6 Year Update

BHR with McMinn December 2011.

Joint continues to function really well with no complications. Very active.

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Jon’s Original Story

January 25, 2013

McMinn did my hip December 2011. Terrific success so far. His web site is really helpful as well.

I’m at 13 months post-op and have been running the last few months. Generally between 3-4 miles per run, 12-15 miles per week. Wide pace range (7-9 mins per mile). I remain sensitive to any pains or tweaks so just increasing slowly. Had to quit running cold in 2007 owing to OA so really just trying to rebuild strength now.

February 14, 2013

I’m feeling really well now and have started to run (just a natural interest/temptation). The reality is, however, we don’t read about or see a lot (emphasis on a lot) of post-op stories of people returning to regular routines of impact sports and, importantly in my mind, over long periods. I’m seeing one- to three-year histories, not three to 10.

For now, I’m going to enjoy a modest diet of impact sports, on a managed basis, until I learn more.

Just a bit of personal experience to add to this thread:

– Diagnosed with OA (degenerative) in 2004 after too much running
– Persistent and worsening pain for next several years
– Sleep disruption, limp, loss of ROM, chronic pain
– In no particular order, quit: running, skiing, golf, cycling, surfing and smiling
– Was told to hang on until inevitable total replacement
– Saw about a dozen orthopedists
– Decided on resurf in 2011
– Researched and interviewed a bunch of docs
– GREAT info from this site
– Referral from Vicky M. to McMinn
– Went to Birmingham late 2011
– Pain subsided, almost disappeared, week before surgery — go figure!
– Resurfed Dec. 2011
– Woke up post-op with ZERO OA pain
– Stopped grimacing and started smiling
– Rehabbing really well since
– Resumed running, albeit gently, about three months ago
– Runs of 4-5 miles with no discomfort
– Resumed surfing last fall
– Resumed skiing this winter (started teaching my son)
– Spent last weekend in Beaver Creek, CO and enjoyed every run
– Will resume golf this spring
– All upside after decision to pull the trigger
– When done properly, I believe this is a remarkable solution to a lousy problem

Surfing was first at about 7-8 months. Started to run at about 10 months. Skiing was next at about 14 months and it went really well. Have only remained really cautious with running as it was my gateway drug! Sticking to less than 15 miles per week though did two five-milers this weekend and it felt great. I’m finding that building strength back is my biggest requirement. My right side atrophied from 2004 until surgery.

October 15, 2013

Got back on the bike this summer in earnest. Fit is totally different. I’m on a tri bike and post-op I ‘m much lower and much more aero. And, no right knee flaring off to the outside. I tell people that pre-BHR my style was much like two elephants trying to mate!

My prior bike, Argon E-112, was set up with a really high handle-bar stem inverted towards the seat to shorten the reach. My new bike, specialized shiv pro, has no kooky fixes to get the fit right.

November 17, 2013

Just a quick report at 23 months after Derek McMinn resurfaced my right hip.

Have just finished four days of bird hunting in South Dakota. Walked for about six hours each day and also ran four days in a row for a total of roughly 20 miles. Feel really well.

Working out now about 10 hours a week between swim, bike, run and gym. Except for occasional tenderness in my hip, everything is really working well. Progress continues to be steady and discernible. Started to do a few triathlons again at the end of this past summer.

I am, of course, a very big advocate of properly executed resurfacings. I could not be happier with respect to how my surgery has turned out.

December 14, 2014