Three years ago I didn’t run, simply because I couldn’t!
I was in the throes of hip-impingement agony.
In the weeks before my first arthroscopic hip surgery (on my left side) in July 2011, I was having trouble just going up the stairs! The thought of running again — at least the way I wanted to, which was long and hard and kind of fast — seemed like a pipe dream at the time.
But I never lost hope, even after I was told that I needed a second, similar surgery (on my right hip) just a few months later.
Fast forward to today. I am running almost the way I used to. I say almost, because I am a little older and a little slower. But I am out there several times a week running.
And so as I mark the sixth National Running Day on June 4th (It’s always held on the first Wednesday in June) I am so grateful for all the good care and support I have received in my recovery that has enabled me to be as healthy as I am today.
I run because I can. And I hope to be commemorating National Running Day with a brisk run in the park.
You can find out more about this event and the sponsored activities planned around the country by going to the National Running Day website.
you are too sweet…and thank you…
ok last question-ok well maybe not:)-did you have labrum repair or reconstruction my ortho dr really only does reconstrutions as outcomes seem way more positive-any thoughts
In both my hip scopes, the labrum was repaired via anchors. I was told that the torn cartilage was still relatively healthy — hence there was no need for any reconstruction or debridement (when they cut off frayed portions of the labrum). Most doctors, I’ve been told, will do both repairs and reconstruction, though on a case-by-case basis. While an MRI can give them some idea about the extent of the tear beforehand, they won’t know for sure until they actually start looking through the arthroscope during the procedure.I hope this helps.
P.S. Ask as many questions as you like!
sorry to bother again, but the recovery Ive been reading through Dr. White here in Denver seems quite extensive-you appeared to return to work so quickly-it looks like you have to wear the CPM 6 hours a day for four weeks-Im just not sure how you work and do that….your website is such a positive light regarding this surgery..
Hi Elizabeth!
Thanks for checking out the blog.
Prior to my hip scope(s) I had tried PT for about four months and actually felt better — until I had a setback. And then I was back to square one, only a lot worse. I went from wanting to run another marathon to wanting to just walk up the stairs again without pain. So that’s when I finally broke down and had the MRI, which revealed the labrum tear.
The hip surgeon suggested I try the conservative approach: cortisone shots and more PT. But I didn’t see the point and scheduled the surgery on the spot. This was on my left side. I had the right side done five months later after another MRI revealed a tear and an X-ray showed bone spurs. (I was in my early 50s. Yup! That old.)
My road to recovery has been far from linear, filled with progress and setbacks. Even today. Although I am running pretty regularly and long, I can feel some discomfort on my left side (the worst of my two hips) when I overdo things. (For me that usually means double workouts.) So I’ve learned to work out in moderation, but most important, I am making sure that my core is strengthened! This has helped prevent further injuries, I believe.
As far as the CPM is concerned, I only used it a few days after the surgery and only for 5 to 10 minutes at a time about three to five times a day. I much preferred using the stationary bike (on low resistance).
Hope this helps. Good luck to you!
those questions were meant for bk; I was wondering though….and happily have read so much of your blog-and wow it is so nice to read about a positive outcome from this suregry; I live in Denver and have access to doctors who routinely perform these surgeries-but Ive read so much about the outcomes being less than positive after 40-I am 40-until you:) I had dx with a right hip labrum tear with a mod-to severe impingment 2 1/2 years ago-I took some time off working out; started intense vinyasa yoga-So for the past almost year I could run-not very far or much-buy played a ton of tennis-100% pain free; then three weeks ago I was playing tennis and it feels like it did when I was first diagnosed; I started some PT in which exercises have been assigned and deep needling used-it sometimes feel like the exercises make my hip more sore—yet in all honestly Im not sure PT is making a huge difference-Im so scared for the surgery-and more so the recovery….how long after you were disgnosed did you decide to do the surgery? #sonervousbutneedtoexercise
So I am dying to know as a person suffering with a right labrum tear as well as impingment-who probably needs surgery-how are you feeling; are you happy with the results of surgery are you back to regular routine?
Thank you! Got it. I will call you this week when my kids are in camp.
Look forward to speaking with you.
Hello Vivian,
I was given your contact info a couple of months back from Dr. Coleman re: talking to you about my upcoming labral repair (now a couple weeks away). I was given your name b/c I have the same diagnosis you had and subsequently will have the same repairs for impingement, anchoring etc… Dr. Coleman felt you’d be a really great source given we’re also similarly very active.
Unfortunately I have misplaced your contact # but thought I’d reach out and ask if you’d kindly private message me so that we may speak via phone?
Thanks for your time and insight! Cindy
Hi Cindy,
I will email you my cell number.
Best,
Vivian
P.S. You’re in really good hands!
I can’t do the things that I love to do, but my hip seems good enough to do other activities. I think when you are in the late 50’s, you have to learn to adapt to what your body can do. So, I am thinking of starting Pilates, and I do a little yoga, I walk, bike, swim, and am able to do some light weight training for the lower body. So I am thankful for all of that. Keep up the blog, it’s great! I will continue to check and keep in touch.
Hi Vivian!
It’s great to see you keep up the blog site, it helps so many people. It’s wonderful you are doing great and I wish you the best going forward. I will continue to check in once in a while, so keep posting!
Armando
Hey Armando!
It’s so nice to hear from you.
How are YOU doing these days?
Vivian
Hi there,
Thanks so much for the blog. I had been running 4 times a week last summer and have been sidelines since last fall with FAI. I just had my first (hopefully last) scope on my right hip, and my labrum was repaired (unfortunately 6 weeks of crutches). I am just about to get off crutches next week – what are some things you suggest are good ways to get some exercise in without using the hips much? I have a month or so before I can really begin cycling hardcore, and feel awful having done barely anything (apart from building up my arms on these crutches). Any advice is appreciated!
Hi BK,
I remember being told by my physical therapist(s) and hip surgeon that I needed to work on building up my core before resuming my normal activities.
The core, as you probably know, includes the gluteus maximus, a.k.a. butt; the abdominal muscles; hip flexors and abductors; and the illotibial band on the outside of the leg.
Keeping them all strong and stable, they told me, would not only improve alignment but make me less prone to injury once I started pounding the pavement or re-engaging in other sports, including cycling outside.
I did a number of core exercises using the stability ball and BOSU ball, along with stackable steps, resistance bands and weights.
For minimum stress on my hip flexors, I also used the leg press, leg extension and hamstring curls to strengthen my legs. And hip-flexor stretches helped to open up the area.
For aerobics, I worked out on the stationary bike, elliptical and spin bike (not too strenuously). I know that other FAI sufferers have had good luck swimming or using the “hand bike” (though that’s something I’ve had no desire to do).
You will have plenty of time to work out hardcore. But the first three months after surgery are so important to just heal — and rebuild strength. In other words: Please don’t overdo it.
Hope this helps.