Sailing after total hip replacement

dinghy

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I had a total hip replacement a year ago & wonder if any sailors have advice: I sail Vertue II TINY TUK 25ft long. If anyone has had a similar operation & has continued sailing I would be glad of any their experiences. Peter Cronk
 

ianwright

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Not Hip I know but I sail my Vertue with two titainium knees and a few other 'slow me down' items. It's not a problem, preparation is the key. Don't get the idea that you need to be fit to go sailing. Sailing is done mostly sitting down, at least if you are doing it right it is,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
IanW
 

LeytonC

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If memory serves me correctly (One for Hugo here) I think there was an article in motor boats monthly about boating with a replacement hip. OK i know you sail but it might be useful..
 

dralex

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Welcome to the forum.

The main problem with hip replacements is dislocation, and occassionally loosening of the prosthetic bit thats stuck into the femur- did you have it done with cement?
If you have been working on the fitness and upper leg strength, you should be fine, as it is the small muscles around the hip that keep it stable, not the joint itself. The hip joint is a ball and socket with a pretty shallow socket. Dislocation tends to be an early problem soon after the operation. You cannot predict loosening, but the cement is very strong- looks and smells a bit like epoxy. As long as you have no bone disease, the union should be very strong.

The main thing is to have strong well toned muscles to keep the joint stable.
You may need to find slightly different ways of doing things that previously involved high angles of movement at the hip, but that's trial and error for you.
Enjoy you sailing. AS always, I have to say blah blah accept no responsibility for medical advice and please don't sue me.

I hope this is helpful.

Alex
 
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bob_tyler

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Good luck and much enjoyment to you.

Just remember that the late Old Harry (Des Sleightholm) had a double hip replacement. Just before being put under by the anesthetist he insisted on seeing the stainless steel replacements. The surgeon bought them out of the theatre to show him. Des produced a magnet, tested them and pronounced "OK, they're good quality stainless, go ahead, they won't affect my compass".

I hope you did that!
 

Joe_Cole

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I had an operation on my wisdom teeth a few years ago, and was warned that they may need to fit a metal plate. I asked if it was magnetic and they didn't know but I asked if they could check it out. They couldn't understand why until I explained about my hand held compass. They laughed and then checked it out. It wasn't.
In the end no plate was needed
 

rhinorhino

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Don't know about sailing but I heard this conversation on the start line of the London marathon a few years ago.
Man 1 "what are you hoping to do today?"
Man 2 "About 3.30"
Man 1 "That's slow for you"
Man 2 "Yes I have dropped about an hour since I had both hips replaced"

Seriously, a close friends mother used the op as an excuse not to exercise at all and the subsequent problems have ruined her life.
 

Lakesailor

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On our swinging moorings (15 yachts) there are two guys with replacement bits, one with hips, with a Sea Wych, one with knees, with an old small Beneteau. They both seem to get on all right.
Our butcher still races his beautiful Windermere 17 Class after numerous hip replacements.
Not being in the same position, I can only suggest you enjoy your sailing and keep fit.
 

Rowana

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I would agree with dralex that exercise and keeping the strength up are the key.

My mother had one replaced when she was well into her 70's, and I rember being with her when we went to see the consutant before the op.

"Now Mrs Irvine, you may have a slight limp after the operation"

"Not if I can help it" Said in the tone of voice I remember well from my childhood which really meant "absolutely no way ! !" And she didn't


We used to make a joke about having to make an appointment to go and see her, as she was never in. Always away on some jolly or other.

She didn't sail, but she carried on all her other jaunts right up until she went into hospital 6 weeks before she finally died in her 90th year.


So just get out there and do it

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