hip replacement and tri.s

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2008-01-15 3:30 PM

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Veteran
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Grand Rapids, MN.
Subject: hip replacement and tri.s
I've been a triathlete for since 2002 and received some bad news no more running and I am going to need a new hip in years to come. I have arthritis in the hip and the cartiledge is worn down. I'm supposed to try to prolong it for 5-10 more years until I'm older. I'm very depressed with this, but at least I can swim and bike still right now relatively pain free. My question is there anyone out there that has had this problem. I'm only 38 years young right now. There is a hip called the birmingham hip which is made in the UK and I believe it has good results with young people, Has anyone out there had this done? I would really like to get back into tris even if it has to be a few years. Once you get into this lifestyle it's tough to think about not doing them. No matter what I plan to stay as active as my body will let me.


2008-01-15 3:40 PM
in reply to: #1158022

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Elite
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Spokane, WA
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s
I'm sorry to hear about your hip diagnosis. I don't know about the hip replacement, but would like to encourage you to hang in there and keep up with the biking and swimming. 5-10 years will fly by and then you can get back into full events. In the mean time, do tri's as the swim or bike member of a team. I'm sure you've thought of that, but I just wanted to offer some encouragement.

Edited by zed707 2008-01-15 3:41 PM
2008-01-15 3:40 PM
in reply to: #1158022

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Extreme Veteran
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Rocklin
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s
Sorry for the bad news. I had a big knee surgery 4 weeks ago and my return to tris is uncertain for the next year and maybe ever. I feel your pain. If I'm out of the run this year, I will find a couple of road rides this year. Hang in there...dedicate yourself to "prehab" over the next couple of years. I know it sucks...I truly do. I'm 35...I was told absolutely no more running two years ago...I ran anyway and it was really painful. I found a doc and a procedure that might enable me to run. I stayed away from Begginer Triathlete since it depressed me over the past couple of months, but I came back two weeks ago, started my log again (full of rehab for now), and just remained part of the community (we are triathletes even if we are broken down!!!).

Good luck, hang tough, and as everyone keeps telling me "it could be worse." I absolutely can't stand that quote!!! Good luck...get a good second opinion too.
2008-01-15 3:46 PM
in reply to: #1158060

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Veteran
183
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Grand Rapids, MN.
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s
Oh I plan to hang in there. I have a wife and one child so far I've brought into the lifestyle. I will definately be handing some water to some of you if I can't tri anymore. I plan to do as many relays as I can rope my friends/family into doing with me. Thanks for the well wishes.
2008-01-15 6:47 PM
in reply to: #1158022

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Master
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Canandaigua
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s

MY swim coach has two replacements.  He does a slow run but will do up to 9 sprints a year.  He has had 3 replacements after 10+ years each.  He started to have them in the beginning of metal implants.  He had to have two replacement because of recall and something else. 

When you talk to your doctor make sure you tell you prior level of function.  ie running.  I know they have sports knees.  You want a bio implant.  the surface of the implant into bone is rough, your bone grows into it.  It is a longer rehab but should last a lot longer then a cemented one.  If insurance is paying for it they should pay for you to get a hip and rehab to your prior level.  ie running. 

 

2008-01-15 7:09 PM
in reply to: #1158022

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Master
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Running trails in S. Ontario
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s
Sorry to hear about your hip Alan, it has to be frustrating to wait that out!  One of my old training partners was told the same thing, only her issue was a knee replacement.  It's unfortunate to have to give up something you enjoy, but it seems that you have a great atitude.  Do what you can, go out there and root your family and friends on at races, and stay involved.  Look forward to getting that new hip and being able to run again


2008-01-15 7:56 PM
in reply to: #1158521

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Bob
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Binghamton, NY
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s
dexter - 2008-01-15 7:47 PM

MY swim coach has two replacements. He does a slow run but will do up to 9 sprints a year. He has had 3 replacements after 10+ years each. He started to have them in the beginning of metal implants. He had to have two replacement because of recall and something else.

When you talk to your doctor make sure you tell you prior level of function. ie running. I know they have sports knees. You want a bio implant. the surface of the implant into bone is rough, your bone grows into it. It is a longer rehab but should last a lot longer then a cemented one. If insurance is paying for it they should pay for you to get a hip and rehab to your prior level. ie running.

X2 - Dexter has the experience with this one!! Great advise!!! 

2008-01-15 9:39 PM
in reply to: #1158022

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Expert
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Traverse Cityish
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s
My father has the birmingham hip and is now playing racquetball and doing everything he used to. Good old Floyd Landis also has this hip too, it's much better suited for athletes and younger folks as it won't have to be replaced nearly as often as the traditional replacement if ever at all. Honestly, I don't see the old style being around for more than another few years as doctors learn how to do the Birmingham.

The tricky part is going to be getting your insurance to pay for it, they gave my father a huge run around about it even with the cost being the same.
2008-01-16 7:45 AM
in reply to: #1158767

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Veteran
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Grand Rapids, MN.
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s
This is good news hearing about people returning to active states after the hip replacement. The makers of the birmingham hip are sending me some into right now, it does sound like it would be the ticket for me. Truth be told I don't like running all that much, but I absolutely love Tri's so it is a necessary thing. I am far from throwing in the towel. I don't like the idea of recalls though, that had to be heartbraking for him! Thanks for everything guys.
2008-01-16 9:33 AM
in reply to: #1158022

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Veteran
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Georgia
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s
FYI - I saw a guy on my first lap of the run course at IMFL this past year that had just undergone hip replacement surgery at some point during the year prior to the race (according to his shirt).  He was around mile 7 of the run about 9:00 hours into the race, so I am sure he finished.  Good luck and don't count yourself out yet.
2008-01-16 9:35 AM
in reply to: #1159306

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Veteran
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Grand Rapids, MN.
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s
CW- This is just what I wanted to hear, I would like to tackle the big one someday!


2008-01-16 9:51 AM
in reply to: #1158022

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Extreme Veteran
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Podunk County, MN
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s

Hey, Al - this is the process I was telling you about that my dad had done.  Scott Tinley apparently had one done last month.  There's some thought that ceramic on ceramic might be a better long term solution than metal on metal because ceramic is smoother and "sheds" less (which is what causes long term failure):

http://www.surfacehippy.info/scotttinley07.php

Ok, now I'm confused.  I thought his was ceramic somehow, but now I'm wondering if it was a BHR.  I'll have to ask him again.  Anyway, look around that site a bit and you might find some interesting stuff.  The guy who did IMFL has a blog there as well - Michael Montgomery.  I know my dad's doctor was Dr. Gross down in SC.



Edited by kanders 2008-01-16 10:02 AM
2008-01-16 11:19 AM
in reply to: #1158022

Master
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portland, or
Subject: RE: hip replacement and tri.s
I saw the guy at IMF this year that was mentioned earlier in an earlier post. I used to swim masters with a guy who had a hip replacement when he was ~40 and while he doesn't do triathlons, he does run, swim, bike, play racquetball & basketball, etc.

His replacement was part of a study that was being done by OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences Univ.), so I'm not sure if it's the "Bermingham Hip", but it's one that's supposed to last his lifetime.

scott
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