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Good news - it DOES get better

Posted , 12 users are following.

Rocketman_SG6UK
Rocketman_SG6UK

Hippies, some good news for those of you following in the footsteps of so many of us with new hip joints.

Back-story: Had my THR Oct 2015, 4 weeks later was told it had been put in wrong and it was missed at X-Ray too.  Revision January 2016, which failed to get the bits out to reseat them sad.   Now with new surgeon and hospital, legal case pending.  

So I have done all the sleeping on my back, blood thinners, 90 degree rule, zimmer frames, walking sticks and physio etc TWICE .... 

I recovered enough to go back to work about 12 weeks post revision, and promptly found that I had forgotten most of my technical expertise due to memory loss!!!

Having done all that physio, walking, cycling etc. at about 18 months finally I felt just about 'back to normal'.   Then I retired cheesygrin.    

But now I can cycle even faster than my wife.  This week I have started a project to rebuild a pond/waterfall/rockery, and had over 2 tons of timber delivered, which I have just moved to the end of the garden (250 feet or so over gravel and grass) using a one man-power (me) hand-cart.  And no problens with the hip at all.

There is NO WAY that I could have done that 2 years ago, so, this hip has transformed my life.   To those preparing for a THR, and those who are recovering, keep up your exercises.  I am sure that my hips and leg muscles are now so much stronger than before due to the physio exercise I have had and walking / cycling daily.

Finally, see my website for hints and tips amassed from hippies on this forum, the address is in my personal info here ...

   https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

   https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

Best wishes to everyone

Graham - 🚀💃 🤸

8 likes, 37 replies

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  • jimbone
    jimbone Rocketman_SG6UK

    Posted

    Rocketman,

    Bravo and congratulations on your recovery and perseverance.  As someone who is just yet facing the inevitability of THR surgery and trying to navigate the many physical, financial and psychoemotional barriers, success stories are helpful and encouraging.  I know the odds for success with THR are considered to be in most peoples favor, statistically at 90-95%, finding oneself in the unlucky 5% after surgery poses so many doubts and fears.  I look forward to reading through the links you've posted for more encouragement and insight.  Thank you for posting and I hope it inspires others who've had good results to do the same to give the same boost for those contemplating the surgery and those still struggling to recover.  But what are you doing on a motorcycle???!!!

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK jimbone

      Posted

      The motorcycle (a 2300cc Triumph Rocket) was my pride and joy before my OA set in.  I had to give it up well before the surgery, but do not think I will take it up again, there are just too many mad motorists around these days.
    • jimbone
      jimbone Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      2300 cc?  Is there some British/USA conversion I am unaware of?  I have/rode a 750 Bonneville Special and understand the pride and joy that brings, but trying to imagine a bike 3 times the power is mind boggling.  Didn't know Triumph was building that big.  Pretty much quit riding some years ago.  She sits forlorn and awaiting a recommision in the shed.  Thought the nephue might one day inherit a re-build but don't yet know where the lads interests and capacities lay.  Used to get airborne across a few sparcely travelled intersections on the 750.  I understand now how you come by your handle.  2300, that's a rocket.  Your links are tremendously helpfull.  Thanks.

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK jimbone

      Posted

      Oh yes, it's a huge three cylinder monster - so much torque.  It is reportedly the biggest engine in a standard production bike.   I always had a smileon my face when riding it.  It was even easy to ride a 5mph in a car park for instance, but you could overtake anything with complete safety.  We loved it.

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen jimbone

      Posted

      Oh my goodness Jim, that takes me back to about 1960 when a friend let me borrow his Bonneville for a ten minute spin up the road. The shear acceleration was amazing. I felt that I might not be able to hold onto the handlebars due to the force of the wind! I will never forget the experience.

      Cheers Richard

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK RichardKen

      Posted

      You should try the Rocket III - 2300cc (140 cu in), 145mph top speed, 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds.  Faster than most 'supercars'.  Such a comfortable ride when ridden sensibly.

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Now if someone offered me the opportunity I would be very tempted to have a ride!

      Cheers Richard

    • jimbone
      jimbone Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      At 0-60 in 3.3 seconds I hope it comes with shackles for the handlebars to keep you on the seat.  Loved riding back in the day but never approached that kind of speed demonry.  You see the young guys around my neck of the woods riding crotch rockets of various makes, 4-6 deep on the freeway and they'll all hit the throttle to put their bikes into wheelies to go flying down the road on one tire doing 70 MPH.  Gotta give them credit for skill and nerve but the perspective of age and the memories of so much youthful folly tempers my enthusiasm for wanting to do much motorcycling.  Not ready for the shuffle board team yet but these days my interests lean more toward expanding my sailing skills and chess game than burning rubber down a fast track.  There's a population of Yanks on this side of the pond with a strong fondness for British Motorcycles, real beautiful engineering.

    • michael11283
      michael11283 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Graham

      Wow that does look like quite a machine. I've never ridden anything over 250cc and the last bike I sat on was a 50cc bike in Portugal about 40 years ago which had 6 gears and did about 70 I think. Still quite exhilarating, Can't imagine what 2300cc must be like.

      Mike

       

  • suzie56
    suzie56 Rocketman_SG6UK

    Posted

    So good to hear that you are doing great.  I am 6 months behind your 1st op.  You kept me sane and I was well prepared for my op off your website. My husband built me a modified version of your seat raiser which was great.  My hubby went back to work on day 2 of my return from hospital and left me a sandwich, I managed with a flask and back pack - I felt so independent. Then I'd look at Rocketmans website and pick up more helpful hints.  I feel I am still getting stronger after 18 months but still 'totter' for a couple of steps after sitting a while - but anything is better than the blumin awful AO pain.  

    Only wish I could retire - 8 years to go......................

    Well done you, despite everything you came through it.

    Good Luck

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK suzie56

      Posted

      Suzie,

      So good to hearyou are doing well. I think we all get a twinge when we stand after sitting for a while.

      I well remember those days when my wife went to work, and I would totter around the kitchen and stuff a travel mug with a tight lid into my jeans pocket to transport it to my wonderful raised recliner.

      Glad you found the website helpful, making it helped me through my recovery.

      Best Wishes

      Graham - 🚀💃 🤸

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