Tennis Anyone?

[hipsearching]

OK, I'm an exercise fanatic. Until two years ago, I played tennis a couple of times a week. I ran, elliptisized, swam, played basketball. Probably did something 99% of the days since I have been out of college. I am now 59, missing the exercise and the socializing of tennis. Playing golf out of desperation but way too much time to be able to do this regularly. And now my question. My doc is recommending the highly crosslinked liner and the metal ball. Although my surgery is scheduled, I am having second thoughts. Read way too many infomercials on the net. Would the metal Oversize Femoral Head (about 60 mm) be better for stablility and wear. What about ceramic liner(doc say ceramic on ceramic have had too many "squeakings"). Has anybody out there done the OFH other than Jimmy Connors and Mary Lou Retton? I may just be too anxious about getting this thing perfect. Any experiences you may have with being active after THR would be appreciated.

 

[ripanco]

Hi Hip,

I can give you my experiences with being active after THR. I had simultaneous bilateral THR in May '05. I have Stryker highly crosslinked poly/titanium hips now. I too was extremely active, including running, biking, skiing, weight training, hiking, ect. My hips got so bad, I had to give up running finally, but continued doing most everything else. Often, however after a hard workout, I would be in a lot of pain the next day. When I finally found my OS, he told me both hips were so bad they would need to be replaced within the year. It was a shock but I decided not to wait at all and scheduled my surgery as soon as I could fit it in.

Because of my activity level and that I wanted to run again, my surgeon did chose to use poly/metal for me. He felt is would be less likely to shatter and give me a little more shock absorbtion.

Now, I only have 18 months on these new hips so I can not tell you what they may be like in 10 yrs from now, but right now they are fantastic! I am as active as I want. I have no restrictions, very good flexiblilty, mobility, range of motion. I do run a little, but only on soft surfaces and not as long as I use too. But it dosen't hurt! I try to do about a 30 min run 1x/week and hill repeats 1x/wk. I also ride hunter/jumper, x/c and downhill ski hard, kayak, roller blade, mountain bike hard, hike, lift, yoga, and what ever suits my fancy! I do not play tennis or basketball! I believe the recommondation is that double tennis is ok, but singles may be a bit much. They do not like us doing a lot of fast pivot turns.

The fact that you are athletic and in good shape is the best thing you have going for you for succesful surgery (except a great surgeon). I broke all kinds of recovery records which I attribute to my good condition going into surgery and following. Trust your surgeon (or find one that you can) and forget the infomercials Good luck,

Andrea
Believe in Barbaro

 

[hipsearching]

Thanks, RIPANCO, for you thoughtful reply. It sounds like your poly/metal hips are doing the job for you and that you have the activity level that you want. I am seeing my surgeon again this coming Monday, bringing with me all my questions and doubts. Your answer was re***uring in that your material combination was what he suggested for me in the first place. I still want to ask him about the larger femoral head that is available now (in cobalt) because of its supposedly better wear, and range of motion characteristics. It may turn out to be six of one and a half dozen on another though.

Thanks again for your response. It was helpful.