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| Aug. 14 The Pro 81 posts | Hip Replacements Is there anyone out there that is actively playing Senior Softball that has had BOTH hips replaced, Please respond if you have. I'd like to know what age you are, what position you play, what you weigh and how long from the operation(s) to the day you played in your first game. Thanks!! |
| Aug. 14 softball4b Men's 70 1250 posts | Hip Replacements I had my left hip replaced 12/6/07. Played in my first tournament 03/08, all tourney. 5' 10' 270lbs. No pain just tightness, improving daily. |
| Aug. 14 Mitch Men's 50 68 posts | Hip Replacements I know you asked about some one having BOTH hips replaced, and like softball4b, I had my left hip replaced. Mine was done on May 14, 2008. It's been about 2 and a half months and it's going fine. I haven't returned to playing yet but I plan on playing next year. I told myself that I had to take a year off and get it done and rehab it so next year I'll be back to playing again. I'm 57 years old, 6' tall and weight about 250 lbs. I'm going to 24 hour fitness 3 times a week with a personal trainer each time. Although I'll be a year older, I plan on having one of my best years since I started playing senior ball 7 years ago. Like softball4b, no pain just tightness and improving daily. Hope this helps. |
| Aug. 16 Jawood Men's 50 943 posts | Hip Replacements No surgery yet, but received my first corisone shot last week and my hip is feeling much better. I have been limping around in pain all season and now I can play again. Hope it lasts for a while! |
| Aug. 19 OldGlove 5 posts | Hip Replacements I've been told by a surgeion that I need a hip replacement, but have continued to play in pain for the time being. Mainly, because of several things the surgeion said. First, I was advised to put it off for as long as I could, since they really don't last forever. At age 61 I'm concerned about what happens when it goes bad in 15 years. Dis anyone elsge get the same kind of advice. Second, my doc told me that I should absolutely give up any sport that had the possibility of "contact" in it. Specifically, he said no more softball or basketball. Did any of you get the same warnig, and, if so, have you just chosen to ignore it. I'm a middle infielder, who tends to get stupid and really play hard, so the contact thing scared me. Finally, anybody heard any pluses or minuses of hip resurfacting as an option. Thanks |
| Aug. 19 Mitch Men's 50 68 posts | Hip Replacements OldGlove, in my previous post I mentioned I had my left hip replaced on May 14th this year. I'm 57 which according to my surgeon, is young. Usual age is 65 to 70. My surgeon told me that the "old" hip replacement "stuff" was designed to last 12 to 15 years. But, there's a newer one on the market, which I had put in me, that's designed to last a "lifetime". It has better weight disbistution and better stability because the ball and socket are larger and made of some new material, I think it's called carbon steel but I'm not sure. The reason they say it's "designed" to last a lifetime is becasue it's only been out a couple of years and they don't have the data to back it up yet. Before my surgery, I told my surgeon that my ultimate goal was to get to playing softball and he said that shouldn't be problem, just no more sliding. Hell, I haven't slid in 12 years or so that wasn't a problem. Besides, I told him I learned how ro strech a triple into a double and a double into a single a long time ago. I'll stay on the base I know I'm safe on and not push it any further. Like I said before, I haven't started palying again yet but I plan on it next year. If your surgeon says they only last 12 years, get a second opinion because there's new ideas on the market. Good Luck |
| Aug. 20 Jetboy 62 posts | Hip Replacements As a person with a family history of hip problems (mother, brother and sister all have had both replaced) I'm very worried about having to have one. I decided to do something about it. I'm 55 years old, 5' 9" and weighed 245 less than a year ago. I've begun to watch what I eat, actually tracking everything I put in my mouth and I'm down to 180 pounds now. I would reccomend this plan for anyone who is concerned with their hips, it will take a lot of strain off the joint. Also would be a good idea for anyone who has already had the surgery to drop some pounds too. |
| Aug. 20 OldGlove 5 posts | Hip Replacements Mitch, thanks for the info -- I'll investigate the "newer" technology. It potentially alleviates one of my major concerns. I still have some concern about the "contact" aspect. I play shortstop and there are just enough guys out there that don't know how to get out of the way on a double play that I still have minor collisions with them once and a while. Based on your discussion w/ your Doc, how do you think he would react to that concern. I'm afraid mine is just covering his hind end by being extremely cautious. |
| Aug. 20 OldGlove 5 posts | Hip Replacements Jetboy, point well taken. I'm 5'-10 - 200 lbs, but would still be a lot better off if I weighed 185. Easier said than done -- you have my respect! |
| Aug. 20 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | Hip Replacements Jetboy: My experience is similar to yours other than I haven't lost as much weight as you. But I have dropped 20-25 and have been working my legs/hips at the gym... the combination of the two has helped me considerably. I had tinkered with the idea of a hip replacement but have decided to postpone it as long as possible. Before the changes, I did have a lot of acute hip pain (roughly2 years). But the real problem was secondary as I couldn't work my legs out as hard as I would have liked. Because when I did, the hip joint would get compressed and this would cause inflamation of the joint. This is less of an issue now and is getting better weekly. In addition to all of this, stretching is real important... before I play, after a work out, during my down time, etc. Of all of the work outs, cardio seems to be the most beneficial in the immediate sense... my therapist told me that the joint was rusty from underuse (consistent exercise) and that cardio loosens it up. This has proven to be true... the result anyway. Having stated this, I understand that hip injuries come in several different categories and not everyone's hip will improve w/o surgery... but I would try to avoid surgery unless it's absolutely necessary. BW |
| Aug. 20 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Hip Replacements jetboy, great point. I cannot imagine going through a hip replacement and then still carrying around 250 or 270 pounds on it. God helps those who help themselves. |
| Aug. 21 OldGlove 5 posts | Hip Replacements The Wood: I'm trying to play this year with an arthritic hip. Do you have a source for specific exercises or stretching techniques that have helped you? |
| Aug. 21 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Hip Replacements "get out of the way"? Isn't the runner's job to take out the SS or 2B and break up the double play? And isn't it the infielder's job to avoid the contact? Not saying to play dirty, but there are ways to do it properly and cleanly, all part of the game. |
| Aug. 21 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | Hip Replacements Old Glove: I would submit to physical therapy before I took any advice from any of us. There are several different types of hip maladies and I'm not sure that yours and mine are the same. If I'm going to be accused of practicing medicine without a license it will not be for orthopedics... :-) But to answer your question about what has worked for me... leg extensions - lots of reps, medium weight (whatever is medium for you)... the hip machines that you see the ladies using (more frequently then men) - I use the one that has the pad outside the knees (light weight, lots of reps, very little resting time between sets, maybe 15 seconds). Stretching - I'm sure that you've seen this stretch before... take your heel and bring it as high as you can (backward) and then rotate your hip toward the posterior... hold it for 4-5 seconds, rest it for the same and then repeat this 3 times. I do this when I'm working out (right after the hip machine), when I'm watching the tube and before I play. But it makes sense to stretch both hips in this way. I went from a greyhound to a bloodhound to a porch pooch before I finally decided to do something about it... after doing so, I learned that it really didn't take much of my time to be better prepared to play. Your hips have an awful lot to do with practically every movement you make on the field, particualry a middle infielder such as yourself. I'm so accustomed to limping that I've had to make a concerted effort to walk normally. When I'm tired, I'll find myself limping even though I'm in no pain. The point of this is that I had just 'settled' for it. You don't have to... BW |
| Aug. 22 OldGlove 5 posts | Hip Replacements First, "The Wood"---Thanks for you insight and the time you took to share it with me. Your comments hit home with me, and have already helped me become more proactive in dealing with the situation. And, I promise I won't sue you for malpractice.. Second, "Dirty" --- I'm not worried about the guy who is trying to"take me out" - I know what to expect from him and how to deal with it. I'm talking about the clumsy putz that comes in standing up and hits you in the sternum with the top of his head after you've gone 3' into right field after making the turn. Then he says, oh I'm sorry... I thought you were going inside the bag (or some equally stupid comment). Then the ump comes out and says "Hey, relax - he didn't do it on purpose". They're out there, and they never seem to get any smarter or more athletic. |
| Aug. 22 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | Hip Replacements OG: I'd like to be known for promoting safety but I have little patience for guys coming in standing up or sliding too late. I am a strong proponent of the 'Spalding Sandwich' and have told our middle infielders as much... more than once. If the runners don't have enough sense to get down or out of way, it should be their problem. I also tell our guys to get down or out of the way. There is no excuse for ignorance... or indifference. It isn't that complicated. You could rehad your hip into its 'age 30 condition' (in theory) and then some fool runs into you. The runners have a moral duty to avoid the collisions... and the rules state as much. I know this, if you become known as a guy that won't accept it, the runners will back off. Few players like the taste of Spalding. I'm sure that this will offend some 'purists' and I really don't care. If it bothers you, don't come in high on our players and this will never come into play. BW |
| Aug. 22 The Pro 81 posts | Hip Replacements Thanks for all the response. I had my right hip replaced 12/27/07. I weighed 297 at the time. Now weigh 270 and going down. Everyone that mentioned weight loss is critical to all our joints is dead on! I'm taking BP, but still can't run (those that know me will say I never could). Looking to return full time in November when the new teams begin playing for next year. I have osteoarthritis in both hips and the left one is now "bone on bone" They want me to have that one replaced, but I'm resisting it through "pain" management. I had a very bad experience with an infection after my hip replacement that literally almost cost me my life and I can't get it out of my mind! My advice, put it off as long as you can possibly tolerate the pain, then if you need it get the "big ball" metal one if you want to return to playing. Follow your re-hab religously (I didn't because of the infection"). Everyone recovers at a different rate, so be patient and don't forget, this is a major trauma to your body and give it all the time it needs to repair itself. |
| Aug. 25 Maj + player 16 posts | Hip Replacements I guess I can speak of this operation with experience. I had my right hip (I am right handed) replaced in Feb 2006. I was retired at the time so I took an extra long time to rehab and get back into the game. I am playing at about 90% of where I was before the operation. I played Maj plus with the Mavericks before my pain took me down. I can now push off and drive the ball again with no pain. I have lost some of my power but I do not take the batting practice that I did before the operation. Most people do not even know that I had it done, if the are watching me play. I am 6'4" and weigh about 290lbs now. I am slowly coming down in weight, which we all know will help my health. I am proof that you can come back and play at a high level after a hip replacement. Good Luck to all of you hip replacement players. |
| Aug. 26 Mitch Men's 50 68 posts | Hip Replacements OG, to answer your question about my doctor and the concern about contact. Yes, he did mention it and stressed the importance of avoiding it. To me, it means I need to be a lot more alert to things going on around me during any game. As I said before, I haven't returned to playing yet, my surgery was done May 14, 2008, but I plan on returning next year. Here's the way I looked at my whole hip replacement decision. I had a lot of pain in my left hip, especially in my upper thigh area. The surgeon said that's called "defered" pain and the actual pain was in the hip joint itself because it was bone on bone from arthritis. My surgeon said I had 2 options, one was to play while using pain meds, which worked but I couldn't do any quick movements, and second was the hip replacement. My thinking was this, I'm 57 now and I could play for a few more years before tha pain got to be to much, BUT, they wouldn't be "good" years. I thought if I take a year off and get the hip replacement done and then the rest of the year rehab it then next year I'd be able to return to playing and have many more "good" years. If you delay having it done, just remember, you'll be older and rehabing it might take a lot longer if you wait. My thinking is, the younger I am when I have it done, the faster and better the rehab will be. Now I will hopefully have many "good" years ahead of me. Time will tell. Good Luck in your decision, which ever one you pick. |
| Aug. 26 Wes Men's 65 335 posts | Hip Replacements the wood--give ma a training session--what is "Spalding Sandwich"?????? Wes |
| Aug. 26 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | Hip Replacements Spalding Sandwich = a ball thrown neck high toward first base (from 2nd base bag)... it gives the runner 3 options... 1) go down... 2) veer well out of the way... 3) take one in the neck or face... it's totally the runner's choice... he can either play safely or not. Fortunately, it isn't often that someone chooses number 3. BW |
| Aug. 26 Wes Men's 65 335 posts | Hip Replacements And you do that because the runner had at some time tried to take out the SS or 2nd basemen????? Wes |
| Aug. 26 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | Hip Replacements bingo! |
| Aug. 26 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Hip Replacements And yet some guys say they don't go after pitchers... perhaps they just wait to use them as the meat for the sandwich... This could be applied to any runner. |
| Aug. 26 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | Hip Replacements TAITS: I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic, trying to be sincere or what the f@$% you're trying to say. This doesn't have anything to do with pitchers... and it does not apply to every runner. It's real simple... if the pivot man throws the ball 'right down the chute', it makes a lot of sense to not be in the way... that way, no one gets hurt. If you're dumb enough to put your head 'in the chute', it's your own fault. The rule plainly states that the runner must make the attempt to get out of the way (do you not understand this part?)... it does not state that the pivot man should throw the ball around him. This is our way of handling the situation... if you don't like it I'm not sure what to say to you. Just get out of the line of fire... I didn't originally bring up this concept. Old Glove did... the runners have been a problem for him and his hip... I'm merely explaining why it isn't a problem for us. No, we don't go after pitchers... that isn''t our way of doing things. If you were around any of our games you would see that we play the game as safely/properly as anyone. Since you haven't, you can ask 30 different Nor Cal guys from MTC and/or Old A's and they can fill you in. BW |
| Aug. 27 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Hip Replacements BW; If taking out a runner "accidentally or otherwise" is end result of your #3 option what difference is that between it and a batter going after the pitcher. Other than they would be on opposing teams. As for other runners going to another base, it does happen. I play with a guy who took one in the face by a SS this year going to 3rd base. Never even knew it was thrown, like a lot of players they do not watch the ball, to avoid being slowed down, while advancing. Maybe the non enforcement or adherence to the 3' base running path and watching the ball would make avoidance easier. Just saying it happens, the who & why, etc, I can't speak for those players. But it also happens off field. I took one in side of face while talking to another coach between innings. No one knew it was thrown and no one admitted it other than it was either the 2nd baseman or the ss. I'll agree that the vast majority or injuries are accidents but it's the ones that are not there is concern for. We all know someone we play with who gets hot under the collar while playing. There are many levels to that as well. Glad you got your set of plus rules officially now. I think it is a win win deal. Wasn't meant to be sarcastic, just two ways that cause injuries as does players running into each other. |
| Aug. 27 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | Hip Replacements Taits: If I jumped to conclusions over the sarcasm, I apologize... I'm not always clear as to what it is that try to say... my fault. As far as all of the other 'what ifs' and 'superceeding, intervening clauses', the game isn't that complex. You either get out of harm's way or you don't... period... it's the runner's choice. BW |
| Aug. 28 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Hip Replacements BW; No problem but. As for the "what ifs" which are all a part of it, you and I both know that some guys do hold a grudge. What they do with that could be most anything. Hold it in verbalize it, take it out on that "person" in some way. That also applies to team mates "doing" something, or for a fellow player. And that other player may not even know about it. With that in mind, I think you can see how any combination of "what ifs" could be a result to cause one or more of the afore mentioned "happenings". Rare, but it goes on, is all I'm saying. Have had it happen to myself and heard it as well. you just have to be on your guard as a player at bat or on the field. Accidents happen so does $%#t. In Vegas about 5 years back I was on the bench as a DH and we had our pitcher hit, the batter laughed when he got to 1st. This is really what I mean in all this. Post wasn't directed at you, just the problem within the actions. |
