Riding Post Hip Replacement Questions

[Dave Swanson]

I am in the waiting mode for a hip replacement.  20 years ago when I was a pretty serious mountain bike racer I injured my right hip during an impressive crash.  I could ride bicycles just fine, but I limped for about a year after that crash.  I always thought it may come back to haunt me when I got older, and it has.  Right now they are not doing elective surgeries.  No bother, as I was planning on having it done in the winter anyway so I can rehab and be ready to rock and roll next spring.  I am getting by with cortisone shots every 3 months for now.  I am in constant pain and it varies from a 3 or 4 on good days up to 7 to 8 on bad days.

The pain and corresponding weakness it creates makes riding my heavy bikes a bit daunting when stopping.  I don't have the confidence in my right leg like I used to when coming to a stop with my heavyweight bikes, especially my Harley 2014 Limited.  I am very much favoring my smaller bikes these days.  The V7 never gives me those pucker moments when putting my feet down to stop or while paddle footing it around the garage.

As many of you know the recent change in my personal situation will allow me to get out for some epic rides for the first time.  I had thought my 2014 Limited would be my bike of choice for the LONG distance rides out west.  It is the most comfortable bike I own, has fantastic electronic cruise, and much storage space.  My Norge, although certainly capable of mega miles, will be used for intermediate length trips that don't have a lot of slab, and MG rally bike.

This leads up to my question for those that have had hip replacements...

After fully rehabbed, will I feel as comfortable horsing my heavyweight bikes around as I did before, or will it be a limitation?   

[frozengoose]

After fully rehabbed, will I feel as comfortable horsing my heavyweight bikes around as I did before, or will it be a limitation?   

Short answer, yes! Had a hip replaced last June, the pain had been so bad I couldn't put if off any longer, and was riding again by Aug. It heals pretty fast if you do the rehab and have a good surgeon (find one who has done a lot of them). The T is still harder to horse around than the v65 tho, that hasn't changed!

[mechanicsavant]

I’ve had both knees & left hip replaced. Compared to the knees the hip was a hobble in the park ! Seriously , in on Tuesday. Afternoon home Wed. Night ! Walking unassisted around the house (kitchen table to loo )in a few days . In hospital the surgery was done around 2:30 pm ,around 9;00 pm surgeon & 2 other guys came into room ,checked for feeling & numbness, had me sit-up on edge of bed . Asked about dizziness, I said nope & with a big guy on either side he said “stand him up”. WOW no pain ! W/crutches they helped me walk across room & back . Put me back into bed & said if no complications arise you’ll be home tomorrow night ,& true to their word I was !
That was a Yr. ago April . I was back riding short distances (20 Mi. Or so in about 6 weeks . A year later was camping & rallying . My big bike is an R1200r (about 540 lbs.) w/BMW comfort seat I’m comfy doing 3-400 Mi. Days.
My V7II w/gel seat & sheepskin is comfy for 200+ MI.
 Pre-surgical therapy greatly helps healing . Personally cortisone injections . As few as possible , for me no more than twice per joint ! Really bad long term damage from to much of that stuff . My typing finger is getting tired. Hope this helped

[ampm7]

Thanks guys, because I was wondering just the same thing. I have a very bad left hip with severe arthritis. It is very painful to ride but I do anyway. It is hard to muscle the late model Eldo around after riding for 100 miles or so, and it is extremely hard to get my left leg down in a timely fashion when coming to a stop. I will be getting a hip replacement as my physician suggested before all this - business took place.

[Dave Swanson]

Thanks for the reports!  As you can probably read between the lines, I was wondering if I should hang onto the Harley.  If it would be too much for the aftermarket parts that are going in my hip I would sell it.  I would hate to do it because it is a wonderful bike when there is lots of slab, and not completely un-fun when there are curves. 

[guzzi4me]

I had my right hip replaced in January 2018.

Wonderful! Went from hobbling around with much pain to "why didn't I do this sooner??".

When folks ask me about my surgery sometimes I have to think about which hip was replaced..it is that much better. Was supposed to be off the bike for 3 months but had to take a "test run" about the 9 week time..no problems.

Like has been said, find a Doctor that is experienced with this and follow the recovery instructions.

There are two types of surgeries. One from the front and one from the back of the hip. If you are a candidate for the front one I would suggest that. Talk to your Doctor.

If you need some more info PM me. I'll give you my cell and  we can talk.

In the words of Nike..Just Do It!!!!

Jeff

[RinkRat II]

 I must echo what mechanicsavant said about pre surgery exercise. Find yourself a Pilates  instructor and explain your situation, get on a program for strengthining
 both your hips and recovery will be a breeze. Do your rehab but keep the Pilates on hand for a better recovery. My wife has been doing the pre surgery programs for clients and the Physical therapists are always amazed at the recovery period.  PM me and my wife can recommend an instructor in your area.

     Paul B

[Ncdan]

Thanks for the reports!  As you can probably read between the lines, I was wondering if I should hang onto the Harley.  If it would be too much for the aftermarket parts that are going in my hip I would sell it.  I would hate to do it because it is a wonderful bike when there is lots of slab, and not completely un-fun when there are curves.

Dave my wife had her total hip relationship 25 years ago.
The next day she was walking down the hallway and the following day she went home. One month later she was back on a horse and has never kept her from any active.
One change you will experience is a good one from her day. She only had 70% bending range. In other words she can only pull her knew more than a 70% angle toward her chin. This changed the way she had to tie her shoe on that side. Now the new replacement design has a much more natural movement, such that you may not even notice little if any range of motion.
Good luck and the benefits you will reap is much greater than the operation. 👍🙏

[rjamesohio]

Well Dave the first thing you should do is sell me your 1000 GT...

Seriously, good luck!

[Dave Swanson]

Dave my wife had her total hip relationship 25 years ago.
The next day she was walking down the hallway and the following day she went home. One month later she was back on a horse and has never kept her from any active.
One change you will experience is a good one from her day. She only had 70% bending range. In other words she can only pull her knew more than a 70% angle toward her chin. This changed the way she had to tie her shoe on that side. Now the new replacement design has a much more natural movement, such that you may not even notice little if any range of motion.
Good luck and the benefits you will reap is much greater than the operation. 👍🙏

I have had to get creative with putting on the right sock and tying the right shoe is next to impossible.     I am ready to get my range of motion back. 

[Bulldog9]

I had my right hip replaced on March 13th and was riding by Memorial Day. Other than some soft tissue healing and such, I feel 100%. Very shocked and pleasantly surprised. Of course my doctor doesn't want me to ride till July due to full knitting of the bone and implants and potential risk if I went down, but I'm mostly taking it easy and riding for pleasure.

Shoot me a PM if you want to talk about it.

[Ncdan]

I had my right hip replaced on March 13th and was riding by Memorial Day. Other than some soft tissue healing and such, I feel 100%. Very shocked and pleasantly surprised. Of course my doctor doesn't want me to ride till July due to full knitting of the bone and implants and potential risk if I went down, but I'm mostly taking it easy and riding for pleasure.


Shoot me a PM if you want to talk about it.

What is your range of motion with that new design from my wife’s 25 years ago?

[Bulldog9]

What is your range of motion with that new design from my wife’s 25 years ago?

100% maybe better than that.

[Dave Swanson]

I went to see the saw bones and committed to the surgery.  October 5th is the date.  I can hear the doc sharpening those bone saws already!   

He told me I will be able to kick start my old bikes after a year. 

[s1120]

Well you have all winter to recover!  Get your fall rides in early! 

[SIR REAL ED]

previous thread:
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=103024.0

Personal experience:

11/19/2019 - Got my right hip replaced.

Arrived at 6:30, went in for prep at 6:45 am, 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 am.  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!  Well worth it.  Otherwise as a buddy says "That's why stupid is supposed to hurt!"

11/23/2019 - Advice from a buddy who had this done.  Going upstairs lead with your non-surgical leg, going downstairs lead with your surgical leg.  Just like going to heaven or hell, good leg lead up, bad leg lead down.  4 days after surgery, there is so little pain, I'm standing at the top of the stairs and thinking "Hmm.... which hip was operated on again?  Oh yeah, the right one."  Good sign.

12/4/2019 - Post operative appointment with surgeon.  Everything was great.  Excellent range of motion.  Surgeon says let mild discomfort be your guide not pain.  Wise advise since there has been so little pain, I never took any of the pain meds they prescribed and I would be going WFO other than the fact that I don't want to screw this up!  For strength training, for the next few weeks, he recommends 4 sets of 15 reps each so there is no danger of overload or loss of control due to too much weight.

12/13/19 - Went to a yoga class yesterday.  Biggest difference between before and after surgery, my right hip is now stable.  Next appointment with therapist is 12/18/2019.

I am only one datapoint, but based on friends who have had this done, my experience is typical.  Note this was anterior not posterior surgery.  Posterior involves cutting more muscle and has much more post op caveats.

If you need a hip replacement, don't dred it.  Do your homework and get a surgeon who has a good reputation.

Best motorcycling accessory you will ever buy!!!!!

[lucky phil]

I am in the waiting mode for a hip replacement.  20 years ago when I was a pretty serious mountain bike racer I injured my right hip during an impressive crash.  I could ride bicycles just fine, but I limped for about a year after that crash.  I always thought it may come back to haunt me when I got older, and it has.  Right now they are not doing elective surgeries.  No bother, as I was planning on having it done in the winter anyway so I can rehab and be ready to rock and roll next spring.  I am getting by with cortisone shots every 3 months for now.  I am in constant pain and it varies from a 3 or 4 on good days up to 7 to 8 on bad days.

The pain and corresponding weakness it creates makes riding my heavy bikes a bit daunting when stopping.  I don't have the confidence in my right leg like I used to when coming to a stop with my heavyweight bikes, especially my Harley 2014 Limited.  I am very much favoring my smaller bikes these days.  The V7 never gives me those pucker moments when putting my feet down to stop or while paddle footing it around the garage.

As many of you know the recent change in my personal situation will allow me to get out for some epic rides for the first time.  I had thought my 2014 Limited would be my bike of choice for the LONG distance rides out west.  It is the most comfortable bike I own, has fantastic electronic cruise, and much storage space.  My Norge, although certainly capable of mega miles, will be used for intermediate length trips that don't have a lot of slab, and MG rally bike.

This leads up to my question for those that have had hip replacements...

After fully rehabbed, will I feel as comfortable horsing my heavyweight bikes around as I did before, or will it be a limitation?

My wife has just passed the 7 week mark and has been walking normally without pain since the 4 weeks. She expects be be back to half marathon training in another 6 weeks. Being fit and relatively young at 52 pre op helped.

Ciao

[Dave Swanson]

My wife has just passed the 7 week mark and has been walking normally without pain since the 4 weeks. She expects be be back to half marathon training in another 6 weeks. Being fit and relatively young at 52 pre op helped.

Ciao

The first word out of my surgeon's mouth when I asked what things I won't be able to do again post surgery was "running".

[SIR REAL ED]

The first word out of my surgeon's mouth when I asked what things I won't be able to do again post surgery was "running".

When I first met my surgeon, a couple years ago, he asked "What is your hip preventing you from doing?  I replied "Running."

He said "That's OK.  Running is very bad for your hips.  I'd prefer people don't run."  My surgeon is an avid runner....... but now in his mid 40's, he is giving up running....... due to hip damage.

When I went back to see him he asked "What's the situation?"  I said "I'm counting my steps."  He replied "It's time."

Running just means your replacement hip won't last as long.  For some, it's worth it.

[lucky phil]

The first word out of my surgeon's mouth when I asked what things I won't be able to do again post surgery was "running".

Yep, I understand but for some people it's like saying "stop breathing" My wife's replacement was due to the effects of Rheumatoid arthritis damage and she's very fit and only 54 kg so running again isn't ideal but then again she's not the average hip replacement demographic.   

Ciao

[Bulldog9]

I'm 6 months POST right hip replacement. Mostly doing well, though some of the tendon damage from the original hip injury has been creating some soft tissue pain. First few steps feel awkward after sitting, but ZERO issues riding, weight bearing, stability, etc. I walk 5-6 miles a day, have done 12 mile hikes, and am going to hike Old Hag this weekend.  Most important is doing the PT and stretching, and weight training. I'm up to 450 lb leg press (only on machine NO free weights).

Scheduled for right knee replacement in October. Knee prevents any running, but my hope is to be able to run some after recovery from both, maybe mid summer next year. I've been a life long runner, and NOT being able to run much the last 5 and not at all the last two has taken a mental toll.

As for the 'running is bad' Nah, dont buy it.... My left knee and hip is perfect. The right knee injury and 4 ACL/Collateral ligament replacements that followed was due to Skiing accidents in 1982 and 1988, and a car accident in 1998.  The Hip injury was originally from car accident but blew out the joint in 2001 in Iraq during a night time Air Assault Mission in blackout dust conditions. We thought we were on the ground, but were still 10-15' up.... Being under active RPG & RPK fire makes getting out fast to let the bird get away is important... lol

Point being that 'running' is not bad for your joints. I've run 2 dozen marathons, and used to run 30-50 miles a week, even after all the injuries. Even compensating for the gimp leg, my left side is good to go. Bad shoes, bad form, improper training WILL jack you up though.

[kingoffleece]

After my latest knee procedure I gave up recreational and fitness running.  I limit my running for reffing games.  A hybrid bike gives me all the workout I need to stay in shape-that and a good elliptical machine.  Just another option if you don't want to run anymore.  I do miss it, though, but not enough to yet another surgery.  Bulldog, I don't know how you do it.  One tough SOB!

[rjamesohio]

I went to see the saw bones and committed to the surgery.  October 5th is the date.  I can hear the doc sharpening those bone saws already!   
 

Good luck Dave! We'll be thinking about you and pulling for a full recovery so you can enjoy the life you deserve!

Cheers - Ron James

[Chuck in Indiana]

^^^^ Yeah.. what Ron says. +2

[lucky phil]

I'm 6 months POST right hip replacement. Mostly doing well, though some of the tendon damage from the original hip injury has been creating some soft tissue pain. First few steps feel awkward after sitting, but ZERO issues riding, weight bearing, stability, etc. I walk 5-6 miles a day, have done 12 mile hikes, and am going to hike Old Hag this weekend.  Most important is doing the PT and stretching, and weight training. I'm up to 450 lb leg press (only on machine NO free weights).

Scheduled for right knee replacement in October. Knee prevents any running, but my hope is to be able to run some after recovery from both, maybe mid summer next year. I've been a life long runner, and NOT being able to run much the last 5 and not at all the last two has taken a mental toll.

As for the 'running is bad' Nah, dont buy it.... My left knee and hip is perfect. The right knee injury and 4 ACL/Collateral ligament replacements that followed was due to Skiing accidents in 1982 and 1988, and a car accident in 1998.  The Hip injury was originally from car accident but blew out the joint in 2001 in Iraq during a night time Air Assault Mission in blackout dust conditions. We thought we were on the ground, but were still 10-15' up.... Being under active RPG & RPK fire makes getting out fast to let the bird get away is important... lol

Point being that 'running' is not bad for your joints. I've run 2 dozen marathons, and used to run 30-50 miles a week, even after all the injuries. Even compensating for the gimp leg, my left side is good to go. Bad shoes, bad form, improper training WILL jack you up though.

Yes same for my wife, it's left a big hole in her life this past 18 months and it has emotional consequences stopping something you have done your whole life. She'd rather deal with another replacement down the track than the loss of something she loves.
I told the surgeon make sure he fits a high quality unit, no Chinese ebay knock off :) I also said to him that I didn't want my wife to be his first operation after elective surgery came back from lock down suspension. Didn't want him getting his eye back in on her.
My wife of course was horrified by my questioning the surgeon but he was cool with it. I figured after seeing the $400,000 Porsche he drove around we were entitled to have high expectations.

Ciao 

[speedyg]

Lucky Phil.
Questioning the surgeon. Absolutely!. Any surgeon worth his salt would appreciate questions from his patient/interested party, as it shows that you are fully engaged in the process and more likely to have a successful outcome.
I had all my questions written down ready for my consultation. My surgeon had no problem with this. If he had, I would have gone elsewhere.

[Bulldog9]

Yes same for my wife, it's left a big hole in her life this past 18 months and it has emotional consequences stopping something you have done your whole life. She'd rather deal with another replacement down the track than the loss of something she loves.
I told the surgeon make sure he fits a high quality unit, no Chinese ebay knock off :) I also said to him that I didn't want my wife to be his first operation after elective surgery came back from lock down suspension. Didn't want him getting his eye back in on her.
My wife of course was horrified by my questioning the surgeon but he was cool with it. I figured after seeing the $400,000 Porsche he drove around we were entitled to have high expectations.

Ciao

My wife is the REAL runner, total studdette. Boston 3X and probably 20 races a year.  I just like to run. Am just as happy to just go for a run.  She is super competitive, and usually finishes at the top of her age bracket. When we were dating she told me "If I'm ever grumpy, just tell me to go for a run"..... That worked ONCE.... lol

Yeah, if you don't know the doc, or his/her track record, always good to have a serious conversation. I'm fortunate that I know mine, and is the chief of the joint replacement team at Walter Reed, and is also a Penn grad. He custom built my hip for longer wear. I think titanium post and cup, ceramic head/ball and poly bushing sized for a dude 75lbs larger than me.  Unless I break the post or cup, long term replacement of parts will likely just be the poly cup or ceramic ball. He specializes in 'younger' replacements keeping guys like me running and living normally.  A buddy of mine had him do a double hip replacement 2 years ago, and he did the Hawaii Iron Man triathalon.  Too ambitious for me, I'll stick with more sedate things like the Army 10 miler as my max, cycling centuries, hiking/rucking as I like, and light runs 1-2x a week. Running is like motorcycle riding. You either get it (and it you) or you/it doesn't. 

Not sure on the knee components yet, we are weighing options and he will make final decision on parts when he cuts me up in a couple weeks.

Hoping that the knee rehab will complete the hip rehab, and by next October, will be ready to run the Army 10 miler, and fast walk/run/crawl ;-) the Marine Corps Marathon. I've got 3 general officers who have challenged me to get fit and recover in time, and well,  my hope is to do so.

Here is a great study on hip replacement components. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2723683/

[kingoffleece]

When I was going for serious neck surgery I asked a friend who is an injury attorney (NOT one of the billboard types) to look into the medical group.  It gave me great comfort to know they were not on the "bad boy" list.