February 7, 2008

I’m 45 and had both hips replaced last year – both MOM’s. Overweight right now, so I’m feeling discomfort in the hips when I bend over, but going to drop 100 pounds this year, and that should fix that. I’m hoping my MOM’s outlast me. Don’t really want to have any more surgeries in the hips. Wanted the BHR, but couldn’t get insurance to approve it. The THR’s are fine for me though!

My surgeon was Dr. Abidi. He practices in Santa Cruz and in Santa Clara County. When I knew I was going to need surgery, I asked one of my friends who works as a physical therapist for a home health agency who does a lot of hip replacements. He mentioned my surgeon. I chose Dr. Abidi because he uses the anterior approach. His bedside manner isn’t great, but I felt comfortable with him and felt like he was very competent.

May 15, 2008

My doctor doesn’t recommend high impact activities either, such as running. My husband and I were watching kite boarders and surf boarders at the beach last weekend. I realized that would be a dangerous thing for me to try now, as folks were falling a lot. Also, I think mountain biking is also out. Again, every I know who is into mountain bikes expects to spend a good deal of time banged up. Both are high speed, adrenaline sports. Luckily, climbing doesn’t involve high impacts unless I fall. Also, the danger is minimized when top roping or seconding a route.

June 10, 2008

It is just shy of ten weeks since my THR. I saw my surgeon’s PA today, for a check, and all is going well. No more restrictions and I can finally take a bath. They didn’t want me to take baths until the mild infection I had cleared up, which it finally has. My hip feels good – I have been climbing on a top rope and have started hiking again, in addition to working out in the gym. No pain other than mild muscular paid from using muscles that I haven’t used in a long time. I’ve also resumed practicing yoga, although I am taking this slowly, feeling the limits of my hip. So I am pretty happy with the results.

Pat, I went back and reviewed my notes. My doctor didn’t use a MOM device, but a ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene liner. He explained his logic to me, but I don’t remember exactly what he said. He tried to use as big of a cup and head as he could, but was limited the size of my acteabulum. I do know I am pretty darn happy with the result, as my range of motion is nearing that of my other hip. The restriction I feel on outward rotation at this point feels like it is muscular rather than from the joint itself.