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I've been an Alpine mountaineer / Scottish winter and general rock climber for getting on 40 years (now in my mid sixties).
I've read many posts here about how mountaineers can still climb after a hip replacement and the possible dangers of dislocation (sounds awful!) but my question is slightly different. My surgeon has said he will replace my arthritic hip as soon as I feel it is affecting my 'quality of life' but I'm not sure I can tell whether it is or not.
Can anyone who has had a hip replacement and still climbs tell me what it was like before they had it done?
Did you get it done while it was still just a bit of a irritating or did you wait until you were definitely in pain.
I can't decide whether to risk having it done now, before it gets too bad, or wait until it really stops me climbing.
In my case, much of the time I don't notice it apart from a dull ache in my leg although it feels unstable and hurts a bit when doing a large step up with that leg and it's awkward on Alpine summit rock bands wearing big boots due to lack of flexibility in the joint. On long Alpine routes it often aches on the decent and it's uncomfortable during the long car journeys to the mountains. But then you usually ache all over after a big route!
(Also I note many suggestions to choose your surgeon carefully, that's not usually possible on the NHS, you get whoever your are given.)
I've read many posts here about how mountaineers can still climb after a hip replacement and the possible dangers of dislocation (sounds awful!) but my question is slightly different. My surgeon has said he will replace my arthritic hip as soon as I feel it is affecting my 'quality of life' but I'm not sure I can tell whether it is or not.
Can anyone who has had a hip replacement and still climbs tell me what it was like before they had it done?
Did you get it done while it was still just a bit of a irritating or did you wait until you were definitely in pain.
I can't decide whether to risk having it done now, before it gets too bad, or wait until it really stops me climbing.
In my case, much of the time I don't notice it apart from a dull ache in my leg although it feels unstable and hurts a bit when doing a large step up with that leg and it's awkward on Alpine summit rock bands wearing big boots due to lack of flexibility in the joint. On long Alpine routes it often aches on the decent and it's uncomfortable during the long car journeys to the mountains. But then you usually ache all over after a big route!
(Also I note many suggestions to choose your surgeon carefully, that's not usually possible on the NHS, you get whoever your are given.)
In reply to doc_h:
As a keen fell runner and climber I started with hip pain at the age of 57. The diagnosis following X- Ray was that I should immediately stop all running, and carry on until the pain/discomfort became unacceptable. I found long walks, tripping up or twisting gave me pain , some of which lasted for days. I finally had a joint replaced in September 2017after I got constant discomfort even after moderate exercise.
I used the next six months building up my fitness at the gym, with particular emphasis on the muscles in the hips and starting climbing in March 2016. I have no pain whatsoever, use walking poles on uneven ground and can still climb to my pre op grades, mainly on sports routes.
Three bits of advice I had drummed into me
Don't deck fall
Don't swing/pendulum and crash in to the rock
Don't step high and twist the hip or you risk dislocation(very painful and involves further surgery)
Hope this helps, my outcome was very positive, I hope yours is too when eventually you have the op
Ian knight
As a keen fell runner and climber I started with hip pain at the age of 57. The diagnosis following X- Ray was that I should immediately stop all running, and carry on until the pain/discomfort became unacceptable. I found long walks, tripping up or twisting gave me pain , some of which lasted for days. I finally had a joint replaced in September 2017after I got constant discomfort even after moderate exercise.
I used the next six months building up my fitness at the gym, with particular emphasis on the muscles in the hips and starting climbing in March 2016. I have no pain whatsoever, use walking poles on uneven ground and can still climb to my pre op grades, mainly on sports routes.
Three bits of advice I had drummed into me
Don't deck fall
Don't swing/pendulum and crash in to the rock
Don't step high and twist the hip or you risk dislocation(very painful and involves further surgery)
Hope this helps, my outcome was very positive, I hope yours is too when eventually you have the op
Ian knight
2
In reply to doc_h:
There are 2 things orthopedic surgeons are justly proud of - hip and knee replacements.
I'm going through the "when" calculation too.
It boils down to -
1. what age? A hip prosthesis lasts 20 years, give or take a bit. So 60s sometime. As you get older, recovery time will lengthen, so don't put it off too long (and the NHS will do some sort of triage along the lines of "he's 80. What's he need legs for?"
2. when? Like the man said - when it stops you doing the things you usually do. Also, bear in mind that as you favor the bad hip, you will put extra stress on other bits of your skeleton. Also, sudden pain from your hip might distract you reflexively at a time when you don't want it too - this could be disastrous if climbing/walking.
3. what type? Probably whatever the surgeon is comfy with - I know Jon of this parish has a "sport prosthesis" which is better for climbing.
4. which approach? Again, the surgeon will go with what he is comfy with. I used to be a big fan of of the anterior approach (much faster recovery) versus the posterior - but the anterior is more difficult and takes longer so entails more risk, paradoxically. This is a good read: http://jaykrusemd.com/hip-surgery/posterior-anterior-total-hip-replacement....
5. will there be a miracle cure (e.g. stem cells)? I used to be an orthopedic researcher and have also spent ~10 years reviewing research applications where stem cells and assorted "newer and better" prostheses were frequent players. The answer is "no". And think yourself lucky that you are on the NHS rather than being sold the "newer and better" prosthesis from someone who gets kickbacks from the company who made it!
It is definitely worth shopping around a bit for a surgeon. Some are pretty useless ("you'll never climb again" - as the angry old man says, this is BS).
Sounds to me as if you are about ready for it soonish.
There are 2 things orthopedic surgeons are justly proud of - hip and knee replacements.
I'm going through the "when" calculation too.
It boils down to -
1. what age? A hip prosthesis lasts 20 years, give or take a bit. So 60s sometime. As you get older, recovery time will lengthen, so don't put it off too long (and the NHS will do some sort of triage along the lines of "he's 80. What's he need legs for?"
2. when? Like the man said - when it stops you doing the things you usually do. Also, bear in mind that as you favor the bad hip, you will put extra stress on other bits of your skeleton. Also, sudden pain from your hip might distract you reflexively at a time when you don't want it too - this could be disastrous if climbing/walking.
3. what type? Probably whatever the surgeon is comfy with - I know Jon of this parish has a "sport prosthesis" which is better for climbing.
4. which approach? Again, the surgeon will go with what he is comfy with. I used to be a big fan of of the anterior approach (much faster recovery) versus the posterior - but the anterior is more difficult and takes longer so entails more risk, paradoxically. This is a good read: http://jaykrusemd.com/hip-surgery/posterior-anterior-total-hip-replacement....
5. will there be a miracle cure (e.g. stem cells)? I used to be an orthopedic researcher and have also spent ~10 years reviewing research applications where stem cells and assorted "newer and better" prostheses were frequent players. The answer is "no". And think yourself lucky that you are on the NHS rather than being sold the "newer and better" prosthesis from someone who gets kickbacks from the company who made it!
It is definitely worth shopping around a bit for a surgeon. Some are pretty useless ("you'll never climb again" - as the angry old man says, this is BS).
Sounds to me as if you are about ready for it soonish.
In reply to doc_h:
If you're not paying private then I would get in the waiting list ASAP . It's currently 18 months around here. Arthritic hips have a tendency to be bearable one day and then irreversibly bad which would possibly leave you with a long inactive wait.
There are many surgeons and many prostheses. You want one with the least chance of dislocation ( bigger femoral head) an the most durable.
I know plenty of climbers/hill walkers/skiers
still enjoying their activity post THR if it's any consolation.
If you're not paying private then I would get in the waiting list ASAP . It's currently 18 months around here. Arthritic hips have a tendency to be bearable one day and then irreversibly bad which would possibly leave you with a long inactive wait.
There are many surgeons and many prostheses. You want one with the least chance of dislocation ( bigger femoral head) an the most durable.
I know plenty of climbers/hill walkers/skiers
still enjoying their activity post THR if it's any consolation.
In reply to doc_h:
You sound exactly like me in the period running up to my THR. It's very hard to commit to what is, for us, a fairly major operation while the body is still functional. Pre op my hip didn't stop me from climbing or walking. I wasn't in too much pain while actually active, but the pain kicked in afterwards. After a biggish mountain day I wouldn't be able to sleep that night and would be in quite a bit of pain the next day. I eventually got an appointment with a local surgeon who examined me and also gave me a test called a Lesquesne test http://www.rhumatologie.asso.fr/03-Services/instruments-pratiques/PDF/Leque... (I'm sure the equivalent exists in the UK) but I didn't score high enough so he told me to wait for 12 months. So I saw another surgeon in Lyon who said why wait 12 months, you're can't sleep due to the pain. He replaced my hip a few months later.
As pneame said above I have a dual mobility hip (which is pretty standard in France) which is just about impossible to dislocate (I have tried). I could climb 6 weeks post op - if you dig through the threads on here about THRs you'll find that's not uncommon - I think 'Bob' (who seems to have disappeared for some reason) may well have been quicker than that. If you wait till it gets really bad then your muscles won't be in good shape and your recovery time will be longer.
You sound exactly like me in the period running up to my THR. It's very hard to commit to what is, for us, a fairly major operation while the body is still functional. Pre op my hip didn't stop me from climbing or walking. I wasn't in too much pain while actually active, but the pain kicked in afterwards. After a biggish mountain day I wouldn't be able to sleep that night and would be in quite a bit of pain the next day. I eventually got an appointment with a local surgeon who examined me and also gave me a test called a Lesquesne test http://www.rhumatologie.asso.fr/03-Services/instruments-pratiques/PDF/Leque... (I'm sure the equivalent exists in the UK) but I didn't score high enough so he told me to wait for 12 months. So I saw another surgeon in Lyon who said why wait 12 months, you're can't sleep due to the pain. He replaced my hip a few months later.
As pneame said above I have a dual mobility hip (which is pretty standard in France) which is just about impossible to dislocate (I have tried). I could climb 6 weeks post op - if you dig through the threads on here about THRs you'll find that's not uncommon - I think 'Bob' (who seems to have disappeared for some reason) may well have been quicker than that. If you wait till it gets really bad then your muscles won't be in good shape and your recovery time will be longer.
1
In reply to Dave the Rave:
Above all else, do NOT trust the NHS for this sort of op. Or for anything else that matters in fact.
If you can possibly afford to do so, look around for surgeons who specialise in this sort of procedure, they will have web pages describing their speciality in detail, including the sort of procedure that they normally perform, you can then read up about the procedure. Get detailed quotes of cost before starting in writing, make sure they include ALL associated costs, make it clear that you don't want any surprise fees added later on.
If you go private, you will get vastly faster treatment, more information, more advice, warnings of risks, better treatment and better care. The NHS is a complete lottery for this sort of procedure, with the best result being barely mediocre. And as for the aftercare - in the NHS, there won't be any.
> If you're not paying private then I would get in the waiting list ASAP
Above all else, do NOT trust the NHS for this sort of op. Or for anything else that matters in fact.
If you can possibly afford to do so, look around for surgeons who specialise in this sort of procedure, they will have web pages describing their speciality in detail, including the sort of procedure that they normally perform, you can then read up about the procedure. Get detailed quotes of cost before starting in writing, make sure they include ALL associated costs, make it clear that you don't want any surprise fees added later on.
If you go private, you will get vastly faster treatment, more information, more advice, warnings of risks, better treatment and better care. The NHS is a complete lottery for this sort of procedure, with the best result being barely mediocre. And as for the aftercare - in the NHS, there won't be any.
Post edited at 21:16
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In reply to Simon4:
As above, they are mainly the same surgeons be it NHS or private. The only thing I would do is pay the £200 ish consultation fee privately and get done on the NHS
Rubbish. Faster treatment yes,but the risks are the same and by law you will be given them on the consent form be it NHS or private.
> Above all else, do NOT trust the NHS for this sort of op. Or for anything else that matters in fact.
I disagree. They are the same consultants working privately. If anything goes wrong mid op, then you want to be in the NHS due to the proximity to emergency treatment. > If you can possibly afford to do so, look around for surgeons who specialise in this sort of procedure, they will have web pages describing their speciality in detail, including the sort of procedure that they normally perform, you can then read up about the procedure. Get detailed quotes of cost before starting in writing, make sure they include ALL associated costs, make it clear that you don't want any surprise fees added later on.
As above, they are mainly the same surgeons be it NHS or private. The only thing I would do is pay the £200 ish consultation fee privately and get done on the NHS
> If you go private, you will get vastly faster treatment, more information, more advice, warnings of risks, better treatment and better care. The NHS is a complete lottery for this sort of procedure, with the best result being barely mediocre. And as for the aftercare - in the NHS, there won't be any.
Rubbish. Faster treatment yes,but the risks are the same and by law you will be given them on the consent form be it NHS or private.
9
In reply to Simon4:
Whilst I accept that service in the NHS can be variable throughout the UK, as a consultant anaesthetist in a small DGH I'd be more than happy to have a joint replacement by one of my local orthopaedic colleagues if and when I needed one. And to be anaesthetised by one of my local anaesthetic colleagues for that matter.
> Above all else, do NOT trust the NHS for this sort of op. Or for anything else that matters in fact.
Whilst I accept that service in the NHS can be variable throughout the UK, as a consultant anaesthetist in a small DGH I'd be more than happy to have a joint replacement by one of my local orthopaedic colleagues if and when I needed one. And to be anaesthetised by one of my local anaesthetic colleagues for that matter.
17
5
In reply to Simon4:
I can't imagine why you have been treated so badly by the NHS. The NHS looked after my folks at the end of their lives with dignity, care and compassion; they've always looked after my kids in an exemplary fashion. The last time I used the NHS myself I saw my GP at 8:30; had an X-Ray by 9:30; and had seen a consultant by 10:30.
It couldn't be that your attitude is part of the problem, could it? I know when people come to me for 'advice' but all pumped up to give me a hard time then frankly, they perhaps don't see the best of me..
I can't imagine why you have been treated so badly by the NHS. The NHS looked after my folks at the end of their lives with dignity, care and compassion; they've always looked after my kids in an exemplary fashion. The last time I used the NHS myself I saw my GP at 8:30; had an X-Ray by 9:30; and had seen a consultant by 10:30.
It couldn't be that your attitude is part of the problem, could it? I know when people come to me for 'advice' but all pumped up to give me a hard time then frankly, they perhaps don't see the best of me..
13
Many thanks to those that replied, particularly jon , Angry old man & pneame as you seem to have had the same symptoms as I have now. ie most days I feel nothing at all and then some days it aches all down my leg when I do nothing. Good point about waiting until I'm 80 yrs old and no longer needing legs!
It looks like my best option might be to see a private sports specialist first - even though I've got the go ahead from a NHS surgeon - to get some info on my specific needs and options and then discuss those with my NHS surgeon. After all, I don't want to be able to walk round Sainsburys and play bowls afterwards, I want to continue to climb Ben Nevis north face in winter, do hard Alpine routes and even start running again. Its so frustrating feeling fitter and healthier than many people younger than me but having one joint in my body that's not playing fair. (I know I've abused it with heavy rucksacks and steep scree slopes for 40 odd years but that's no reason for it to be a little worn down <grin>)
I'm not sure about going private for the op. I realise that much of the time they are the same people as you would get on the NHS as they work part time for the NHS and part time privately. Yes I could get the op done faster by paying but that means some other NHS patient has to wait for their op because I'm having mine, which doesn't seem fair. I once had private dental treatment because I needed it in a hurry. Apart from the magazines in the waiting room advertising second homes instead of cheap ways to decorate your flat, being offered free tea and coffee and being called 'sir', the actual treatment seemed the same as NHS except for all the optional extras that I was encourage to buy.
It looks like my best option might be to see a private sports specialist first - even though I've got the go ahead from a NHS surgeon - to get some info on my specific needs and options and then discuss those with my NHS surgeon. After all, I don't want to be able to walk round Sainsburys and play bowls afterwards, I want to continue to climb Ben Nevis north face in winter, do hard Alpine routes and even start running again. Its so frustrating feeling fitter and healthier than many people younger than me but having one joint in my body that's not playing fair. (I know I've abused it with heavy rucksacks and steep scree slopes for 40 odd years but that's no reason for it to be a little worn down <grin>)
I'm not sure about going private for the op. I realise that much of the time they are the same people as you would get on the NHS as they work part time for the NHS and part time privately. Yes I could get the op done faster by paying but that means some other NHS patient has to wait for their op because I'm having mine, which doesn't seem fair. I once had private dental treatment because I needed it in a hurry. Apart from the magazines in the waiting room advertising second homes instead of cheap ways to decorate your flat, being offered free tea and coffee and being called 'sir', the actual treatment seemed the same as NHS except for all the optional extras that I was encourage to buy.
1
In reply to doc_h:
My grandad had his hips done privately. We almost lost him as he had a heart attack and they didn't have the same facilities as nhs hospitals.
Hopefully as you are fit and healthy this is far less of a risk for you, but something to be aware of.
My grandad had his hips done privately. We almost lost him as he had a heart attack and they didn't have the same facilities as nhs hospitals.
Hopefully as you are fit and healthy this is far less of a risk for you, but something to be aware of.
Post edited at 23:58
1
In reply to doc_h:
But you NEED your hip - the person ahead of you is going to play bowls and shuffle down to Sainsbury's for a 6 pack of extra strength....
I'm wondering how long ago marsbar's grandad had his hips done? I'm no fan of the "sue everybody"mindset, but it would seem to me that not having a full suite of emergency gear available (and the people who know how to use it) would be a hideous liability.
> Yes I could get the op done faster by paying but that means some other NHS patient has to wait for their op because I'm having mine, which doesn't seem fair.
But you NEED your hip - the person ahead of you is going to play bowls and shuffle down to Sainsbury's for a 6 pack of extra strength....
I'm wondering how long ago marsbar's grandad had his hips done? I'm no fan of the "sue everybody"mindset, but it would seem to me that not having a full suite of emergency gear available (and the people who know how to use it) would be a hideous liability.
2
1
In reply to pneame:
I think it's quite common actually. I had some private surgery a few years ago and some of the pre-op paperwork explained where I would go (emergency department) if something went wrong. I guess the liability is mitigated by having the facilities needed to get from the private hospital to the emergency department with minimal risk of complications.
> I'm wondering how long ago marsbar's grandad had his hips done? I'm no fan of the "sue everybody"mindset, but it would seem to me that not having a full suite of emergency gear available (and the people who know how to use it) would be a hideous liability.
I think it's quite common actually. I had some private surgery a few years ago and some of the pre-op paperwork explained where I would go (emergency department) if something went wrong. I guess the liability is mitigated by having the facilities needed to get from the private hospital to the emergency department with minimal risk of complications.
In reply to doc_h:
I appreciate it is a very different joint and set of risks, but...
I'm 38 and had a straightforward knee op last September, followed by a further op in June to remove a (bone) staple that was causing pain. I've always been fit and have recovered well from previous injuries and operations.
In the last year, I was off work for 5 months and continue to require opiates to manage the pain around my knee. I'm still receiving Physio to try and build up my quads which have all but disappeared and will require this for some time. Needless to say, I missed the winter and have barely been out doing outdoor sports for 12 months.
As I said above, it's a very different set of circumstances, but if you do decide to go for the hip replacement just bear in mind the challenges if your body doesn't react well to it... In my case, I could have left the op a bit longer but in getting it done I've effectively put myself into a far worse position than if I had put it off as long as feasible.
Good luck whatever decision you end up taking.
I appreciate it is a very different joint and set of risks, but...
I'm 38 and had a straightforward knee op last September, followed by a further op in June to remove a (bone) staple that was causing pain. I've always been fit and have recovered well from previous injuries and operations.
In the last year, I was off work for 5 months and continue to require opiates to manage the pain around my knee. I'm still receiving Physio to try and build up my quads which have all but disappeared and will require this for some time. Needless to say, I missed the winter and have barely been out doing outdoor sports for 12 months.
As I said above, it's a very different set of circumstances, but if you do decide to go for the hip replacement just bear in mind the challenges if your body doesn't react well to it... In my case, I could have left the op a bit longer but in getting it done I've effectively put myself into a far worse position than if I had put it off as long as feasible.
Good luck whatever decision you end up taking.
1
In reply to pneame:
This, but with one additional comment: Over the last couple of years autologous stem cell therapies has entered routine clinical practise for hip prosthesis replacement: Using stem cells isolated from your own bone marrow and artifical substrates (e.g. cell free bone chips or synthetic materials) it is now easier to fix standard hip prostheses after they have loosened, even in elderly patients, where age related bone loss would have previously made that difficult or impossible (not enough bone left to drill a larger hole). Essentially, you now have one more shot to stabilize your hip prosthesis during your life time. From the viewpoint of a stem cell researcher (albeit one working with fruit flies but next door to the bone guys...) I would therefore at your age go for the replacement earlier rather than later.
CB
> 5. will there be a miracle cure (e.g. stem cells)? I used to be an orthopedic researcher and have also spent ~10 years reviewing research applications where stem cells and assorted "newer and better" prostheses were frequent players. The answer is "no". And think yourself lucky that you are on the NHS rather than being sold the "newer and better" prosthesis from someone who gets kickbacks from the company who made it!
This, but with one additional comment: Over the last couple of years autologous stem cell therapies has entered routine clinical practise for hip prosthesis replacement: Using stem cells isolated from your own bone marrow and artifical substrates (e.g. cell free bone chips or synthetic materials) it is now easier to fix standard hip prostheses after they have loosened, even in elderly patients, where age related bone loss would have previously made that difficult or impossible (not enough bone left to drill a larger hole). Essentially, you now have one more shot to stabilize your hip prosthesis during your life time. From the viewpoint of a stem cell researcher (albeit one working with fruit flies but next door to the bone guys...) I would therefore at your age go for the replacement earlier rather than later.
CB
1
In reply to cb294:
Good point. And by the time replacement would be needed this should work very well indeed
Good point. And by the time replacement would be needed this should work very well indeed
1
In reply to doc_h:
Strange that Simon4 should come out with ill-informed gibberish for once. Who'd a thunk it?
Anyway, in answer to the OP,
You can ask to be referred to anyone, anywhere on the NHS (assuming they do NHS work, obviously). You may want to work out where you want to go for advice and who you want to see before going to your GP and asking for a referral.
When I needed my knee 'scoped I asked my GP to send me to to Simon Roberts at RJAH Oswestry, and I had exemplary care from a national expert in sports and joint trauma. For free. An absolutely fantastic experience. Possibly because I'm not Simon4 - and if you are getting to the point of...
Then you probably don't understand how medicine and surgery works.
So, ask for whoever you want - you will be accommodated.
Cheers
b
Strange that Simon4 should come out with ill-informed gibberish for once. Who'd a thunk it?
Anyway, in answer to the OP,
> Also I note many suggestions to choose your surgeon carefully, that's not usually possible on the NHS, you get whoever your are given
You can ask to be referred to anyone, anywhere on the NHS (assuming they do NHS work, obviously). You may want to work out where you want to go for advice and who you want to see before going to your GP and asking for a referral.
When I needed my knee 'scoped I asked my GP to send me to to Simon Roberts at RJAH Oswestry, and I had exemplary care from a national expert in sports and joint trauma. For free. An absolutely fantastic experience. Possibly because I'm not Simon4 - and if you are getting to the point of...
> Get detailed quotes of cost before starting in writing, make sure they include ALL associated costs, make it clear that you don't want any surprise fees added later on
Then you probably don't understand how medicine and surgery works.
So, ask for whoever you want - you will be accommodated.
Cheers
b
2
In reply to jon:
I'd agree that the 'can't sleep' test is a very good indicator of when you're ready for the op. In my case the other thing was that something moved in my hip after walking with a full rucksack, and I went from being capable if sore after a day in the hills to not being keen on walking to the bus-stop. Made for an easy decision.
With hindsight I would have gone for the op sooner. I've experienced a range of orthopaedic problems that are the result of the way stresses were distributed over other parts of the body in the manner that pneame suggests.
I'd agree that the 'can't sleep' test is a very good indicator of when you're ready for the op. In my case the other thing was that something moved in my hip after walking with a full rucksack, and I went from being capable if sore after a day in the hills to not being keen on walking to the bus-stop. Made for an easy decision.
With hindsight I would have gone for the op sooner. I've experienced a range of orthopaedic problems that are the result of the way stresses were distributed over other parts of the body in the manner that pneame suggests.
Post edited at 15:42
In reply to ben b:
I didn't know that - thanks.
My daughter, also a climber but one who gets private heath care via work, has been to a sports Physio who recommended a surgeon who specialises in sports people. Perhaps I'll give him a call or contact Simon Roberts and see if he can recommend anyone in may area.
> You can ask to be referred to anyone, anywhere on the NHS (assuming they do NHS work, obviously). You may want to work out where you want to go for advice and who you want to see before going to your GP and asking for a referral.
I didn't know that - thanks.
My daughter, also a climber but one who gets private heath care via work, has been to a sports Physio who recommended a surgeon who specialises in sports people. Perhaps I'll give him a call or contact Simon Roberts and see if he can recommend anyone in may area.
In reply to cb294:
That made me laugh. Just scale up a fruit fly's hip and we're ready to go.
But as a retired scientist myself (albeit Physics and AI) I do understand what you mean.
> albeit one working with fruit flies but next door to the bone guys...
That made me laugh. Just scale up a fruit fly's hip and we're ready to go.
But as a retired scientist myself (albeit Physics and AI) I do understand what you mean.
In reply to pneame:
It was quite some time ago. Maybe 10 years or even 15? He isn't with us these days, and they did save him, but by transferring to the nhs hospital nearby. I don't think we could sue, and I'm not sure we would. It's not something I'd bring up in the family anyway, there were enough arguments at the time about whether it should have been different and I've no intention of reopening that again.
It was quite some time ago. Maybe 10 years or even 15? He isn't with us these days, and they did save him, but by transferring to the nhs hospital nearby. I don't think we could sue, and I'm not sure we would. It's not something I'd bring up in the family anyway, there were enough arguments at the time about whether it should have been different and I've no intention of reopening that again.
In reply to doc_h:
No problem. I vaguely know some of the other orthopods at RJAH (one used to be a Munro bagging mate) - if Oswestry would work for you geographically then I could ask him. PM if that would help.
Cheers
B
No problem. I vaguely know some of the other orthopods at RJAH (one used to be a Munro bagging mate) - if Oswestry would work for you geographically then I could ask him. PM if that would help.
Cheers
B
In reply to marsbar:
I think the "emergency room round the corner" is what the ambulatory surgery centers here (the US) use as well - naturally it annoys the hospitals, as the surgery centers get the easy cases while the hospital gets the difficult ones. The way medical care is structured here (and seems to be going in the UK), they both get paid the same for the same procedure, but if one is more complex then it obviously costs a lot more than the easy cases.
Sorry to hear your granddad isn't around any more. Suing as a result of poor outcomes in medicine is rampant here - in medicine, more than anything else, stuff happens. In some cases it is needed, but not in most.
I think the "emergency room round the corner" is what the ambulatory surgery centers here (the US) use as well - naturally it annoys the hospitals, as the surgery centers get the easy cases while the hospital gets the difficult ones. The way medical care is structured here (and seems to be going in the UK), they both get paid the same for the same procedure, but if one is more complex then it obviously costs a lot more than the easy cases.
Sorry to hear your granddad isn't around any more. Suing as a result of poor outcomes in medicine is rampant here - in medicine, more than anything else, stuff happens. In some cases it is needed, but not in most.
In reply to pneame:
Thanks. He was in his late 80s or maybe early 90s and he had a great life. I was really very lucky, I had all 4 grandparents until my late 20s.
Thanks. He was in his late 80s or maybe early 90s and he had a great life. I was really very lucky, I had all 4 grandparents until my late 20s.
In reply to doc_h:
Sorry for the hijack, hope whatever you decide goes well. The only other 2p from me is that being young(ish) and healthy is good for recovery.
Sorry for the hijack, hope whatever you decide goes well. The only other 2p from me is that being young(ish) and healthy is good for recovery.
1
In reply to doc_h:
Can only relate my own experience.
56yo had total hip replacement with a dual mobility prosthetic, early April this year.
Was still climbing pretty well, but hip pain was starting to suck the fun out of it.
Aftermath of the surgery was pretty ugly...couldn't eat for two weeks, lost 25lbs...very sick and miserable (suprisingly not all that painful though, despite not taking any pain medication after about 5 days post op)
Once I recovered from the surgery, took a couple of months for the muscles to start getting their mojo back. I had lateral surgery which involves a longitudinal (vertical) slice down the Gluteus Medius. The disadvantage of this approach (as opposed to some of the less invasive approaches) being that the muscle takes a while to recover....the advantage being that post op and longer term, dislocation ( A problem with some of the other approaches) is very unlikely. Since I was planning to be very active after surgery, surgeon felt it was worth the longer recovery time.
Started easy climbing and stretching in early July. Stretching has been a bit of a revelation...I've always stretched a lot, but I'm now more flexible that I've ever been, and certainly far more than I was pre-op...the extra ROM feels great. Muscle weakness is rapidly disappearing at this point, although still struggle to get my foot in place on very high high-steps. Overall, I don't really notice it much while climbing, and I'm definitely climbing better than I was prior to the op (1 hanging a 7c that I've been using to get fit). Hanging in a harness is still quite uncomfortable though...probably the only time I really notice it now.
1. Modern prosthetic technology has improved greatly, my surgeon said mine will probably last me for the duration.
2. Younger patients have better recovery...bone density, muscle + tendon recovery etc.
3. Less risk from surgery...simply a function of a stronger, healthier body.
Unless your symptoms are mild and/or well-managed with very moderate pain medication use...I don't see much advantage to putting it of.
Can only relate my own experience.
56yo had total hip replacement with a dual mobility prosthetic, early April this year.
Was still climbing pretty well, but hip pain was starting to suck the fun out of it.
Aftermath of the surgery was pretty ugly...couldn't eat for two weeks, lost 25lbs...very sick and miserable (suprisingly not all that painful though, despite not taking any pain medication after about 5 days post op)
Once I recovered from the surgery, took a couple of months for the muscles to start getting their mojo back. I had lateral surgery which involves a longitudinal (vertical) slice down the Gluteus Medius. The disadvantage of this approach (as opposed to some of the less invasive approaches) being that the muscle takes a while to recover....the advantage being that post op and longer term, dislocation ( A problem with some of the other approaches) is very unlikely. Since I was planning to be very active after surgery, surgeon felt it was worth the longer recovery time.
Started easy climbing and stretching in early July. Stretching has been a bit of a revelation...I've always stretched a lot, but I'm now more flexible that I've ever been, and certainly far more than I was pre-op...the extra ROM feels great. Muscle weakness is rapidly disappearing at this point, although still struggle to get my foot in place on very high high-steps. Overall, I don't really notice it much while climbing, and I'm definitely climbing better than I was prior to the op (1 hanging a 7c that I've been using to get fit). Hanging in a harness is still quite uncomfortable though...probably the only time I really notice it now.
1. Modern prosthetic technology has improved greatly, my surgeon said mine will probably last me for the duration.
2. Younger patients have better recovery...bone density, muscle + tendon recovery etc.
3. Less risk from surgery...simply a function of a stronger, healthier body.
Unless your symptoms are mild and/or well-managed with very moderate pain medication use...I don't see much advantage to putting it of.
In reply to doc_h:
Fruit flies have six hips, so I must know three times better!
More seriously, I use fly testes as an experimentally tractable model system to study fundamental questions of stem cell biology, while several neighbouring groups study various stem cells in humans, or the use of stem cells in therapies. There is enough interaction through institute seminar series and other events that everyone pretty much knows what is going on elsewhere in the institute (especially if some groups have something to brag about).
CB
Fruit flies have six hips, so I must know three times better!
More seriously, I use fly testes as an experimentally tractable model system to study fundamental questions of stem cell biology, while several neighbouring groups study various stem cells in humans, or the use of stem cells in therapies. There is enough interaction through institute seminar series and other events that everyone pretty much knows what is going on elsewhere in the institute (especially if some groups have something to brag about).
CB
1
In reply to Angry old man:
>
I'm sure that's a typo!
Otherwise it's what I would call amazing service and treatment!!
> I finally had a joint replaced in September 2017after I got constant discomfort even after moderate exercise.
>
I'm sure that's a typo!
Otherwise it's what I would call amazing service and treatment!!
1
In reply to redjerry:
Very helpful, thanks. I'd assumed I'd have to miss either one set of winter trips or one set of summer alpines but I hadn't considered the problems with wearing a harness. I can imagine even a little slip at the climbing wall would be quite painful until fully recovered. I'll investigate dual mobility prosthetics as dislocation sounds painful but also quite likely doing what we do. Shame it has to come with a more complex operation. Decision making is so difficult when there are so many pros and cons.
Very helpful, thanks. I'd assumed I'd have to miss either one set of winter trips or one set of summer alpines but I hadn't considered the problems with wearing a harness. I can imagine even a little slip at the climbing wall would be quite painful until fully recovered. I'll investigate dual mobility prosthetics as dislocation sounds painful but also quite likely doing what we do. Shame it has to come with a more complex operation. Decision making is so difficult when there are so many pros and cons.
In reply to doc_h:
I didn't have any - that I can recall, in any case! This may be due to the minimally invasive approach which leaves a scar of only 7cm and therefore doesn't conflict with leg loops. On the other hand, the first three weeks post op were painful, probably down to all the wrestling that goes on through a much smaller incision (as I said on another thread).
I'm not aware that the operation was more complex? Don't really see why it should be? In the end it seems that Jerry's outcome was just as satisfactory. For an active person who needs a good range of mobility it really is worth you investigating further.
> but I hadn't considered the problems with wearing a harness.
I didn't have any - that I can recall, in any case! This may be due to the minimally invasive approach which leaves a scar of only 7cm and therefore doesn't conflict with leg loops. On the other hand, the first three weeks post op were painful, probably down to all the wrestling that goes on through a much smaller incision (as I said on another thread).
> I'll investigate dual mobility prosthetics as dislocation sounds painful but also quite likely doing what we do. Shame it has to come with a more complex operation.
I'm not aware that the operation was more complex? Don't really see why it should be? In the end it seems that Jerry's outcome was just as satisfactory. For an active person who needs a good range of mobility it really is worth you investigating further.
In reply to jon:
Actually the dual Mobility prosthetic doesn't require anything different (operation wise) at all.
My surgeon merely chose the lateral approach for me because of my activity profile. Its a less complicated operation than the anterior minimally invasive approach, but a bit more invasive.
Actually the dual Mobility prosthetic doesn't require anything different (operation wise) at all.
My surgeon merely chose the lateral approach for me because of my activity profile. Its a less complicated operation than the anterior minimally invasive approach, but a bit more invasive.
1
In reply to redjerry:
Indeed. You have the same hip and with the same approach as mine, but the op got the idea you said it was more complex:
Indeed. You have the same hip and with the same approach as mine, but the op got the idea you said it was more complex:
> Shame it has to come with a more complex operation
In reply to doc_h:
on your question of what was it like before it was done. This is from my partner's perspective. It started as what he described as a niggle/groin pain. Various Physios diagnosed tight hip flexor so more or less the whole period was spent trying to resolve this. I did think it strange that it never cleared up but the physios were very definite including the last one who said he was 20 years away from a hip replacement. Over 2 year period gradual loss of flexibility to extent of avoiding bridging. In early 2014 it was starting to be a more persistent issue but perhaps not exactly pain. It then seemed to deteriorate fairly rapidly. Very painful after descending from a rock climb in June 2014. Painful sleeping. On arriving in the Alps in July 2014 after a 30 second walk to a crag saying he didn't want to climb as it felt like his whole hip would collapse. Still managed 2 weeks of climbing after that.....but really getting very sore now when walking downhill. Hillwalking was no longer an option. Then an obvious limp. The x-ray in August 2014 was fairly shocking as the whole joint had crumbled away. I suspect that with fit folk other muscles can end up compensating to conceal things. Given the x-ray there was no real decision about whether to carry on for a bit with painkillers etc. There was a risk of the whole thing collapsing. Despite this climbing was still pain free. Cycling was OK as well. The issue was getting to the crag. He still managed some trad, sport climbing and a big multi pitch route in mid October 2014 with a walk off. The op was done in November 2014. If there had been an earlier diagnosis I think it would have been better done earlier but I think you start to not realise what normal feels like as there has been pain or discomfort for so long. It is also difficult to take the decision when you are more or less managing which I guess is why your surgeon has put it back to you and your quality of life. As others have said you don't want the muscles to have deteriorated too much or where it starts to impact on other joints and cause different problems.
You also want to start thinking about the best time to have it done. From my partner's perspective it was about missing a winter season but not trying not to miss the next summer/alps. By summer 2014 the impact on his quality of life was pretty massive anyway. In early 2014 there had been no real impact on quality of life.
Op was done in mid Nov 2014. First hill climbed on Christmas day. First winter climb in the Northern Corries in March. Hadrian's wall on the Ben in early May. First sport climbing in early April. First trad climbing later in April. Usual Alps trip in July 2015. I don't remember there being any issues about hanging in a harness. It was a total hip replacement.
Perhaps you can get yourself on a list now in anticipation. Otherwise you might find you end up having a long wait at the point when it does impact seriously.
on your question of what was it like before it was done. This is from my partner's perspective. It started as what he described as a niggle/groin pain. Various Physios diagnosed tight hip flexor so more or less the whole period was spent trying to resolve this. I did think it strange that it never cleared up but the physios were very definite including the last one who said he was 20 years away from a hip replacement. Over 2 year period gradual loss of flexibility to extent of avoiding bridging. In early 2014 it was starting to be a more persistent issue but perhaps not exactly pain. It then seemed to deteriorate fairly rapidly. Very painful after descending from a rock climb in June 2014. Painful sleeping. On arriving in the Alps in July 2014 after a 30 second walk to a crag saying he didn't want to climb as it felt like his whole hip would collapse. Still managed 2 weeks of climbing after that.....but really getting very sore now when walking downhill. Hillwalking was no longer an option. Then an obvious limp. The x-ray in August 2014 was fairly shocking as the whole joint had crumbled away. I suspect that with fit folk other muscles can end up compensating to conceal things. Given the x-ray there was no real decision about whether to carry on for a bit with painkillers etc. There was a risk of the whole thing collapsing. Despite this climbing was still pain free. Cycling was OK as well. The issue was getting to the crag. He still managed some trad, sport climbing and a big multi pitch route in mid October 2014 with a walk off. The op was done in November 2014. If there had been an earlier diagnosis I think it would have been better done earlier but I think you start to not realise what normal feels like as there has been pain or discomfort for so long. It is also difficult to take the decision when you are more or less managing which I guess is why your surgeon has put it back to you and your quality of life. As others have said you don't want the muscles to have deteriorated too much or where it starts to impact on other joints and cause different problems.
You also want to start thinking about the best time to have it done. From my partner's perspective it was about missing a winter season but not trying not to miss the next summer/alps. By summer 2014 the impact on his quality of life was pretty massive anyway. In early 2014 there had been no real impact on quality of life.
Op was done in mid Nov 2014. First hill climbed on Christmas day. First winter climb in the Northern Corries in March. Hadrian's wall on the Ben in early May. First sport climbing in early April. First trad climbing later in April. Usual Alps trip in July 2015. I don't remember there being any issues about hanging in a harness. It was a total hip replacement.
Perhaps you can get yourself on a list now in anticipation. Otherwise you might find you end up having a long wait at the point when it does impact seriously.
1
In reply to jon:
That's correct. I was really referring to the method of entry, anterior vs posterior. I'd read that anterior is more complex and tricky because of the nerves that run down the front of the hip. Sorry for the confusion.
That's correct. I was really referring to the method of entry, anterior vs posterior. I'd read that anterior is more complex and tricky because of the nerves that run down the front of the hip. Sorry for the confusion.
In reply to abbeywall:
Wow! Your post might have made my mind up all on its own. You make many good points that reflect my own situation. Its true that I've sort of gotten use to the discomfort - for that's all it is. But I have given up running as doing even half a mile is too painful and repeating the 300m fissure Ailefroide a year or so ago I had to use a top rope on a pitch that involved 30m or so of wide bridging or else I'd still be there now! Some days I do have a limp, especially when meandering around the campsites so I guess I am compensating with other muscles already. Getting up to Ben Nevis north face is ok but I don't look forward to coming back down. Having the op in November and back to the Alps in the summer sounds like just what I need. It does appear wise not to wait until it gets too bad. Many thanks to those that replied.
Now I need to find a NHS surgeon in East Anglia who understands the special needs of climbers and will fit a dual mobility hip.
Wow! Your post might have made my mind up all on its own. You make many good points that reflect my own situation. Its true that I've sort of gotten use to the discomfort - for that's all it is. But I have given up running as doing even half a mile is too painful and repeating the 300m fissure Ailefroide a year or so ago I had to use a top rope on a pitch that involved 30m or so of wide bridging or else I'd still be there now! Some days I do have a limp, especially when meandering around the campsites so I guess I am compensating with other muscles already. Getting up to Ben Nevis north face is ok but I don't look forward to coming back down. Having the op in November and back to the Alps in the summer sounds like just what I need. It does appear wise not to wait until it gets too bad. Many thanks to those that replied.
Now I need to find a NHS surgeon in East Anglia who understands the special needs of climbers and will fit a dual mobility hip.
In reply to doc_h:
Well yes, but neither of us had anterior (unless I've mis-read it, which is more than possible!)
> I'd read that anterior is more complex and tricky because of the nerves that run down the front of the hip. Sorry for the confusion.
Well yes, but neither of us had anterior (unless I've mis-read it, which is more than possible!)
In reply to doc_h:
Good luck. There's some similar themes there (similar age as well) although you've had an X-ray that sounds like it isn't so clear cut. It's a hard decision to take. It's a big op and the first few weeks are not pleasant.
As far as I know my partner's was a standard total hip replacement. I didn't know about the alternative method mentioned in this thread apart from resurfacing. The surgeon knew he was a climber/skier/walker and said he would be able to do everything he could do before.
Good luck. There's some similar themes there (similar age as well) although you've had an X-ray that sounds like it isn't so clear cut. It's a hard decision to take. It's a big op and the first few weeks are not pleasant.
As far as I know my partner's was a standard total hip replacement. I didn't know about the alternative method mentioned in this thread apart from resurfacing. The surgeon knew he was a climber/skier/walker and said he would be able to do everything he could do before.
In reply to jon:
What was your experience with ROM of the dual mob. joint? and also the muscle weakness that I mentioned.
What was your experience with ROM of the dual mob. joint? and also the muscle weakness that I mentioned.
In reply to doc_h:
My partners oldest brother had a total hip replacement on the right side five days ago. Discharged yesterday and already had two visits from combined OT/physio/district nurse team. Up and about, on sticks, climbing the stairs. As keen as mustard to get out to the hills once the wound has healed. He pushed it down the road as far as reasonably possible and pain would permit. Speaking highly of all the NHS care he's received.
My partners oldest brother had a total hip replacement on the right side five days ago. Discharged yesterday and already had two visits from combined OT/physio/district nurse team. Up and about, on sticks, climbing the stairs. As keen as mustard to get out to the hills once the wound has healed. He pushed it down the road as far as reasonably possible and pain would permit. Speaking highly of all the NHS care he's received.
In reply to redjerry:
I have never been very supple - bridging for example has always been painful - 90° absolute max. In consequence my climbing is very outside edge/sideways rather than face on. So I guess my muscles have got used to that. That said, I think I am slightly more flexible in the hips (or rather, hip) than before. Post op my physio consisted of gently getting the natural range of mobility back - tying shoelace sort - but also building up strength in the gluteus medeus to avoid limping. By the time I started to climb again I don't recall any specific weakness. I should say this was all nearly six years ago. Nowadays it never occurs to me that my hip isn't natural and a part of me.
I have never been very supple - bridging for example has always been painful - 90° absolute max. In consequence my climbing is very outside edge/sideways rather than face on. So I guess my muscles have got used to that. That said, I think I am slightly more flexible in the hips (or rather, hip) than before. Post op my physio consisted of gently getting the natural range of mobility back - tying shoelace sort - but also building up strength in the gluteus medeus to avoid limping. By the time I started to climb again I don't recall any specific weakness. I should say this was all nearly six years ago. Nowadays it never occurs to me that my hip isn't natural and a part of me.
In reply to doc_h:
Presumably you've ruled out resurfacing for some reason. I got my left hip resurfaced in 2002 which was very successful. Could hardly walk 100 yds before the op and in great pain. Was winter climbing again after about three months. I run in the hills a lot and take part in hill races without any real problem. I have a number of friends (climbers and runners) who have been resurfaced and they have all been able to resume climbing and running. One or two are very prominent and active climbers. Total replacement is the last resort. Hope this helps.
Presumably you've ruled out resurfacing for some reason. I got my left hip resurfaced in 2002 which was very successful. Could hardly walk 100 yds before the op and in great pain. Was winter climbing again after about three months. I run in the hills a lot and take part in hill races without any real problem. I have a number of friends (climbers and runners) who have been resurfaced and they have all been able to resume climbing and running. One or two are very prominent and active climbers. Total replacement is the last resort. Hope this helps.
In reply to studgek:
No I hadn't ruled it out. The NHS surgeon simply said I needed a hip replacement so I took him at his word. I did research resurfacing a bit but didn't take it any further once the surgeon I saw said he no longer did them due to issues with metal ions. To be honest, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I didn't think I had any choice in the matter. I thought you just got the surgeon allocated to you who fixed the hip the way he chose to do it without really involving me at at all. From the posts here though that doesn't seem to be the case, even with the NHS.
No I hadn't ruled it out. The NHS surgeon simply said I needed a hip replacement so I took him at his word. I did research resurfacing a bit but didn't take it any further once the surgeon I saw said he no longer did them due to issues with metal ions. To be honest, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I didn't think I had any choice in the matter. I thought you just got the surgeon allocated to you who fixed the hip the way he chose to do it without really involving me at at all. From the posts here though that doesn't seem to be the case, even with the NHS.
In reply to doc_h:
You definitely have a choice. The first surgeon I was referred to told me to have a full replacement and wouldn't consider resurfacing. At my request I was referred to another surgeon who told me resurfacing was appropriate if I wanted to continue to be active climbing and running. I later found out that the first surgeon had never done a resurfacing operation. In the unlikely event that resurfacing failed you would still have the option of a full replacement as I understand it. As I said earlier resurfacing is very common with people who want to remain active in the long term and I know a large number of people who have had hips resurfaced successfully. There is plenty of information online of course. If I was you I would not go for a full replacement at least until I had satisfied myself that for some reason resurfacing was not appropriate. Resurfacing has been available for many years particularly in Birmingham (the McMinn Hip). Good luck
You definitely have a choice. The first surgeon I was referred to told me to have a full replacement and wouldn't consider resurfacing. At my request I was referred to another surgeon who told me resurfacing was appropriate if I wanted to continue to be active climbing and running. I later found out that the first surgeon had never done a resurfacing operation. In the unlikely event that resurfacing failed you would still have the option of a full replacement as I understand it. As I said earlier resurfacing is very common with people who want to remain active in the long term and I know a large number of people who have had hips resurfaced successfully. There is plenty of information online of course. If I was you I would not go for a full replacement at least until I had satisfied myself that for some reason resurfacing was not appropriate. Resurfacing has been available for many years particularly in Birmingham (the McMinn Hip). Good luck
In reply to doc_h:
Re-surfacing was definitely more popular for active people. Most of the mountaineers I know had resurfacing (a number of years ago and with very successful outcomes) but I think there may not be much difference now with flexibility etc as THRs have improved and no disadvantage with THR. We were told it would make no difference. I think re surfacing may now be less common. It may also be more difficult to get it on the NHS now (to do with what your surgeon told you - an allergy to chromium ions which get released from resurfaced hips, but apparently it's 1 % of folk at most who have trouble, and you can still get resurfaced hips replaced if that happens).
Like anything there are pros and cons, lots of research and different people have different views. You probably want to write down a list of questions to ask. I think the surgeon will do it by their preferred way so if you are not happy about this you have to find a different surgeon.
Re-surfacing was definitely more popular for active people. Most of the mountaineers I know had resurfacing (a number of years ago and with very successful outcomes) but I think there may not be much difference now with flexibility etc as THRs have improved and no disadvantage with THR. We were told it would make no difference. I think re surfacing may now be less common. It may also be more difficult to get it on the NHS now (to do with what your surgeon told you - an allergy to chromium ions which get released from resurfaced hips, but apparently it's 1 % of folk at most who have trouble, and you can still get resurfaced hips replaced if that happens).
Like anything there are pros and cons, lots of research and different people have different views. You probably want to write down a list of questions to ask. I think the surgeon will do it by their preferred way so if you are not happy about this you have to find a different surgeon.
In reply to redjerry:
I had a hip replacement last September, nearly a year ago, age then 52.
Whilst I dont have the issue with pain that I had before I feel a bit stiff, OK cycling and walking are fine but I am struggling to see my flexibility returning I'd be interested to know a bit more about what you did post op. My NHS trust would not give any physio which probably hasn't helped and I am (still) very conscious of not overstitching and dislocating it.
As regards the pain before it was bad enough that I needed 8 paracetamol a day which I topped up when doing anything remotely active and on really bad days a double whisky before bed. I also had a limp which was pretty pronounced ... I wouldn't have put it off any longer.
> 56yo had total hip replacement with a dual mobility prosthetic, early April this year.
> Was still climbing pretty well, but hip pain was starting to suck the fun out of it.
> Once I recovered from the surgery, took a couple of months for the muscles to start getting their mojo back. I had lateral surgery which involves a longitudinal (vertical) slice down the Gluteus Medius. The disadvantage of this approach (as opposed to some of the less invasive approaches) being that the muscle takes a while to recover....the advantage being that post op and longer term, dislocation ( A problem with some of the other approaches) is very unlikely. Since I was planning to be very active after surgery, surgeon felt it was worth the longer recovery time.
> Started easy climbing and stretching in early July. Stretching has been a bit of a revelation...I've always stretched a lot, but I'm now more flexible that I've ever been, and certainly far more than I was pre-op...the extra ROM feels great. Muscle weakness is rapidly disappearing at this point, although still struggle to get my foot in place on very high high-steps. Overall, I don't really notice it much while climbing, and I'm definitely climbing better than I was prior to the op (1 hanging a 7c that I've been using to get fit). Hanging in a harness is still quite uncomfortable though...probably the only time I really notice it now.
> Unless your symptoms are mild and/or well-managed with very moderate pain medication use...I don't see much advantage to putting it of.
I had a hip replacement last September, nearly a year ago, age then 52.
Whilst I dont have the issue with pain that I had before I feel a bit stiff, OK cycling and walking are fine but I am struggling to see my flexibility returning I'd be interested to know a bit more about what you did post op. My NHS trust would not give any physio which probably hasn't helped and I am (still) very conscious of not overstitching and dislocating it.
As regards the pain before it was bad enough that I needed 8 paracetamol a day which I topped up when doing anything remotely active and on really bad days a double whisky before bed. I also had a limp which was pretty pronounced ... I wouldn't have put it off any longer.
Post edited at 22:17
In reply to doc_h:
My poor old mum has broken her second hip, at 93, having broken the other one two years ago. So she had the second hip replacement two days ago. Not good.
(ok, of only marginal relevance to this thread!)
My poor old mum has broken her second hip, at 93, having broken the other one two years ago. So she had the second hip replacement two days ago. Not good.
(ok, of only marginal relevance to this thread!)
In reply to doc_h:
Interestingly at first it was just middle irritating, a year later I was continually aware and taking 8 paracetamol a day plus other pain relief in the form of whisky, four months before I did a 22 mile cycle having taken both paracetamol and nurofen before the ride, in the last couple of months I was going out to take the dog for a walk and struggling. I probably should have had it done earlier. A year later I'm not back to climbing yet, but it is very much each to their own some people report great progress others much slower, also depends on other priorities and I have a young son who takes up my time, at least I can now play a bit of football with him and run a bit after the ball!! being pain free is so much better I was surprised at how quickly things deteriorated.
> Can anyone who has had a hip replacement and still climbs tell me what it was like before they had it done?
> Did you get it done while it was still just a bit of a irritating or did you wait until you were definitely in pain.
Interestingly at first it was just middle irritating, a year later I was continually aware and taking 8 paracetamol a day plus other pain relief in the form of whisky, four months before I did a 22 mile cycle having taken both paracetamol and nurofen before the ride, in the last couple of months I was going out to take the dog for a walk and struggling. I probably should have had it done earlier. A year later I'm not back to climbing yet, but it is very much each to their own some people report great progress others much slower, also depends on other priorities and I have a young son who takes up my time, at least I can now play a bit of football with him and run a bit after the ball!! being pain free is so much better I was surprised at how quickly things deteriorated.
In reply to BazVee:
"My NHS trust would not give any physio"
yoiks, that's not good...I think the physio is pretty key. Exactly what you need to do will depend on the particulars of your operation. Maybe pay for a consultation with a PT, then do the exercises on your own?
In my case, I feel fairly certain that improvement beyond a certain basic level would not just have happened as a matter of course, but required a strict PT regimen that included some quite uncomfortable exercises that really weren't much fun and didn't feel good in the way that working out normally does.
After a couple of months, the surgeon told me that there wasn't much chance of dislocating the hip and cleared me for exercise and stretching with no restrictions. I went back to a pretty comprehensive (takes me 1.5 hrs) full-body routine that i've been using for years.
"My NHS trust would not give any physio"
yoiks, that's not good...I think the physio is pretty key. Exactly what you need to do will depend on the particulars of your operation. Maybe pay for a consultation with a PT, then do the exercises on your own?
In my case, I feel fairly certain that improvement beyond a certain basic level would not just have happened as a matter of course, but required a strict PT regimen that included some quite uncomfortable exercises that really weren't much fun and didn't feel good in the way that working out normally does.
After a couple of months, the surgeon told me that there wasn't much chance of dislocating the hip and cleared me for exercise and stretching with no restrictions. I went back to a pretty comprehensive (takes me 1.5 hrs) full-body routine that i've been using for years.
In reply to doc_h:
you can use the choose and book system to select your hospital of choice and look at the surgeons cv.this often allows access to the private sector clinics.ask your gp.
good luck!
you can use the choose and book system to select your hospital of choice and look at the surgeons cv.this often allows access to the private sector clinics.ask your gp.
good luck!
In reply to redjerry:
I think it was finance driven and nothing more, I do know of other people in other areas getting physio. Strangely enough before I had the op they insisted on me spending 3 months with a physio to see if it was manageable without an op. All the physio did then was delay the inevitable and cause more niggling pain!!
I'm due back to the surgeon soon for my 1 year check and will have to ask a bit more thoroughly about stretching, dislocation and physio. I also want to know if I can start using my concept rower that has sat in the garage for the past year and a half collecting dust.
Anyway at least you have given me something to think about so thanks for that, and I only wandered into the alps/exped forum for curiosities sake as I haven't climbed in the alps for nearly 10 years.
> "My NHS trust would not give any physio"
> yoiks, that's not good...I think the physio is pretty key. Exactly what you need to do will depend on the particulars of your operation. Maybe pay for a consultation with a PT, then do the exercises on your own?
I think it was finance driven and nothing more, I do know of other people in other areas getting physio. Strangely enough before I had the op they insisted on me spending 3 months with a physio to see if it was manageable without an op. All the physio did then was delay the inevitable and cause more niggling pain!!
I'm due back to the surgeon soon for my 1 year check and will have to ask a bit more thoroughly about stretching, dislocation and physio. I also want to know if I can start using my concept rower that has sat in the garage for the past year and a half collecting dust.
Anyway at least you have given me something to think about so thanks for that, and I only wandered into the alps/exped forum for curiosities sake as I haven't climbed in the alps for nearly 10 years.
In reply to BazVee:
My mother had a hip replacement about ten years ago when she was late 70s, I think. She lives in Ashbourne and it was done in Derby on NHS. She had no physio whatever and I think suffered the consequences. Maybe it was her age - she did ask about it and was told she didn't need it. I was prescribed I think four or five weeks twice or maybe three times a week from the end of my first week home. As I said above he concentrated on tying shoelaces range of movement and very effective exercises for building up gluteus medius to prevent limping. I'm convinced that it was one of the factors that led to a quick recovery.
My mother had a hip replacement about ten years ago when she was late 70s, I think. She lives in Ashbourne and it was done in Derby on NHS. She had no physio whatever and I think suffered the consequences. Maybe it was her age - she did ask about it and was told she didn't need it. I was prescribed I think four or five weeks twice or maybe three times a week from the end of my first week home. As I said above he concentrated on tying shoelaces range of movement and very effective exercises for building up gluteus medius to prevent limping. I'm convinced that it was one of the factors that led to a quick recovery.
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