Approximately four years ago I had a full hip replacement at the young age of 40. I have been a runner since jr. high and this was always my exercise of choice. Of course, the 1st thing they tell you before and after the surgery is your days of running are over and try to keep your weight down. After my surgery I used a recumbant bike for rehab, however I found this very boring. I started walking 5-6 miles a day and lost 25 lbs, but don't get the same results or get that runner's high. Last summer I had a recheck and everything looked great. After that I started doing some light jogging which has lead up to running 5-6 days a week for the last 8 months. Since that time I have lost an additional 25 lbs which for me is good. I am 5'9, 140 lbs.

I feel great, however deep down I worry about what damage I am causing to my new hip. Has anyone else out there had anything similar or know of anyone who still runs after having hip or knee replacement??? I am hooked on running again and try to run between 5-6 miles a day.

Any suggestions or imput???

Plz don't burst my bubble with everything negative....I get that from my husband who really means well.

Gimpy, I feel for you. I really do. I love to run myself. You need to go with your doctors advice. Maybe even switch doctors and ask a new one. But dont take the forums advice over that of a medical professional. You're too young to blow that hip out permanently.

Welcome Gimpy. Have you considered a different activity/sport that is not so hard on your hip? Have you considered bike riding / racing?

I live in Michigan so the weather is only good for biking a few months out of the year. My husband cycles and I tried it a few times last summer, but that actually bothered my leg and tailbone.

I realize I can always continue walking.....I just like the benefits from running and it takes much less time. In January I started incorporating some weight training 2-3 times a week to tone up.

I was hoping that there was someone else out there that may have a similar situtation. More than likely they do what the doctor ordered.

Thanks for your response.

Gimpy, I had open heart surgery to replace my aorta last April and did a Half Ironman on the first anniversary. I am upfront with my cardiologist as to what my goals are. I think most doctors recognize the mental health aspect of rehabilitation and are amenable to trying to become "normal" within the confines of sound medicine. Talk to your orthopedist and tell him/her about your desires to resume running. You might even want to get a second opinion on this as there are as many opinions as there are doctors.

"Your typical 50yo, two-time cardiac patient Ironman"

I would limit the amount of running if possible, it will just accelarate the wear & tear of the joint. Im sure there's something you can find that isn't boring, and if not, to find ways of making boring things not sor boring.

my dad got a hip replacement at 35 years old, and through that he gained a lot of weight because he was less active.
He got high blood pressure and high cholesterol and was overweight.
His doctor told him not to run, and so he took up biking.

He bikes almost everyday for 45 minutes to an hour, he has literally shed weight and has no problems at all with his blood pressure or cholesterol. he is in top notch shape and his doctor is amazed..
he has not changed his diet much and enjoys his beer and cigars ha ha, but he bikes every single day, or almost.. and he loves it

you should take up cycling, because you can pop your hip again if u run