October 16, 2022

It is now 3 years since Prof Meek (Glasgow) resurfaced my right hip on the NHS (cost me nothing). I completed the Loch Rannoch Half Marathon today ( Perthshire, Scotland) in a time of 1.54! I took it very easy and could have pushed it even more. I cannot emphasise enough and indeed even thank my Surgeon and the NHS staff in Scotland, regarding how much they have meant to my life! As a long time runner; I am so thankful to be able to continue with my passion!

1 Year Anniversary September 2020

September 21, 2019

I have been a long distance runner for almost 3 Decades. I took up the discipline seriously when I was in my early 30s. I peaked at the age of 47, PB Half Marathons in 1.15 (75 mins at the age of 47). I continued to train, race in half and full Marathons until right hip pain in 2017 restricted my performance however, I continued to train and race. I average 50 to 60 mile per week and race at least once a month. I can manage a sub 1.39 1/2 Marathon but not for much longer due to the severe arthritic right hip. I managed to, eventually, be accepted for a resurfacing (after having refused twice the offer of total hip) on the NHS in Scotland. I am really pleased that the NHS Scotland has offered me this chance to continue running upon recovery as it really is my passion.
There is a lack of hard, scientific factual evidence regarding the return to serious running post resurfacing! I intend to use my case as one example of evidence in relation to such. I am an Honours Graduate in Biomedical Sciences (1987 Edinburgh) so I do have an analytical approach to data and phenomena! Tomorrow I will compete in my final 1/2 Marathon with my natural hips! I will keep the Surface Hippy site updated regarding my subsequent progress/or lack of in the hope of informing long distance runners.

October 19, 2019

I have now undergone my resurfacing at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow! Don’t let this put you off, it is only an account of my experiences!
I merely list the unexpected experiences I had, some positive, some negative!
1) I reluctantly opted for the spinal block and sedative initially thinking that a general anaesthetic would be better! I fell asleep immediately upon being administered the sedative. I slept through all of the procedure and woke up in recovery! Brilliant!
2) As I continued to race and run prior to the op so I was race ready at time of op. My very low Blood Pressure and Resting Pulse Rate was a concern during recovery and the first 2 to 3 days.
3) My resting pulse was 35 and triggered the monitor alarm and my blood pressure was too low post op!
4) My body was numb from waist down, couldn’t feel a thing, nor urinate!
5) When I tried to raise myself up and out of bed I was fainting, sweating, seeing flashing lights, light headed and feeling sick!
6) I required 6 bags of intravenous drip over 2 days!
7) I required a catheter to urinate!
8)I could not move my bowels for 3 days!
9) Upon first use of crutches, I was very dizzy, dry mouth and weak and unsteady!
10) Fitful sleeping with operated joint ‘jolts’ for 2 nights (I would feel a blow like shock), not painful!
11) I had to take the extra liquid morphine as required ( I tried without it however, I could sleep).
12) Staff were wonderful!
13) I turned a corner on day 3 and have not looked back!

October 24, 2019

I am now on day 10! After day 2 to 5 my operated leg was quite swollen (my consultant already told me that this would be so). On days 7 to 10 my operated leg is now a little thinner than the normal leg at the upper thigh (quadraceps) lol! I am now off all pain killers however I may have to take some at night. I am walking for 30 minutes each day outside with two crutches and going very slowly! I do stretches, sit ups, leg movements but I am keeping it all very easy for the first 3 weeks. Feeling great and l can’t believe how hungry I have been, eating more than normal. After 2 weeks I had a few beers and wine at the weekend, great taste after doing without!

December 5, 2019

As I am a dedicated long distance runner so I thought it would do no harm if I jogged gently at walking pace for short distances! It has proved to be tremendously successful and hopefully build up my running muscles etc! I started at 6.5 weeks covering only 10 to 20 metres at a time. I was almost running on the spot lol! I gradually increased the distance and pace however, ever mindful to not really run as such. I then tackled some steep hill sections (uphill with almost walking downhill). I am now covering 6 miles in total with about 4.5 miles very slow, tentative, light jogging inter-dispersed with fast walking. I am doing gym work on a static bike and cross trainer thing and leg strength exercises (it’s amazing how one can lose fitness and muscle mass after an op). My right leg is still thinner than my non-operated one. I intend continuing with such training regime and eventually cover 6 miles slow jogging. I hopefully can begin proper running training after 12 weeks! I am still very wary of overdoing it however no pain nor adverse reactions to date!

December 17, 2019

I am now 9.5 weeks’ post-operation and I had the Adept system fitted in Glasgow by Prof D. Meek. It has been amazing to date; I am now training every day doing very slow, gentle jogging and walking over steep, hilly terrain ( up to 35 miles per week) and doing gym sessions three times a week. I fully intend starting normal running after 12 weeks (I am a long distance runner).

January 5, 2020

I have just completed another full week of careful exercise including leg-strengthening gym work. For the first time I ran at an easy pace for 6 miles without stopping. The hip felt a little sensitive and warm afterwards. I walked 7 miles for the next 2 days and then completed a slower 7 mile run. I continued to walk and run each day for the remainder of the week however taking it easy! I completed 45 miles for the week (35 last week). I was amazed that I could return to almost normal running so quickly. I am really concerned about over-doing it and causing harm to the healing process! I have not received any guidance as yet regarding recovery restrictions, I do not have a follow up check until the 3 rd of Feb.

January 28, 2020

My progress to date has been amazing. I am running up to 40 miles a week (albeit, slowly and taking it easy downhill), today I ran 10 miles for the first time since my op. The hills near where I live are covered in snow so I took the opportunity to run with a lovely, soft cushioning of snow! I really have to hold myself back as I still feel apprehension regarding doing too much too soon on the joint! I have a check up next week and hopefully I may be given the all clear to begin more (gradually) intense training. At 63 years’ old I know it must be because of my decades of running at a high level that have enabled me to return amazingly quickly to trouble-free running! I continue with gym work including leg strengthening and have almost achieved full range of motion (about 150 mm to go until knee touches shoulder). I am still finding it difficult to improve upon this knee to shoulder distance and I do not know why!

February 26, 2020

I managed to run 13 miles today albeit rather slowly (2.40 hours). The resurfaced hip was uncomfortable and sensitive and the end of it. It feels like muscular sensations (not pain, just strained and warm). I have to admit it was too far too soon so I will not be repeating this distance until I am confident I can do it without issues. Still not gained full range of motion however I am more than pleased with my progress (especially at 63 years’ old). I will continue with my 40 to 45 miles a week however still very slowly for another 2 weeks! 10 or 11 miles seems to be the longest I can run before discomfort.

March 5, 2020

I slowly ran 13 miles today in a time of 2.17.45. Amazingly my right hip resurfacing was perfect with NO issues at all! In fact it felt better than my original, left hip! That’s 22 mins faster than last week so hopefully this means I can forge ahead and increase my training.

March 12, 2020

I feel the urge to praise my treatment as a Scottish person in the UK and our amazing National Health Service! My resurfacing was carried out by a Consultant, Professor of orthopaedic surgery in Glasgow at a cost of £0. He does not promote his skill nor is in the business of doing such (however, has carried out 100s or even 1000s of resurfacings and THRs). My care in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital was exemplary (single room, on suite etc). The staff are unsung heroes in my opinion, I received the most up to date prosthesis, surgical technical expertise and aftercare. If I were to go Private, the operation would most likely cost approx of £14000. Mr Dominic Meek, I salute you and your staff! And thank you ever so much! At week 22 post op, I am now running 55 miles per week and building up pace ever so gradually!