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
gerriberri66 gary45745
Posted
Hope you continue to do well and that the groin pain subsides.
gary45745 gerriberri66
Posted
Had great fun just back from our display.
This my first appt with mr cronin on thursday and i dont know how often he will see me
Sadly today im in a bit more pain than for a long time. Maybe ive been oberdoing it but groin and thigh are sore. Im surprised ive had a bit of a flare up tbh as i thought from here on it woukd be smooth sailing.
I was due to go to gym tomorrow maybe ill have a lazy day on couch. Lol xx
gerriberri66 gary45745
Posted
Sounds like you need to get better acquainted with your couch. Lol. I wonder if you had torn anything pre surgery. Let us know what the Dr says. Feel better!
gary45745 gerriberri66
Posted
Actually went to gym yesterday and felt alot better when came home. Going again today as next two days will be seeing two different consultants one for my hip and other for my neck as i have a disx problem in my neck tjat may need operating on.
How are u getting on? X
gerriberri66 gary45745
Posted
Good morning,??
Happy to hear you are feeling better. Thought you were going to just take it easy until you saw your Dr? Omg...totally crazy about your neck.. I truly hope you don’t need surgery. See what happens at 42? You start falling apart. Lol. 😫
I’m doing great. Pre op tests this week. Did 6 miles on spin bike yesterday. Leg bothering me a bit...which keeps reminding me why I am glad that I am going to have this done and over with. Lots of buzz from my old tennis friends that they are excited to be getting me back on the courts. 🏸
Next Tuesday I fly to Phoenix for my 3D CT scan and then it’s “real” countdown time. 🏨. I’m trying to just stay calm and not stress myself out about having surgery for the 1st time ever.
I have soooo much confidence in Dr Chow, but the reality of surgery is just a scary reality. Other than that piece of cake 🎂,! Lol. So,not thinking about it...just telling myself Dr Chow feels like it’s a no big deal surgery and that’s the attitude I’m going with! 🤗.
Have an awesome day.
gary45745 gerriberri66
Posted
Inwas supposed to take it easy but had that exercise urge lol.
Youbare ddoing great keeping exercising and you may recober quicker than me post op. Most important thing i must stress is dont get despondent first few days after op as youbwill be sore and hardly able to move your leg. Dont panic. Enjoy the rest!!
Take it easy first three weeks and you will see that your movement gets better once the muscles heal and recover. So basically plan for a very relaxing month and then step up the exercises after a month. Most importabt thing first month is walking at least 30 mins a day with crutches.
My appointment with surgeon has moved to monday now.
Keep up the good work xx
gerriberri66 gary45745
Posted
r u disappointed that you are not going tomorrow? Hate to admit it but I never have the urge to exercise. NOW working is another story I love to work. Love hearing what you went through, so I know what to expect. Funny, Dr Chow never mentioned use-of crutches at all. I’m truely planning on really resting the entire month of December. I’ll pretend I’m retired. LOL. I’ll follow Dr Chow‘s instructions to a T. In the meantime you take it easy, and feel better. Have a great night Gerri
gerriberri66 gary45745
Posted
Just checking in to see how your doctors visit went today. Hope you received a great report!
gary45745 gerriberri66
Posted
Sorry for delay im not getting notifications.
I was told im doing averagely well for my age. I have nothing to worry about with implant but my glutes need alot of work. So im back under suoervison of physio.
I have been told its too early to run and that im still very early in recovery as it will be 4 to 6 months before being back to normal.
Day to day activities are fine although im tryijg to swing more time off work lol.
How are you? X
gerriberri66 gary45745
Posted
Hey Gary,
?So good to hear from you. I'm sure you are disappointed in your recovery, but its good to know that you are doing well for your age, especially the fact that the implant is fine. Did the Dr say anything about you doing too much activity when you first came home? Is the groin pain from lack of other muscle use?? What kind of work do you do?
?I cant believe that my surgery will be in less than 2 weeks. Flew in to Phoenix last Tuesday for my CT scan and am now pre registered with the hospital. I'm starting to get a bit anxious over this whole thing... and I am not the worrying type. Trying to get business wrapped up and of course when you need that to happen it never does.. but I'm starting to have more noticeable pain, which only confirms that having this done now is the right decision. I've been lucky to have not been in pain at all, when I know so many people have suffered terribly before having the surgery done. Anyway.. I am happy to hear you are ok and doing well.. But do what your PT tells you!!
Will keep you posted from Phoenix! Arghhhhh!! lol
?Has anyone on this website have the surgery since last posting??
gary45745 gerriberri66
Posted
I thought inwas having mine too early as but for the locking after sitting down and the pain unlocking once unlocked inwas very mobile walking wise, even able to cycle and run. However my surgeon told me when he opened me up i was MUCH worse than scans and x rays showed and i desperately needed it done and perhaps waited too long . Im sure the groin pain is due to tjat but goos news is groin pain is gdtting better as time goes on which shows that the pain i had there was due to damage to illopsis tendon pre op.
Point is, if you are told u need it then sooner the better pain or no pain. At some point the hip will fail. Your hip is on way out and only way now is to replace it and the sooner the better as it helps post op. So dont be worried. I bet you recover quicker than me.
A few tips. Dont try and walk too much first 3 days in hospital. You will be very stiff so dont panic. The key is bed exercjses and lifting the operated up regularly when lyiingdown. NOT straight leg lifting but knees up towards chest with foot on floor. When u go toilet have a little walk then but take it easy. The key for first 4 weeks is to keep your leg elevated as much as possible. I did and i had no swelling at all. Short regular walks around house will help. Keeping the bllod circulating will help.
I would say as yardstick take it really easy until your wound is totally healed and scab comes off which took me exactly 5 weeks. By that time you will feel alot stronger and should be comfortable without crutches around the house . Thats the time to step up the exercises by doinf pool exercises and maybe gentle static cycling.
My PT made it very clear the other day that full recovery takes 4-6 months. So dont get down. You will be alot more normal after 6 weeks and able to do every day things. From 6 weeks on its about getting us sporty types back to near whatvwe were which takes time. I was told its far too early run . Im 9 weeks post op.
Keep me updated. And dont get worried. You need this doing asap. So look forward to it and plan for a very relaxing 5 weeks post op. So get tofether a list of movies and books (not kindle a good old fashioned book better) and a nice fabourite spot in the house to settle down in for 5 weeks. Xxx
gerriberri66 gary45745
Posted
Dear Gary,
I can’t thank you enough for this last email. All the information and advice you have shared really really helps and put things in perspective. I have a ton of “real” books, and never enough time to read. I just plan on hunkering down and taking care of myself. Now if it was only freezing and snowy here, it would be perfect. Lol. Actually if Dr wants me to walk the weather here should be perfect mid Dec.
Again, I am so happy you are doing so well. I am happy to keep hearing of your recuperation!
Have ve a great night. 😘
gary45745 gerriberri66
Posted
Actually while the snow etc is very christmassy for you post op the warmer climate will be better as keep muscles warm.
Im pretty certain your recovery will be a bit quicker than mine. As i say forst t weeks write off as rest time. Dont judge anything as first 5 weeks will be down to body recovering and recovery time and method will be different for everyone. If you notice improvement every week then u know everything is fine and you will be walking without aids after around 6 weeks so try to enjoy the rest time. Use it as a chancd to recharge. Also if u dont stress again recovery will be quicker.
Putting christmas tree up today!!
X
m05 gary45745
Posted
Hi Gary so pleased I found to our post. Firstly glad to hear your progress is so good and that you are getting your life back especially at your young age sort of expect problems later in life but not in your 40s. As briefly as I can I am 62 have been active most of my adult life gym work running cycling skiing etc . Past 2 years been getting increasing pain from both hips tried physio etc but nothing helped much by June this year things started to really go downhill by August I was walking with sticks painfully couldn't put socks on etc booked to see Mr McMinn in Birmingham with view to resurfacing he said both hips worn out and I was suitable for resurfacing and we arranged a bilateral procedure for this week . However long story but they cancelled me without an alternative date so I started looking round I was having a few worries about the metal on metal resurfacing and also the double procedure anyway this is when I came across Mr Cronin and superpath I cancelled totally the resurfacing and am due to see Mr Cronin next Thursday with treatment pencilled in for 14th Dec at Nuffield Leamington. Your story had given me a lot of help in knowing what I might expect obviously being older might slow things down a bit but I am trying to keep fitness up by using a hand cycle and upper body weights I have a spin bike but not able to use now . Glad you found Mr Cronin to be excellent surgeon . Did you have yours at Leamington or Coventry also couple of things if you don't mind me asking what anaesthetic did you have and what blood clot prevention did he use I know I can ask next week but interested what others had also what implant did he use. Hope all continues well for you and that the other hip stays well
Regards Martin
gary45745 m05
Posted
Sorry for delay in replying. Firstly DO NOT have resurfacing. There are issues with fragmenfs going into bloodstream and Mr Cronin will not do resurfacing and neither will anyone in Nuffield. Luckily you got cancelled.
Superpath is the way to go. I had mine done at Nuffield in leamington. Rachel Davies is his secretary and she is brilliant as well. You can tell her i highly recommend mr cronin, say its Gary who thinks he is romeo!! She will get the joke. I really cant praise Mr Cronin highly enough. Approachable friendly and super professional and skilled in superpath procedure.
It is important to do as much exercise as you can within comfort levels but dont go oberboard like i did. I was cycling right up to operation day but it made my muscles too tight so made moving my muscles trickier than ideal. Not a major problem just meant i was maybe a bit sorer for a couple of weeks than i might have been.
I had ageneral anasthetic and Mr cronin prefers that ibthink. Blood clot wise i had to wear pressure socks for 4 weeks post op and was supposed to inject into my tummy blood thinner for 4 weeks but i confess i didnt bother with doing that after i left hospital after 3 days. I was keeping legs raised when sat down and walkijg around house regularly. Having said that being older i would advise you use the blood thinner as clot risk is higher once over 50.
As i have saif to gerri the first 5 weeks is a time to rest and just walk revularly but short spurts. Let everything heal. My wound took 5 weeks to heal once it did ibstarted pool physio amd it was easy. Soon after i was on static bike.
Dont panic if your recobery takes longer. Physio told me that we wont get back to normal feeling for 4-6 months in terms of strenuous sport. But after 6-8 weeks with superpath you should be comfortable doing normal tjings.
My physio is a lobely young lady named emily and she is very good at putting mind at rest. Youbwill have dissolvable stitches and dressing will be removed after 14 days. No showers in that time as it must be kept dry.
Anything else please ask. Apologies that im slow to reply but notifications dont come through always on email.
Gary.
gerriberri66 gary45745
Posted
Good Morning,
?Martin; Good luck with your impending surgery. Gary has been a wealth of information for Superpath done in the UK.
Gary; Whats really interesting is although the procedure is supposed to be the same, I think there are some differences so far, but will be able to know exactly after my surgery. Dr Chow said I can shower, go in a pool right away. I will be out of the hospital within 23 hours. If I lived in Phoenix, then I would have been going home, but obviously I thought it best to stay in a hotel until my post op visit in 1 week's time. He did not say anything about having to do blood clot shots or socks at all. The admittance nurse at the hospital had her hip done about 5 years ago and said after day 3 I should be comfortable without a walker. I guess we will see about that. Obviously until i am home and secure in my own home, if i decide to go out for dinner, keeping a walker with me as protection against people knocking me over would be my choice. lol.. She also said they will give me a schedule of how much walking they want me to do. As far as PT; I can or can not do it. He said if I have PT then it will be 2-3 x's a week for maybe 2-3 times total, it will be up to me. I believe I am going to go, I want to make sure I don't walk with a limp and that they massage me so that it breaks up the scar tissue. I'm sure Dr Chow will also advise when I can have the trainer come back and start working out with me again. I have a feeling all the squats, buttock lifts, hip stuff we have been concentrating on will be a big help for a faster recovery.
?Can't believe its almost Christmas and New Years! Counting down to surgery in 9 days 23 hours and 44 minutes...but whose counting?? lol
m05 gary45745
Posted
Hi Gary
?Thanks for your reply, think its taken me longer to get back to you been a bit of a manic day had to take cat to vet with of all things hip problems ! also been out buying new roller skates (not for me but my daughter, lol, although was tempted might be able to move around a bit quicker on those) Have spoken to Rachel she seems lovely and very helpful will send your best to her when I speak to her again. So pleased you are happy with Mr Cronin it is always a gamble ,I am looking forward to meeting him next week. I think I will ask about the possibility of a spinal and sedation but he is the professional and will obviously take his advice equally I was hoping not to self inject anticoagulants but would rather take something like apixiban which is supposed to be as effective but again will listen to him although it may be the hospital that sets the policy for this. I am trying to keep my cardio fitness levels up pre-op by using my hand cycle managed to find a good one on ebay have tried my spin bike a few times but it seems to really aggravate my hips so my leg muscles should be nice and loose ! It really does seem that gentle recovery is the way to go especially in the early days so will try and keep to walking and perhaps swimming to start. I am hoping to get back to work slowly after 3 or 4 weeks if things go to plan, my work as an optometrist is not physically demanding so as long as I can think straight I should be able to cope with 5 or 6 patients a day.
?I think the metal issue was what finally changed my mind about re surfacing I was offered a highly cross linked polyethylene cup but it does not have a track record and the surgeon would not advise me either way, interestingly I was offered a place on a clinical trial being carried out in London by Prof Cobb he is trialling a ceramic on ceramic resurfacing implant the H1 it looks very promising but the constraints of the trial meant that it would be at least 6 months before my second could be treated I don't think I can wait that long just too much pain.
?Was good to hear from Gerri we will have to compare notes .
?Hoe you carry on a good recovery, have a great weekend and thanks for all the info.
Regards Martin
m05 gerriberri66
Posted
thanks for your good wishes and let me send my best to you for yours too, I have read a lot about Dr Chow whilst researching superpath he seems to have a fantastic reputation I was almost tempted to fly out there for treatment. I think they will get you on some form of anticoagulant vitually everybody does seem to . You should be nicely settled in time for Christmas, it already seems like it has arrived at home my wife is a big fan of Christmas and the house is already nearly fully trimmed she is using the excuse that she needs to spend more time looking after me so needs to get it sorted out early !
I will look forward to following your progress post op
Have a great weekend
With best wishes from across the pond
Martin
gary45745 gerriberri66
Posted
I would double check about the pool and shower. Your wound wont be healed for at least a couple of weeks and you want to avoid any chamce of infection.
I didnt use a walker at all (in UK they called zimmer frames). I was on crutches same day as op. I wouldnt say you will be comfortable. It will be very slow first few days but you wont have much pain if any, just stiffness. I take her point but be careful not to misinterpret what she is saying as that you will be walking quickly around the place. You will be slow for first week but will nitice marked improvement by time you have wound checked after 14 days.
I take it you have started christmas shopping? Will you fly back to las vegas from phoenix? Xx
gary45745 m05
Posted
Hi Martin
Mr cronin i think prefers ceramic on ceramic implants for active sporty people. More durable and have a shelf life of over 15 years, probably longer.
The worse thing for me post op was recovering from the general anasthetic. But one thing about being totally knocked out is you will be totally relaxed. Even if sedated but conscious i would think one might tense up with the sound of the operation. Its a very individual choice i think. Alot will depend on your ECG and pre op assessment.
Arent they roller blades these days? Hope your cat is ok.
As for work, im a lawyer and today is 10 weeks post op and i havent gone back. Im going back tuesday on a phased return. That isnt to say i couldnt have gone back sooner but i took the view that once back i wont be exercising as much or focussing on recovery and decided to play it safe and take my time and feel confident in myself. 3 weeks will be too early though as you will get tired easily. Dont forget you wont be sleeping on your side for about 4 weeks at least so you may struggle to sleep. Id say earliest to go back to work would be 6 weeks. So dont rush it. Plus on ITV 4 you get Ironside and the Sweeney and Knight Rider (the A-Team just finished!!!)
From what you have said you will feel alot better the moment you wake up post op as you are in a worse state than i was pre op. My issue was locking after sitting down but once unlocked i wasmt too bad. But mr cronin told me when he opened me up inwas much worse than scans and x rays showed. Bottom line is you need this now, the SuperPath is definitely for you. And the best bit is Mr Cronin can do a traditional approach at last minute if when he opens you up the SuperPath isnt appropriate. So you are in a no lose situation really.
Dont swim for at least 12 weeks though. Static bike after 5 weeks will be fine and cross trainer after 6 weeks but breast stroke is a bit dangerous as tjat does risk dislocation. Front crawl maybe ok but i cant front crawl so to.me swimming is breast stroke.
In terms of squats for forst 5-6 weeks do half squats. Dont flex too much too early.
In summary PT wise use this...if it hurts dont do it. Regular walking the holy grail first 5-6 weeks. Let the bone grow around the implant. After the 6 week mark risk dislocation will be less and you can step up the exercise.
I wish i had mine done sooner rather than habe cortisone injections. The recovery hasnt been bad at all. First two weeks the hardest due to showering restrictions .
Keep in touch
gary45745 m05
Posted
Just semt a reply...apparently its waiting to.be moderated?
gerriberri66 m05
Posted
Hi Martin,
Thank you for your good wishes. I’m going to email Dr Chow to find out about this anticoagulant stuff. The thought of that is scarier to me than the surgery. 🙀. I may have to pull “a Gary”and not do it. I don’t even know if I want to know about it right now. I had asked Dr Chow about spinal or being out totally and he only does surgery when you r totally out. That was ok by me. I didn’t ask about the specific implant,figuring he was the “father” of this surgery and I could trust what he felt was appropriate. I did ask whether he uses cement or not and he does not use cement, which I read was better. I think your timeline for going back to work seems appropriate. Hopefully you’ll be able to work according to how well you are feeling. Maybe you should have bought a pair of roller skates, from what it sounds like,you’ll be able to do that in no time. 👏🏻
I love that your wife has your home all decorated for Christmas 🎄. You are lucky to have her. ??
Keep us posted with everything. I will definitely give a blow by blow after surgery. This website has been so helpful to have.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend too!
gerriberri66 gary45745
Posted
Hi Gar,
Dr Chow, himself was the one who told me I would be able to shower/go in a pool right away. When I met with the hospital admitting nurse, she said they use some kind of waterproof dressing over the cut..as I was concerned about underwear irritating the area. She said it won’t be a problem with the dressing.
Thats is what I mean about it being the same surgery, but I think each surgeon has adapted procedures that seem to work best for them. I have not read or heard of anybody here doing the coagulant stuff. Notice I’m in total denial. Lol. But truth is, I haven’t.
Omg I love that. Zimmer frames. Love 💗 hearing there wont be much pain. Dr Chow said it’s going to feel like a bad Charlie horse. I can live with that. I know they get you up and walking a couple of hours after surgery. I’m sure I’ll be slow ...did you feel like you might hurt your hip/leg etc?
No chrismas shopping for me. Lol. My life is easy. Did you shop today?
Right after I meet the Dr a week after surgery I’m booked for a flight home. As nice as I’m sure it will be staying in a beautiful resort, there’s nothing like being home to really recouperate.
I want to know what you wrote that needed to be checked by the moderators. Lol.
Have an awesome weekend. G
gary45745 m05
Posted
I replied yesterday but it says awaiting moderation so not sure my posts are showing?
gary45745 gerriberri66
Posted
I wrote nothing controversial. Im stumped. Maybe i wrote too much.
The dressings are waterproof theoretically but i was told that they can let water in and mine did come lose after a week so id really advise against showering. They are not aupposed to come lose but i think i had some dried blood underneath which when it dried loosened it.
As for the anti cogulants i dont want to advise not to use them as they help prevent blood clots. I just took the risk as i was moving around a fair bit walking so thought a clot was unlikely but on that issue decinitely go with what Dr Chow says.
Im excited for you. Trust me its the right decision and in a couple of months u will be forgetting u have a new hip which for me now is my main issue!!! I keep forgetting ive an implant and do stuff i did when i was teenager likee kicking things to mobe them!!
Ive not christmas shopped yet...no idea what to buy!! Xx
m05 gary45745
Posted
Hi Gary I am intrigued to see your posts that were moderated ! Hope you are having a decent weekend and recovery going right way .Counting the days down now everything is so frustrating I want to do stuff and I am not ill but my legs just won't work. Trying to stay positive and tell myself it will all be worth it in the end. BTW what sort of implant did Mr Cronin use for you.
Cheers Martin
gary45745 m05
Posted
Its very frustrating being restricted i know how u feel. U will feel frustrated post op probably until the dressing comes off but then when u feel your mobility returning you will feel miles better than at moment.
I went to the gym today and was very sore to begin with which worried me but after my work out i was better. I think the cold weather makes things tigjten up but at least after my session and shower i felt ok so thats something to bear in mind for us now. Gerri has no such worries out in Vegas of course haha.
All i know is my implant is ceramic on ceramic. Not sure what make it is i neber asked. I suspect you will have the same as me. Mr cronin for older patients sometimes does ceramic on polysterine ( i think thats right term) as no chance of a crack in ceramic. But its less durable and while that metjod would gibe at least 15 years service it isnt as durable as ceramic on ceramic and for active people who like sport i tjink mr cronin prefers ceramic on ceramic and you are still young enough to want an implant to last over 20 years which ceramic on ceramic more likely to do.
Hope u had a good weekend. Im back to work on tuesday on phased return. Dreading going back. Bet there is a mountain load of work to do.
Good luck when you see mr cronin.