hip replacement and Porsche hobby

[diverdan]

Due to a hard spinning crash on rollerblades, I have just had a bad hip fracture on very good strong bones, but the fracture was so severe and I am so active that a whole right hip replacement was done. It seems like total disaster to my freestyle skating, springboard diving, Muay Thai, regimens and even the stuff that I like to do on gymnastic rings and bars. So what's left for me behind the wheel of my Porsches and DIY activities? So far it seems like swimming will be fine for all including IM and fly so I could channel back that way. Higher reliance on pulleys and winches should get me around the garage. Will older 911s be a problem on road trips? Bout all my seats are sports seats,but I'm 5'11" 155-160#s. Would like to hear from others who have had this surgery.

Diverdan

[GH85Carrera]

I had my hip replaced about 1.5 years ago. Best thing I ever did to get rid of pain. Mine was just worn out and I had bone on bone rubbing.

I drove from OKC to Michigan round trip for the 2013 Porsche Parade. I don't even think about it now except when I get out of the shower and see the scar.

Get healed up and enjoy life again.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Unfortunately our stories are similar. I was VERY active. 5'10 150lb. The good news is that your surgery will not affect your porsche hobby. Infact, I got back into porsches as a distraction from my more active lifestyle being destroyed by this issue. During the first year or so after the surgery, you might notice limited motion and flexibility under the car, and scrunching into the car, but you will be fine porschewise. p.s. I have been on many 6-7 hour roadtrips and been okay. Things like engine drops and such are things where you should have a second set of hands anyway, just use your brain, don't lift an transmission, etc. Things you probably shouldn't do anyway. again, all I can remember after my surgery 7 years ago was that the month or so after the surgery, getting into and out of a p-car was a challenge, but by 6 months, you should be fine.

[PushingMyLuck]

LeakySeals, did you recovery fully, or is life never the same?
For both of you, what was the age at the time of injury?

[E Sully]

I am 54 and 155lbs. I just had my hip done twice. First time was in the beginning of November. The first week of January I was starting to feel good. I slipped on ice and fractured the Femur my implant was in. I had another new hip installed and 4 bands around my fractured bone. I am now am 3 months into the new one. I am feeling good, but I have a few months of healing ahead of me. I won't be able to do things at the level I used to, but I can still do many things.

[VillaRicaGA911]

Did any of you have your replacements done by the anterior method? I work in the medical industry and spend a fair amount of time in the OR. I don't know all about this method of hip replacement but from what I have been able to gather if you need a hip replacement and it can be done by the anterior method it is the way to go. Smaller incision, less blood loss, faster healing time.

[tirwin]

Man, hope all you guys get back to normal soon!

[Jack Stands]

I haven't had my hip replaced, but did have both knees done with the minimally invasive procedure. Nice to walk out of the hospital the next morning (albeit with crutches), but be back to driving in two weeks. Had my left knee done first so I could push down the clutch easier.

The anterior procedure is the cat's meow if you have a surgeon that's good at it. Quicker recovery is worth it, and we have a team up here that does these all the time with wonderful results.

[timmy2]

Had my Hip "resurfaced" 4 years ago. I have a new cap and ball fitted, no post. The joint was worn out from an old hockey injury after 30 years. I too was bone on bone.
Never felt better... left hip, so I was worried about clutch action. No problem though. I was back at work 4 weeks after surgery!

I bought my car as a non runner 1.5 years after the surgery, I then bought a mid rise lift because I wasn't looking forward to lying on a garage floor anymore...
Engine has been out 2-3 times for various reasons including replacing head studs!

[diverdan]

Thankyou for the encouragement guys. I'm very grateful for the support of my firm and full coverage insurance. Info on the net really is affected by the "half full"/"half empty." philosophy. Still in pain but look forward to a successful post op.

[timmy2]

Originally Posted by diverdan

Thankyou for the encouragement guys. I'm very grateful for the support of my firm and full coverage insurance. Info on the net really is affected by the "half full"/"half empty." philosophy. Still in pain but look forward to a successful post op.

Best wishes for a strong fast recovery.
To be really honest, after 4 years I forget I have had the surgery. (that is a good thing) Only notice it every once in a while.

[mystro]

This thread is great... I was the youngest hip replacement in the USA due to a motorcycle wreck. Surgery was done at the Rothman Institute in Philly. They were/are a joint replacement leader. This was way back in 1988. I am very active and it hasnt slowed me down. As a professional musician and writer, I have toured 3 successful albums back in the 1990's. That is a tough job even with out a hip replacement. Just NO impact sports so I am into weight lifting (without standing) and hunting, outdoor stuff. I have driven 911's over the years since 1990 and have been competitive in PCA concourse. That means crawling around with q-tips and detailing. Not easy for a 6'2" guy but a pad on the floor keeps the stiffness away. I just got my 911 ready for spring yesterday with a full day of power buffing and waxing. I feel O.K today, maybe a little stiff in the morning but I just got off the treadmill before writing this thread. Try to keep your weight down and live as clean as you can and you will be fine.

I had one hip revision in 1997 probably due to my touring activity. I am still on that same hip today so that is a long time. I had a routine check up 2 years ago and they said my hip still looks great after all these years. I am of great interest to the hospital/institution because I believe I have had a hip replacement the longest so far. I probably will have to have another revision in the next 5-10 years but surgery procedures keep getting better. I currently have a porous coated hip that the bone grows to the titanium.

[vintage guy]

Timely subject for me. I'm 6' 3" and reasonably fit (for an old guy) but I am now struggling to get into my car due to arthritis. I am on the verge of a hip replacement and have been investigating the anterior method. As mentioned, it is much less invasive and has a quicker recovery. Anyone have experience with this approach?

[RRWood]

I will be 64 in a few weeks, and had my hip replaced in December. You have no doubt discovered, the older we get the more aches and pains occur. I am a very active cyclist, and was back on the bike 4 weeks after surgery. The biggest detractor from a active live, is the inability to get off the couch. I am sure you will have no issue there. As GH85Carrera stated; "Get healed up and enjoy life again".

[bike2ride95]

I had an anterior lumbar fusion at the L5-S1 level of my spinal column..
hate to say it but I'm limited to about a 2-hour drive till I have to get
off the car cause of the back pain..takes about 20-30 mins. before I can
get back on the road again.. I'm good.....could be worst
and I'm only 53 yrs old.

[Hnichols]

Sorry to hear about your accident. I thought my wife and I were the only people left who go inline skating.

I'm surprised -- and reassured -- that nobody here who's had a hip replacement reports that the stiff 911 clutch is a problem. I had assumed that there would eventually come a day when the clutch action would give me problems.

Diverdan: by chance I looked at your impressive garage. Do you still have the Khamsin, by chance (one of my all time favorite designs)?

[diverdan]

What a grouo of troopers! Its so good to read all of your replies. There have even been some awesome PMs that you guys haven't been able to read. Overall, what a group of focused people who have had disciplined full lives. All have never given up and while some have endured great pain, the drive to enjoy the Porsche hobby and life in general is inspiring. I hope to be doing more road trips in a few years and would enjoy meeting others who have overcome adversities and continue to enjoy the Porsche passion.

Diverdan

[fbeatty]

I am 45 and have not had a hip replacement. Rather, a motorcycle accident left me with an intramedullary cannulated titanium nail running from my hip the length of my femur. It causes me some hip pain (and some along the femur from the break). Most doctors who see the XRays say it is understandable.

The pain is managed with meds, but DIY projects can really make it flare up. Those DIY's can be for the house, car(s) or other activities. Nothing that is not manageable or bearable, but it is there. If anything the big stainless steel plates in both my wrists cause me more issues.

Either way, I refuse to give up the hobbies I have because of it. I already lost one (no more motorcycles)... I gave that up because of all the stuff my wife had to go through after that accident (and she doesn't mind the cars).

Seating is no issue for me. You should be fine. Keep with the hobby and enjoy for as long as possible.

[DanielDudley]

Don't worry about what you can't do. Put all your energy into what you can do, and you will find that you can do a lot. You have had the pleasure of enjoying many activities in your life. Now you will enjoy the privilege of discovering new activities.

I'm glad you are looking forward. Everything you want from life is there.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by vintage guy

Timely subject for me. I'm 6' 3" and reasonably fit (for an old guy) but I am now struggling to get into my car due to arthritis. I am on the verge of a hip replacement and have been investigating the anterior method. As mentioned, it is much less invasive and has a quicker recovery. Anyone have experience with this approach?

Don't keep putting it off.

I waited way too long and had bone grinding on bone and every step hurt. That is fixed.

I did not go with the anterior procedure. My Dr. still prefers to go from the outside. He opinion was it is easier to get everything aligned properly. Just his opinion and he was the guy with the knife. It all worked out great for me and I was back to work in short order.