32f waiting on a hip replacement and MFP is a lifesaver
bad_w0lf
Posts: 26 Member
I was in an accident 6 months ago that destroyed my hip. It was devastating to go from being able to run for hours on end to not being able to walk more than a few steps unassisted. I'm still waiting on a hip replacement.
I ran a 10 mile road race exactly a week before the accident and 5 miles the day before and had been training to complete a half marathon within the following month.
Obviously a sudden drop in your activity levels and the amount of calories you burn per day could be pretty catastrophic if you're trying to maintain your weight, but since I had been building better eating habits with the help of MyFitnessPal for months before the accident I wasn't scrambling to change my entire lifestyle in order to avoid losing all the progress I have been working towards.
I had been pretty nervous about weighing myself since I lost my mobility. But I was curious to see how well I was doing, and decided that even if I wasn't happy with what I saw on the scale, it would be expected. But the scale told me a number that surprised me- I have not gained weight in the 6 months I've been injured. I'm seriously so proud and out of all of my fitness PRs and health victories, this feels like one of my strongest accomplishments.
I just wanted to add a picture of me with my cane at the gym 💪🏽
It was kind of hard to be out in public with a cane while looking so relatively young and healthy, but I've learned to rock it for now
Anyone looking for moral support with similar issue please add me! I have been really looking to connect with and compare tips with other people who are super fit but had a sudden loss of your ability to work out/stay active. I'm guessing if I can find them anywhere, it could be on this app
I ran a 10 mile road race exactly a week before the accident and 5 miles the day before and had been training to complete a half marathon within the following month.
Obviously a sudden drop in your activity levels and the amount of calories you burn per day could be pretty catastrophic if you're trying to maintain your weight, but since I had been building better eating habits with the help of MyFitnessPal for months before the accident I wasn't scrambling to change my entire lifestyle in order to avoid losing all the progress I have been working towards.
I had been pretty nervous about weighing myself since I lost my mobility. But I was curious to see how well I was doing, and decided that even if I wasn't happy with what I saw on the scale, it would be expected. But the scale told me a number that surprised me- I have not gained weight in the 6 months I've been injured. I'm seriously so proud and out of all of my fitness PRs and health victories, this feels like one of my strongest accomplishments.
I just wanted to add a picture of me with my cane at the gym 💪🏽
It was kind of hard to be out in public with a cane while looking so relatively young and healthy, but I've learned to rock it for now
Anyone looking for moral support with similar issue please add me! I have been really looking to connect with and compare tips with other people who are super fit but had a sudden loss of your ability to work out/stay active. I'm guessing if I can find them anywhere, it could be on this app
Tagged:
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Replies
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I suddenly lost my ability to walk properly in my mid-late 30s, and have graduated to full arm crutches to be able to get around. I use the cane for shorts errands, but crutches for everything longer than that. I'm a bit older than you, but look really young and fit, so everyone assumes I'm an athlete who suffered a serious injury.
I'm not an athlete at all, I have a genetic hypermobility condition and a lot of injuries, so I don't exercise intensely, but when I lost my ability to walk, I had been walking a few hours every day and ended up stuck in bed most of the time, so it was a huge loss of activity at the time.
I totally agree with you. Having the ability to manage diet effectively regardless of activity level is amazing for preventing the massive gains that a lot of people experience when something messes with their activity for a length of time.
Good luck with your replacement. My hips surgeries are going to be very different, but wanted you to know there's another limpy 30-something out there waiting along with you.8 -
wanted you to know there's another limpy 30-something out there waiting along with you.
If I'm ever in a relay race, I'm picking you for my team!
You say you're not an athlete- but from someone who has seen both sides, the mental strength you have from pushing through adversity is unmatched in the physical world 💞
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wanted you to know there's another limpy 30-something out there waiting along with you.
If I'm ever in a relay race, I'm picking you for my team!
You say you're not an athlete- but from someone who has seen both sides, the mental strength you have from pushing through adversity is unmatched in the physical world 💞
Ah, thanks. I put a lot of work into a lot of therapy to get through everything I've been through, and as a result, yep, I am really happy with my life. Everyone has challenges. I would actually rather my challenges be physical compared to some of the things I see other people going through.3 -
You are beautiful and strong. You will overcome this one step at a time. Best wishes!2
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mirianyusm wrote: »You are beautiful and strong. You will overcome this one step at a time. Best wishes!
Thank you so much for the kind words 🥰 they really made my morning.3 -
Good on you Wolf. Stay focused. Stay positive. Stay active.
I started to lose hip mobility in my early 40's with osteoarthritis and overuse injuries. I managed the whole thing as poorly as I could have. It took years to get surgery and years after that to get pain free mobility back.2 -
I am a 44 year old guy, and due to osteoarthritis I am getting a hip replacement on March 25th! 3 years ago - I was running 5 miles every day after work. Now I can barely get in and out of my jeep :-) Would love to connect and share ideas on how to stay active and deal with a bad hip! I cannot 'friend request' anyone since MFP was updated though but feel free to send me an invite!
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I am 36 and waiting on hip replacement as well. Double hip replacement due to premature arthritis in both sides. I was running 3 miles a day and walking another 6+ before my hips starting causing me trouble. I'm trying some alternatives before we go ahead with surgery (I'm high risk due to blood clots), but my research has been pretty positive.
My doctor recommended swimming, running in the lazy river, doing low impact exercises. I'm very much looking forward to getting back to my normal active life and rediscovering hiking, jogging, and nature pain free. I'm hiking coast to coast across Scotland for my 40th birthday!4 -
bionicrooster wrote: »Would love to connect and share ideas on how to stay active and deal with a bad hip!
I'd hesitate to recommend anything specific, but I sure wish I had consulted my PT pre-op to prepare. Even paying out of pocket it would be money well spent 5 weeks out.
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So I managed to get in to PT for a few sessions after the accident and I've been doing what he taught me ever since. I've definitely gotten my strength back up, but as you all who have commented know, that means nothing when the joint itself is busted 😵
I know everyone's case is different but I've managed to keep a lot of my fitness up by doing light work on the stationary bike and my PT leg lifts- there was a surprising amount I was able to do that apparently don't put any more damage on your hip? I do hope it has some positive impact on the surgery recovery time.4 -
@bionicrooster and @bad_w0lf
DH found after the hip replacement, doing the recommended exercises daily and using an exercise bike, initially without resistance, to be helpful. After 6 weeks of using the walker was able to graduate to the cane. May I suggest keeping a detailed written log of meds taken and the time to be helpful. Our Alexa reminds him numerous times each day to take meds. If you have someone to take photos of your 'wound' each day, that's a good way to check for seepage or infection, even when bandaged, and as it heals after bandage is removed. Good luck and stay as active as you can before and after!3 -
Is anterior approach replacement standard now? There's supposed to be less discomfort.0
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So sorry to hear that you have to go through this. Without going into detail, just a few years ago I found out that I needed hip replacement surgery. I put it off for longer than I should have but once I had it it was a game changer for me. I will still need to do the other side but it's nowhere as bad as the side that I have done. Having strong supporting muscles around the hip helped me with a speedy recovery. I was back to doing body weight exercises in a relatively short period of time. Then weights not to long after that as well as running and playing soccer.
Just remember to go at your own pace and not push it too hard to fast.
I wish you the best with your situation.
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I was back to doing body weight exercises in a relatively short period of time. Then weights not to long after that as well as running and playing soccer.
Hearing this kind of stuff makes me feel so much better. I'm so glad to hear you recovered well on that side! It's also reassuring that you feel it went so well that it will help the other side. Thank you so much for telling your story!
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aqua14lisa wrote: »@bionicrooster and @bad_w0lf
DH found after the hip replacement, doing the recommended exercises daily and using an exercise bike, initially without resistance, to be helpful. After 6 weeks of using the walker was able to graduate to the cane. May I suggest keeping a detailed written log of meds taken and the time to be helpful. Our Alexa reminds him numerous times each day to take meds. If you have someone to take photos of your 'wound' each day, that's a good way to check for seepage or infection, even when bandaged, and as it heals after bandage is removed. Good luck and stay as active as you can before and after!
This is all super helpful advice that I didn't even consider. I wanted to quote reply this again just to make sure it doesn't get missed by anyone else who might need to see this! Thank you so much.1 -
I was back to doing body weight exercises in a relatively short period of time. Then weights not to long after that as well as running and playing soccer.
Hearing this kind of stuff makes me feel so much better. I'm so glad to hear you recovered well on that side! It's also reassuring that you feel it went so well that it will help the other side. Thank you so much for telling your story!
You are welcome.
I also found using an old Gazelle that I had has been extremely good for me. No stress on the joints but still works cardio, endurance and has helped maintain my muscles mass (what little I have.)1 -
kenlchrzanowski wrote: »bionicrooster wrote: »Would love to connect and share ideas on how to stay active and deal with a bad hip!
I'd hesitate to recommend anything specific, but I sure wish I had consulted my PT pre-op to prepare. Even paying out of pocket it would be money well spent 5 weeks out.
This is HUGE. I've been doing boat loads of surgery prep physio. I also did a ton of crutches physio before getting my walking aides to strengthen my wrists for them, since I'm stuck with them for the next 3ish years.
My insurance only pays less than $300/yr in PT, so I'm always out of pocket close to $1000/yr and it's the best money I spend.3 -
I agree 10000% that PT is a huge help. I was lucky enough I got into it within a week of the accident and I seriously can't even imagine what the state of my body would be in after 6 months of this injury without learning how I can stay somewhat active and keep my muscles strong.
It really sucks that it's so expensive that it's out of reach to a lot of people. I feel like PT is necessary part of recovery for so many things and it should be more widely accessible
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Can you do deep water walking? I have an ankle injury and I can't run so I am back to lap swimming but supplement with deep water walking/skiing/running. I bought one of those belts so my feet are never touching the bottom of the pool (you need to be water at least 6 inches above your height). I burn more calories doing the belt work than I do when laps. Best wishes for a speedy recovery when you get your hip replacement. Please come back to let us know how you are doing!1
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Hi there! I had a hip replacement when I was 42 because of undiagnosed hip dysplasia. Years of running and sports had caused complete deterioration of my cartilage and I was bone on bone. I was a division 1 athlete in college and after college I ran lots of races from 5K's to half marathons and marathons. I loved running and it was my passion and "therapy". My hip problems put an end to it--my last race was a half marathon when I was 40. I eventually had a hard time walking and had to use a cane, too. I got very depressed during that time. But it's been 9 years since then and my hip is doing great! I did have to find a new passion besides running (which for me is weights/HIIT). My advice is it does get better and to take care of your mental health. It's so hard to be young and needing a hip replacement.1
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albamarie61 wrote: »Can you do deep water walking? I have an ankle injury and I can't run so I am back to lap swimming but supplement with deep water walking/skiing/running. I bought one of those belts so my feet are never touching the bottom of the pool (you need to be water at least 6 inches above your height). I burn more calories doing the belt work than I do when laps. Best wishes for a speedy recovery when you get your hip replacement. Please come back to let us know how you are doing!
This is a great idea that I don't think I've ever actually heard of. Thank you for the advice. I'll definitely look into that kind of work out. Even if I can't do it until after the surgery I'm pretty intrigued!
Thank you so much on the well wishes too. They always help my spirits 😊0 -
tricia9634 wrote: »Hi there! I had a hip replacement when I was 42 because of undiagnosed hip dysplasia. Years of running and sports had caused complete deterioration of my cartilage and I was bone on bone. I was a division 1 athlete in college and after college I ran lots of races from 5K's to half marathons and marathons. I loved running and it was my passion and "therapy". My hip problems put an end to it--my last race was a half marathon when I was 40. I eventually had a hard time walking and had to use a cane, too. I got very depressed during that time. But it's been 9 years since then and my hip is doing great! I did have to find a new passion besides running (which for me is weights/HIIT). My advice is it does get better and to take care of your mental health. It's so hard to be young and needing a hip replacement.
I'm so happy to hear you found something that equates to running because I totally relate to it being a form of therapy. You're so right about needing to be extra focused on mental health and hearing success stories like yours helps me come to terms with the situation. Thank you so much.0 -
albamarie61 wrote: »Can you do deep water walking? I have an ankle injury and I can't run so I am back to lap swimming but supplement with deep water walking/skiing/running. I bought one of those belts so my feet are never touching the bottom of the pool (you need to be water at least 6 inches above your height). I burn more calories doing the belt work than I do when laps. Best wishes for a speedy recovery when you get your hip replacement. Please come back to let us know how you are doing!
This is a great idea that I don't think I've ever actually heard of. Thank you for the advice. I'll definitely look into that kind of work out. Even if I can't do it until after the surgery I'm pretty intrigued!
Thank you so much on the well wishes too. They always help my spirits 😊
I hope this allowed here on MFP, but here is the link that got me started on aquajogging. https://runnersconnect.net/coach-corner/aqua-jogging-for-runners/ Good luck!1 -
So I managed to get in to PT for a few sessions after the accident and I've been doing what he taught me ever since. I've definitely gotten my strength back up, but as you all who have commented know, that means nothing when the joint itself is busted 😵
I know everyone's case is different but I've managed to keep a lot of my fitness up by doing light work on the stationary bike and my PT leg lifts- there was a surprising amount I was able to do that apparently don't put any more damage on your hip? I do hope it has some positive impact on the surgery recovery time.
I'm not in the target audience for your post, but I hope you'll forgive me for chiming in. I wanted to share an anecdote that I'm hoping may be encouraging, even though the details are very different.
I'm an on-water rower, which I'm sure you know is a leg-intensive exercise, with lots of hip-hinging as well. One of my closest rowing buddies cracked a bone in her hip, and needed full hip replacement surgery. Literally 30 days to the day after surgery, she was back in a boat, rowing. (We did carry the boat for her for a while, out of an abundance of caution!)
At the time, she was 75 years old, had been weight lifting since age 39, and later running and eventually rowing for years, among other forms of exercise. I think her speedy and smooth recovery had everything to do with going into surgery with the level of fitness she had, and she thinks likewise. The fact that you're so much younger, on top of being very fit, can only be a plus.
Wishing you excellent outcomes!2 -
So I managed to get in to PT for a few sessions after the accident and I've been doing what he taught me ever since. I've definitely gotten my strength back up, but as you all who have commented know, that means nothing when the joint itself is busted 😵
I know everyone's case is different but I've managed to keep a lot of my fitness up by doing light work on the stationary bike and my PT leg lifts- there was a surprising amount I was able to do that apparently don't put any more damage on your hip? I do hope it has some positive impact on the surgery recovery time.
I'm not in the target audience for your post, but I hope you'll forgive me for chiming in. I wanted to share an anecdote that I'm hoping may be encouraging, even though the details are very different.
I'm an on-water rower, which I'm sure you know is a leg-intensive exercise, with lots of hip-hinging as well. One of my closest rowing buddies cracked a bone in her hip, and needed full hip replacement surgery. Literally 30 days to the day after surgery, she was back in a boat, rowing. (We did carry the boat for her for a while, out of an abundance of caution!)
At the time, she was 75 years old, had been weight lifting since age 39, and later running and eventually rowing for years, among other forms of exercise. I think her speedy and smooth recovery had everything to do with going into surgery with the level of fitness she had, and she thinks likewise. The fact that you're so much younger, on top of being very fit, can only be a plus.
Wishing you excellent outcomes!
Omg no, please! Your post is more than welcome! It's always encouraging to hear more success stories. Your friend is now my inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing!!!! I needed some extra encouragement today, too. Perfect timing 💖1
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