Who am I? – Very active male who in the last 12 months has done a number of endurance (100k and over 9 hour) mountain bike races, a cyclocross bike series in the fall and full cross country ski season. Following a regular physical 18 months ago my doctor and I put together a plan that included more stretching and strengthening my core to overcome some hip range of motion issues and soreness. I also lost some weight – 20lb. At my next physical, Jan 2011, commented that I had not seen much improvement, especially in range of motion and soreness. So we took an X-Ray and it became obvious – bone on bone for both hips, significant flat spot on my right hip (so that is what the “clunking” sound was!!) – stretching was not going to change much. Doctor recommended investigating both THR and Hip Resurfacing
My Goals – With active kids and wife in the house the goal was to find a solution that gave me the best chance of returning to the active adventures us as a family enjoyed. Bike about 5,000k a year, relearn how to snow plough and learn how to skate ski for cross country skiing (Iam the slow poke in the family as I continue to “classic” ski). Recovery timeframe was less important
Research – Looking at both possible solutions/procedures. Fortunate to have a friend who had BHR back in 2001 – yes must have been one of the “original” in the US and then he had the other hip replaced 2005. He has returned to his full sports activities without restrictions. Spoke to some friends who had THR and listened to what they had to avoid. Another friend had THR on both sides and is a very active – read wickedly fast – cyclist. So I knew with the right opportunity getting back was possible. Decided that BHR was the way for me. Looked in to the different Doctors and fortunate that Dr Brooks works at Cleveland Clinic – 45 min drive from home
Surgery March 18th 2011 – Had my right hip resurfaced and spent 3 days post op in the hospital, even got a room to myself – must have been good! Tough to get the pain meds and sleep in the right balance. Limited PT in the hospital – basic how to do some exercises and how to use crutches (maybe 3 hours total). I have the fancy inflating socks on for 2 weeks. Surprised how much it hurt being driven home, especially going around corners.
March 21 – March 31 – Set up bed in the den to limit the up/down steps. Sleeping continues to be the biggest issue – the quality is marginal – so I have to take a nap most afternoons. Cut back on the oxycodone, now at half original dose from when I got home. it was 10 days post op before first bowel movement and it is nanoseconds from deciding to pee and peeing about half the time. Walking with crutches for 30 min a day outside, will extend that this weekend to 45min. Range of motion exercises twice a day. Most are OK but I do not have the strength to do side hip extensions while lying on the bed without help. I should be sending back the inflatable socks this weekend.
Next Steps – 2 weeks post op - increase the types of exercises I can do, then 6 weeks post op have my check up and hope to leave without the need for crutches, finally plan for the left hip sometime this summer. Dr Brooks insists on a year post op before returning to “normal” activities
Glad to share