new knee or hip

[henry]

any one out there riding with a artifical knee or hip or both, and how are they working out for you?

[rmallory]

im a nurse, work with alot of TKR )total knee replacement and total hip replacements whats your question?

[henry]

I am looking at a hip replacement, wondering, what to expect as far as biking after its done,hoping someone who has had it done and is riding could reflect on there experince, with either a hip or knee that has been replaced, and seeing how you have worked in the field maybe you could shed some light on this. thanks 

[alfonso]

Hello Henry

I don't have any experience with this and am sure that rmallory will have valuable information. As an additional suggestion: Bike Forums has a '50+' section for older riders, and there are often discussions about riding with various health conditions there. You may well find some help if you do a search there. URL: http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?220-Fifty-Plus-(50-)

[waynemyer]

I had a co-worker whose hip was resurfaced.  As such, take this anecdote as less than cocktail conversation...

He was back riding in a short period of time, less than six months if I recall correctly.  And he was better than previously after about a year.  I was really blown away by his recovery and improvement.

[Zeke]

Hi Henry, I had a total hip replacement four years ago at sixty. My Doctor was also a cyclist, he said I would be back to riding if I followed his recovery advice. Had it done in April and was back to light riding in the fall. I have not had any problems with the hip. I think riding helps make the hip stronger. My hip feels a lot better when it was done. The hip was pretty painful before that.

[tandem]

Hello Henry

My wife had both knees and both hips replaced  and I had one knee replaced. We were back on the tandem within sixty days. It is almost two years since my knee and her second hip were done. We did an unsupported tandem trip from Georgia to Penna this past spring and today the cateye turned 5,000 mile for 2010. So far we did not have any problems with the titanium joints.
My wife claims the PT for the knee is more painful.

Tandem

[livewombat]

For those who have lost too much range of motion, or who absolutely can't risk falling, -- or those who want to start cycling before the usual recovery period is complete -- there are other options. 



If the only 3-wheelers you've seen are "adult trikes," or the very heavy Sun EZ trikes, it's worth being aware that there are some lighter, faster trikes.  This one was my ride for a 15-day, 1005-mile trip last summer, with one 103 mile day. 

And yes, that is snow in front of that mural;  the trike is my winter commuter.

[ahomerhilsen]

Henry, I had both knees replaced in January of this year (2010.) I was on the stationary doing super light, easy pedaling in 2-3 weeks. I was on my road bike again in 6 weeks and it's gone great. I set a goal of being able to do a 60 mile ride by September and beat that by a couple of months, doing it in July. Then 70 in Aug. and 80 in Sept. I'm now training to do the Southern Tier route in July. I'm not sure how much difference there is with a hip, but I'll bet you will be fine. The rehab period is no bed of roses, though, that's for sure. You have to expect, and be able to work through the pain, but if you're at the point where you're considering a new hip, you're probably no stranger to pain anyway. I also remember talking to a guy at my gym several years ago who had his hip replaced and rode RAGBRAI, I think in the same year. Good luck and happy riding!

[Trailraven]

Had a hip replaced five years ago. Now age 58. Works great. Did first overnight backpack six weeks after. Last three years have done BikeVa  and Mountains to Coast ride in NC (both about 500 miles). Last two summers 400 mile hikes (PCT/CA - CDT/WY) Ride with a Richmond Va. club member who has both hips and a knee replacement and he will give you a work out! He's one of their top mileage leaders.  I ride about 7K+ a year. Considering TransAM 2011.