Terrified Horseman

[Shawnee]

A few days ago I learned that hip replacement is my only real option as my right hip is "bone on bone" and it creates pain in my lower back and right knee. Apparently postponing the surgery would be idiocy because I would accomplish nothing but more pain and damage to my back and knee - so I am going along with it. However...
I'm a horseman and riding is about all I have in life. It's a chore to get in and out of the saddle now but reasonably easy enough to ride once mounted.
I don't know what to expect from the surgery (neither of my doctors are horsemen) and am honestly terrified :pnc: that having this surgery will end my riding.
Please excuse the length of this post. I'm just hoping to hear from other horsemen (or horsewomen) who have had the surgery and how it affected their riding. Guess I should add I will be 61 next month.
Many, many thanks !

 

[mdakota]

hey there. well i can tell you that i asked. as soon as my recovery is over after having both hips done, i will be able to ride again. you didnt say weather western or english. i couldnt get on a horse the last two years because the bone had dissinegrated and would not externally rotate to ride one. posting should be no problem because its alot of the same type of exercise you do to help heal the muscles. getting on and off well you might need the step but its better then not being able to ride at all. hope this helps. i also think being over 60 is great because your not going into this expecting a bunch of revisions yet your young enough to still be able to get the muscles in shape. i'm 36, i guarantee you three or 4 months from now i'll be back on a horse. if you mount with your left leg you might be able to figure out how to mount with the right, pull up, get your left foot in the stirup then swing over.

 

[Josephine]

Shawnee, welcome to BoneSmart! Have no fear, there are heaps of people here that have been riding after their THR. No reason you can't at all. Most of them are not currently active but their threads are still around. Click the links to read them ....

Can I Run Again?
Please help 29 year old patient!
when is it appropriate to return to work
Halfway there
A hunting we will go!!!

and then there's this one. This guy owns a stud farm and rides every day!
17 Years 5 (FIVE) Total Joint Replacements!


That make you feel better?

 

[Steph]

Hi Shawnee - go for it and get it done. One of the staff nurse who cared for me during my op had previously had a hip replacement herself. Prior to her op she had been a competition rider, but was soon back in the saddle again after the op. She doesn't do competition anymore and just rides for pleasure. My surgeon also told me that it is safe to ride afterwards too.

You won't regret having it done, so good luck and keep us all posted.

 

[Judles]

Welcome, Shawnee! Get it done and live our wonderful life! We tke risks every day !!!! Go for it!!!

 

[Judles]

Shawnee! Forgot to add......you'll be back in the saddle before you know it! Good luck ad keep us posted!!! Giggyup!!! (when else was I ever gonna say that!!)

 

[Texas]

Hey Shawnee see you will be just fine...You will be able to ride that horse with a big ole' smile because you wont struggle with pain. I think you made a great decision. And we will all be with you the hole way....Maybe oneday post in the picture section a pic of your beautiful horse/horses....that would be great....Looking at the pic everyday will give you that push you might need sometimes.....Good Luck...Post anytime....

 

[Motherofmany]

Hi Shawnee and welcome! I am a total knee replacement, and also a horsewoman. My daughter owns a 3 year old Saddlebred Gelding, Caspian. However we help take care of 20 horses at a barn 2x a week. Used to be more, but working up to that.

Just wanted to encourage you to go for the surgery. You won't regret it. I was back at the barn doing minor activity at 6 weeks. Couldn't stay away. Guess you can relate. Just love those animals. The barn is so peaceful and the horses are so loving and gentle. Many are afraid of them because of their size, but if you learn to use wisdom and be careful around them, you will be fine.

I am back to feeding and doing some of the barn chores. I still haven't led the horses around much, because I am still a little unstable and don't want to risk injury. But I am there and loving it. I told my PT that is one of my goals to be able to be back at the barn fulltime. I can't wait!

I don't have to ride again (as long as Rachel can ride, I don't care), I just love being around these gentle giants. They are amazing creatures!

Best wishes for full recovery with your hip!

 

[Shawnee]

Many, many thanks for sharing encouraging experiences and words. Hard to put into words what a loss it would be if I couldn't ride or be around horses, though I'm sure some of you would understand. Hopefully the pic of my boy "Shiloh" works in this post.
I know where you're coming from, Rose, and wish you all the luck in the World. I'd be willing to bet you'll heal better and faster just for being around the steeds.

Any tips on making my home "recovery friendly" ??

Again, many, many thanks All !

 

[Motherofmany]

Shiloh is gorgeous! I see no reason why you can't be back in the saddle again before you know it. Although I am partial...

As for the house friendly part, I am a knee patient, so hopefully some of the hippies can give their input. I did keep everything I needed close by (a quick snack to take meds with), and kept a clear path to the bathroom. No loose rugs or anything you can trip on, including pets. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies, water and juice. Keep easy to prepare meals or freeze to reheat. Whatever you prefer. I have a houseful that were able to help out and cook, so that wasn't an issue for me. I assigned chores to each child that would remain until my recovery was over, so I didn't have to worry about that task, just have to remind them to do it. Also I stocked up the freezer, cabinets and pantry, so shopping wasn't needed for a month or so. Not that hubby couldn't manage a trip to the store, but I wanted to be prepared.

Hope this helps some.

Blessings,

 

[Judles]

SHILOH IS BEAUTIFUL!!:thmb:

 

[kangaroo]

Rose, I'm hoping to get on a horse eventually , but at the moment I still don't have enough stretch so I think getting on a horse will be an issue still....

On the other hand if your muscles are used to that position I reckon it would take no time at all to get back in the saddle!
Rachel

 

[loggon]

Wow Shiloh is a beauty. He does not look qtr or thoroughbred is he arabian.

 

[Texas]

Aw What a beautiful horse. I told ya keep looking at that picture and you will be just fine with that surgery. Definitely something to keep you focused.....Such a sweet looking horse......

 

[Shawnee]

I live alone on a "mini-farm" in a rural area. Have great neighbors and even though they will be busy with Fall farming chores they'll stop by when they can. So probably need to do a really good job of pre-planning how I'm going to function when I return from the hospital. Should I expect to be on painkillers for more than a few days? :pzld:

Thanks All for the nice words re: Shiloh. He's definitely my Best Bud:thmb: He is a 15hh, 4yo, reg. Q-horse. Being a Blue Roan he has a very fine mane/tail which gives him a bit of the Arab look. He has the greatest personality too. I ride in a Dressage saddle (high cantle) or just a bareback pad w/o stirrups so either way I'll have to come back pretty well if I expect to ride again.

Many, many thanks, All

 

[Sheilapinetree]

Hello Shawnee,
I am a fellow horse lover and I also am recovering from LHR of seven weeks ago. My first trip to the stable last Sunday left me very sore for a couple of days and my PT said to go easy. I was very sad at the news of a hip replacement when I was told because I haven't been on my horse for 3 years (I stopped riding when my hip kept dislocating). I am 60 years old and I brought pictures of my horse with me and I kept looking at her and that brought me through surgery and recovery thinking I will be able to get back on someday. Your horse Shiloh is beautiful and I will be here to help you through this and if there is anything I can do you just come asking. :p

Talk to you soon.
Sheila

 

[prairienut]

Hi Shawnee, Thought I would pipe in with the others. I don't ride horses often myself, but I have a friend your same age who had a THR a few years ago. Like you, her life is centered around her horse and riding. She is back riding full time now with no problems. She expects to need a THR on the other side in the near future and has no fears about restrictions on her riding. The position of the hip while riding is actually quite stable and once your post-surgical restrictions are lifted, you should be good to go.

Good luck with your surgery. And yes, Shiloh is a beautiful animal. I can see why you're attached!

Gail

 

[leosmom]

I live alone on a "mini-farm" in a rural area. Have great neighbors and even though they will be busy with Fall farming chores they'll stop by when they can. So probably need to do a really good job of pre-planning how I'm going to function when I return from the hospital. Should I expect to be on painkillers for more than a few days? :pzld:

Hi Shawnee and welcome to the forum. I too live alone and did much pre-planning before my surgery. Here's some suggestions - make a list of items you use everyday (groceries, toiletries, etc.) and then shop to bring in enough to last you a few weeks. That way you won't have to worry about getting to the store. Make sure you have your recovery aids (raised toilet seat, walker, etc.) in place before you go - check with your hospital or O.S. office to see what the hospital provides. Elevation of your leg to reduce swelling can be an issue when you don't have anyone to help you prop it up. Someone on a previous post (sorry, can't remember where-maybe Jamie or Jo could help) suggested elevating the bottom of your mattress with blankets and such. And yes, it is possible you'll be on painkillers for more than a few days. Everyone is different, but I personally was on a daily regiment for 6 weeks before I was able to wind down to OTC. You will need help with your farm chores, especially in the first few weeks. A comfy chair with arms that will allow you to sit (I had my recliner) and not break 90-degree precaution (I had posterior approach so was necessary) should be set up with a table next to it with stuff like your telephone, remote, room for your medications, etc. so you don't have to get up and down too often. That's all I can think of right now. :D
You will be glad after this is done. I'm still amazed at being able to do more now than pre-surgery. And Shiloh is such a beauty! :thmb:

 

[Josephine]

Have a look in here - we've assembled a list of information supplies post-op

As for how long on painkillers, plan for around 4-6 weeks. But everyone's different. Ice will help you keep the pain killers to a minimum but don't stint yourself, it's not worth it.

And Shiloh IS beautiful!

 

[loggon]

Shawnee

We had a strawberry roan. I would have never quest him to be a qtr horse.

In my younger days I showed horses and rode in western pleasure events, barrels and pole bending. It was great family fun. My hubby and oldest son and daughter also rode. My oldest son
rode bulls also til he was about 14