do what I can with it. It does have a magic button, I'm a right hippy too. I think kicking a bike over right now would be a challenge.
(http://www.summitpost.org/images/small/453542.jpg)
So this past weekend I took a trip to Death Valley on the motorcycle. 575 miles in three days, 100 of them on dirt. Highlights included Titus Canyon, Greenwater Valley and Crankshaft Crossing/Eureka Valley.
I'm a little sore today, but no pain at all.
And today is my 7 month post operation date!!!
Clydascope,
Glad to hear you are getting out on the scooter.
Can you tell me more about your progress toward riding. I'm in Minnesota and so I won't even have the opportunity to ride for a few months (March if I'm really lucky). But I am very curious about how long it took you to get in the saddle and what you experienced with respect to comfort / pain / control.
Actually, I'm jealous as he-double-hockey-sticks 8)
JohnS
Hey John,
I was riding at 3 1/2 months post op, nervous for the first 0.1 miles and then it all fell into place. My biggest issue has been getting on and off the bike. No trouble with control, comfort or pain.
At 6 months post op I started dirt riding, easy, smooth, firm dirt roads. In the past month I have upped the ante to include single track and some easy 4x4 roads, even threw in a little silt a couple weeks ago.
This past weekend in Death Valley was a real test, three days in a row of riding. It was okay, not much to complain about.
I spent a lot of time in physical therapy, we have a top notch facility less than a block from my office that caters to athletes, US Ski Team, Olympic marathoners, etc. I pushed hard, they pushed me harder. Well worth the sweat and discomfort.
Aloha Gang,
Ok first of all, it was this motorcycle that got me to the hip operation...trails, very single trek, a wet rollercoaster ride, hill climbs and then back down, no room for errors, I turned right when I should of stayed straight. (Dec Dirt Rider Jimmy Lewis KTM 3 different rides, same bike, my backyard!)
I am stoked to hear you all getting back on the bike, my concerns though are the falls. We have Hawaiian Ice out here, looks like a perfect trail, perfect tacky, perfect spills-tires just slip out on you if you hit it wrong, clay that looks dry on top, slicker then snot. I am not going to ride through those for a while even our rollercoaster hills for now, but what are the thoughts on the spills and falls after the hip surgery? I am way too early to ride, but is this the one sport I should give up. I am worried that even to stand up with the boots on a slippery hill has chances of falling.
So to the riders of the dirt bikes, have you taken any spills or falls yet or worst-a wipe out and how did the hip react?
How much PT were you doing and for how long. At what month or weeks in did you feel like you were at 100% which made you confident to ride again?
What was the last mucsle to come back or give you the most challenge. Mine is the leg lifts, I do work on it but the percent of strenght is still under 50%, but the rest seem easy, I am at 6 weeks post op tomorrow.
I also want to kite surf, get some air on some jumps, and ride some waves, but the thought of my foot in a strap and the other coming free scares me...maybe I am only now going to give my body a break from all this Xtreme stuffs. I don't snowboard here, but can imagine that that would be the same feeling, so snowboarders please advise me on your timing and feelings too.
Mahalo,
Eric
Eric,
You should avoid high impact activities until 6 months post-op. I downhill ski and I'm considering nordic skiing (cross country) but the risk of falling hard is too great so I will snowshoe with trekking poles instead. Some doctors advise waiting 12 months before running or jumping. I suppose taking a hard fall, "falls" in the same category. Don't do any Judo for 12 months!
Eric,
My Dr. gave me clearance for light impact at 6 months, no more than 1.5 times body weight. Otherwise I am good to go back to most of my normal activities, including carrying a 50 pack. He said jogging would be fine, but hard running would not. Falling was not on the list yet either.
At 7 1/2 months post op I'm still not 100%, don't know if I will ever be back there. Still looking for better range of motion and strength. But I'm also hesitant when it comes to many riding situations, I really don't want to go down or stick a foot in the dirt. It keeps me focused and looking for the easy line.
Got to admit, I was sore for almost a week after riding three days in a row.
Years ago my skiing mentor advised me not to be scared of the mountains but have great respect for them, to know the dangers involved in your chosen activity and understand that there is no shame is backing off.
I've applied this advise to many of life's difficulties and it always seems to help.
Clydascope,
Excellent advise and knowledge on those thoughts. I have been practicing the advise about the mountain, riding with those who think the same helps too over the guys who just want to be on top.
To further your information and to put it to use as a guideline, when you say your not feeling the 100%, in what area is not up to your par? I am working on my muscle that works the leg lifts because its not up to par, today doing variations to PT's as in while its lifted up, I do circles and relax my isometric thigh and try to do sets as much as possible, till fatigue, and yes it hurts because its what my body wants to take easy, but I want to push through it. I feel that if I fall down, wipe out, or do something stupid, if that muscle is weak, I will dislocate, so that is why I am working on it so hard. (I asked my PT about athelets and she said they work on it because its their job and 8+ hours a day every day till they can get back to work, well, I want that).
I love the fact that I am doing well at 6 weeks today post op, but the thought of 6 months is my, well- I am impatient. But I will do what it takes to get back to the place where I can do what I love and I will make sure I don't hurt myself by going too early. Just loving the feedback on what it is that made you or anyone know when it was time to return to their sports that can simply hurt them if they make a typical unplanned mistake.
Mahalo to anyone who gives me their knowledge/experience/feelings/thoughts...
Eric
Eric,
Once upon a time I was a very active mountaineer. I would hike 1,000 miles a year after work just to stay in shape. I worked as a ski patroller in the winters and would spend 50-60 nights a year in the backcountry, climbed hundreds of peaks and played a bit at rock climbing too. Then there was the mountain biking, which nearly killed me several times. My latest motorcycle has been a substitute for some of these activities when I was no longer able to do them because of OA.
After surgery I worked hard at PT and got my strength up to the point where my new hip is stronger than the old one. But the old one is due for resurfacing soon and it got so hard that I was in pain on the old hip while working the new one. That said I'm better than I was a year ago before surgery but a long ways from being 100%.
One thing that I have been able to do is ride the motorcycle. It feels great to get out and have a little fun again. Obviously I'm concerned about crashing, but that's never stopped me in the past. I guess I'm wired for adventure. Last December, while cold and suffering from OA in both hips, barely able to get on the motorcycle, I rode the length of Baja, solo. It was one of the best things I have ever done for myself.
Today a clearing storm left behind a couple feet of new snow. I am more concerned about falling on the ice than about falling on a dirt road. And skiing seems even more hazardous than riding at this point. (I'm hopeful that I'll be back at it after the second surgery.)
At 6 weeks I didn't think I would ever ride again. At 4 months I never thought I would ride dirt again. Hang in there, it does get better!
I suppose I could sit on the couch and drink beer all day, but I've always felt life should to be lived to the fullest. Now, back to planning for my next big adventure!
Chris
Hey Eric I read that article in DR, looks like fun to me. Before I had this surgery my son and I were racing twice a month (with the oldtimers) and my whole family has been going to the desert on a regular basis for years. One of the main reasons I went ahead with this was because there are 4 guys in the oldtimers club who race on a regular basis after hip replacements, and each one has told me it was the best thing they had ever done. I'll be the first guy in our club with a bhr though. One guy has 2 thr's with plastic inserts, one guy has a ceramic one, and one guy has a 50mm metal on metal. He was back cruising at the back of the pack at 9 months and faster than he was before at a little past a year. Lots of new knees too, the OT. pits look like there filled with weebles, not too many people walking normal at those deals :D :D.
As far as surviving a crash I would think that once you are totally healed you wouldn't be at that much more risk of dislocation than you were before, it's the muscles and ligaments that hold it all together, not the implant right ? It's not like it snaps into place :D :D I am more concerned with slamming on my side and snapping the head of the femur off :o Anyways I am going to Ocotillo Wells for my 50th in a couple weeks but will cruise in the 4x4 and take pictures. Its gonna be hard not to ride but my wife, daughter, son, sister and her family all ride and we have been going to Ocotillo on my B-day for about 30 years now, can't break tradition over one little operation right ?
Hey Clydascope, Baja solo ?? We need some stories ha ha :D
Bill,
When I got home I typed up 25 pages on my Baja ride. Some highlights:
Nobody at the border crossing in Tecate except an old man waiving me into Mexico a block up the street, a crazy motorcycle/quad race in Ensanada, a cold night at Mike's, running out of gas 100 yards before a military check point (don't ever pass gas in Baja - double meaning to this one), San Felipe, Christmas Eve with a whale shark and dinner with Coco at Alphonsina's, EXTREME WINDS south of Catavina, Scorpion Bay from the north (best day of riding ever!), getting grilled by the captain at another military check point, out of Scorpion to the east - way out there (found out later about the drug cartel's fortress up there!), tool kit stolen in La Paz, meeting a world traveler who had logged 55,000 mile on an old KTM 640, making it to Cabo, meeting a buddy in Totos Santos who trailered my bike home, watching whales from the roof deck at breakfast, fish tacos, Pacificos, miles and miles of wild desert.
I could go on and on but that might take a few beers and some time...
(http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/372516.JPG)
(http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/370237.JPG)
(http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/372514.jpg)
Quote from: Clydascope on January 11, 2009, 03:03:54 PM
Bill,
When I got home I typed up 25 pages on my Baja ride. Some highlights:
Nobody at the border crossing in Tecate except an old man waiving me into Mexico a block up the street, a crazy motorcycle/quad race in Ensanada, a cold night at Mike's, running out of gas 100 yards before a military check point (don't ever pass gas in Baja - double meaning to this one), San Felipe, Christmas Eve with a whale shark and dinner with Coco at Alphonsina's, EXTREME WINDS south of Catavina, Scorpion Bay from the north (best day of riding ever!), getting grilled by the captain at another military check point, out of Scorpion to the east - way out there (found out later about the drug cartel's fortress up there!), tool kit stolen in La Paz, meeting a world traveler who had logged 55,000 mile on an old KTM 640, making it to Cabo, meeting a buddy in Totos Santos who trailered my bike home, watching whales from the roof deck at breakfast, fish tacos, Pacificos, miles and miles of wild desert.
I could go on and on but that might take a few beers and some time...
(http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/372516.JPG)
(http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/370237.JPG)
(http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/372514.jpg)
That is awesome you did that. We live in so. california and have been going to Baja for years, I love it down there. I have friend who just recently finished his house in scorpion bay. He told me when you can surf again you can "stay as long as you like", hope to take him up on that for a couple weeks come sept.-oct. We got hooked on watching the 1000 in San Felipe in the early 90's and camped south of town every year till a couple years ago. Did you stay mostly in towns/hotels or did you do a few nights camping ? How long did it take ? Mostly dirt or pavement ? and would you do it again ? :D I would love to spend a couple months exploring down there ...(if I won the lottery ha ha) We have been kicking the idea around about flying to Loreto and getting a room, renting a car and driving north to rent kayaks and be lazy for a 3-4 day semi-cheap mini vacation.
Man I swear every day down there is easier and more relaxing than the day before, I love that place. Congratulations on having the sack to pull off the trip you took, I would like to do that someday...
I’ve lived in CA for 24 years and that was my first trip to Baja. From San Diego to Totos Santos via Cabo was just under 1,400 mile, 400 or so in the dirt. I rode seven consecutive days. After two nights in Totos Santos I took the bus back to Cabo and flew to San Diego. Round trip from my home near Bishop was 10 day.
Though prepared for camping, I never used the gear and stayed in hotels, and a small “sleeping room†in Scorpion Bay. The last two nights were at a friend of a friend’s house right on the beach. In the north it was cold and very wind. In the south I lost my tools and didn’t want to risk riding in the dirt.
I would go back tomorrow if I could.
Like I said, it was one of the best things I have ever done for myself.
(http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/370200.JPG)
Wow,
Thanks for the pictures Clydascope! Next year if you don't mind, Bill and I might have to join you and we can enter the taitanium division.
Just have to brag about my island again, check out Dirt Rider again,(Feb 2009) Jimmy Lewis has another article on the ride in Hawaii, its the Hare and Hound, all Kauai style, its my backyard and I ride A division.(once you do Omao as your home turf, you gotta be A rider...but thats where I got hurt too) The article tell how a 35 mile race will take you 3+++ hours, its a roller coaster ride with hills climbs and downhills offcamber and tight. My last race took me 6 hours to survive it, wanted to quit at 3 hours but couldn't, that is when the cramps were getting to me, need I say that for the last 2 hours I would ride up a hill cramping, you pick a muscle, and I just had to make a hill climb clean or I wouldn't make it for falling would not be an option for there would be no way to pick up your bike at that stage. The last hour was really a mindblower for me, I knew I was almost done, knew the area, but was exhausted and just wanted to quit, but pride got me to finish, standing up on my pegs as I passed all the others who finished or quit....that was my last race for now, I found a new sport..lol..and the girls wear less on the beach.
I am so glad I got this resurface and have the option to ride again, feeling really good and now my biggest fear is that I might try something too soon, but I know I can wait a few more months, heck its my leg/hip/life.
Eric
if you guys get out here, we can rent hogs or dirt bikes and I can give you all the tour.
Hey Eric, I read that article too. That sounds like fun, I like technical, steep, single tracks. I know it must be tough as it looked like a few guys rode trials bikes :D Not too sure about the guy with no shirt and a bicycle helmet though ha ha ! Think I'd go with a little more gear personally. The toughest technical stuff I've done was 2 years ago, we rode the soboba invitational trail ride, aka the Malcom Smith "no whimps" trail ride. I made the 1st loop pretty easy but had to quit about 1/2 way through the 2nd loop because I couldn't lift my leg off the peg anymore even after 3 vikes so I had to puss out. I was pissed at my hip that day. That's one of my future goals with my new ball joint 8) On a side note, I guess Malcom Smith is one of the guys that lays out the course and I'll tell you what that cat is straight up legend, I cannot believe the shit he can ride over at his age, it's mind boggling. That year he fell and broke his hip, got helicoptered out of there, and was back again the next year, and he's old old old, no words :o I'd love to take you up on the dirt bike rental tour of the island. About 20 years ago my wife and I went on a carribean cruise and swam with a couple sea turtles, and she has been bugging me to do it again every year since ha ha. Probably gonna have to do that before I do any dirt bike nonsense just to keep the peace, know what I mean ?? She nursed my gimpy ass through all this hip surgery fun and now looks like she is going to have to do it again, so....I owe ha ha. Have a good day, Bill
Went to Ocotillo Wells this weekend and while I didn't ride my YZ250 I was able to hookup the toybox and load everything and hangout around camp pain free ! It felt nice to feel "Normal" again. So no 2 wheel rides but I was able to sneak in a couple wheelies on one of the girls quads though.... :D :D Felt great to just put around camp !
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z263/kelley124_photos/TRAILS232.jpg)
Excellent! Now that looks fun...
Glad to you that your enjoying yourself there.
Don't pull an Eric and loop em', lol.
Hello Hippy bikers, just got a hip resurfaced 8 days ago. I have been a dirt biker for 35 years. Now I'm going to get a street bike to ride for while and wait a few months before going off road.
It's been a while since I visited the site but thought I'd check in again.
Since having my second BHR I've ridden over 20,000 miles, dual sport, lots of dirt, long days, a couple crashes and no issues at all :)
Rode across Oregon on the Trans America Trail last summer, back to Baja, Death Valley, Inyo County, CA and more.
Planning a bigger trip now, much bigger. I'll stop by with details later as it unfolds...
(http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/432357_175992642516166_161653017283462_266197_743674361_n.jpg)
Just too cool. Love to hear these checkins from hippies.