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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: guzzi4me on January 11, 2018, 07:38:59 PM
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Greetings All!
Seems like a bout with sever osteoarthritis has left me with zero cartilage in my right hip. Cortisone shots do nothing.
Having a total hip replacement on Thursday. Upside is I should be able to walk without extreme pain in about 1-2 months...downside is I can't ride for at least 3 months!!!
Has anyone else had this procedure done and if so is it really 3 months before you rode again? As motorcycles have been a big part of my life since age 10 and ride most everyday needless to say I am NOT looking forward to this downtime...especial ly with my new V7II Stone which is an amazing machine!!
Thanks everybody and I will be looking forward to the many ride pics you post....that will help me through this!!!
Ride safe and often (as I hope to be soon!!)
Jeff
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Well Jeff , you will be good to go come Cedar Vale :cheesy:
Dusty
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Know several who've had it done, recovery was quick and they got them up walking on it in days. It's a pretty cut and dried operation these days, don't sweat it. You'll be fine !! :cool:
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Everyone tolerates surgery and heals at their own level dependent on surgeon skill, overall health, extent of procedure, and adherence to a rehabilition schedule...YMMV
Take care of yourself, eat plenty of fruits, grains, and veggies...get plenty of sleep...work closely with your rehab specialist...rememb er, it will be a series of plateaus and some setbacks...learn some relaxation techniques such as transcendental meditation for stress release...exercise your mind as well with something besides computers and teevee...
This advice from a surgical nurse with 32 years of experience.... :cool:
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My wife had it done 23 years ago, still doing great on the same replacement. She was up walking the next day and on a horse in a month or so. The units they replace with now has a much greater range of motion than the hip she has which only closes 70%. The new models can close near 90% angle.
Best part of all they are sealed bearings now thus eliminating the grease fitting on the outside on the leg. Lol, just kidding, you will do great. 🙏coming your way.
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Count yourself lucky that they still make part for a guy of your vintage.
But seriously, there are far more reports of great outcomes than not. Best of luck and listen to your physical therapist during recovery.
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A friend dreaded it for a long time...so much so he forgot it would relieve his pain...pt...pt...pt and he was a happy man in short time
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Hi, I had a bilateral total hip replacement at 51 yo (2012). Bone spurs. Both hips at the same time, I was in a lot of trouble and couldn't swing my leg over a bike. Sometimes couldn't get out of the car.
It was an amazing result. Walking at day 1. Home day 7. Walking on crutches straight away. Driving after a few weeks (should have been 6 weeks)
Now, still totally free of pain and with a full range of movement, and riding easily.
You won't know the difference. For me it was totally life changing.
Good luck, Mick
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I had mine done 1 year ago in Oct. to reduce motorcycle downtime, but recover before the snow and ice hit. That plan was side tracked due to an infection at the hip joint and going back in 4 weeks later. They replaced the ball/socket and put me on a 'nuke it from orbit' antibiotic. That set me back a bit.
Had I not been kicked in the ass by the infection, I would have been back on a bike in 3 months. I drove 24 hours and shot a rifle match 3 months after the second surgery. Running around that range doing jungle-gym bullshit with a firearm 3 months after the second surgery tells a lot of my condition. I shot for shit, but still did it.
~My~ basics were:
on your feet less than 12 hours after surgery, walk 150 feet, do some stairs, and get in/out of a simulated car before they let you go home.
I was home less than 24 hours after the knife, both times.
off of the walker within 2 days
off pain killers in 4-5 days
driving within 2 weeks, back to my desk around the same time (this was aggressive)
able to do most 'normal' things 4 weeks out.
I would have been able to ride 3 months out, but maybe not 2 months. I just don't remember because the weather was shit.
I didn't have any PT. My doc's orders- if you are awake, get off your ass and walk, do stairs, get your strength back, get your coordination back. Building up the muscle around the hip is what you are looking for. You also need to let time get the tendon around your ass get back up to speed so that your foot points forward again. Work on that whenever you are moving. Whatever you do, don't fall. Falling is very bad if you knock it out of joint (very easy early on).
A vascular surgeon friend of mine had his done 4 months ago...he had a tougher time (no infection) because he is older. It all depends on your health, typical recovery time, and how much you WANT to get better.
Bottom line- you will wonder why you waited so long. I need my other one done and will NOT wait as long as I did for the first.
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Twelve weeks post-op here. Severe degenerative osteoarthritis of the right hip.
Lesson 1 - get a commode - if you don't have one, contact your local Civitan Club - they maintain an inventory of loaners.
Lesson 2 - do the exercises
Lesson 3 - your mantra for the next three months - no bending, no twisting, no crossing, no lifting
Lesson 4 - do the exercises
Lesson 5 - obey your physiotherapist
Did I mention "Do the exercises?"
I was walking with a cane on day 2. Able to walk with a cane around the block at week two. Driving at week six. Walking with a cane about 4km daily. Starting soon on the stationary bike.
Back to work on Monday.
Oh yeah - get a good Sock Putter-oner gadget, picker-upper gadget and a longneck shoehorn - and forget about tying your shoelaces for the foreseeable future.
But, you know what?
When you wake up, the pain is gone.
Good luck.
G
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Twelve weeks post-op here. Severe degenerative osteoarthritis of the right hip.
Lesson 1 - get a commode - if you don't have one, contact your local Civitan Club - they maintain an inventory of loaners.
Lesson 2 - do the exercises
Lesson 3 - your mantra for the next three months - no bending, no twisting, no crossing, no lifting
Lesson 4 - do the exercises
Lesson 5 - obey your physiotherapist
Did I mention "Do the exercises?"
I was walking with a cane on day 2. Able to walk with a cane around the block at week two. Driving at week six. Walking with a cane about 4km daily. Starting soon on the stationary bike.
Back to work on Monday.
Oh yeah - get a good Sock Putter-oner gadget, picker-upper gadget and a longneck shoehorn - and forget about tying your shoelaces for the foreseeable future.
But, you know what?
When you wake up, the pain is gone.
Good luck.
G
My wife is having a hip replaced at the end of the month.
Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
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My wife had both her hips done with a local doctor that does the anterior approach replacement. The recovery time and restrictions are less threw this method. Ask your doctor if they do the anterior approach and if it is right for you.
https://www.arthritis-health.com/surgery/hip-surgery/advantages-and-disadvantages-anterior-hip-replacement
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get a commode
get a good Sock Putter-oner gadget, picker-upper gadget and a longneck shoehorn - and forget about tying your shoelaces for the foreseeable future.
Yea, The toilet high-chair attachment was a must (if not a commode), the sock slingshot was a must, pick up tool was great, shoehorn was useful, get a cane and keep it handy.
The only thing I rented was the walker... didn't need it very long.
Best thing is to go through your living space before surgery and get rid of anything that will cause trips, clutter, etc. You want to move around without a lot of fuss, twisting, or bending. Think about what to do if your sleeping area, bathroom, etc are on different floors. I had a fellow employee rent a hospital bed for the lower level for a few weeks so he didn't have to climb stairs while he gained strength.
Links:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31B7PYBBKRL.jpg
https://ssl.cdn.ncmedical.com/images/dynamic/380x380/items/thumb2/2012_04_30_10_39_01__11_NC32502a_w_11.jpg
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51fcTpRnYvL._SY355_.jpg
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31WMU7StYcL._SX355_.jpg
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Main rule-do what they tell you. Prayed for Dr.’s & staff & healing.
Have had both done Nov/Dec 2013. Told Dr. I had to be healed by April. “Riding season.” Do the right 1st, that’s the one I throw over the bike 1st.
Released 23 hrs later wanting to do the left hip the following month. Dr. Said no, to soon. He gave in & I was released 22hrs after that one in Dec.......I was short riding in March & now work part time 3 days a week walking 8 hours & up & down 3 step ladders.
I’m riding my ‘81 cafed BMW, Ural, ‘85 Gold Wing & MGX 21 with no problems but I am methodical about righting the MGX & putting the Wing on its center stand. I’m 67.
My best wiishes & prayers are with you. Although common now it IS a big deal.
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Hi, I had a bilateral total hip replacement at 51 yo (2012). Bone spurs. Both hips at the same time, I was in a lot of trouble and couldn't swing my leg over a bike.
I've had a pinched nerve in my hip somewhere but even with a MRI they don't know where, to the point it really hurt to lift my leg over a MC seat on or off. To counter that I started riding maxi-scooters about 10 years ago. Then I saw a back specialist who looked @ my MRI and suggested I try some pills for my pain and not being able to walk much more than to shop for groceries. I take the pills 2x a day and I'm good to go but now my legs are weak w/o having all the exercise they used to get when legs in better shape. My lower back is shot too and wear a brace for that as needed. I recently bought a pedal device to build my leg muscles up again @ home.
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Another handy gadget was the transfer bench for the shower. If you have a walk-in shower it's not important, but if you have a bathtub type shower it's a good idea.
And again I say contact your local Civitan Club if you need any hardware. They provided me with an electric bed, an over-bed table, a two-wheeled walker and a transfer bench. Free of charge. They delivered, set up, and picked up the equipment when I was done with it. I made a donation to the club (they are a charitable organization), but there was no formal rental fee ever discussed.
Cheers!
G
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What leg is involved? If it is your left leg you will have to be more careful on how you mount the motorcycle. Surgeons usually run an full range of motion to determine what position you hip will be in its weakest position. Just before they sew you back up the run your hip full a through ROM testing to determine if there is any particular position that could cause a problem. You need to take to your surgeon and tell him about how mount and dismount you bike so he can have an idea of how you are using your hip.
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Just got home from work and read all the replies.
A BIG Thanks to all for the advice and links. You don't know what that means to me. The group helped me through my prostate cancer back in 2014 and now you are all helping out again.
What a great bunch!!
Yes I will do the exercises and do what my physical therapist says and won't rush things. Kaiser has a "hip kit" that has the picker upper, sock putter-oner and some other things. Will get that.
Will check into the Civitan club. thanks for that.
My Doctor is doing the anterior approach method. Your links helped me learn all about that procedure.
I will be admitted at 0545 this Thursday and be home the same day unless something happens.
Thanks again for all the input and prayers. I feel much better now hearing about other folks experience with this.
Ride safe and often,
Jeff
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Here's to your swift recovery! :boozing:
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Just got in from 2.5 weeks holiday.
Someone has already said, "you wake up, the pain is gone"
The hardest part for me was coming off the massive doses of pain killers I was on, while at the same time being on a reducing steroid regime.
I worked up until the last day in a job that involved climbing ladders. It took 10 weeks before I could climb a ladder again but I was well and truly up and about before then. The relief was beyond belief; to be able to shin up a ladder again and be pain free was amazing.
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I had my knee replaced about 16 months ago. I’m very much better off since getting it done. You’ll be good as new in four months. Sending wishes for comfort and a full recovery.
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Good luck on your operation. As you can tell from the above replies, there are many different healing rates but all do heal rapidly (considering the scope of hip replacement). Listen to your doctor's/PTist's advice, don't rush it, don't try to be a hero and ask for help if you need it. You'll be fine sooner than you think.
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My mother had her right hip replaced last fall and they had her up and walking the same afternoon.
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Got your red suspenders?
Teehee - but no joke. You will have swelling and discomfort around the wound, staples, etc.
Suspenders allow you to wear your pants without doing them up - nice & loose.
G
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No one brought up the nutrition component. Your healing will require nutrients to the muscles, ligaments and bones. Consider and get advice on vitamins and supplements for your recovery/future nutrition levels. (chondroiton-glucosamine, calcium, multi-vitamins etc.)
Painkillers. Use only the amount to dull the pain not kill it. Pain is to remind you to "take it easy and recover" from the that trauma. You'll need to heal so no stress to that side of the body.
Mount your motorcycle from the other side. Allow your body to adjust. Weight should equally distributed between hands/feet and only when your physically ready, not before. Don't push it. There is no time limit involved. Like others have said healing rates are different. You'll know when.
An observation. Weight is another stress factor. Most friends that have had knee replacement & hip replacements are near 6 foot and weight more than 200lbs. Definitely consider your weight.
Hope all goes well.
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Good idea about the red suspenders...never even thought of that!
The nutrition aspect Tom has been addressed by my wife Laurie. She has meals ready to go so all I have to do is warm them up if she is not here. The nutritional supplements are ready too.
Again THANKS to all for the kind words, encouragement and prayers and good thoughts.
This is a GREAT bunch of folks....the Guzzi community is very special!!!
Will let everyone know how Thursday goes as soon as I can....
Jeff
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:thumb:
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Greetings All!
Seems like a bout with sever osteoarthritis has left me with zero cartilage in my right hip. Cortisone shots do nothing.
Having a total hip replacement on Thursday. Upside is I should be able to walk without extreme pain in about 1-2 months...downside is I can't ride for at least 3 months!!!
Has anyone else had this procedure done and if so is it really 3 months before you rode again?
Had a total replacement of my right hip a couple years ago and was amazed at how well it went.
I had it done at a place that does them all the time - Emory in Atlanta, GA. I didn't want a rookie working on me and it turns out the guy who did mine is from Italy and used to race Ducatis. When I learned that, I knew he was the man for the job. They have it down to a science so I recommend a similar facility.
The surgeon told me 47 minutes (!) from start to finish.
I did the requisite post-op and got rolled up to a room where I drifted lazily on a cloud for 2 hours at which point two nurses entered my room with a walker and said "we need you to get up." I laughed and said "Sure, why not?" struggled to my feet with their help, leaned over the walker and motored around the room as best I could. Nurses were happy and told me if I had no issues, I could expect to go home next morning. That was how it went. Home next day.
I got the raised toilet seat and optional grabber thingy on the end of the stick to help me put my socks on. I obeyed all instructions about showering and was surprised to learn I had zero stitches - they glue that bad boy shut. The glue held and I have had zero complications. Nice scar on my butt.
21 days after surgery, I had reason to go upstairs in my house to retrieve a file off a computer and using the instructions provided, navigated the stairs successfully. About 15 days later, I was taking short rides on my Stelvio and gradually increased the length. I've done numerous rides of several hundred miles and one of over 900 miles since that surgery.
So, with a top-notch surgeon, following directions to the letter and couple months off work, I was back on a bike in far less pain than I was prior to the procedure. Of course, your mileage may vary but I was off a bike less than 2 months. I should have done it years before I did but you have to be ready. Good luck!
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On any operation like this your age when done matters too how fast you will recover from it. The older you are the longer it takes. :undecided:
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Good luck on Thursday, Jeff!
Starting Friday, you'll be known as "the hipster"!
Lots of good advice and positive experiences in this thread, that's ressassuring. Yes, it really is an amazing forum.
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I had my right hip replaced and was on the bike the bike in a month. Here's how I got on my 98 V11EV. Approach the bike on the left side , new hip next to the bike with the kickstand down. Grab left grip with left hand. With your right hand do a runners quadricep stretch and lift the right leg (new hip) over the lowest part of the seat, slowly lower right leg to the ground. With the left leg, stand up the bike and carefully balance it and kick up the kickstand. Maybe if the new hip is on the left side it might be easier.
Good luck with it!
Ed
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On my way to bed and on my way to the hospital in the morning.
I want to THANK EVERYONE for the support, prayers and kind thoughts.
No, this isn't as serious as cancer (which I am still undetectable for prostate!!!!!!) but it does affect my life.
Again, the WildGuzzi group is amazing. thanks to Luap for putting up with us but especially thanks to Dusty..which before Cedar Vale 2017 I called him my "best friend I never met". Now I can say he is my best friend I am GLAD I met!!!
Ride safe and often,
Jeff
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Hi Jeff, just saw your post. Had my right hip replaced last August (2017) as mentioned the pain relief was immediate but the pain relief drugs were overwhelming. First question I ask the doc, when can I ride again? Answer finish physical therapy and as soon as you can swing your leg over the bike, it was actually one of my when are you better goals! :grin:
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Modern medicine is amazing :thumb:
Jeff just called , all went well , he is out and about already , sounds cheerful . Most likely the only real problem will be to not make his lovely wife crazy . Good practice for retirement :laugh:
He did express his gratitude to everyone here :bow:
Dusty
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:thumb: Glad to hear it went well
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Greetings All!!!!
Everything went according to plan. In pre-op at 6am and on my way home by 4 or so.
First night was a little sleepless..had to get up twice to walk around. But I expected that. Last night was a lot more restful....drugs are good!!!!!
Doing my exercises and eating right. Have received calls from my Doctor and the staff at Kaiser just checking on me....nice!
THANKS again to everyone for the kind words, great advice and words of "I've been there" encouragement. It does make a difference!
Ride safe and often,
Jeff
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:thumb:
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Good to hear Jeff - continue to heal well...
Mark
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Outstanding! Take care of yourself and we'll see you at Cedar Vale! :thumb:
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I see the possibility of a new M/C club. Hell's Hips? Fake Hips? Hooligan Hips? :grin:
GliderJohn
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"The Replacements"
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The Hip Hops.
Good to hear it all went well Jeff. :thumb:
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2 weeks after surgery and healing is progressing better than I expected.
No longer using the walker. Using the cane around the house and when going outside but should be able to use it less and less from here on out. Still taking it slow and doing the exercises as ordered. Pain meds only being used at night (helps with sleeping) and one pill in the morning.
Hopefully at this rate should be able to try a short ride in about 5-6 weeks...we'll see. Like I said not going to push it.
Thanks again to everyone for the kind words of support and prayers. There really is no other great bunch of folks!!
If anyone is going to have this surgery in the future just know that the technology is wonderful. Like it's been said here just do what the Doctor's and therapists tell you to do and you will be fine. If you need to talk PM me and I'll give you my number.
Ride safe and often,
Jeff
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2 weeks after surgery and healing is progressing better than I expected.
No longer using the walker. Using the cane around the house and when going outside but should be able to use it less and less from here on out. Still taking it slow and doing the exercises as ordered. Pain meds only being used at night (helps with sleeping) and one pill in the morning.
Hopefully at this rate should be able to try a short ride in about 5-6 weeks...we'll see. Like I said not going to push it.
Thanks again to everyone for the kind words of support and prayers. There really is no other great bunch of folks!!
If anyone is going to have this surgery in the future just know that the technology is wonderful. Like it's been said here just do what the Doctor's and therapists tell you to do and you will be fine. If you need to talk PM me and I'll give you my number.
Ride safe and often,
Jeff
Good on you. Keep it going. Your thread is particularly interesting because I'm in-line for a left hip sometime soon. I'm nervous they'll set a date in the summer then I'll miss a season's riding. I'll be watching for your first ride report. Good luck.
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start a new club, the Hippies :laugh:
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Jeff, glad to see you're doing so well after some rather serious surgery. Best wishes for a quick recovery.
Bob
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How about the Hipsters?
Glad you are recovering well, keep it up/
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Good to hear you are progressing well Jeff.
Feels good with the pain gone huh? :thumb:
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Glad to hear you're doing well Jeff. Almost 100% of the people I talk with after having a hip replacement are doing well and are moving much better than before the surgery within just a couple of months. I previously worked as a design engineer for a company making surgical tables for spine surgery and hip replacement surgery. The technology today is fantastic. I'm sure you will continue to get better every day.
Rick
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I was in the garage when my wife Laurie got home from work and...
I was sitting on Olivia!!!!
Was able to swing the leg over and sit upright. No, not ready for the first ride after surgery but am happy with this progress!!!
Yes I had to promise I wouldn't take Olivia out for another 4 weeks but am happy!!
Modern medicine is amazing...
Ride safe and often,
Jeff
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^^^Olivia being a V7 , not the neighbor lady :shocked:
Just to clarify :laugh:
Dusty
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Thanks Dusty for the clarification!!!!!
Made Laurie laugh!!!!!
Jeff
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Thanks Dusty for the clarification!!!!!
Made Laurie laugh!!!!!
Jeff
Then my work for today is done Jeff . Hi Laurie :cheesy:
Dusty
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Now you know how your bike feels when you put in a new swingarm.
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If the physical therapy clinic's would put in real world equipment, we would be more inclined to show up. Motorcycles, jet ski's horses, bicycles, driving range and all the other activities we miss so much when we are down and out.
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Greetings All!!!
Tomorrow will be 6 weeks after my surgery and....
went for a (short) ride today!
Did a smaller ride last Saturday, about 18 miles or so, and things felt "ok".
Today's ride was about 30 miles and felt much better!! Not ready for an Iron Butt just yet but working on it!!
(http://thumb.ibb.co/e3E6vx/20180228_124831.jpg) (http://ibb.co/e3E6vx)
Looking over the Central Valley..
(http://thumb.ibb.co/eFHn2c/20180228_124759.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eFHn2c)
best free image hosting (http://imgbb.com/)
Along the San Joaquin River looking west.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/nOft8H/20180228_124740.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nOft8H)
where to host images (http://imgbb.com/)
Expecting rain for the next 3 days or so so glad to get out today.
Time to do some exercises now..dreaming of longer rides soon!!!
Thanks again to all the WildGuzzi folks for all your support during this time, it DOES make a difference....
Jeff
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Wonderful news!! Take two shots of tequila out of petty cash... :boozing:
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Congrats! Got word and pix from Richard in Phoenix. He had a spinal fusion operation about a month ago. :shocked: Good results too. :thumb:
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Wonderful news!! Take two shots of tequila out of petty cash... :boozing:
Will do!!
Of course I only use tequila for medicinal purposes!!!!
(yeah right...)
Jeff
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My wife is having one done in two weeks " she is absolutely freaked out" about it.
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Attackpug...
Check your PM....
Jeff
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Excellent news! Congratulations.
If you are setting distance targets like Iron Butt then Yukon/Alaska is about as far away as you are going to get.
I'll provide the beer and bison when you get here.
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As it now stands, I am scheduled for a right hip replacement on 11/19/2019.
I am looking forward to it. Everyone I know who has gone thru it says it is much less trauma than they expected. Most say they wish they had done it sooner.
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My mom had a knee and a hip replaced in her 70's, the other knee in her 80's, and the other hip at 91. Heart valve replaced at 90. Was still walking a half mile every day at 100. She passed in February at age 102. Hell of a long ride...
Larry
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Got my right hip replaced today. Piece of cake so far.
Arrived at 6:30, went in for prep at 6:45, went in to surgery at 7:30, at 9:05 the surgeon came out and told me wife everything went great, I woke up at 10:30, arrived back home at 11:30. So far virtually no pain at all, but my right thigh feels like I did a bit too much physical labor.
Anyone who gets this done, spend the $140 for the polar cube! Otherwise as a buddy says "That's why stupid is supposed to hurt!"
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:thumb:
Dusty
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Good to hear. Never looked back since I had my RH one done.
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Got my right hip replaced today. Piece of cake so far.
Arrived at 6:30, went in for prep at 6:45, went in to surgery at 7:30, at 9:05 the surgeon came out and told me wife everything went great, I woke up at 10:30, arrived back home at 11:30. So far virtually no pain at all, but my right thigh feels like I did a bit too much physical labor.
Anyone who gets this done, spend the $140 for the polar cube! Otherwise as a buddy says "That's why stupid is supposed to hurt!"
I don't know what a polar cube is, but I hope it's worth it!
Amazing what they can do with joint replacement surgery these days; used to be you'd be in the hospital for days.
You were out riding Saturday; how long before you'll be back riding again?
Lannis
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Good to hear from you, Ed.
Sarah
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I wish you a quick recovery.
I understand the Alabama Football team needs a new Quarterback, you might be ready. (all in jest, wishing TT a recovery too)
Hope you're on the road soon and best wishes. Glad you're back home.
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I don't know what a polar cube is, but I hope it's worth it!
Amazing what they can do with joint replacement surgery these days; used to be you'd be in the hospital for days.
You were out riding Saturday; how long before you'll be back riding again?
Lannis
https://mycoldtherapy.com/collections/breg-cube?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsc_rkZL55QIVj5OzCh3gAgmzEAAYAiAAEgJ_GPD_BwE
If they made a whole body suit, you could fill it with hot water and use it under your riding gear.....
Not sure about recovery time. First follow up appointment in 2 weeks. General rule of thumb is 6 weeks to get back to 100%. Not sure if that includes replacing muscle strength lost due to atrophy.
Some say I'm a slow learner...... not sure if that will be a factor.
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https://mycoldtherapy.com/collections/breg-cube?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsc_rkZL55QIVj5OzCh3gAgmzEAAYAiAAEgJ_GPD_BwE
I read the instructions, got to "danger of full thickness skin necrosis", looked at what a hassle it looked like, and decided that pain and discomfort would have to make a REAL case for me to actually use one of those.
I'm a slow learner too, I'm afraid!
Lannis
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I read the instructions, got to "danger of full thickness skin necrosis", looked at what a hassle it looked like, and decided that pain and discomfort would have to make a REAL case for me to actually use one of those.
I'm a slow learner too, I'm afraid!
Lannis
They gave me the "cube" at the hospital when I had my knee replaced; apparently it was covered by the insurance cause I never saw a bill. It worked fine, but I think you can get the same results with an ice pack. The "necrosis" they discuss would probably be from leaving it on one spot too long and causing frost bite/hypothermia. I never had any issues, used it for 30-40 min. at a time for the first week or two. It helps.
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I read the instructions, got to "danger of full thickness skin necrosis", looked at what a hassle it looked like, and decided that pain and discomfort would have to make a REAL case for me to actually use one of those.
I'm a slow learner too, I'm afraid!
Lannis
I saw that part. Always good to read the instructions. That part struck me as lawyer speak.
So far pain is minimal, but I think I'm still 36 hours away from the operating pain killers wearing off.
Polar cube says to not put the cooling pad against bare skin, and from science class I know that ice water is at least as warm as 33 degrees F. To me, the outside of the pad feels about 45 degrees. More than once I thought it should be colder. I know gel packs put in the refrigerator (greater than 32 degrees or your milk freezes) are recommended more than bags of frozen peas, exactly for the reason you state. Never had any problem with the gel packs, other than they don't stay cold long enough. Other instructions from OrthoVirginia say to only use it for 10-15 each hour.
Growing up in the great white north (Monroe County, NY) seems like half the year up there is less than 45 degrees, I remember what frostbite feels like. You are in absolutely miserable pain for quite a while before your skin even turns white. Don't want to do that again. Unless someone has nerve damage on that part of their body, and they have no feeling there, I think the chance of any tissue damage from cold sneaking up on them is next to impossible.
I'd like to think I learned something from my previous frostbite experience. Next few weeks will determine whether I have or not!!! If I haven't, I'll be really disappointed in you if the next time we meet you don't say "Hey dummy, didn't I tell you not to....." Us slow learner gotta look out for each other....
But then again, you Virginians are afraid of snow too.... :wink: up north, we're afraid of sunshine.... :wink:
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I saw that part. Always good to read the instructions. That part struck me as lawyer speak.
So far pain is minimal, but I think I'm still 36 hours away from the operating pain killers wearing off.
Polar cube says to not put the cooling pad against bare skin, and from science class I know that ice water is at least as warm as 33 degrees F.....
Well, whatever the doc says. They've got this whole process refined down to an art now. My Mom's gall bladder got out of whack and her blood chemistry was weird, so they had to take out her gall bladder. They do a little incision, and go in there and take it out a bit at a time, and tape you back up and done.
Used to be, they'd make a huge incision like cutting open a watermelon, and you were in the hospital for a week, and laying about the house for a month trying to keep your insides in. My Mom kept asking me "Now tell me again what they did? They took out my GALL BLADDER? I never even felt anything .... "
Lannis
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All you hipsters sure have a lot of ways to deal with the problem.
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Well, whatever the doc says. They've got this whole process refined down to an art now. My Mom's gall bladder got out of whack and her blood chemistry was weird, so they had to take out her gall bladder. They do a little incision, and go in there and take it out a bit at a time, and tape you back up and done.
Used to be, they'd make a huge incision like cutting open a watermelon, and you were in the hospital for a week, and laying about the house for a month trying to keep your insides in. My Mom kept asking me "Now tell me again what they did? They took out my GALL BLADDER? I never even felt anything .... "
Lannis
Amazing time to be alive and need medical care. Amen. that's the way I'm proceeding.
You inspired me to do some more thinking. One one hand there's the bag of frozen peas that was pulled out of the 10 degree freezer having it against your skin for more than 15 seconds or so is painful. Now the challenge is how much insulation to put between the peas and your skin.
On the other hand I can control the temperature of the polar cube pad from 33 degrees to water heater temperature simply by varying the ice/water mixture. Anytime I think it is getting too cold, I just pull the wire that stops the pump and the pad slowly warms up to body temperature. When the pain starts up again, I plug the wire back in. I'm gonna buy a thermometer and drill a hole in the top of the cube so I can check fluid temperature without pulling the cover off.
So far it's a no brainer for me. I know.... famous last words......
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All you hipsters sure have a lot of ways to deal with the problem.
Hipsters. I just now got that. Slow this morning ....
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2 weeks and 4 days after surgery, other than the occasional reminder that some of the muscle in my right thigh got stretched a bit too much somehow, I would have no idea that my hip has been replaced.
I never took any of the pain meds after surgery day, and I'm being a bit conservative doing anything, simply because the rule of thumb is "DON'T let pain be your guide!" As the Doctor said, "Let mild discomfort be your guide! Don't push it too far too fast!"
At the two week checkup the surgeon said everything looks great and he was pleased with my range of motion. I asked "What percent of full, normal, structural strength do I have right now?" The reply "100%! But your muscle are used to several years of compensating for the bad hip geometry, so they are susceptible to injury for a while."
Even on the day of surgery it was obvious that the stability of my right hip was better.
too cool.
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Good, good. Thanks for the update.
Sarah
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Gearman,
here is the older thread.
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Best of luck. Out of curiosity do you know what the make and model of the hip replacement is?
basically others have covered everything, but exercises based on physio advice is important, especially to build muscle stability that will reduce risk of dislocating hip in extremes of range of motion.
:thumb:
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No first hand experience. Best wishes on a speedy recovery. :thumb:
Bob
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Best of luck. Out of curiosity do you know what the make and model of the hip replacement is?
basically others have covered everything, but exercises based on physio advice is important, especially to build muscle stability that will reduce risk of dislocating hip in extremes of range of motion.
:thumb:
If you are asking me, I do not know make and model of the installed parts.
Surgeon said according to lab tests, it should last 600 years. No typo. In reality the expectation is 15-20 years with many lasting much longer. Update is simply replace the cup (Nylon type material?) which the surgeon says is mine compared to replacing the whole hip.
So far, everything is great!