Who's had a recent hip replacement?
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: Mossyhorn
26-Dec-24
I'm 42 and looking to have both my hips replaced. I did not get to hunt this year and I want to make sure I'm in the mountains, hopefully chasing elk this next September. I'll be getting a Mako hip and am in pretty good shape so I would like to think I can recover fairly quickly. I'm 5'7 and 185 lbs. I just want to make sure I have enough time between surgery and climbing mountains and hopefully packing meat. How much time did it take you before you felt good enough to do this?
From: Robear
26-Dec-24
I had both mine done in 2023. The first one at the end of August the second at the end of October. They were done with the posterior method, so it is apple and oranges to what you are having done. Having said that, it was a solid year before I could do things like hang stands and climb pain free and with confidence. I feel great now, and considering how I was before, I’m like new man.
From: t-roy
26-Dec-24
I’ve no experience with hip replacement, but I’m curious (if you’re willing to share) as to why you are needing hip replacement for BOTH hips at 42 years of age?!! Wow!
From: Norseman
26-Dec-24
Based on my hip replacement experience, left full hip anterior method in Late June 2023.
I felt i could have been ready for mountain hiking in six months. Packing out meat would be a different story. Im 56 yo, 6’2” 190 and was in good shape prior to surgery. I was walking 1/2 mile 4 days after surgery.
Anterior procedure is a faster turnaround to get back on your feet and working out. Walk walk walk walk and walk some more and your hip will let you know.
From: Mossyhorn
26-Dec-24
T-roy, I have what's called FAI. The way my hips were built caused them to wear out really fast. I wrestled all through high school and a couple years in college. Now my hip mobility is really bad, my labrums are shredded, a lot of arthritis and bone spurs, areas of bone on bone, reaching my feet to tie my shoes is getting more difficult, and is even causing me some back problems. I had a hip specialist tell me 12 years ago that I needed a hip resurfacing. I opted not to and now I think it's time.
From: Norseman
26-Dec-24
Yep! Best thing about about my hip replacement was curing all my lower back problems. 10 years of sciatica…gone
From: drycreek
26-Dec-24
Not me, but my wife. She slipped and broke her hip in June and she has been fully recovered from the replacement for a couple months now. She is 61 and pretty active. She was in the hospital for four days, in therapy for six, and on her own after that. A couple days with a walker, a week or so on a cane, and then back to her usual pace. She’s the high school librarian and she’s hardly ever still, either at work or home. I expect you will be fine.
From: Jaquomo
26-Dec-24
I'm right there with Norseman. Had it done in February, carrying a pack in the mountains with no restrictions by early July. I was hiking with a day-hunt weight pack in early May. Do your PT religiously, push yourself a little, and walk,.walk.
I did the PT exercises for a month prior to my surgery. The surgeon said that would strengthen everything and speed up recovery. I was walking that night, could have gone home.
From: Paul@thefort
26-Dec-24
Will have my right hip replacement done Feb 10th, at the age of 85. We seem to be outliving our parts, thus replacements. Looking forward to the operation so I can get back to my normal.
From: Bou'bound
27-Dec-24
Not be but others. These days this is fast and easy. Amazing how they run people through the procedure like an assembly line and get them up the same day. A doctor doing ,5-6 a day is the norm from what I am being told
From: Billyvanness
27-Dec-24
Mossyhorn…I’m two weeks out as of yesterday from full right hip. I was bone on bone since 2020 and this fall it became unbearable. I researched surgeons within driving distance of me and found through friends Dr William Howarth of Common Spirit Orthopedic in Colorado Springs. Anterior method…walking two hours after surgery with no pain. Yesterday I was on my feet all day. It’s a magic wand of feeling better.
From: Billyvanness
27-Dec-24
From: Billyvanness
27-Dec-24
Someone will dig this body up and be like dang he hammered it. Screws, parts, etc. Wringing it out. Paul, look into Dr Howarth if you have any questions regarding who you already picked. He’s an ace…he leaves the room and I say to myself “WTF did I do with my life”.
From: Billyvanness
27-Dec-24
From: Billyvanness
27-Dec-24
Before X-ray
From: Zebrakiller
27-Dec-24
If all goes well you will be good to go!
From: greenmountain
27-Dec-24
I had my left hip done six years ago. I chose the Anterior approach. I did my PT before and after the surgery . It pays off. When I went to my six week appointment the nurse commented I was progressing well. She said I was way ahead of many folks at six months. Jaquomo summed it up nicely . Push yourself within limits and you can continue to enjoy life.
From: butcherboy
27-Dec-24
No more X-ray pics from hip replacements! I still can’t unsee the one from a certain well known bowsiter from a few years ago. You know who are. Lol
From: Bowboy
27-Dec-24
Butcherboy now that person is going to post his X-ray for sure.
From: midwest
27-Dec-24
Don't do it, Lou! I almost lost my girlfriend the last time you posted that x-ray!
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Mossyhorn!
From: SteveB
27-Dec-24
My wife just had hers on 10/28. Bone on bone and could barely stand or walk prior to surgery. Anterior. Walked within 2 hours and climbed 7 steps up and down. Her recovery first two weeks seemed a bit slow but improved dramatically following that. Two months in and although it's still causing pain at some times, is sooooo much better and well worth it. Get anterior method if you can. Will improve even more once we get to florida for the winter next week and she can take walks safely. Moves about freely now. Amazing procedure.
From: Jaquomo
27-Dec-24
Amazing that they can saw your leg and pelvis off, replace it with metal, and you can walk a few hours later. They gave me a walker and I picked it up and carried it down the hall. Can't believe anyone still submits to the old posterior method, with the slow, uncomfortable recovery.
From: Stx&strings
27-Dec-24
From: Stx&strings
27-Dec-24
Febuary this year full rh hip. Best decisdion ever
From: DS
27-Dec-24
Had both hips replaced in 2018. I was 59 at the time. First in June and second in November. Was farming and had to fit it in between planting and harvest. Did all the farming myself except neighbor mowed the road ditches. I was on a tractor mowing grass in July. Didn't hunt that year. Normal recovery time. They want you up and walking as soon as you can with full weight on it. No problems since and back to normal. I tell people if you need a hip replacement get it done as soon as you can. Why put up with the pain for years and let it keep getting worse.
From: Mpdh
27-Dec-24
Both hips replaced, one at 55, the other at 63. I was mostly back to normal after 3 months.
From: jons
27-Dec-24
All I have to say when I get cremated there will be a lot of metal left over. Do your PT and do not twist your body post surgery. Got a reverse shoulder replacement coming in Feb, more metal to add and more PT, rust never sleep.
From: sundowner
27-Dec-24
Had my left hip replaced in '99 due to a car crash. It dislocated 6 times over the next 5 years. Finally learned how not to move and how to keep it in place, but was constantly painful. Got a revision done two years ago.....a titanium ball in a polyethylene cup.....and couldn't be happier with it. No more pain. No more dislocation. I believe I had a bad surgeon the first time. Surgeons are not created equal.
From: TonyBear
27-Dec-24
Birmingham re-surfacing is another option. Retains a lot of bone, especially important if you are younger when you have it done. Helps make it possible to perform additional surgeries later in life, including total hip replacement.
I was climbing trees two months after the first one, downhill skiing 10 weeks after the second one.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/birmingham-hip-resurfacing-system-189866#:~:text=The%20%EE%80%80Birmingham%20Hip%20Resurfacing
From: TonyBear
27-Dec-24
TonyBear's Link
From: Norseman
28-Dec-24
Yep! Best thing about about my hip replacement was curing all my lower back problems. 10 years of sciatica…gone
From: Mossyhorn
28-Dec-24
Thanks everyone for your stories. I’m definitely going with the mako hip. The nice thing about it when I need a revision, they just swap the liner and the head out. No need to pull the stem out with these newer ones.
I got some dates yesterday from the surgeons office. The soonest would put me 7 weeks post op for a planned road trip to Arizona, from Washington. Anyone see any issues with that? My wife thinks I should wait til April to do it. But I’m worried that’s cutting recovery time too close to September!
From: Jaquomo
28-Dec-24
Why 7 weeks to delay a road trip? You can do your PT anywhere. I was hiking in the mountains in snow four weeks after my replacement. I just looked at my Bowsite live hip replacement thread to confirm that timeline. Get it done, go on the road trip, be ready for September.
From: Norseman
28-Dec-24
You’ll be fine. You will be sore from sitting so long in the car just 7 weeks out. 2 months out after surgery i remember my hip ache on car rides longer than a few hours. Different pains come and go with recovery, even after a year.
From: mooseslayer
28-Dec-24
I had both hips done full replacement late August (right) and 8 weeks later (left). Both done the posterior method. Was told by the Surgeon this is still the Cadillac way to go. However the recovery time will be significantly longer. I worked very hard in physical therapy, too hard as I had some setbacks by tearing the inner stitching on the quite large incisions. One of the disadvantages of the posterior method. No bowhunting at all this past fall. Still have some pain but have 2 bear hunts planned for Spring and Fall 2025. Obviously nothing very physical. I'm 72 and Pryor to the surgeries there was ALOT of pain. So glad I had them both replaced.
From: jcneng
29-Dec-24
Get it done! Anterior method for me on right hip Nov. 25th. Walked almost 4 miles the last 2 days pheasant hunting (4.5 weeks post surgery), no issues or pain!
From: TonyBear
29-Dec-24
Oh yeah! Helps the back and feet a lot. The doc who did it was one of the pioneers in the industry. Retired now but he was thinking 30+ years or maybe lifetime without revision.
Any pain I have now is easily resolved with the Turmeric Gummies. Ibuprofen isn't good for you anyway and I rarely need them now.
From: Mossyhorn
30-Dec-24
This is great stuff, definitely encouraging! Anyone have any recommendations on anything that was helpful to have around the house after surgery?
From: Robear
30-Dec-24
Those plastic sleeves with a rope attached to help put on socks. A sponge with a long handle on it to help you reach different areas when you are able to take showers. A comfy recliner to sleep in when you have trouble sleeping in bed.
From: Billyvanness
30-Dec-24
For sure regarding socks etc. Hard to reach your toes on side of repaired hip the first couple weeks. Mild stretches help. The toilet seat process can be a challenge first couple days too. Overall improvement comes fast with anterior approach because no muscles cut. Best of luck it’ll go great!
From: Norseman
30-Dec-24
Extra large blue gel icepacks (2) Wide Velcro straps 20” long. Compression leggings. Comfy slippers with traction soles. Bell to call the wife Get an adjustable cane, I ditched the walker on day 2 More bother than it helps. Make sure you have someone help you in the middle of the night if you get up. With the drugs and potential blood pressure drop, you might find yourself passing out and going ass over tea kettle like i did the first night home.
From: mooseslayer
30-Dec-24
Has anyone that had the anterior surgery method have any problems long term down the road. I'm talking about guys that had it done over 5 years ago?
From: bowwild
31-Dec-24
I had anterior right hip replaced Jan 7, 2022. I could barely get around the 60 days before surgery. I was pretty much 100% at about 4 months. No walker at all and a cane for only couple of days. A very good thing for me. I am 70 now. I am now recovering for right partial knee 3 weeks ago tomorrow. Much more painful recovery than the hip. I know the left knee has some issues but at least not bone on bone. Finally, I have some issues in both shoulders, but unless I can't do everyday activities I'm not having shoulders worked on. I'm not really good at rehab. I go to PT 2-3 times per week, but I'm a slacker for exercises at home. I know the shoulder surgeries won't tolerate that kind of attitude.
My compound is more difficult to shoot (bow arm is right) than my recurves.
Good luck with your hip surgery. I would have little concern about it. You'll be glad. Main thing is to be very careful about lifting much for several weeks. I waited at least 6 months before picking up and moving 60-90 pound drill press, planer, and such. I'm sure my doctor would have preferred I never lifted such again.
From: Bob Rowlands
31-Dec-24
#1. You need to follow what your doc/therapist tell you. Not advice of strangers online.
That said, I had my left hip replaced with a cobalt steel prosthesis in June 2008 when I was 54. I resumed very light no weight packing carpentry work in a couple months. Back to packing heavy materails in ~ about 4 months. But it was a FULL YEAR to where I was packing anything without thinking about my hip.
From: Mossyhorn
04-Jan-25
How long before you guys were able to drive? I’m getting my right side done first and then the left probably 8-9 weeks later. My wife is not excited about me not driving for 4+ weeks, which is what the doc is saying?
My doc for some reason wants to do a posterior approach. I’m not sure why?
From: Robear
04-Jan-25
There are a couple of reasons for the driving restriction. You are having the right side done first. Your ability to operate the foot pedals will be restricted because of the surgery. Also, you will be on pain meds (don’t be a hero, use them) . Your surgeon wants to use the posterior approach because in his experience, in the long run, he has had more success than the anterior method. My surgeon was the same way.
From: Norseman
05-Jan-25
Most likely your surgeon is proposing the posterior approach because that is how he is trained to do it.
If you are in good shape and not overweight and want a quicker recovery time i would highly recommend getting a surgeon that specializes in anterior approach.
With anterior. I was off meds and driving no problem in a week. Might be longer with right hip. Using hip flexors, used in working the pedals back and forth, may be painful to drive 2 weeks out.
From: Zebrakiller
05-Jan-25
I wouldn't base everything on a time line, I had both mine done in 2022 first went smooth and was ready for second about 7 weeks later, had second done and was doing awesome, two weeks into second, I got a major infection in second hip, Had to have emergency surgery , I missed 46 weeks of work after that, The infection was hell couldn't walk had a pic line in for almost 18 weeks, still on meds to this day, I am doing what I love again, but just let the healing take place . I tell you I have hundreds of hours in rehab and the gym to get back to where I'm at today. good luck, for most the surgery goes very smooth.
From: Mossyhorn
05-Jan-25
Zebrakilller, that’s scary. Sorry you went thru that. Post op infections are terrible and it’s crossed my mind.
From: Zebrakiller
06-Jan-25
Mossyhorn I wish you all the luck in the world and hope you are doing good in just a few months
From: bigwied
07-Jan-25
I had my left hip replaced sept 23 anterior surgery. Two days after surgery I walked a 1/2 mile started physical therapy 4 days after surgery and went twice a week for 3 weeks. I was driving after a week and started bowhunting oct 18 and climbed up my tree ladder 25 ft. Shot my biggest bow buck oct 19 and today 3 1/2 months later have no pain and no restrictions. Best thing I ever did having the surgery.
From: Jaquomo
08-Jan-25
I asked my surgeon why some doctors still do posterior, and he said it's because they haven't put in the effort to be trained in anterior.
My neighbor had posterior about the same time as I had anterior. I was hiking in the mountains while she was still toddling around the house in a walker.
From: Mossyhorn
13-Feb-25
I’m three days post op with a posterior total hip. Pain was hard to control after surgery. I threw up just before getting into the car to go home. Then again at home after I’d taken all my meds. So that first night and next morning were pretty rough. I’m still using a walker to get around. Tried crutches but the walker is more comfortable. Unable to raise my leg while laying down. Which seems odd, I can engage my quads but it’s like they’re absolutely useless. Sitting is really uncomfortable. Hopefully I can start picking up steam quickly from here.
From: Jaquomo
13-Feb-25
Glad tobhear the surgery went well! When are they starting you on PT?
From: mooseslayer
13-Feb-25
I had the posterior method on both hips last fall. First week was tough. Used the walker alot. Once they pulled the stitches things got better quickly. Do all the PT and then some. Your recovery will definitely be longer than those who had the anterior method. I'm 90 to 95% back and can do most anything I want.
From: Mossyhorn
13-Feb-25
Started PT yesterday, go again tomorrow. Some of the exercises are pretty painful and flare things up. Really not much pain weight bearing. Lateral motion is really painful. Definitely feeling better this afternoon.
From: Jaquomo
13-Feb-25
Just do it, and it sometimes sucks. But home PT will really pay off.
From: Billyvanness
13-Feb-25
Keep after it…every day will be improvement. Two months out here and going full gas.
From: Charlie Rehor
14-Feb-25
Had mine done exactly 12 years ago this month. In hindsight it was a no brainer and has enabled me many great hunts. No limitations at all. Good luck.
From: Bob Rowlands
14-Feb-25
Speaking of hip replacement therapy. So one day after my hip surgery I was laying in the hospital bed in a very foul mood from coming off anesthesia and having a bad reaction to pain meds. I hate drugs.
Mid morning in walks a ~30 year old dude in blue scrubs. "Hi Bob. I'm your physical therapist. Bob, I want you to climb out of bed and go use the bathroom here. Get cleaned up." "Huh? Eff u jack. I'm not getting out of this bed." "Oh yes you are Bob." lol
That was the start of three fun days of hip replacement therapy.
So, the same therapist walks in two days later, "so Bob, you want outta here? Before I can release you I need to see you use the stairs. So get outta bed and grab your walker. Go down the hall to the stairwell. Grab the rail and walk down to the landing and back up. Do that and I'll release you." lol
From: Norseman
14-Feb-25
Wow. My experience was i woke up 5 minutes after surgery, (singing to the recovery room nurses). “When when you feel your feet again, get up and go use the bathroom over there.” 10 minutes later i was using to walker to shuffle over to the rest room to go pee. Four hours later, i used my cane to go up and down the stairs, and they released me with a booklet of home PT activities. Day 2 walked a half mile with my cane. Never had to go in for any PT.
From: Who Cares
14-Feb-25
What about Paul at the Fort. Haven't heard from him. Hey Paul, how's it going?
From: Mossyhorn
14-Feb-25
PT today pushed me pretty hard, went home, iced, took meds, and crashed. First BM today since last Sunday. Figuring a way to get on the toilet was not easy. Really wish I’d gotten a seat riser.
From: JohnMC
14-Feb-25
I was emailing with Paul. Sounds like went well but couple days out said it hurts like hell. Don’t think he will mind me sharing.
From: Who Cares
14-Feb-25
Thanks. We'll probably hear from him soon out hiking!
From: Paul@thefort
14-Feb-25
Well, I wish I was out hiking or even chasing Tricia around the house. :) but thigh quad muscles are tender/ constricting and causing a lot of pain, especially when lifting leg and getting in and out of bed. Not very manly when an 85 year old is on the verge for crying and screaming from the pain.
Ended up going to the ER this morning (4th day) for an X-ray, blood test, infection?. More pain meds. The results were negative for all of the tests so glad of that. So more rest and delay any PT until the swelling and pain goes away. Using walker ok.
I believe all will be ok, but will just have to suck it up. Paul
From: Norseman
14-Feb-25
You must get better soon… The elk await you
From: Jaquomo
15-Feb-25
Glad your ER visit proved negative, Paul. Hang in there, guys. You'll be really happy in a few weeks!
From: Paul@thefort
15-Feb-25
Day 6, Email from Surgeon, "will have to put up the pain for at least another week, redness and swelling is normal".
I might now expect, depending of the age of the patient and severity, this is true. "Paul, bite the bullet""
From: deerhunter72
15-Feb-25
Sorry to hear about your pain level Paul. Every situation is different, I hope the worst is behind yoy.
From: Who Cares
15-Feb-25
Oh Paul. Now don't expect sympathy from your bowsite friends! :) Hope you feel tougher soon!
From: Goelk
15-Feb-25
Hang in there Paul and keep moving when you can. Glead ER visit OK
From: Goelk
15-Feb-25
Hey Riley how are you Doing? Hope all well
From: JB
15-Feb-25
Hope the pain level goes down Paul!! Hope you are doing well Riley!!
From: Mossyhorn
17-Feb-25
Today was day 6 and am doing pretty good, only taking pain meds 2-3 times in 24 hours. Still need a walker to get around though. I’m gaining more motion every day now but still cannot reach my foot in anyway possible. Swelling has finally gone down as of today. I feel like today was finally a turning point.
From: Zebrakiller
17-Feb-25
great news
From: sleepyhunter
17-Feb-25
Had my left hip replaced January 20. Soreness is 90% gone now . Took a 2 mile walk with the dogs last night. This was my last replacement surgery already had the right hip and both knees replaced in 2015.
From: Who Cares
17-Feb-25
Good to hear Mossy and Sleepy. Going into the replacements is scary and the recovery though tough is a good experience in the end.
From: mooseslayer
17-Feb-25
Mossy, keep doing the PT and then some. That's a great feeling getting over the hump. All downhill from now, but don't get complacent.
From: Jasper
17-Feb-25
I fell out of a tree when a live limb broke on me when I was 29; broke my hip and wrist. Got a staph infection during first surgery when they put a plate and screws in. Ended up with avascular necrosis which caused me to have a full replacement. That was 34 years ago and I’ve had 7 hip surgeries including 2 full replacements and 2 revisions. But I haven’t let it slow me down. Have been on many hunts including mountain goats and a few ball busters. I’ve run numerous 10K and 1/2 marathons and even ran a 50K when I was 62. You’ll be fine. Enjoy life and God bless!
From: Paul@thefort
17-Feb-25
Today, Feb. 19 one week after right hip surgery. The right outside quad between knee and surgery area is very very tender and when gravitated when getting in and out of bed , off the sofa or LA Z Boy, and when those quad muscles try to stretch, there is a tremendous amount of pain. DID I DAY A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PAIN? While one might believe a little pain is ok, this pain is over the top. I have no other options, except to bit the bullet and mover forward. Next post meeting is in 7 day. Paul
From: Who Cares
17-Feb-25
Wow. Sounds nasty Paul. Hang tough. Saying a prayer to speed you along. Thanks for updating us.
From: Mossyhorn
17-Feb-25
Jasper! Dang that’s crazy and impressive! Thanks for the motivation.
Paul, I have a similar pain but not as bad, the worst for me was around the incision, across my lateral glute. If you don’t have a leg lifter, you should get one. $10-12 on amazon. It’s a huge help getting in and out if bed of couch. Getting in and out of bed caused a lot of flare ups till I got one of those on day 3. Ice has been a big help too. Hope you feel better soon.
From: Lewis
18-Feb-25
Damn Paul Ouch hang in there and hope you get to feeling better stay safe Lewis
From: Paul@thefort
18-Feb-25
Riley, yep, got leg lifter, ice. Around incision seems ok, down below and to the right, not so much. RD suggested too much blood might have gotten into the surgery area. No infection has been detected.
From: Paul@thefort
21-Feb-25
Ok, 12 day in from surgery on Feb. 10. Little by little healing is moving forward without as much pain. Even what pain there is, that is decreasing. I have learned to adjust the body and not to put stress on the hip area. Keeping up with and actually staying in front of the pain. using pain meds is important.
I had another meeting with the surgery assistance and went over each and every step of the procedures and where some old pain may persist and when new pain and swelling will might show up. That was very helpful as one might believe we are the only patient that experiences pain in these areas. I asked him if they had found anything that was not normal per my hip area, and he said, not really, that bone on bone had begun and it was time for the surgery and that muscle groups looked good for recovery.
The hardest time for me is getting out of bed in the AM and trying to lift the leg up and off the mattress, and then down to the floor as the hip leg muscles are still very tight in the AM. Even with a foot strap to help lift and lower the leg, I still have to bite the bullet. Using ice packs three times per day, and using the walker around the house 4 time per day is all helping. I will give another report next week after my second post meeting. MY best, Paul
From: t-roy
21-Feb-25
Glad to hear you’re seeing improvement, Mossyhorn!
Hoping that you see tremendous improvement in your next update, Paul!
From: Lewis
22-Feb-25
Paul you’ve got this piece of cake I am glad to see you are making progress and all is trending in the right direction.Can’t wait to see the next update.Good luck Lewis
From: Supernaut
22-Feb-25
Paul, glad you are healing up and the pain is becoming more tolerable.
Hang in there sir and take it easy. I’m looking forward to seeing your new hunting adventures with your new hip.
From: tobywon
22-Feb-25
Hoping for a speedy recovery for you guys that have recently had the surgery!!
From: bowhunter24
22-Feb-25
Paul we are still pulling for you! I have had the shoulder, hip and knee surgery with the the only one that still bothers me is the knee. Seems like everyone's results are not the same but your will power and awesome genetics will get you there!
From: BigStriper1
22-Feb-25
I'm glad the pain is tolerable Paul, if everything go's well you will up and around before you know it. Looking forward to your next update and hoping it's a Great one. Kurt
From: Bob Rowlands
22-Feb-25
Paul, glad to hear you are coming around. I went through this recovery myself. Keep up with ALL your therapy. No more endless hip pain and sleepless nights are right around the corner.
From: Norseman
22-Feb-25
Keep it up gentlemen. In time it will all get better. Keep up the PT and spring is almost here!
From: Jasper
25-Feb-25
Prayers sent Paul! Hang in there!
From: Mossyhorn
26-Feb-25
Recover is going ok, still using a cane but most pain is gone. My leg has atrophied quite a bit and is visibly smaller than my left leg. Been doing my PT, going twice a week too. I hit a snag today and while it’s been there for a while, today the paun got way worse. It’s a sharp stabbing pain about mid-lateral thigh, maybe IT band. It is excruciating and preventing me from doing certain exercises.
From: Paul@thefort
27-Feb-25
Riley, I am 16 days in and surgery is better, pain less more like discomfort and tender. Outer thigh ie, Rectus Femoris leg muscle is still tender but not as much as a week ago. Can not totally bend knee (tried the stationary bike and that did not work). Slight hurt in knee cap. Can lift that leg higher off the floor as well as other PT but have to be careful. Feel better on the walker but use the cane some around the house and out of doors in yard. Tomorrow, day 17 and new bandage and exam.
From: Glidingindian
27-Feb-25
Have never had a hip replacement but did a few thousand hip surgeries in my career. Have also been elk hunting almost every year for 40 years. . Things have changed a lot over the last 40 years in hip surgery . Now retired please allow me to summarize my thoughts/ opinions on hip replacement 1)total hip replacement is the greatest major operation in orthopedics, but there are significant risks. The newer peripoperative pain management protocols and refinement of surgical techniques have significantly improved early recovery and mobilization. Many are now done as outpatient cases with patients walking out of the hospital 2) lower your risks by not smoking, get your blood sugar and weight down in a healthy way pre op and follow pre op and post op instructions 3)there are advantages and disadvantages to both anterior and posterior approaches. Since I still climb mountains and get in tree stands I would have an anterior approach. That said millions have done well with posterior approaches. A few years ago when anterior approaches became more popular there was a learning curve and I saw some complications not usually seen with posterior approaches. Your safest bet is an experienced total joint surgeon who can do,either approach with skill. Fellowship training usually helps but not always. Lot of surgeons doing beautiful total hips that are not fellowship trained 4) I personally set a three month minimum between doing first and second hip to allow blood count to recover as well as the immune system. Fairly common approach but not all agree. 5) Biggest problems hampering recovery I saw were people doing dumb stuff post op and people who quit therapy too soon when they quit hurting . You set a high bar to chase elk in the mountains but it is very doable . Stay on an aggressive hip strengthening program literally for the rest of your life. Most who do notice continued improvement 6)it is a mechanical device and will wear over time, some people wear more than others. High impact increases wear, don’t run marathons. do ask your doctor to spell out what he does and doesn’t allow. Also, how often do they want to see you in follow up over the years. Early recognized wear much easier to treat than late or catastrophic wear. 7) that is a long road trip not too long after surgery. Tell your doctor. He might want to change his normal preventative measures for blood clots.
Aim small and post pics of your hunt !
From: Paul@thefort
28-Feb-25
Day 17, Band-Aid off, can now shower without a covering over stitches. More PT and walking in the future. switching over to the cane, still walking with a limp. Will be another month before hip tenderness goes away but stretching PT three time per day is helping. Today, doc did not see any red flags. Sleeping on my back has helped. Still on some meds and learning how to deal with the hip replacement surgery without hurting myself . My best, Paul
From: Jaquomo
02-Mar-25
Thanks for the great info, GlidingIndian!!
From: Norseman
02-Mar-25
Thanks Al for insight!
From: Lewis
03-Mar-25
Looking good Paul and I also thank glidingindian for info very helpful Lewis
From: Paul@thefort
03-Mar-25
21 days in, following protocol, more good and bad days, sore today, still can not bend the knee past 95 degrees, trying to get off some pain meds, over did it yesterday walking, paying the price today, cold pack and rest today, using walker in the house and X with light stretches. Paul
From: JohnMC
07-Mar-25
Here is Paul walking around no cane at setup for the the CBA award banquet and expo. And it is his 85th birthday.
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
07-Mar-25
Happy Birthday Paul!
From: Who Cares
07-Mar-25
Way to go Paul!!
From: Paul@thefort
07-Mar-25
GEE, thanks John. Yea, hip is better but taking its time to heal. Some discomfort. Hell it has only been 24 days. Paul
From: bowhunter24
08-Mar-25
Always good to see Paul on Bowsite! Saw a friend last night that had her hip replaced and she said she wished she had it done sooner! Paul those turkey are getting nervous!
From: Mossyhorn
13-Mar-25
4.5 weeks in. Almost walking without a limp and normal gait. The mobility precautions are a real pain. Not being able to put on your own sock for 12 weeks is a real pain…
I’m having my other hip done on 4/14. Hoping my other hip will be in great shape by then.
From: Jaquomo
14-Mar-25
Paul and mossyhirn, sorry tobhear you guys are really struggling. Hopefully things will improve soon.
From: mooseslayer
14-Mar-25
Mossy, i sent you a PM.
