Keeping fit whilst waiting for a hip revision

With my first hip replacement I was down to bone on bone, in agony, and could not walk, just impossible with the pain.  Specialist told me in no uncertain terms not to step down even one step on that side, of course it had to be my dominate side, so had to relearn how to deal with stairs two stairs we have at the door.

He was the one who suggested I get in the local heated pool, and quite simply do what I could for exercise, worked out that with a noodle or water log under my arms to help support me I could tread water, just like riding a bike, found it actually helped as I got fitter, did an hour three times a week right up until the day before surgery and with Dr's permission went back in the pool at about day 24 after surgery. Still treading water for on hour, 2 years later twice a week, I enjoy it now.

Also rowed with my arms just floating and pulling myself around the pool with my arms.

You might be able to do this which is what I did soon after my hip replacement. Assuming you can get to the pool with crutches put a float between the knees to keep the legs up and do back stroke arms. If you can borrow/buy a woggle (long foam tube)  form it into a U shape and sit astride ijust doing breast stroke arms or if possible cycling.

Hi Richard,

You can still do strengthening exercises.  These can be done with very little movement, so it shouldn't hurt your joints.  You Tube is a good place to look for the types of strengthening exercises you can do prior to your hip replacement.

Best of luck!

Hi. You may be able to keep swimming. Put yr board between yr knees and don't kick. Just use arms and trunk? Not sure how bad yr hip is. Will this work for you?

Sorry, haven't got any exercises, but I'm loving reading about all the dogs!

Update exercise. I was just out throwing a frisbee my boarder collie. Sitting  and standing. She made me laugh. Laughter is the best medicine. Made me think of how you had working dogs. Adoption a option for you?

Richard

I can't suggest anything though I had been wondering whether a gym might have machines that you can exercise the upper body with.

I'm currenty in Hospital after having my infected hip out and there are several people here having hip revision surgery and it seems to be going well for them. (though they had more or less stopped exerciose before the surgery)

Hopefully you won't have to wait too long.

Mike