Hips, Hammocks, and Surgery

[nothermark]

This is all very good advice. OG, I know you're not sedentary but there are definite advantages to certain types of stretches and exercise. Believe it or not diet and herbal remedies can help too.

Also, like Stevebo says, I'd exhaust all alt med ideas before surgery.

When it gets to the point where you can't stand it, that's when you get the surgery, IMHO.

But you didn't ask that. I have my original equipment hips so I can't say much.

Except good luck, man.

I would not put it off. I did and it was an extra year of pain and no fun that only resulted in more joint damage. A set of X-rays will show if you are bone on bone in the joint. If you are all you can do is control pain. You cannot stop further damage. OTOH when they did my right hip I was on my feet the next day and walked to the end of the hall and up 4 stairs on day 3 so I could go home after my surgery. Right now that hip is OK but the left is a problem so still not doing miles. New one scheduled for October. Based on what I went through on the first one I expect to be hiking and paddling next summer.

Everyone I have talked to about it says hips are much easier on folks than knees. Hammocks do not seem to be an issue. The problems come down to not bending more than 90 deg at the waist for the first few months, not crossing legs and not stepping sideways. The joint is a loose ball in socket held together with scare tissue in place of ligaments. It takes time to form the scare tissue. I am not confident that it is as strong either so I am careful about how I move. That is not bad anyway. ;-)

Look at it this way, you will always have your titanium and amsteel after that. The same plastic that amsteel is made of is used as the bearing in the joint. ;-))

[DemostiX]

Good news is that you can find out whether your orthopedist's preferred devices are reliable and the best, not just what he likes to use because of familiarity or unwillingness to retrain.

Bad news is that from unwillingness to retrain, many orthopedists don't get the best results for the patients.

Really bad news is that you may need to be packing an expensive Clark NX-180 out-of-pocket, for a better flat diagonal lay. Also, the weight penalty of that unit means you'll be leaving one of the six-pack cans behind.*

Read this on orthopedic joint replacement medicine. It has been much commented on in other places.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2...a_fact_gawande

Look for the "one page" version if you can't believe from the outset this is about orthopedic joint replacement; that part comes much later.

*Appropriate smilies implied

[DivaB]

Wait to see what the doc says and a second opinion if needed and do what you need to do. Most do have positive results with replacements. My dad did not fair too well on his hip or shoulder replacement. Pick and choose what you really want to do and know that some times you'll pay the price. Make yourself a camp cart and try to work with/or around your hindrances rather than letting them work you as much. Sometimes you'll win, some times you won't, but at least your picking what you want to do and at times that price is well worth it. I wish you all the best, friend. Keep us informed.

[Shug]

Good luck with all that hip stuff Old Gringo.
Hurtin' hips is a true pain.
Be well and hope for the best for you.
Shug

[SilvrSurfr]

A lot of it's psychological, oldgringo. The first thing I would try is to change your HF handle to younggringo and see if there's any improvement.

[TheCoyote]

Fried of mines dad had hip replacement, only thing he cant do is sit for long periods of time. He is a Kung Fu instructor still to this day and does a lot of outdoor activities. Hope you find something that works for you. Good luck

Jeremy

[creativeKayt]

I'm sorry to hear about your pain, OG! That bites.
I can't add more here other than I do hope, whatever route you go, that you recover fully and quickly.

(cup raised) My best to you.
Sending positive, healing energy your way.
cK--

[Doc B]

Old Gringo,

PM me if you are having pain from inflammation. I can show you a few tricks to deal with it.

Be well,
Doc

[Roadrunnr72]

And, by all means, if you do have the hip replacement, remember....







Pics or didn't happen.....


Seriously, hope all works out, and I would try some of the "other" remedies, before the knife.

[sparkytxn]

I would Shop your surgeon, Ask about a "mobile bearing" implant... Different mechanics. Ask if the Dr. uses a navigation system... just to hear their opinion on it.

Hips are easier than knees from what I hear.

I've no idea what any of that means for hammocking but wish you all the best.