Superpath Hip Replacement 3 weeks post op
Posted , 21 users are following.
hello everyone
im nervous about posting on here as I never in my life thought I'd be on a forum for patients so in some ways it is good I've learnt some humility as always thought I was indestructible as I've always been very sporty playing a lot of tennis, football, rugby and cycling as well as regular gym sessions.
Im 42 and last year after persistent groin pain that wasn't overly painful but nonetheless noticeable and wasn't going away after about a year I had an MRI scan, the results of which showed a FAI and laberal tear. My consultant told me the space between the ball and socket at one point was about 0.5mm and therefore I was too far gone to even attempt keyhole surgery and that I needed a THR of right hip. Being the cautious sole I am I had a couple of other opinions by consultants all of whom said same thing.
I kind of didnt take it too seriously as i wasnt in great pain and was still very active, playing a lot of tennis running and cycling. The most noticeable thing was during sexual intercourse in missionary when I could feel a grinding sensation in the groin and clicking. Obviously that became somewhat of a passion killer.
As time went on the pain was pain was getting more noticeable during tennis and my consultant suggested cortisone injections and sinvisc plus. The cortisone injections did great but only lasted around 3 weeks per injection. I didn't notice any great difference with the sinvisc plus.
Still up to around april/may this year I was still playing a lot of sport and walking fine. But then in June during a very brutal game of tennis while hitting a running forehand I experienced an almighty crunch in the hip and a bit of pain, not too much as I'd only just had last cortisone shot. This was a Saturday when the crunch happened.
No problems on saturday evening or sunday Sunday but the Monday when at work after being seated when I went to get up I was in agony and couldn't move. Hip/groin locked.
Since then this sensation continually happened if I bent my leg then tried to straighten it. I had an injection into a tendon that my consultant said was getting trapped and that did work but only for two weeks. I was at the stage where getting off toilet was a massive challenge. Once unlocked it wasn't too bad. I could walk ok and pretty quick. I noticed if I did no sport (or sexual relations) the locking subsided but as soon as I was more active the issue came back. My consultant told me it was a very personal choice when to have a THR but my quality of life was being affected and the aim of a THR was to improve that quality. He then told me about the Superpath technique which I loved sound of and he was one of very few surgeons who did this. I elected to have the super path and it was done on September 15.
Im 19 days post op and can walk with one crutch pretty quick but when I try without a crutch I'm struggling as hip is stiff. I can bend leg upwards well and outwards and can squat. Obviously no locking now.
my concern is I've seen you tube videos of people able to cross their legs and walking with no aids at all and in no pain. I have no pain when lying down or sitting down save for a bit of soreness where the wound is but my main worry is I do get a lot of groin pain when exercising or trying to lift my leg keeping it straight. Also when I walk the groin hurts and while other pain seems to be getting better the groin doesn't at all.
I go for my first physio appointment in two days time and I'm worried that this groin pain means something isn't right. I've gone into so much detail as wanted to explain how I was before the operation. Has anyone had the superpath and if so what were your experiences at this stage. I've read somewhere that the illopsis tendon can be damaged and of course when I was locking up before the THR I wonder if that tendon took some damage.
sorry if this is really long winded but it's all very stressful as I've never so much had a filling in my teeth let alone major surgery so I'm not sure where I should be and what I should be doing.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
7 likes, 395 replies
gary45745
Posted
Hope all had a great festive period. Im at physio today hip is doing well buf still a bit achy at times. Didnt do any exercise past two weeks as was under weather and now have an eye infection.
Gerri you are setting a record for recobery time!!!
RichardKen gary45745
Posted
Dear Gary
Just a thought have you looked at your sleeping position? I've been having a few visits to a chiropractor recently to try to resolve a many years old problem with my lower back before I have my ankle replacement revision. It struck me yesterday that my sleeping position might not be helping so I looked up recommended sleeping positions and am putting the suggestions into practice now. Remember that a back issue can impact your body in many ways.
All the best, Richard
gerriberri66 gary45745
Posted
Good Morning Everyone!
? I started writing yesterday and then got pulled away and that was that!..
?Gary... hope you are feeling better. Did you have the flu? Hope you can be up and at least walking to keep your hip moving! How is the eye infection?
?Martin... starting the countdown for you... Hope you've been staying healthy and not letting any of your patients breath on you!...
?Richard...No more trains for a while for you.. Stay close to home where no one is sick and theres fabulous bread to eat!
?Judith... hope all is well with you and don't hold your breath..that could be detrimental to your health!
?Recovery update: Started 2nd week working out with my trainer. Always see major difference after working out with her. A big improvement after standing on operated right side, to get my balance back. Able to pull on pants the "normal" way... without holding on to a counter; although doing it faster than I used to so I don't fall. lol Still favoring left side, but to be expected given I have been compensating on that side for over 6 years. I find many times that I am walking with a normal gait without thinking about it. One of my leg weakness' now is standing on right side with knee bent, and bending down to touch the floor (or something close to the floor)... So we are going to be working on that next. Her advice now is to really get walking, and not worry about walking correctly... just to build up everything that comes with walking, so that is my next thing to concentrate on. Had dinner with this girl I had recently met that needs both hips done. My heart went out to her as it was brutal to see her get in and out of car, get up from the dinner table... (Martin, I'm sure exactly what you are experiencing!) What's crazy to me is that shes still playing tennis ( a la Gary)..although shes in total pain. Shes going to a chiropractor, which I also don't understand how that wouldn't just aggravate her situation. I'm pretty sure shes going to go the anterior route... I'll be curious to see her recovery vs superpath.
?One thing I wanted to say... When I first found this website, Gary stated that people should not wait until they are bone on bone to have the surgery done. I know its hard to wrap your head around choosing to have surgery before you absolutely need to have it, but I'm pretty sure my "fast" recovery has to due with the fact that I wasn't at that point... and it was just inevitable that I was going to need to have this done. So if there is anyone out there reading this... get the surgery done as early as possible. It will be that much faster, even though recovery is fast after superpath. I am off to meet some clients. I wish you all a most wonderful day and stay away from sick people!!!!! xoxooxoxo
RichardKen gerriberri66
Posted
Dear Gerri
I wrote a longish reply but then a B. advert popped up on screen and took it all away from me so I will try again. It was not retained in the drafts folder so I do not know what happened!
Like you I strongly believe that good health and being fit aids hip replacement surgery and likely all surgery. I would add having a positive attitude to the whole thing and being prepared to just get on with life and a good surgeon of course, and a bit of luck or as I often say no bad luck!
Several years, perhaps 3-4 before having my new hip I was in a lot of discomfort and could not get a decent night's sleep so for the first time in my life I made an appointment with a chiropractor....just thinking about your lady friend. As a result of that first visit two things happened. I could get a pain free night's sleep and we planned how we were going to strengthen the muscles supporting my hip joint.
Eventually after 3-4 years I could no longer stave off a hip replacement and fortunately by then at 55 I was considered old enough for the surgery. As you will know I made a crazy quick recovery and returned quickly to a very active physical life. My revision surgery had a slower recover than with my primary but still pretty good given my cracked pelvis! I'm taking it very easy now simply because of my failing ankle but I am so thankful for my new hip and revision. Basically I have to think which ankle is my new one which cannot be bad<BG> Oh yes I've been seeing a chiropractor over the past few weeks to work on my back issues which I've suffered from on and off since I was about 22.
Best wishes to you and everyone else here.
Richard
judith12644 gerriberri66
Posted
You sound as though you are doing great! Really god you’ve got some personal training, and it’s good advice to walk a lot.
Keep it up! Judith
gerriberri66 judith12644
Posted
Hi All...
Richard.. you are 💯% correct that a positive attitude definitely helps. I’m a glass 🥃 half full..(more like always full) kind of girl, ,so it wouldn’t dawn on me to make mention of that, so thank you. Yes, skilled surgeon and no bad luck completes the equation. You had a miraculous recovery. During revision surgery, what do they do? So you r walking around with a cracked pelvis? Ouch. Does that ever heal? I’m glad to hear that chiropractors help pre surgery...maybe it would help Martin until his surgery? Any update on ankle surgery?
Judith...sorry to hear the pool 🏊??? sprung a leak. I’m also looking forward to walking 🚶??? outside...we have such gorgeous weather here most of the year..How funny it must be to have the 🦆 s in the pool. As long as they aren’t using it as their personal toilet, I guess it’s ok. Lol. Good for you for swimming. It’s such a healthy way to exercise. So glad to hear you are doing great.
Have RE a great night everyone ! Xo
RichardKen gerriberri66
Posted
Dear Gerri
Basically they opened up my hip again and tapped off the ball which is on what is called a Morse taper to stop is coming off.
In my case because since my original surgery the makers of the prosthesis had made the top of the stems a larger diameter so they put an adapter on to take the new larger ball. Then the worn out cup and enclosure was removed and replaced with a new larger poly cup and enclosure and fixed with two screws. That's basically it.
Just to clarify the cracked hip was caused by being thrown onto the floor of the passenger ambulance taking me home. As a result I was confined to bed with no weight bearing for five weeks.
The crack in my pelvis healed on its own during the five weeks but it was so frustrating not to be able to move on with my hip recovery. As course all the time it was relating my ankle revision surgery which was very concerning. The surgery has now been set for some time in March provided it does not get moved again.
Cheers, Richard
gerriberri66 RichardKen
Posted
Good Morning Richard,
?I'm so happy that you finally have an ankle surgery date scheduled. Fingers crossed that they don't change it on you. I remember your story about the ambulance, which is one of the craziest stories ever. Thank goodness the pelvis healed on its own. You went through some crazy stuff with your hip, that's for sure...
?Hope everyone is doing well. I, unfortunately overdid some exercising on Tuesday and my hip, around the incision (which is hardly noticeable) has been a bit swollen and bothersome. I didn't know whether or not I was just Charlie horse from working out or it was my hip. But the trainer noticed how I was walking so we worked on more stretching and of course upper/balance of the body. I took an anti inflammatory yesterday ( and today for good measure)..and iced yesterday. Both of those things always seem to help. I don't work out with the trainer again until Tuesday, so that will give my hip some time to calm down and relax. Am going to go for a walk, and do my stretching exercises, and probably do the ice thing all weekend.. since it feels good. . Will keep you all posted on the situation.
?Hope everyone is doing well.. feeling good, and progressing. Wishing you all a most beautiful day! xo
RichardKen gerriberri66
Posted
Hello Gerri
Thanks for your posting. Ah it is so easy to forget that some care is needed however well we think we are recovering. I'm never too bothered if I feel it is necessary to ease up and take a rest though this does not often happen with my revision of last year. I did have a couple of weeks when it was not as comfortable as it should have been climbing the stairs but I think that this was a referred pain from my knee. Have a good weekend everyone. Cheers, Richard
judith12644 gerriberri66
Posted
gerriberri66 judith12644
Posted
HI everyone,
Richard...I agree that it’s very easy to overdo. You feel good, life is getting back to normal.. but as we have all said, you have to remember you had major surgery, no matter how fast we are recouperating.
I actually walked around the block today..which is 1/2 mile, and hilly. I haven’t been able to do that in years. It felt great to put in my headphones and soak in the sunshine even at 58degrees. Since I wear a Fitbit, I’ll be able to track my time and distance. It’s always so motivational to see improvement. Looking forward to tommorrows walk. 😇
Judith..any word on when the outdoor pool will be fixed? It’s so good to swim! I put my application and yearly dues ($10.00) to join the tennis club. Obviously I’m not ready to play yet, but when I do I want to be able to play during club times. In my community we have all amenities..tennis, bocce, indoor/outdoor pools, full gym. It’s quite lovely here!!
Have a a great weekend everyone. Martin... checking in...how are you doing??
judith12644 gerriberri66
Posted
No swimming pool news. I’ve been to the indoor pool a couple of times, and apparently they have located the outdoor pool leak , but I can’t imagine they’ll be rushing to fix it. It’s so lovely swimming outside in the early morning when it’s chilly, a bit of steam rising from the water....poor life guards wrapped in blankets, shivering! (They’ll be pleased to be inside.)
Your walk sounded good, and it’s great when you can do things comfortably that you weren’t able to do pre op. (Your weather sounds rather nice!)
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Judith
gerriberri66 judith12644
Posted
Do you swim every day?Have you always been swimming or since your hip?
Had some mini milestones last evening. Went out to dinner with friends, and was able to actually sit for the 90 mins at the table. Then when we were all leaving , was able to stand for the 30 or so minutes we were talking. It doesn’t sound like much , but all of us hippies can appreciate being able to regain small life moments like that! I stayed out later than I have in years and wasn’t tired. It was fantastic!!! Heading out for a walk now. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Xo
RichardKen gerriberri66
Posted
Good to enjoy some normality! Makes it all worthwhile. All the best. Richard
gerriberri66 RichardKen
Posted
AMEN!! But I also want Martin to be encouraged through these difficult few weeks waiting for his 1st THR..that he WILL feel normal again and again there's lot of big and little things to look forward to in life.
Good to hear from you Richard! Xo
judith12644 gerriberri66
Posted
Years ago I used to run, but that became too uncomfortable. I really used to swim just when we were on holiday, but then that got really uncomfortable (doing breaststroke leg kick). Now I swim a couple of times a week because it’s good exercise, and all feels fine. Everything is so much better than pre op. When I started cycling to work again, couldn’t believe how comfortable it felt! Hang on in there Martin, if you’re reading this....
RichardKen
Posted
Having had to give my self employment work up due to immobility it was so amazing that after coming out if hospital I could walk. Not only that but in a very short time I could be carrying on with my life and without the pain of the previous months!
Martin it will come to you too so hang in there.
Cheers Richard
gerriberri66 RichardKen
Posted
Good morning all!
Although we all knew what we couldn’t do pre op, you adjust to living your life like that. Post op...when you start doing things you never even thought was affected, you see how much actually was. I always thought in terms of big things; couldn’t walk distances, stairs, play tennis. But now I’m having soo many mini milestones and appreciating every single one 👏🏻
Judith.. I haven’t been swimming in years..for me too much to deal with hair/makeup after...lol. How far do you cycle for work? That’s great exercise too! 🚴???
Richard..having to give up your work is horrible.. I’m making you the poster boy (ok man) for amazing recoveries. Lol
Martin... checking in...how are you?
Gary... you’ve been awfully quiet...how are you and what’s happening with you?
Have a great day my friends. 🌝. Xo
RichardKen gerriberri66
Posted
I had got to the stage where I felt embarrassed to carry on because I was used to giving of my very best from the moment I arrived on job until it was finished. It was also very painful! My work would often last for several days and I hated the possibility that my clients would feel that they were getting less than they had come to expect.
Being able to return to full working mobility was absolutely essential to me to earn my living so I was so happy to have a quick pain free recovery all those years ago.It is perhaps why I so strongly argue against things like running after recovery because I see a hip replacement as a very special gift to not be taken lightly.
Cheers, Richard
gerriberri66 RichardKen
Posted
Dear Richard,
?I totally understand how you feel, especially when you are self employed and customer satisfaction is so important for ongoing business. I think that's why I really had to said no to showing properties when I came home from surgery. Although I did show 4 houses 3 days after I got home and that was a stupid mistake as it really irritated my leg/hip.
?I'm not a "runner" to begin with, but when you have someone who is young, like Gary... its very hard to ask them to give up something like that if they really enjoy it. I think the materials being used today are definitely going to last longer than the hips used long ago. I hope whatever they use for your new ankle will last forever!!!
xo
gary45745 gerriberri66
Posted
Sorry been quiet having real problems with tjis site on my phome.
How are u getting on. Ive kind of plateued at stage now where i need to do loads of exercise but now backnat work not doing that so not progressing as id like bur not in any real pain so alot bettet than pre op.
Work is the killer at the moment. X
gerriberri66 gary45745
Posted
Good morning everyone,
Sorry for the delayed response. Gary...how are you coming along? I am finding the same thing at times after working out with the trainer. I’m feeling really strong, but we must be doing a couple of things ( or trying anyway) that is aggravating things. It doesn’t last long but it’s a reminder that I’m not 100% yet. Other than that I feel amazing. This past week seems to have been a physical breakthrough. As of Monday I just feel “normal”. I’m not having to think about every movement I do. I would say 95% of the time I’m walking without a limp without thinking about heel/toe. I get out of bed and step with the new leg without making sure I’m steady. Just lots of normal stuff! Mentally that has just been huge for me. I feel like my old self from 9 years ago. I’m thinking I may get on the tennis court by end Feb. I look forward to going out for my walk and seeing how much more I can accomplish every day. Am I still stiff sometimes after sitting for a while; yup. Last night under the incision was more swollen (from the workout)..so I’m icing. Not a big deal. Went for 6 week post op check, and X-rays. Here’s something interesting. The tech doing my X-rays said he’s neve seen such a small implant ever. I think that’s a riot because when I saw the original implant xray it looked huge to me. What do I know ? Lol
Anyway i hope everyone is doing well.
Martin... how are you feeling? Just a week and a half to go. Yohoo!
Have agreat day everyone. xo 💓
m05 gerriberri66
Posted
Hi all doing ik on run up to the 31st trying to dodge the viruses and keep well. It's been great talking to most of you on this site but I am pulling away now sorry but I cannot stand the self opinionated comments that keep coming from Richard regarding the superpath procedure his comments from what I can ascertain are just based on hearsay he has no medical training and no personal experience of this method, I really do not need to listen to his cra. this close to surgery. Gerri Gary and Judith you have been great and so supportive to talk to and I wish you all the very best for the future.
All the best Martin
m05
Posted
Cheers
gerriberri66 m05
Posted
Do what you need to do. I will keep you in my thoughts for a tremendously successful surgery and recuperation. After all is said and done, if you are ok with it, please just let us know how you are doing. Wishing you much love, and all the best. Xo
RichardKen m05
Posted
Dear Martin
I am very sorry that you feel so offended by what I wrote. I was trying to put forward a balanced personal view based on quite a bit of research and drawing on what other's experiences were. Surely one does not need medical training or to have had this particular surgery to draw certain conclusions. If you think what I am saying is without foundation then please argue your case. I do wish you well with your upcoming surgery and hope it all goes well.
Cheers, Richard
m05 RichardKen
Posted
Thank you for the apology and wishes for my upcoming surgery.
I cannot agree with you, we as lay people(with regard to orthopaedics) are not able to draw and come to conclusions about a very complex form of surgery to be honest that sort of thinking in my mind smacks of a high level of arrogance.
I would like to know where you have researched this procedure apart from a few experiences by patients who may have not done well or had higher expectations than this procedure could fulfil. This procedure has been developed,researched and practised world wide by highly proficient experienced orthopaedic surgeons and technicians how on earth anyone outside of this field can come to conclusions about this leaves me lost for words. We all have our own specialities and skills in life dabbling in things we are not experts or professionals in is to be honest quite dangerous, and I do believe your attitude and opinions towards this and other procedures borders on the dangerous and I truly hope people ignore your comments and opinions and take advice offered by the professionals in this sector,. By all means share your personal experiences to help others but you in particular have no experience whatsoever of being treated by the superpath method so leave it alone please.
Martin
judith12644 m05
Posted
Take care, Judith
m05 judith12644
Posted
Thanks for your thoughts on the countdown now have a retake of bloods and swabs on Monday feel I am on a knife edge with all the bugs around especially as I am still working albeit at very reduced capacity I have given strict instructions not to see kids agree exactly with you they do tend to rub their noses and cough indiscriminately mind you I had one older chap arrived announcing he had a bit of a chest virus had to send him away. Keeping fingers crossed.
Hope you are well not long till you hit the slopes seems to be loads of snow ...next year with a bit of luck !
Cheers Martin
judith12644 m05
Posted
RichardKen m05
Posted
Just a quick reply. I have no idea what your role is or what qualifications you have in the medical field, however you will no doubt have done your own research and come to your own conclusions before deciding what was best for you as regards to your hip surgery and you have said you are not an expert in the field of orthopaedics.
I have absolutely no problem with that, it is after all your business, but you seem to have a very big issue with me and with what I wrote the other day given that I am not an expert in the field of orthopaedics, so perhaps you would care to tell me exactly what you found so offensive or incorrect. To set the record straight I have not at any time said that there is anything wrong with the SuperPath method.
Cheers, Richard
gerriberri66 RichardKen
Posted
Good Morning Richard,
?I have obviously not been involved on this website as much as you have. I think its fair to say that in the 20 years since you have had your surgery, newer, less invasive, successful procedures have evolved. If someone today chose to have it "the old fashion" way, then it is their choice. I, for one, am more progressive in my thinking and choices for my life and health decisions. I get that not everyone is, but that's ok.
?I'm not here to debate your comments, as you are entitled to say what you want. I stand by my opinion that this site should be sharing experiences we have had, that's all. I don't personally know anyone on this website, as I'm sure no one does, but perhaps rather than challenge each other's response when we don't agree or we feel "attacked", we respectfully let it go, and just wish each other well. I'm sure you can agree with me on that.
I wish you a most wonderful day!
m05 RichardKen
Posted
As numbers go I can only think of two recent Superpath hips here that have gone off well but am aware of at least two where the recipients wish they had never gone down that route.
One of the major selling points of Superpath as I understand it is speed of recovery and no need to dislocate the hip joint. But I do have to ask if that is the reality of the situation. Perhaps Gerri and Gary can update us on how fast the recovery has been for them
Richard this above was quoted from your recent post on another discussion which sparked my criticism . A quick search of this site lead me to at least 7 people who were happy with their Superpath procedure and zero negatives try looking in a bit more depth before commenting . I will not be responding anymore on this matter now enough has been said . Ophthalmology.
gary45745 m05
Posted
Im 13 weeks post op and am back to daily routine and cope fine. However whike incan cycle and swim and do cross trainer i cant run yet or play tennis so i tjink getting back to athletic peak takes time but i think that depends on condition before the op.
Id recommend superpath and surprised to hear of issues.
gary45745 m05
Posted
Hi martin
Good luck for the op. Keep in touch. Are u on whatsapp at all? This site is so slow its anmoyimg dont know why i have problems using it.
U will do fime and mr cronin is the best surgeon in europe. Just be patient for fkrst few weeeeks.
Good luck 😁