All athletes are familiar with the term “second wind,” that jolt of energy and strength that allows them, enervated and dispirited, to carry on. For everyone else, it has come to mean a renewed motivation, an everyday idiom.
Scientists aren’t sure what precipitates this much-documented phenomenon, with some pointing to a rush of endorphins, and others a rush of oxygen to the tissues that helps reduce lactic-acid buildup. Whatever the reason, there aren’t enough ways to say thank you, thank you, thank you, at the finish line.
But sometimes the body cannot recover on its own, because of injury, illness, or a physiological problem. And let’s not forget aging! We may need, as I have, a helping hand from an exercise physiologist, physical therapist, doctor, or even a surgeon, so we can catch that “third wind.”
This is a blog about my own personal journey to recover from a hip injury that forced me to cancel my entry to the New York City marathon last year and sidelined me from my very favorite pastime, to what I hope will be an eventual recovery. Heck, if A-Rod could do it, so can I!
It is a cathartic endeavor, to be sure, and as much about trying to push the envelope as it is about learning to accept certain limitations. But I also hope that in the process I will be able to help others with injuries as well as those dealing with the physical fallout of getting older. Look for articles, links and fresh interviews to come, and I invite your comments and suggestions, too.
Vivian Marino
Editor, Writer, Athlete, Student and Ridiculously Busy Mother of 2.
Hi Vivian
Sorry to have not returned your call but I appreciated all your insight when we spoke! I’m stepping into my surgery within minutes . I’m finding comfort in our discussion.
Will let you know how it goes!
Hi Vivian,
I just underwent my second hip scope for the same problem as you on 6/10 and was wondering if I could write you an email to ask for some tips. Although this second surgery should be a faster recovery, I’m having more frustrations — maybe it’s because I haven’t worked out in so many months and the sedentary lifestyle is getting to me or the fact that since I’m a nurse and on my feet all day I have to be out of work for 6 months for both surgeries. I’m 32, a runner and a really active person and it’s been a very long road to get where I am right now and although I finally know there is light at the end of the tunnel, something is keeping me down. Whatever it is, it seems like you went through a similar experience and I’d love to ask for some advice. Thanks in advance! Laura
Yes, of course you can!
I’ll will send you an email with my contact information.
Thanks for reading my little blog.
It’s not uncommon to have both hips scoped. I did, and a couple of my friends did as well.
It’s also not uncommon to have a torn hip labrum respond positively to physical therapy (and lots of rest). Though I didn’t know it was torn at the time, my badly damaged left hip joint felt much better with several months’ of PT, but then a relapse/re-injury forced me to take more drastic measures to fix this problem, i.e. surgery. I did the hip that bothered me the most first. (My more damaged left side.) I waited another five months to have the right side done. (My doctor said you should wait at least three months between surgeries.)
So the short answer is: If you lead a relatively sedentary life, you probably could get away with not having surgery, though the tear will almost certainly remain, along with the hip impingement that originally caused the problem.
It sounds as though you are pretty active — and very young. You will likely recovery very well after your surgery.
Good luck, and let us know how you’re doing.
First off, this is a great site/blog. It’s very well thought out and had a load of information. I have similar story as my MRI results for my first hurt hip showed a focal tear 1cm in my left hip. I rehabbed and got over the pain and regained a decent level of range of motion although certain cuts on the tennis court hurt! That injury happened 1 yr ago.
Since September I’ve had right hip pain. Always been my good hip. Anyways, MRI 2 weeks ago shows a severe tear and fai as well. Living in Canada I’ve had to wait 4 months for the specialist. After sony first surgery date for left hip got messed up this month(secretary, make that former secretary didn’t have me booked in) is now scheduled for January.
I’m now meeting with dame hip specialist to go over the right. The right seems more damaged so it will be interesting to see what he thinks. Anyone else had both hips down. Which hip did they do first? Is it possible that my hips ever heal without surgery? Although I used to play a lot of tennis and my current profession is coaching. I’m 25 by the way
Thanks Uncle Eb! Please check out my latest post.
Hi Vivian, great blog you have here. I know your main focus is on arthro surgery and recovery, but since you seem to know an awful lot about this stuff in general, I was just curious if you had any posts specifically dealing with the possibility and success rate etc., for avoiding surgery through PT. My story is fairly similar to yours. I had a “groin pull” while playing tennis that just kept coming back. I managed it with rest, caution, ice etc., and then one day it got WAY worse and I had to take a couple months off from doing just about anything. Had X-rays, and mri and confirmed a small (7mm) anterior labral tear. So I just recently had a cortizone shot and it’s feeling better but I know this is usually a temporary fix. Two surgeons both say they don’t see any impingement and only a very slight dysplasia. As I am only 39 and pretty fit they suggest I do PT and get back on the courts slowly and with caution. In other words, let surgery be the last option. I also have a honeymoon planned for the fall that I don’t want to disrupt (camping and mellow hiking) so I am hesitant to get in the surgery docket now because I know how long the recovery time can be for arthro. So anyways, they both think that because there is no obvious FAI or significant dysplasia, that my injury more likely was a result of an accident (probably just an extremely heavy load on the hip when I lunged for a backhand etc.) and that I’m a good candidate for possibly not having any further problems down the line, so we’re taking the wait-and-see route for now. When the cortizone wears off, if the pain comes back as bad as it was, then it will be a no-brainer, as I wouldn’t want to live that way for my remaining years (tennis would be almost completely impossible.) I’m aware that most often, the pain does come back and surgery is unavoidable, but I was just curious to know if you had any info/leads on success stories of people who managed to avoid surgery through PT. Any info/insights you have would be appreciated. Great blog. –John/Uncle Eb
Btw- add Lady Gaga to the list! Just cancelled her tour for a torn hip labrum.
Hi Vivian,
Hope that you are well and thank you so much for this blog.
I am about to undergo a hip arthroscopy this Saturday after years of trying PT/resting/cortizone injections. I have a bone spur in my left hip which is causing this too so a similar case to you.
I guess what I am most interested in knowing is the recovery time and the limitations post surgery…how active can I be in week 1,2 3 etc…is it literally sofa-bound stuff? Also how long on crutches and how long til can jog etc. All these things I would love to knowk.
Being human, I am hoping for a miracle recovery and am reading that this might not be the case. Am keen to get the op done as bored of not being able to run or play tennis but I think that I need to manage my expectations!!
If you could offer some nuggets of knowledge that would be amazing.
Thank you and thank you for this blog!
D
Hi David,
Recovery time will vary by individual, of course, and the extent of that person’s injuries.
In my case, the recovery for my less-injured right side was significantly faster than my left side, which was scoped first and had much more damage (though, fortunately, no sign of arthritis). In fact, I’m still feeling twinges of discomfort every now and then on the left, but almost nothing on the right.
I was on crutches for about five days to a week; normal time is around five to 10 days, though it could extend to a couple of weeks.
As for resuming activities, I was able to use the stationary bike for short periods (starting with five minutes) a couple of days after the surgery. I built up my time on the bike very gradually. I started running again (also in short increments) about three months later.
We’re very vulnerable early on, so the universal advice is to take it slooow. Make sure you ice the heck out of the area — this will negate the need for painkillers.
Good luck with the hip scope. Please stay in touch and let us know how you’re doing.
Best,
Vivian
Dear Webmaster (Athirdwind.com),
I was looking around for Hip Implants information and stumbled upon your site “http://www.athirdwind.com/”. Your site is quite informative and has a neat layout. Great Work.
I recently started a website “http://www.hipimplants.org/” that offers free information on Hip Implants. I would like to know if you’d be interested in adding my link on your site. I would also like to add a link to your website on my useful resources page “http://www.hipimplants.org/resources.php”, as I am sure my readers would benefit visiting your site.
Thanks for the time and keep up the good work!
Looking forward for your reply soon,
Kind Regards
Roger Preusser
Hi Roger,
Thanks for your kind words about my blog.
I checked out your site: nice color scheme, good grid layout, informative content.
My blog is a work in progress. I do plan to have a blogroll eventually, and so I’d be happy to include your site when I do.
In the meantime, please feel free to include my site in your blogroll. As you can see, this site isn’t about hip replacements or implants, but hip preservation through arthroscopic hip surgery.
Best regards,
Vivian
Hi Vivian,
Thank you so much for taking time and answering my questions!
It has taken me over a year to get the right diagnosis, and even though the prospect of double hip-surgery is scary, it feels good to finally be able to do something about it. – And your blog really inspires me to dive into the training and PT afterwards! I might reach out to you again once I have the surgery if I have more questions. – Hope that’s ok.
Meanwhile, I’ll keep reading about your progress!
Best,
Marie
Hi Vivian,
I’m a 32 year old woman, and have been diagnosed with Pincer Labrum Tears on both of my hips, and am expecting my first surgery sometime in June. (Also at HSS in NYC.)
Now, I want to be as prepared as I possible can be for the double hip-surgery to come and therefore have a couple of rehabilitation-related questions. I would be delighted if you would have time to answer them 🙂
Here they come:
– Would you recommend to get a Game Ready Machine (as opposed to just frozen peas). Do you believe it impacts your recovery time?
– Do you have a stationary bike at home, or do you use a gym?
– Would you recommend getting a CPM machine, do you think it helped your recovery?
-Would you recommend exercising any specific muscle-groups (core, back etc) prior to surgery to maximize mobility afterwards?
I’m sorry for all the questions, but want to be as surgery-prepared as I possibly can be!
Finally, thank you for sharing your experience. You really give me the confidence that I can handle the double hip-surgeries coming up!
I have always been very active. – Running & cycling every day and can’t wait to get this year over with, so I can start living an active life again 🙂
Hoping to hear back from you,
All the Best
Marie
Hi Marie,
Here are some answers to your questions:
– “Would you recommend to get a Game Ready Machine (as opposed to just frozen peas). Do you believe it impacts your recovery time?” If there is one piece of postsurgical equipment you should have, other than crutches, it’s the Game Ready! I’m sure it has helped speed my recovery by keeping down any swelling and managing pain. It numbs you so much you don’t need painkillers. If you’d like to know more, check out a previous posting here: http://www.athirdwind.com/?p=263 (“All I want for Christmas” 12/18/11)
– “Do you have a stationary bike at home, or do you use a gym?” I have a stationary bike, and began using it within the first week of my recovery. I also went to the gym and used the LifeCycle there about two weeks or so after surgery. I started out with 10 minutes, no resistance, then gradually increased the time on the bike.
– “Would you recommend getting a CPM machine, do you think it helped your recovery?” Although I rented a CPM machine for both surgeries, I found this to be the least necessary piece of postsurgical equipment. I used it for just the first couple of days or so, but I found it unnecessary, because I already had a pretty good range of motion.
– “Would you recommend exercising any specific muscle-groups (core, back etc) prior to surgery to maximize mobility afterwards?” A strong core will help prevent injuries. Feel free to peruse my blog. I have written about a number of core-strengthening exercises, all of which I learned in PT. The trick, I found, is to stay as physically fit as possible, because it really does speed your recovery.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your surgery – you’re in great hands at HSS. And let us know how you’re doing.
Vivian
Hi Melissa, I’ve nothing but very positive experiences at HSS. I’ll e-mail you directly. Vivian
Hi, I found your blog while searching the internet for info (or even a blog) about my coming knee surgery. It’s wonderful. My surgery is apparently one of the less common procedures and I wish I could find a blog like this for mine.
Anyways, While i know you had hip surgery, i am also having my surgery at HSS so i was wondering if you have any pointers or FYIs related to HSS or anything I should know. Feel free to email me directly. THANKS!
Hi Edie,
I’m sorry it has taken so long for me to respond. I recently installed a new plugin that gets rid of spam. The trouble is, it lumps the legitimate comments in with the junky ones, so your comment fell through the cracks, unfortunately.
Sorry about your injury, but don’t despair. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Three months after my second surgery, I’m just starting to run again. And I know of others who’ve had hip arthroscopy before me who are already running and doing many other activities.
My first M.R.I., on my left side, did show an a definite tear through the dye contrast. I only had a regular M.R.I on my right side, but my very skillful surgeon was able to spot a tear anyway. An X-ray also confirmed bone spurs, pointing to another hip impingement. I decided on the second surgery because my right side was bothering me a lot, and I knew that it would only get worse before it got better.
Hang in there, Edie. And please keep us posted on how you’re doing.
Vivian
Hi, I love your positive attitude! I am a runner, well was a runner before this injury.
I had a long battle getting to this diagnosis, but just had a MR Arthrogram that showed a probable labral tear. I am in chronic pain in my hip, but also have knee pain too. Now my other hip hurts as well. I did get a cortisone shot today for pain relief.
I have a few questions for you if you wouldn’t mind?
Did you have a definitive tear on your MRI, or just an assumed tear due to the presence of dye (which is what mine shows)?
Did you have any knee pain?
What made the drs decide to do surgery on your other hip? I am wondering if, even though the tear may not heal, it can become assymptomatic?
I HAVE to get back to running. I cry when I see people in running clothes. It is pathetic! Thanks again for your positive blog. I have read so much discouraging stuff about this injury.
Best wishes, Edie
Founder of essexrunning.com
http://www.rentacoachinternational.com
Would like to talk to you about your situation.
Sure, John, anytime.
Wow — I’m inspired by your positive spirit about recovery. I found your blog looking for recovery stories from labral tear repair. I’m an aerial dancer and yogi who, like you, kept training and taught classes for 6 months after my injury until I was finally diagnosed. In my case, the pain came along with a lot of guilt because I injured myself in a flexibility class … while people think running is fairly normal, I got many reactions like “well, what did you expect?!” about my injury. I had a complete detachment tear with 4 anchors and bone shaved. However, my doctor wants me on crutches for six weeks, and after three I am still in significant pain. My doctor didn’t give me any aids other than crutches and recommended frozen peas … He does NOT recommend PT, wants me on crutches for 6 weeks, and won’t OK me to exercise until 2 months out. He is supposed to be one of the best, but his conservative approach is leaving me frustrated and wishing there was something I could do.
Is there anything that helped you to be so positive about your recovery? Thinking about your goals? A book? Distractions? I used to work out to cheer up and balance myself, and I’ve been very depressed for the last few months even though I know this is something I needed to do. :/
Hi Lisa, It’s amazing how some people thought I shouldn’t even bother with the hip surgeries and just give up running (cycling, swimming, hiking, yoga, etc.) altogether. Even now, some people will say to me, “You’re not going to run anymore, are you? I just ignore them – they’ll never get it. I had both surgeries because I wanted to continue doing the things that I love to do most, and I suspect you went through your procedure for the same reason. (Good for you!) Your surgery and post-surgical treatment sounds a little different than mine. Was it done arthroscopically, or was it open? Either way, each person recovers differently. For me, I know it’s going to take time (this is not a surgery for wimps) and I find myself getting better incrementally each day. I set small goals for myself, like riding the stationary bike for up to 20 minutes a day, then increasing it to 25 minutes the next week, etc. What I found very helpful, too, was communicating with others who’ve gone through this injury – and believe me, there are plenty of people – and come out the other end. This is a journey about pushing the envelope and also learning to accept certain limitations. Please stay in touch and let me know how you’re doing. Vivian. P.S., while recouperating, I taught myself PhotoShop and took some fun online courses.
Haha. Yes — it was arthroscopic. My doctor (Scott Martin in Boston) is unusual in his insistence on no PT. He is a little short on bedside manner, but I have been assured he is one of the best. The best explanation I’ve been able to extract is that he uses biodegradable anchors and feels that PT can cause flare-ups, leading to an immune response where the body attacks the anchors. At my checkup (6-8 weeks out) he will OK me to ditch the crutches and begin progressive light exercise such as stationary bike, swimming, etc. I get PT only if he feels my progress is lagging. I was skeptical and insisted that I depend on flexibility, but he swore up and down I would have my previous range of motion back after surgery. I know other surgeons like Phillipon have their patients on a stationary bike hours after surgery. I’m not sure which one sounds worse. 😉
I have actually taken on freelance web design work since the surgery, including for the studio where I used to teach. Come to think of it, I have kept myself relatively busy, but the things that have brought me the most joy have been little things like cooking dinner. I like the idea of small goals.
Thanks for your sweet response. I hope you are feeling better daily. It’s definitely not a surgery for wimps 🙂
Lisa – Each doctor seems to have a different recovery protocol, which I find interesting. The most important result of each: that we can return to the activities we so love. Stay in touch.
Hi Lisa,
I’m having hip labral repair surgery with Dr Martin this Friday (4/13/12). The lack of PT makes me very nervous so I’m wondering how you are feeling now and how long it took for you to get off crutches? I am extremly nervous. Dr Martin did not give me much detail when I met with him. I agree that he lacks in bed side manner but he is one of the most experienced in this procedure and (apparently) one of the best surgeons (for the problem).
Also, how long were you out of work. I planned on going back after a few days!!!!
Hope your doing well.
Julie
Hi Julie/Lisa,
I just had arthroscopic hip surgery on Dec 7th 2012 for a labral tear and FAI with Dr. Martin as well. I am also not impressed by his lack of bedside manner and have been extremely frustrated with the entire experience. At 6 weeks he told me to get off crutches but I was limping and needed to go back on – which was extremely frustrating. He is persistent on not doing PT but I really feel like I would benefit from it. I feel like there are absolutely NO guidelines and I don’t know what I should/should not be doing. I am nervous that I am not going to regain my strength and ROM. How are you doing now? I am only 2 months post op and I feel so discouraged! I was pretty active prior to surgery and had been dealing with the pain for over 8 years. I am a nurse and have not been able to work since I can’t stand for that long.
Hi there, I came across your blog while desperately researching labral tears.. I have been a runner forever and recently did a marathon. I did rarely well despite feeling a little off 3:24. Anyways, since then, I’ve been diagnosed with a tear in my r hip. I am devastated because it really hurts to run. The two times I did try, I was in agony for two days after- like just walking sitting, sleeping hurt. That being said, I am so apprehensive about surgery plus I live in Fl so there are no specialists like the one in NYC or Vail, Co. I am hoping, praying that it will miraculously heal itself ( I know that is not likely) and i will not need surgery. I was wondering if you tried to not get surgery or were you convinced to get it right away. AND are you able to run and function now that you’ve had it. That is the main reason Im so concerned about surgery is I’ve read SOOO many people that have it and still have pain or simply can’t function like they did before. I am a spinning instructor too so i really need to be active.
Please let me know your thoughts when you get a chance.! Also, did you consider cortisone or prolotherapy…?
Thanks
Hi Lissa, I am sorry to hear about your injury. You remind me, though, of where I was about a year ago when I was experiencing severe pain in my left hip and groin area, because, I would later learn, of a labral tear. (I had to cancel my entry to the New York Marathon as a result! My chronology, which is badly in need of updating explains my journey.) Today, two arthroscopic surgeries later—one on each side – I am on the mend and already thinking of a half marathon next summer. These tears do NOT heal themselves, though some people can experience relief from the pain through physical therapy (I tried that for four months and got nowhere at the end) and cortisone shots (I opted against them, because they can weaken the tendons over time and eventually wear off). After the first surgery in July I was cycling on the stationary bike almost right away, taking spin classes after the third month and running by my fifth month. My second surgery was only two weeks ago, and I am feeling even better. I’d be help to communicate with you more (by e-mail perhaps) and I know others who’ve gone through these surgeries who would be happy to chat as well. Please keep in touch. Best regards, Vivian
Thanks, Jo Ellen! And, please, spread the word!
Awesome Blog! I wish you the best with the surgery. I have posted the blog url on other sites, would love to see this get lots of attention. I will follow along.
Be well!
Jo Ellen C.
Thanks, Judy!
I look forward to following your journey after your surgery, Vivian! I, too, love to push the envelope and have a very hard time accepting any limitations that I might have.
Good luck!
Judy O.