Another milestone on the bionic man path.
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Denis - DCSki Supporter 
July 2, 2020 (edited July 2, 2020)
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts

Total hip replacement on Monday.  I came home yesterday afternoon Pretty heavily drugged.  While suffering a bit, I consider this to have been the dodging of a bullet, although I can’t be certain until 2 weeks have passed.  Hospital systems, driven by government Regulators and fear of liability have established rehab centers for patients who do not progress according to guidelines.  Many of these centers are in or next door to nursing homes.  A friend warned me about this, for which I am very grateful.  It was not easy to suffer the first 24 hours post-op.  But I gritted my teeth and did everything possible to convince them I was having the greatest recovery in history so I could get the he** out of there.  Did it now because San Francisco has a remarkably low COVID rate.  The bad numbers for California as a whole are coming from 5 counties around LA and San Diego.  I don't expect that to last and elective surgeries will likely be shut down soon.

I hope you all are well and safe.

Denis 

Scott - DCSki Editor
July 2, 2020
Member since 10/10/1999 🔗
1,249 posts

I'm glad you were able to have your surgery and dodge some of the issues related to COVID.  Best wishes for a continued speedy recovery.

The Colonel - DCSki Supporter 
July 2, 2020
Member since 03/5/2004 🔗
3,110 posts

Follow doctor orders!

JimK - DCSki Columnist
July 3, 2020
Member since 01/14/2004 🔗
2,963 posts

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Denis.  Keep us informed with an occasional update on your status.

DCSki Sponsor: Past Yonder: A Human's Views on AI
Vermont
July 4, 2020
Member since 12/26/2019 🔗
174 posts

Stay safe and heal Denis! Your sense of humor in such a tough situation is admirable.

 

skiracerx
July 4, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

Hi Denis, i have left hip replacement coming end of July.  Keep us posted. Skiers being active do well.

I have a good team and the recovery is their own wing, we all get tested coviid starting a week out.

I have a prehab program and able to walk 1/2 mile a day. with min pain meds. 

 5mg hydrocodone and 7.5 maloxicam a day. 

I hope to be in hospital 1 day. Like you don't want to hang around.  

MD covid wise is doing well so far.  

I wish you the best. 

This link is my summary for THA and Skiing - hase sources - you may like to read.

i do a risk analysis for myself, but find interesting science.

covers wear, heat, load.  i found a drunk stumble is high hip load. 

http://skidome.org/ZardozRen/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/THA_Sports_risk.pdf

My prehab is much more then min requirements:  My Goal is 90% + range of motion before end of july.

1/2 mile walk, stairs, Stretch bands and upper body weights. daily. 

Added Vit/min iron and I am Low Vit D so added that. 

this is a link to download my pre and post rehab 

http://skidome.org/ZardozRen/wp-admin/upload.php?item=681

All the best denis 

Ed aka Zardog  

Denis - DCSki Supporter 
July 4, 2020
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts

Should anyone need to photobomb a zoom meeting, I have a magnificent bandage on my ssa.  Opportunities like this don't come along often.  ðŸ˜²

skiracerx
July 15, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

Hi Denis,  question was it anterior or the other method? I hear first 3 days are the hardest ? any comments

How was your ROM and abilty to walk before surg?  I have anterior coming end of July. ROM is now 95%+

I can walk 3/4 mile with min pain med. I just added a TRX suspension at home , my PT guy said it would help pre and post rehab.

I wish you a speedy recovery.  Ed Fowler Zardog 

Bionic I wish they just give reg function parts no add on Bionic.

 

Crush
July 15, 2020
Member since 03/21/2004 🔗
1,271 posts

Ed you monkey! You sent the admin url for the upload! It should be something like /wp-content/uploads/2020/?????

E-

skiracerx wrote:

...

http://skidome.org/ZardozRen/wp-admin/upload.php?item=681

All the best denis 

Ed aka Zardog  

 

Denis - DCSki Supporter 
July 15, 2020 (edited July 15, 2020)
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts

skiracerx wrote:

Hi Denis,  question was it anterior or the other method? I hear first 3 days are the hardest ? any comments

How was your ROM and abilty to walk before surg?  I have anterior coming end of July. ROM is now 95%+

I can walk 3/4 mile with min pain med. I just added a TRX suspension at home , my PT guy said it would help pre and post rehab.

I wish you a speedy recovery.  Ed Fowler Zardog 

Bionic I wish they just give reg function parts no add on Bionic.

 

Thanks Ed.  Your story parallels mine.  I was bone on bone, walking with poles daily, slowly and painfully, </= 1 mile.  My procedure was a minimal impact posterior.  It's my surgeons specialty, and I really like what he did for my knees.  So I cast aside all advice from friends about the advantages or disadvantages of approaches.  I wanted this done quickly, before the virus shut down elective surgery.  To my amazement, the surgeon told me just before going to the operating room to forget about all I've heard about restrictions of movement immediately post surgery.  'We have relaxed all the restrictions you've heard about.  Just don't do anything that hurts like hell.'

TMI Alert.

As to the toughest days, mine was the second week, roughly days 7-10.  I'm pretty tough about physical pain, but not intestinal distress.  I can't sleep, eat, or even think with the latter.  They give you a massive dose of antibiotic with the surgery as protection against bone infection, which is really bad.  It wipes out your gut bacteria, both the good ones and the bad ones and the bad ones come back faster than the good ones.  When you're still on the heavy opiod pain killers you'll feel pretty good but they cause massive constipation, which helps aggravate problem #2, above.  I stopped opioids at 6 days and went to as little ibuprofen as needed for reasonable comfort.  My primary care doc doesn't like NSAIDs, but she is 30 something and doesn't understand, so I make pragmatic choices cautiously.  It's been 15 days now and I'm feeling good, gaining strength and ROM every day.

skiracerx
July 25, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

Hi denis - very soon I get one next week.  I appreciate your time to post. And cander to talk about a shittty subject. 

PREHAB doing well added a TRX like suspension system for 20$. ROM at 95%, Strength at 90% +

Started 6/17/2020  Prehab, the nice thing since most of us have some body maintenance 4 weeks things come right back. Add a bit of protein, glutamine, creatine.   15/5/5 grams per day nothign excessive. 

Stretch bands, dumbells and Walking 1/2 mile a day. N omroe then 50 lbs. 

The combo of antibiotics and Opiods mess up the end pipe issue. No need to sugar coat it is a horrible feeling. 

I should get a probiotic ???? did you ??? 

I was recommened Seanna-s  - Not cheap as first choice  not only that generics sold out - 80 cents a pill 1.60 a day

and Merilax for move if if the first choice is not working. 

 

NSAIDS had to stop meloxicam 7.5 every 24 for a week. Works wonders for OA. I Roller painted a living room and the pain in nerve so bad even narcotics would not help. The issue of meloxicam is 40% maybe heart attack. My docs don't  like me on it. 

I will be on 325 Asprin for 6 weeks no other NSAIDS - only tylonol - I have script for Hydrocodone - 30 mg a day, Surg will prescribe more.

I did have a full 5 years check echocardiogram and from all labs etc, all is good.

MY vItamin D is chronic low and had to preload D3 

added IRON in a multivitamin for added hlep with bone growth 

Fine tuned hyroid med by  weight I lost and kept off 45 lbs. 

That will help the hip.   Funny my implant comes from Draper UTAH

Friend  gave me a free Cold Rush Icee machine- the supply llines failed. 10$ new PVC ,(barb, glue, clamp)

they are much nicer then ICE Gel packs  HOw much did you use ICE and how many days???

I wish you a speedy  painless recovery.  Ed Fowler Aka ZARDOG 

For skiing I may go back to my buttt/hips pads, at leat in the race course. 

http://skidome.org/ZardozRen/hip/

 

 

 

 

 

skiracerx
July 25, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

MY SURG is Anterior specialist and has 15 years.  Brother in law mother in law many other friends too.

 

JimK - DCSki Columnist
July 25, 2020
Member since 01/14/2004 🔗
2,963 posts

Good luck Ed.  Let us know how it goes.  Any number of us could be following in the footsteps of you and Denis someday.

Denis - DCSki Supporter 
July 25, 2020
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts

Probiotic yes.  Yogurt as well.  It's almost a month now and on a good day I feel I could ski.  As long as there is no snow I don't have to put up or shut up about that.  Ha!  

skiracerx
July 29, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

Hello all,  the truth pain just surg day and yesterday - maybe 2 out of 10 level lthis am no pain meds for 8 hours 

Sleep wa 2 to 3 hrs then up tehn back to sleep got in 7 hrs 

When I painted the lliving room the cyst presses on the nerve and no narcotics kill that pain. 

I had 2 labral teas which cause the cysts reaction to leaking synovial fluid 

Bone spur and few pieces of bone or fragments. 

Worst issue Hiccups - anesthesia  spinal reaction - Doc can order a med for that. 

I will take it easy 2 weeks and only do the  BOOK 6 exercises and 300 -500 ft of walking per  day with only a cane

1 set up and down stairs 10 to 14 steps.

Wear compression socks a must and shorts will help. 

Proof 4 weeks of prehab ROM 2 weeks and Strength really helps.

Monday They had 20 Orthro surgeries.

If you are in the Baltimore Area. Dr Marc  Hungerford is the Doc. highly rated. Staff all around  may my stay  plesant.

The fornt line is scared of covid in the fall. Bite all you want but just ware  a mask and hand wash and distance.

Not hard to do and it will make a  difference. Do it for Them they have to work. 

Thank you Denis for the tips Probiotics I have a 4 type 11$ for 30 days

Lot of yougurt  :o)

Take care all.

Ed 

 

 

 

 

 

Denis - DCSki Supporter 
July 29, 2020 (edited July 29, 2020)
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts

Keep up the fight.  In a month you'll be a new man.  2 days past one month and had my post op check yesterday.  X-ray looks good.  Ball and socket bigger than I expected.  Bone is good.  Doc gave me an A+.  Ordered a pair of impact shorts.

Denis

skiracerx
August 9, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

Hello at Day 12.

Week 1 - only hiccups, well medicated 

Week 2 - 8/3 left thigh calf and  foot swelling 2x the right side.

sttill swollen but a bit less should subside in a few more days.

When you stand the  hydrostatic shock says OUCH

The surface temp of left leg vs right at peak was 6 degrees warmer.

now at 4 degrees difference.

Denis - yes yogurt and probiotics do wonders with laxitive management.

PT Rehab - by the book low key- Milestone Sat I walked with cane 1/4 mile.I can get most chores done except carry over 10 lbs like trash taking out or laundry.

Should be cleared to drive by end of upcoming week. Post Surg visit tues.

Ed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denis - DCSki Supporter 
August 9, 2020
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts

Ed,

hope the swelling and excess warmth has gone down.  Watch out for infection.  It's serious.

denis 

skiracerx
August 20, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

Ahhhhh. On the 2 week post visit my PA ran a vascular check for DVT and clots all good. I tend to swell more. The heat is from cellular activity. kinda cool. 

Swelling is expected the first 4 weeks, I will be week 4 next tues. So all is good.

it suckked getting otu of bed - the pressure in calf would yell loudly. that has gone away.

Best to describe like a bee sting and swelling, very hot and lots of pressure. 

ICE - 150 lbs in my ice machine and Gle packs. it pulls the heat out. 

I can walk no cane and no issues in the gait.

Not one symptom that I had before the surgery. NO muscle spasms or sciatica lock up and  numb.

My HOOS score (free at orthotoolkit.net)  my score in may was 6.9  0 is the worst.

Monday scored 73 very nice.

PT wise told to keep it under 1/4 mile a day and no more then 3 sets of stairs.  Normal walk indoors runs about 600-800 feet a day.

Mid Sept I can add on strength and ROM that will take 4 weeks - I expect by early Oct. at 90% ROM/Strength. 

I would opt for surgery again this seems to be successful. 

Take care Ed 

 

 

skiracerx
August 30, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

HOOS Score at 4 weeks at 94. up from 74.    - score sheest can be found at orthotoolkit.net 

Much less ice, swelling and better movement. I was icing 18 hrs a day it seemed like.

Now maybe 2 to 3 hours.

walk sequence remodeling = correct biomechnics slow  doing well as in perfect.

tues will be 5 weeks. last wed I walked without a cane, grass field with grandson.

I will not kid anyone still not a fun rehab but when are rehabs fun? 

You will cherish the first full nights sleep. 

the link is a vid you can see me bend. Chad Grandson and I having a BLAST with STEM - Model rockets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jeK-pAsoTM&t=1s

I no longer and have not experienced any old symptoms I had before esp sciatic nerve pinch and lock up.

no issue weaning from narcotics. 

ed

 

 

Denis - DCSki Supporter 
August 30, 2020
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts

Ed,

Great.  Love the model rocketry.  My son and I did that.

denis 

skiracerx
September 1, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

Grandkids - Rockets Estes has a nice set of lesson plans and who does not like rockets :o)  Chad is a mini me. He is limited by his age and physical strength, but we like to work on cars and computers. I teach that things work for a reason, and how to observe. STEM. 

I have the 2nd grade curriculum form his school, BTW impressive, and we can learn together. One goal is to develop lesson plans for kids with ski and snowboard in mind. Kids like to learn with fun and apply practical experience. 

 

 

skiracerx
September 7, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

SWEETNESS, at week 6, HOOS SCORE now 98 /100   the avg rehab part 1 is 6 to 12 weeks. part 2 is 6 to 9 months. ie bone to grow around the implant matrix. That is why I will not be skiing green easy till late feb 2021. No reasonn to rush and focus on 2021/22 to race. At 57 no spring chicken 

OFF pain meds narcotics, min tylenol 

walking no cane, perfect mechnics. 

NEx tweek I come off weight lift restrictions. can  add 5x5 adn stretch bands that will bring strength back in 4 weeks.

ROM TOE IN 95% toe out 95%  Knee lift up standing 75% 

cannot sit and lift and place left foot over right knee. 

swelling at 5% and not much ice use. I was icing 18 hrs a day for 4 weeks.

I think my main flaw in ski stance is fixed . Interesting 

I have the bill under 25k$. about 8k$ was implant and tools. Anterior my doc is a pro at this method. 

next week Will post the actual process and tools used.  

Time to research and write a risk mitagation / injury for returnign to racing. It is your choice but understand the risks.

few things- HEAT yes the joint will heat up with activity. Ski and racing we get to rest on a lift. GOOD.

WEAR the cup liner is a high end plastic and can be replaced, that requires surg and 5 weeks rehab.  

Broken Femur - the implanrt stem is inside the Femur canal. Surg to repair.  I plan to wear body armor for my shorts. 

Falls taken 5 to remember for a lifetime ( 25 years skiing) and I know why each time and mostly my fault of a bad decision. SO a Will take less chances or be less stupid :o) 

To Denis and  the rest before me thanks good data capture and a ton of knowledge. 

ed zardog skiracerxray 

 

camp
September 13, 2020 (edited September 13, 2020)
Member since 01/30/2005 🔗
660 posts

Well wishes Denis and Ed. This thread, and Morgan's interview, are particularly interesting to me right now as I deal with my first serious injury and first ortho surgery. I'm 4.5 weeks post-surgery for a femur/hip emergency repair. Looking forward to my 6-week visit and getting all-clear to weight-bear and begin the work.

skiracerx
September 15, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

Good luck, we are fortunate to have the medical care available. PRos quit when they tire of rehab. my team was the "A" team. and planned out. usually different for emergency injury.

 maybe more vitamin D and iron some things can help but the usual check your doctor.  I am Vit D low all the time SUN does not work for me. Typical is a multi vitamin with iron during prep and post healing.  I can now add protein, creatine and glutamine for supplement. Don't laugh the stuff works not in excess no big $$$.   I need to add that to my hip web page, duh... 

I was not fully prepared  for ICE 18 hrs a day for 4 weeks and the leg swelling and HEAT. - all cell activiity.

Sleep inturruption. The rest was fine.

NO issues weaning from oxy I now have energy. 

SLOW and Steady I like to push too hard so my DOCS kept on me to let the body have time. You cannot speed up cellular repair.

In may case week 7 ROM toe in /out 100% - Leg knee lift still 75% the muscles/it band near the surg area are still sotra numb as expected. Should take me 4 weeks of stretch bands, 5x5 stronglift , the suspension system and now a Trek bike a freind gave me. 

I can walk up to 1 mile a day. NO running or Yoga. Rest is good to go. 

You may want to have a suspension system for workout very nice for rehab, and my balance  pad you can make from poll noodles. I have to avoid a gym due to my risk profile. I have weights Bosu suspension stretch bands and the bike. 

this link is a playlist for my dryland rehabs. works well for HIP, Glutes Legs. My PhdPT reviews. This guy taught me well. his link is noted in the comments onn you tube. I met him when he was in my ski club and young undergrad. 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT0J4U6eFTosFwvhRtbSyE_Nc3cyxkVaA

Stretch bands - 4 ways lift up toe in and out really work and makes your brain reconnect to the minor muscles.  My third rehab using for legs hips and I am sold.  Pool rehab is nice too, Suspension is nice. 

https://youtu.be/KUbuxLKG1Wc    

I completed my risk in sport self assessment- Less then 1/2 percent. But I know the worst case issues of injury to my implant. 

need 6 months of bone growth before I can ski. mid to late FEB.  I have no screws pins or cement all hand fitted. 

Ski season I will limit rotation ie slalom turns just use knees and ankles. wear my lower body armor, Keep it to under 30 mph and enjoy life. 

Following season  I will race not take stupid risks and only race days the conditions are optimal. they happen 30%. 

take care all about time. Ed 

skiracerx
October 4, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

Good Day all, at 10 Weeks and Fantastic - my bike rides get easier as I build cardio and muscle strength over all. HOOS Score 100/100.

ROM range of motion better then original. No pain - yeah all symptoms from before are gone. First 4 weeks the hard part.

Take care to all 

Ed 

 

camp
October 4, 2020
Member since 01/30/2005 🔗
660 posts

I'm at almost 8 weeks post-surgery and getting close to walking w/o crutches. 

Range of motion - great

Strength - good

Coordination - needs work

skiracerx
October 13, 2020
Member since 11/24/2008 🔗
226 posts

Camp keep on going. at 11 weeks and  I can climb a ladder and stand on a rung 1 hr or more and no pain. Before replacement there would have been pain. I spent a month before surg prehab and that helped. 

Coordination  I had to go back to perfect slow mechnical movement of actual thought. Kinda like brain connection stuff. Once you are off crutches. I was able to go Cane only day after surgury. I guess I am lucky hindsight 

Denis?? how are you doing ?? 

ed 

camp
October 13, 2020
Member since 01/30/2005 🔗
660 posts

skiracerx wrote:

Camp keep on going.

Usung this cane. I can take a few steps w/o it. Muscles wear out quickly. Doing pt and exercises many times/week. Have done some sets of up/down stairs with no hands, but I can't do it every day or every time. 

JimK - DCSki Columnist
October 13, 2020
Member since 01/14/2004 🔗
2,963 posts

Best wishes Camp and others, hope you are back on the slopes soon.  In the grand scheme of things, if you have to miss out on some skiing due to rehab, 2020 is probably the year to do it.

Denis - DCSki Supporter 
October 13, 2020
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts

Thanks friends.  We have a nice support group here.  

Saw my surgeon for a 3 month checkup last week.  He asked me to walk up and down the hall, then challenged the young intern with him to identify the surgical hip, left or right.  She couldn't tell.  That said, I have been plateaued for a few weeks at a level lower than I'd like.  He said to expect that.  The long term trend will be upward but you're going to have some setbacks and plateaus.  So I doubled down on the rehab exercises and got a bike trainer that effectively converts my bike to a stationary bike.  It's always there, ready for use in my entryway.  Yesterday's walk was a breakthrough improvement.  This has happened before; the real test will be how I feel over the next 3-4 days.

My last day of skiing was Jan. 29.  It started icy but softened up nicely.  I was on new gear, NTN , new telemark norm.  It is so powerful that alpine parallel turns feel as good as on alpine race gear.  (I used to race, long ago.). Once it softened, I started with tele turns, even got a "you're the man" from 2 young snowboarders.  2 days later the pain started, almost couldn't walk.  My primary care doc said it was a groin strain which can be quite painful and slow to heal.  PT was prescribed but I stopped going by early March due to concern about Covid.  I'm at high risk.  Months went by with no visible improvement, even though I continued with the exercises the PT had prescribed.  I wanted to get an x-ray and MRI and consult with the surgeon who did such a great job on my knees but was afraid to go to medical facilities.  Finally, I did go and the x-ray showed bone on bone in my right hip.  I had the replacement on June 29, 5 lost months after the precipitating incident.  Now, my period of limited to almost no activity has gone on for 8 months.  You can't do that at age 80 (79 actually) and come back like a kid.  It's going to take some hard work.  BTW the surgeon thinks I never had a groin or other muscular injury.

Good luck and keep fighting everybody, for all the recovery you can get.

camp
October 13, 2020
Member since 01/30/2005 🔗
660 posts

Denis wrote:

......My primary care doc said it was a groin strain which can be quite painful and slow to heal.  .........BTW the surgeon thinks I never had a groin or other muscular injury.

Geez, I hate to hear that. We are always at such a disadvantage in the medical environment.”‹ 

ZARDOG
October 31, 2020
Member since 10/25/2020 🔗
177 posts

At End of the first phase of 12 weeks. all good

Biking 5 to 10 miles 3 to 5 times a week. can climb a ladder 1 story and carry 50 lb bags. 

The implant hip and leg function better than the Original right leg. 

Now just continue my normal exercise and wait till the end of Feb 2021 to Ski. Time for Bone to Implant growth since I have no screws or cement. 

I am genetically Vitamin D deficient as in Under 30 ng (jul 1 20 ng) and taking a Load of 10,000 iu a month before surgery, then 2 months 5000 iu a day still under 30  ng at 28.5 ng. Obviously, I need 10,000 a day for life.  It affects the heart, diabetes, bone matrix. It is genetic.   Have blood work to know. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532266/

Population about 40% are deficient in vitamin D have you had a test. ????

Manage your health, question your doctor, check the good sources.  

 


camp
November 3, 2020 (edited November 3, 2020)
Member since 01/30/2005 🔗
660 posts

My 12-week post surg visit today; "All strengthening and functional activities with no restrictions"

Can I start skiing in 6 weeks?

"Let your body be the guide..."

no further questions

ZARDOG
November 3, 2020
Member since 10/25/2020 🔗
177 posts

nice Camp, My doc because of no screws or cement for implant said I need to wait for bone growth, ski after Feb 20. no racing till next season. 

My hope is others will not wait and have surgery, I should have had this done 5+ years ago. 

I plan to wear Crashpads for the half bottom for a bit of padded protection. 

 ed

camp
January 2, 2021
Member since 01/30/2005 🔗
660 posts

Today marked my 12th day on snow this season, including 3 local xc days in Michaux thanks to that mid-December surprise. Bending a knee and making a turn is not at all what I thought I'd be able to do in December. My first day out was 4 months from the day I left the hospital. So happy I'm able to ski so soon. Not 100% physically yet, but 100% happy. It's given me a good reason to ski slower and focus more on pressure control and short radius turns. 

131932004_3542892352458660_7786613997288404031_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=H-eeueqXItAAX9lyc9X&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=49e689b3041248ab923d2dd1bbbb20b6&oe=6016DD1D

Denis - DCSki Supporter 
January 2, 2021
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts
Nice!  Wish I were there.
ZARDOG
February 28, 2021
Member since 10/25/2020 🔗
177 posts

Day 1 and day 2 on snow analysis for ZARDOG.   Not 6 million or Bionic. Only 25$K

I waited as instructed after Feb 15 to ski to test the hip. A long 11 months.

My concern was the lack of being in shape as I normally would be in.  (5-5-15) body fertilizer

SOURCE: for a start - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407788/

5 grams creatine, 5 grams glutamate, 15 grams protein in water. HYDRATE ALL DAY. This helps ATP muscle function. 

Works too. After I get home another 15 grams of protein only.

 

I wore my 10 mm EVA dense crash pads. 

Started on front green runs and low speed to see if my brain and new part were functioning. Then off to the backside to work runs.

I had one fall and it was interesting, my left ski (new hip leg) can now perform an outside edge angle and lock up engage the turn.

Very new and MR brain was not wired for it. by end of day, I could ski all runs except mogul.

Avg Speed was 30-35. I also had 2 runs to add to this on the front for the first 2 runs and test the ski track app for correct elevation and GPS tracking for under 200 foot vertical (a bug). I will contact the System Eng at core coders to see the new way to calc slope is different.

1614515965_odhtrjnbrhim.jpg1614516242_tkbpdrkeuicm.jpg

Day 2 Roundtop- met up with Tom, Iceman, Lonnie, Steve (skied 10 - 3) . This was super fun trying to keep up with them as their race skis are higher than mine. A really good day and my ROM and edge angles and most likely stance is different. Need vid and photog rapid stop to check.

Most 95% of symptoms from before are gone. Still little sciatica but did not affect my skiing as before. most likely from my back lumbar.

same fall same engagement. By working on the new capability on a few green runs I was able to start the brain rewire.

1614516320_wxtgtwixwvwi.jpg

1614517282_mufwtqqzxksu.jpg

5 hours skiing straight, no break is not normal and a nice milestone. 

Overall very happy. I do have sight numbness to the touch on the ITB band area. I feel it just not at a touch so much.

it is a noted risk outcome.  Other symptoms can be worked on with flexibility, PT, and Chiro. 

Under my left quad, I get a muscle knot spasm. I put my ski pole handle under the spot while riding the life to massage the area.

seems to work. Changing car seat angle helped too.

Good to be off Narcotics even a low dose sucks the motivation and made me lazy. 

Ask your doctor-  No Alcohol your liver needs a break with these meds.

NEVER TAKE MORE THAN 3000 MG of Acetomphen a day. try for under 2000.

NSAID + ACETOMPHEN  ( Both hit different pain centers and have a synergistic effect)

Naprosyn (Alieve) 200-220+ Tylenol 500 mg every 12 .  

Take with food give it 1 hour see your pain level? 

If still need pain relief you can add one more Naprosyn  + 1 500 Tylenol.

In another hour check pain level. If still an issue call doc, clinic 

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6371943/

 I was amazed at the lack of workout beforehand and no DOMS muscle soreness the next day both days. 

I will need video and fast stop-action photography to verify my edge angles and stance/body position.

Seems good to me and should help my ski race times, a not in pain and numb and b better angles more efficient.

Party on Zardog

JimK - DCSki Columnist
March 2, 2021
Member since 01/14/2004 🔗
2,963 posts

Congrats Zardog.  Sooner or later, we're all going to follow in your reconstructed foot steps/ski tracks :-)

Denis - DCSki Supporter 
March 5, 2021
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts
Great news zardog.  Wish I could report similar progress.  Instead, the long slow uphill grind continues.
Denis - DCSki Supporter 
March 21, 2021
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts
Not skiing for the remainder of this season.  it’s a back problem quite likely caused by compensating changes in my gait post hip replacement.  I’ve loaned/given all my gear to daughter and grandsons with the provision that I can claim it back next season if I recover the ability to use it.  Meanwhile they can use and abuse it as they wish.  It wasn’t doing anybody any good gathering dust in my gear room.
Laurel Hill Crazie - DCSki Supporter 
March 21, 2021
Member since 08/16/2004 🔗
2,038 posts
You'll claim them back next season if they're still usable, lol.
Laurel Hill Crazie - DCSki Supporter 
March 21, 2021
Member since 08/16/2004 🔗
2,038 posts
Denis, maybe you can provide some insight. Me, at the ripe young age of 66 decided to buy a new AT set up and maybe start to earn my turns without having to learn tele. I got a Dynastar Mythic touring ski and a Marker Tour 10 AT binding. Well, I wanted to see how they work in Mid-A spring conditions so they were set up to work with my Lange Alpine boot, pretty stiff flex. The skis are 133-97-111  184 cm with a lot of tip rocker. I usually ski a 180. I'm not the greatest Alpine skier but I can manage most situations and often with a modicum of competence. Well, I could not buy a turn on these things even on a firm granular surface that I would normally rip. Even my wife said I looked like a first untrusting rookie. I'm thinking binding issues.
Denis - DCSki Supporter 
March 21, 2021 (edited March 21, 2021)
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,337 posts
Rob, sorry to hear of this.  My guess is that it’s not the binding but where it is mounted, probably too far back.  I’d recommend taking a private lesson with an experienced instructor who is good at motion analysis.  Insist on it at the ski school desk.  Tell them that you want their analysis of the problem and in particular where the ski is mounted.  Anything more than 2 cm off optimum can have drastic effects.  I do my own mounts and have for 20+ years.  I always Mount ball of foot on center of running surface, alpine and tele, rockered or not, and like it very much.  Shop mounts are often 2 cm or more behind that point and almost never in front of it.  I’ve only skied on skis with (some) camber underfoot.  Reverse camber and reverse side cut skis are different animals.   PM me if you want to know more.  

(Edited to say that I do not recommend that anyone do their own mounting.  Rather to state what I have found to be an ideal mount for me.  Anyone can request what they want with a shop.  If anyone flames me for what is said on this subject, I will not reply.)
camp
March 22, 2021 (edited March 22, 2021)
Member since 01/30/2005 🔗
660 posts

Laurel Hill Crazie wrote:

Denis, maybe you can provide some insight.

I know I'm not as experienced as Denis...

LHC, I thought you were already a Tele Jedi? I bought my son a pair of lightweight AT bindings (Marker Alpinist) on longer and wider skis than he was used to. We just spent 6 days in Montana inbounds and it took him a while to get them to turn like he was used to.  I think they are center mounted  

 

snowsmith - DCSki Supporter 
March 22, 2021
Member since 03/15/2004 🔗
1,576 posts

Zardog - don't you think you should dial it back a little after hip replacement? At your age, what do you really have to prove? You don't want to make your surgeons yatch payments again? You remind me of a friend who's a former racer and instructor at Roundtop. He skis every run flat out...a race to the bottom. That just seems a bit pointless to me. Just a different philosophy I guess. I do like your scientific approach to recovery.

I wish you the best.

ZARDOG
March 22, 2021
Member since 10/25/2020 🔗
177 posts

 Appreciate your concern. I do a risk assessment. 

I only was proving the pain was addressed. 

4 hrs was my norm, even when hip was trashed. I actually do not run every run flat out. Avg 30 visits a season. I was dialed back.  Avg Speed was at 30 -35. 

Most of my training is on Green and slow at 25 mph. 

zardog


 

snowsmith - DCSki Supporter 
March 22, 2021
Member since 03/15/2004 🔗
1,576 posts


 Nice  to know that medical science can replace a hip joint with an artificial joint and we can than still ski. I have a skier friend who is getting both knee joints replaced. I wonder if he'll ever be able to ski again? I feel very fortunate to have recovered from various injuries, only one of which was skiing related and can still ski. I am always amazed at DCski poster Supreme, JimK who just keeps rolling year after year, skiing some challenging stuff. I am hoping to challenge the worlds oldest skier who was still skiing at 107! He recently passed on to that great mountain in the sky but, man, the guy was amazing. I only have 40 years to go!

ZARDOG wrote:

 Appreciate your concern. I do a risk assessment. 

I only was proving the pain was addressed. 

4 hrs was my norm, even when hip was trashed. I actually do not run every run flat out. Avg 30 visits a season. I was dialed back.  Avg Speed was at 30 -35. 

Most of my training is on Green and slow at 25 mph. 

zardog


 

ZARDOG
March 23, 2021
Member since 10/25/2020 🔗
177 posts

I have racers 81 years old, they are in great shape many have a knee replacement. The hip is a ball-socket joint the knee is a hinged joint and takes more abuse.   11 out of 12 racers this year on our team are 50+  of that 6 are 60+. 

  I have a pool of 30 racers and they are all hard-chargers. 

I consulted with 3 surgeons, Spent 80+ hours of research. Spoke to many racers all over the world for their perspective.

My Risk assessment - Dislocation - under 1%, femur Break at implant site less than 1 %.

https://skidome.org/ZardozRen/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/THA_Sports_risk.pdf 

- I do avoid moguls and lots of short radius turns. 

- wear 10 mm EVA dense padding on hip/butt/thigh. 

My heart / diabetic issues were much more involved which is now well managed. 

              I FELT FINE the day I was 99% DEAD.

I share to help others.  Try to let younger people know what baselines to get and how to manage their health.  

It does take work and we all need to learn to be our best advocate. 

And for the younger people, implant technology is very good now. Only to become better.

BEST ADVICE is Body Armour and Training - Gymnastics, How to fall. 

 If you need surgery follow non-invasive and other means first.   

"they call it a LAZY BOY for a reason"

Zardog   

camp
March 23, 2021
Member since 01/30/2005 🔗
660 posts

I managed 60 times skiing this season, starting at 4 months from the date released from Hopkins after femur surgery. I skied a lot slower this season and focused more on short radius turns, turn shape, rotation, and speed control. Spent most of the first few weeks on green runs and started skiing Liberty moguls the last month, with more control and slower than usual. Now that my season is likely over, I started hiking last night and see that I still have plenty of muscles to build back up which is my new focus.

Check out this video from the 15:00 mark about aging and skiing.

youtube.com

Laurel Hill Crazie - DCSki Supporter 
March 23, 2021
Member since 08/16/2004 🔗
2,038 posts


 

Denis wrote:

Rob, sorry to hear of this.  My guess is that it’s not the binding but where it is mounted, probably too far back.  I’d recommend taking a private lesson with an experienced instructor who is good at motion analysis.  Insist on it at the ski school desk.  Tell them that you want their analysis of the problem and in particular where the ski is mounted.  Anything more than 2 cm off optimum can have drastic effects.  I do my own mounts and have for 20+ years.  I always Mount ball of foot on center of running surface, alpine and tele, rockered or not, and like it very much.  Shop mounts are often 2 cm or more behind that point and almost never in front of it.  I’ve only skied on skis with (some) camber underfoot.  Reverse camber and reverse side cut skis are different animals.   PM me if you want to know more.  

(Edited to say that I do not recommend that anyone do their own mounting.  Rather to state what I have found to be an ideal mount for me.  Anyone can request what they want with a shop.  If anyone flames me for what is said on this subject, I will not reply.)

Thanks for the advice. I was also thinking that the mount position was off. I checked and the binding is mounted a bit behind center. Perhaps that's the issue. I'm going back to the shop to talk things over. 

As for the movement analysis, always a good idea. It's getting too late in the season here, resorts are closed midweek and next Saturday I'm off to Maine. I'll see what can be done there.

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