Re: Running

January 23, 2004

,

I had simultaneous bilateral with DeSmet on 7-2-02. I remember doing the same

thing you did. I was craving for a run and I overdid it. I think I ran 10

minutes- I should have started with an easy 3-5 minutes first. I think I did

this

at the 5 month period.

I'm a former tennis pro and tournament player. I was able to play decent

tennis at the 5-6 month mark but I really noticed gradually strength and speed

with each month. My progress was impeded last spring when I constantly had

problems with a left calf that always pulled or cramped when I played hard. I

couldn't figured out what to do about it. Finally, a trainer at the University

of

Wisconsin told me that I probably wasn't drinking enough water!

Also, I've been told that excessive stretching before playing maybe wasn't a

good thing. I was told by some triathlete friends that I should warm up first

with a stationary bike and/or light jogging and then do some light to moderate

stretching before activity and extensive stretching " after " the activity or

play. You probably know all this but I wanted to tell you my experience.

I have noticed that at and just after the 12 month mark, my speed and

quickness increased tremendously. I believe I could have progressed much faster

if I

would have done more walking, elliptical, and more weight training those

months after the post surgery recovery. Of course, I would have progressed much

faster if I had drank more water!

I am 51 years old and I had bilateral, so you should progress with your

running faster than I did. Just remember to start slow and easy.

Saeed

Madison, WI

January 24, 2004

- Had bilateral resurfacing by Mont just 3 years ago. Now 58, I'd

been active all my life in athletics, physical work and working out/running.

I was really dormant thru the '90s due to pain and clicking in both hips.

You are definitely in better shape pre and post surgery than I

was/am........and you are on a good track from what you say with the

exception of maybe having expectations that are a little too high. I had

bouts of overdoing it on occasion in 2001 not realizing that it takes time

for muscles to respond to being worked, regaining different muscle memory

and adjusting to a new component in the hip. 7-8 months following surgeries

and

after feeling secure with hard walking/hiking for 4-7 miles, I began jogging

for short stretches on these jaunts. I gradually increased the distance and

speed over time. Coupled with this was a regimen of stretching, especially

the hip area muscles, and holding for at least 30 sec's which was very

helpful. Sort of worked at warm-up and stretching every day and muscle work

every other day. I was always concerned about impact and still am to a

small extent. I can now run fairly hard for a mile or so, sometimes jog for

2-3 miles, have returned to pickup basketball (30-40s crowd) and competitive

softball throughout 2003 as well as skiing last year. My advice........

very gradually work into back into jogging, forward and backward, some easy

high-stepping mixed in with gradual increase in speed and before too long

you'll get there. Patience and hang in there for the long haul. Can't do

it all it once.

Brad B

Mont - Rt 12/20/00, Lt 1/3/01

Retired USN, father of USMC Harrier Pilot now VMAT-203, was VMA-542

Running

> I am a 47 year old Marine. In Mar 2003, I was given a new lease on

> life and a newly resurfaced hip by Dr. Mont. This was one of the

> better decisions of my life -- an outstanding experience. Really

> changed my life for the better -- I can now keep up with my 9 and 10

> year old kids.

>

> I am a runner....although I haven't done much in the last few years,

> my profession requires it, and my soul demands it....now having got

> past the why....I'm into the how.

>

> Post-op I work out 5-7 times/week, cardio on elliptical trainers,

> (and only just recently treadmill), weights, stretching. Even got

> pulled into a pickup volleyball game (no jumping for me) but was

> able to play well....with no pain. Beyond my wildest expectations.

>

> Over Christmas, while on vacation in a beautiful, sunny place I just

> had to go on a run....and may have overdid it. Nothing permanent,

> was back to pre-run condition in four days but the pain I felt was

> new, not quite in the hip joint....hard to explain, may have just

> been the muscle surrounding the joint but it got my attention, more

> worried that I'd screwed up the resurface more than anything else.

> Since then, I've only just began to run, very slowly on the

> treadmill with no adverse affects....but I'm still a little worried

> about reaching just a little too far.

>

> My question is if any of you other folks have had a similar

> experience, and what did you do about it. Specific questions:

> a. Any training regimen that can help?

> b. Any specific exercises do you recommend?

> c. For those who stretch a lot, I seem to have hit a wall....just

> won't go beyond a certain point.....suggestions on how to keep

> progressing are appreciated.

>

> Appreciate any advice. Thanks and good luck.

>

January 24, 2004

Brad

I found your email so heartening, as I had to be dormant too, since 1997, until

I had a resurf this past August. I was afraid that I would never return to pre

96 condition, when I was very fit,what with the enforced dormancy, and age - 59.

I have also thought perhaps I was taking it too easy since surgery, as I have

only been doing exercises in my hot tub ( stretching, kicking, squats,) and some

walking every day, but not miles and miles as some folks have described. As you

are at 3 yearspost-op. I see that thee is lots of hope, thanks sooo much.

Sharry