Any Others Who Had a Hip Replaced?

[PatrickH-SF]

Hello. I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area and new to the FitBit community. I had my right hip replaced in late October. Pain was getting gradually very bad and it was time. I love to take long walks and hikes and I hadn't been able to do either activity for quite a while. My recovery has gone exceptionally well and much faster than I expected. I went back to work two weeks ago, and am rapidly getting stronger every day. I treated myself to a FitBit so I can shed the weight I gained over the past year or two when I couldn't be active and was consuming too much food.

As I still need a couple months for the hip to be fully set and settled, I'm starting with a daily goal of 6,000 which feels realistic for me right now. Though today, Saturday, I went for a nice long walk and with other walking doing shopping and errands I hit 10,000. Feels ok, bit I know I can't hit that every day just yet. Soon though! 

I'd like to have FitBit buddies to keep me accountable and motivated, and I'd be happy to help motivate you too. I'd especially like to hear from others with new hips and knees and how FitBit and walking has aided your recovery. I'm fine with some "taunting" to keep me moving. 

Patrick

[WendyB]

Welcome to the forums!

You can check this thread for friends. Many looking

https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Be-Inspired/Looking-for-Fitbit-Friends-Find-some-here/td-p/1257283

I had a Hip replacement a few years ago. It did take a while to recover. Sounds like you are doing right.

When you feel like it increase if you can.There is no hurry. Just listen to your body.

Hope to see you around!

[emili]

welcome to the community @PatrickH-SF.. its awesome that your recovery is going well. I am sure everyday wasn't great. You have come to the right place for steps and awesome folks to challenge. I second Wendy's advice, listen to your body.. it is so easy to get caught up in the competition and unintentionally over do it. Good wishes for the rest of your recovery to go smooth and quick!

[SunsetRunner]

Congratulations on the recovery. I had one about five years ago and my only regret is not doing it sooner. Previously I hurt a lot walking on uneven ground and couldn't run. But I had access to a second generation stairmaster and that was wonderful. When I went for surgery the doc was very pleased. Most of his patients were morbidly obese, and were headed for knee replacements next. 

I found the only long-term issue to be a tighter IT band on the side of the new hip. It doesn't hurt; I'm about an inch less range of motion than on the other side but it is no big deal. It just won't stretch any further.

I have been encouraging people to not delay if they need it. Quality of life is important.