Is anyone running? - Knee & Hip Problems Message Board

AlienB · 07-22-2005, 11:46 AM

All,
I'm 1.5 years out from a left THR and feel mislead by the surgeon and the Stryker Company on TV. I was told the ceramic on ceramic would be the best solution at my age of 43. You know, for younger active people..right!!
I was told I could play doubles tennis, jog and do many activites to "get my life back". I have upper thigh pain doing most anything and impact is a sure no-no. My hope of getting the area strenghtened is fading. The surgeon said "The ceramic may be too hard against the bone". "I expect to see data on this in the next journal".
I was beside myself, it's a hellva time to find this out. He even mentioned going back in and replacing the thing. No way would gamble on a second surgery and maybe be even worse.
I'm just saying consider everything when faced with a THR. I would like to hear from anyone running and how they got to that point.
I just can't give up the possibility the pain will get better.

MrsLinda · 07-22-2005, 05:29 PM

Hi Alien and welcome....I do believe we may have 1 or possibily 2 people on this board who may have begun to try to run or are jogging. Hopefully one of them will see this post and reply. Most of us here with the exception of balleteach are recent "transplants". I do believe I follow balleteach as my surgery was 11 months ago and hers was 10 years. The others here are anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months or preparing for the proceedure.

I understand your frustration. I don't have thigh pain. However when I step up or up and over something I have pulling in the upper thigh area at the flexor muscle. The surgery went well and all xrays indicate a perfect replacement. I walk fine. Occasionally I have some aches but I have arthritis in my knees and other hip as well. But my discomfort is nothing like it was before the surgery. Just how bad is your pain? Do anti-inflamatories help?

Linda

Ripanco · 07-23-2005, 11:07 AM

Hi Alien,

Not too sure how much help I can be since I am only 2 months (today!) post op. I had both hips replaced at the same time. However, I am a runner (at least I was) and plan on running with my OS's approval again. I will x-country and downhill ski this winter, then try to start running again in the spring. I probably will not be able to do the long distance I so love anymore, and will run only on soft surfaces with very cushioned shoes. But I do need to be able to get out there and just run sometimes.

Since I did want to run and am very active with other sports and activities, my most wonderful surgeon opted to give me Metal/poly instead of ceramic. He felt it would give me a little more absorbtion as well as less risk of breakage. I have Stryker component too.

Last weekend I was able to show my dogs. Showing entails some running around the ring. I cleared it with my surgeon who said short bursts of running were ok if it felt ok. I had no problems and all watching said my gait was smooth with no sign of limping. It felt wonderful too. I am going to handling classes with a puppy right now too which means a fair amount of running for an hour. The running is at a slow/medium jog and only for about 20-30 sec at a time, but by the end of class, I am really tired. But it does not hurt to run for that short a time.

I wonder if it is possible to just replace the head and cup without replacing the stem. That would be more a revision and a lot less trauma. Stryker makes all the components, so maybe they would be compatable.

I also have to say that I worked really hard to get strong before my surgery and continue to work hard for recovery. So I do have some pretty strong muscles taking over for my new hips. One of the best things I did for myself was to get back into the pool where I not only do all my leg exercises, but pool run!! It has helped me to get back a lot of fitness without any impact. If you can get to a pool, maybe you can get back some of that strength without the pain to get started.

At any rate, I understand your frustration and hope you can get back to doing what you love. Don't give up yet.

MrsLinda · 07-23-2005, 03:04 PM

I thought our "runner" was Ripanco but wasn't sure!!! I hope she was able to give you some advice Alien.

Hi Ripanco!!!!

AlienB · 07-26-2005, 02:14 PM

Thanks MrsLinda,

I can't tell much difference when taking anti-inflames, but I haven't tried on a consistant basis. Is there a type that works for you?

Do you take as needed or every day?

It's tuff to say on the pain it varies day to day.

I really hate the thought of another surgery, things could get worse.