Contemplating a full left hip replacement

[Anaximander]

Looking for any folks that have experienced a full hip replacement and how it may have affected their ability to get in and out of their seven?

 

I have a classic Brunton Stalker that I dearly love for both street blats and autox and want to carefully consider my options before proceeding with a hip replacement. Any experiential information would be great. I stand on the seat, then slide down into the tunnel and have a roll cage that I can use my arms to position myself.

[lowflyer]

No hip replacement here, still running all of the OEM parts!

 

I used a similar system, stepping on the frame cross bar, just in front of the seat. I did not have the stock seats, so this bar may not be available to you. Balance using the roll bar until my left leg was in, then squat grabbing the center tunnel and top of the left upper frame rail. Then "shoot" both legs forward and settle into the seat. To get out, reverse the procedure.

 

This method was created in the previous years when I raced a Formula Ford, which made the Stalker feel like a Cadillac. It helps to work on arm strength. My wife suggested the use of an engine hoist, if all else fails!

 

Ken

[Silk]

Also have a Stalker along with two new knees and one new hip. I use the Stalker mostly for autocross, so a lot of in and out. No problem with the hip at all. Was autocrossing about four months post surgery.

[Anaximander]

Also have a Stalker along with two new knees and one new hip. I use the Stalker mostly for autocross, so a lot of in and out. No problem with the hip at all. Was autocrossing about four months post surgery.

 

Silk, You are the second person, one privately, to advise that the hip replacement will not be an impediment to continued enjoyment of my Stalker. I am now fully committed to moving forward on that because I enjoy so many other activities such as hiking, stand-up-paddling, etc. Thanks again for your input.

[teamking]

I just had a total hip replacement on my right hip in November. I've had no issues getting in and out of my 7, and climbed in after about 3 weeks. I've been doing lots of autocrossing (although in my S2000 to get ready to take it to nationals). However, I just want to caution you that I am not ready to do track days and am not sure at this point (8 months) when I will be. I am beginning to think that I'm the cautionary tale of the fact that not all total hip replacements are successful.

 

From a flexibility standpoint, I have no issues and am in better shape in that regard than before the surgery. But in terms of strength/endurance, I'm in worse shape than before the surgery and do not think that pressing a brake pedal all day at the track is something that I'm ready to handle.

 

If it were my left hip, I might feel very differently, since the clutch requires less pressure (and I don't left-foot brake).

 

I guess the bottom line is that you should expect to not have any issues with continuing to enjoy your 7, but be prepared for the small possibility of a different outcome.

[Kitcat]

As a member of the 70+ crowd, I have had lots of friends undergo knee/hip replacements. The hip surgeries seem to go the best. I think it is important to manage expectations. Most are glad they had the surgeries as they are in less pain, have more mobility, etc. But no one came close to returning to their baseline, pre-arthiritis.The recovery period can stretch out for 1+ year. And for whatever reason, many folks who have had once such surgery seem to soon need another-on the opposite hip/knee, etc. In other words, it can start to feel endless. I hate to be negative, I am sure there are many unqualified successes as my sample size is small.

[Anaximander]

Teamking and Kitcat, Very sobering takes on the situation. I hadn't given as much thought as I do now to the issue of clutch engagement if I proceed with the operation. Thanks to both of you for some excellent insights. That is why I love this site. Everybody is so helpful!

[JEFF9524]

I had a partial hip replacement at 37 due to an injury I received playing college football 17 years earlier. After years of crippling pain, the surgery was a godsend. I can say it was absolutely the best thing I ever did. Within a week, I was walking nearly a mile. Ten years later, I never think about it....

 

Make sure you do all the physical therapy!

[Shoe String Racing]

I had my right hip replaced about 16 months ago. I did not have any problem getting into or out of the car before, so I never gave a thought to it possibly being an issue after.

 

And there wasn't. I have not heard anyone say there is a downside to a hip replacement after the couple months of recovery and therapy. Piece of cake if you ask me.

[m wirth]

I also had my right hip replaced 18 months ago and the only down side is that I had to give up competitive Trials riding, I will still trail ride and observe at events, and that means more time for track days, 5 so far this year, which are way more expensive than even high level Trials competition. As everyone else has commented it was the best thing to do with such a deteriorated joint and it gives me absolutely no problems, you just don't want to land on your leg real hard and have it work like a splitting wedge on your femur. Here is an x ray done 6 months ago, and as Chapman would say, add lightness.

Edited July 29, 2017 by m wirth

[Anaximander]

Shoe String Racing and M Worth, Thanks for your inputs. I have decided that if my non-invasive Orthopod agrees with my decision, I am going to move forward to a consultation with a surgeon and get this funky "football shaped" femur head replaced with something that is round and glides in a new cup. I hate the thought of major surgery but I dislike decreased ability much more.

[teamking]

Best of luck!

[KOnahic]

While I haven't had my hip replaced, I have broken both hips, independently, 18 months apart. I finished my first Ironman race(2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bicycle ride, 26.2 mile run) 6 months after breaking the first & my second, 4 months after breaking the other. Nobody has ever accused me of being smart. My advice to you is; let pain be your guide during your recovery. If it hurts while doing your PT, stop. But, having said that, don't hold back on your PT, do what your therapist tells you and make sure you get full range of motion back when you're done. That is the goal. Meet that & you will be able to lead a full life with your new hip.

Please let all of those that relied know how it goes. Kurt

[speedwagon]

Advice received from those who have been there both happy and unhappy is--- 1 follow the directions of your therapist. 2. (see #1) 3 (see #1) exercise is the best pain relief long term.

[philso]

... exercise is the best pain relief long term.

 

And going for a nice blat :-)

[Anaximander]

I am going for blats now before surgery and am going to do one more autox before surgery. It looks like I will be out of the game for 5-6 weeks. I will give everybody a heads up after I get the surgery in September. My surgeon's schedule is pretty full but should be done with rehab by the end of October. I finally have my Storker really dialed in just when I am going to be taken off the track for a couple of months but I am going to run like hell on this next event to have smiles on those days when I am feeling a bit sorry for myself.

Edited August 12, 2017 by Astro Bob

[Anaximander]

I am 5.5 weeks post surgery for a complete left hip replacement. I have been diligently working both with my initial home health Physical Therapist (PT) and my current outpatient PT who I have been seeing for 4 outpatient visits. Because I was pre-morbidly in pretty good shape and had done my pre-surgical exercise regimen, it was determined that I could safely get in an out of my 2012 Brunton Stalker without risk of injury. Earlier in the week, the clutch seemed a bit heavy to depress but later in this week with continued rehab, healing and diligent exercise, I was able to get in the Stalker and drive to my PT appointment this morning with no difficulties whatsoever. I even left the PT session with two new sets of G-Force 5-point harnesses and had my local indy shop replace my 5-year old belts. I cannot tell you how happy I was that in doing my pre-surgical research that I elected to use a surgeon who specializes in the Anterior Approach which allowed me significantly more comfort and less limitations post surgically. I don't plan to even consider autox for another couple of months but after almost 6 weeks, just being able to get back in the cockpit and feel the wind in my face was PRICELESS!

 

I should mention that I was able to safely mount and dismount my Harley Tri Glide Ultra one week ago and have gone on several rides with that machine so accumulating more wind in the face:hurray:

Edited October 27, 2017 by Astro Bob

[Cranky]

My wife had a full right hip replacement. She doesn't drive my Caterham very often, but it hasn't impeded her use of it as a passenger. We took a 3-day weekend trip in it recently and she had no issues with it at all. That was four months after surgery. She's very glad that she had the operation done.

[Croc]

Bob - Thats great news to hear! Here is to your complete recovery!