Posted at 04:16PM, 12 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Hullo helen - I'v been on this site seriously since Feb 2010. Are you looking at a Hip Replacement. I had one in 2001. (best thing I ever did) I was 60 when I had it done.I found I got a bit stiff sitting down for periods but once got moving was ok. Had to pull myself up the stairs by way of the bar beside them. Hope nobody was looking. Was biking, running (had to give that a miss tho!) & walking up until then. After Hip Replacement had to go walking to have everything made stronger etc. (something like that!)Entered into various cycling tours in Australia and into cycling & walking since with no more pain or problems. Good luck to you - will be thinking of you

Posted at 10:16PM, 12 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Hi girls my sister has had a hip replacement, a revision and now her other hip is starting to go too.She walked the half marathon with me a couple of years ago and is getting inspired to do another event soon. We will have to get her training. Keep an eye out for her, she doesn't have access to a computer often but I'm sure she would like some cyber buddies in the same predicament. Good on you both for keeping on with the exercise, I admire you for your endurance even when in pain. You inspire me.

Posted at 02:51PM, 15 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Hi, I go to the hip specialist on Wednesday next week, really looking forward to it as I have had so much pain and nights are the worst. Yes I too am pulling myself up the stairs, unfortunately we have three levels in our home and my office is upstairs and the printer downstairs :(. It is funny listening to other people who have had the same pain or injury in the past everything about the way you manage your daily life and movements end up so similar.
Luckily (or unluckily) my left hip is also starting to play up, so maybe an mri will identify everything. I broke my ankle a few years ago for the second time in seven months when that happened the second time I refused a cast and physio and walked my ankle to recovery. Was the best thing for my ankle as it made it so much stronger. I admire you 'casual' doing what you have done at your age. At this stage I won't be as eager as you with all that exercise. Three kids, a business to run and a broken down body and walking will be enough for me, maybe in a few years I will be able to have more time. Thanks for the encouragement.

Posted at 08:21PM, 18 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Hi Helen,

Welcome to WW, I hope you enjoy all the contributions from everyone as much as I do. I sympathise with your hip problems..ironically my husband sells hips and shoulders and other body parts and spends most of his time in theatre (not performing the surgery thnakfully) altho i think he fancies himself as an orhtopod.

Two of my brothers had hip replacements in their early forites and haven't looked back so i hope you have the same success.Like yourself I think the pain became intolerable and they kept putting it off but are amazingly active now.. but don't have three young children.

Hope you get it sorted soon. Like me you will get fab encouragement from the crew here to pick you up when the going gets tough. I am enjoying the best weekend ever. After 5 weekends traipsing the boys around on my own,the better half has taken them away for the whole weekend. Bliss !

DVD's walking but best of all silence.

Posted at 03:56PM, 19 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Thanks Susan, I am off to see Kevin Karpik on Wednesday, counting down and hoping I may get some temporary relief by way of steriod. Could be wishful thinking. My family especially my husband have been very tolerant of me over the last few months. I can't put my sock on my right leg or take it off at night and I have to rely on them to do that for me.

Soon be better, I hope and maybe if your husband works with Kevin he may be supplying parts.

I'll keep you posted. Lucky you for the weekend peace, I'm envious :)

Posted at 04:06PM, 19 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Small world. When we lived in Auckland my sons went to school with his daughter. You will be in good hands. My weekend has been not as I expected as i think I may have slipped a disc or something similar. My physio friend dropped me off some very strong pain killers so feeling a little better but some what gutted..feeling so bad can hardly get off the couch.

Might have overdone things this week, like stack firewood for Africa (wet) walk to Africa because i am trialling these new walking shoes that are supposedly all the craze and in so much agony. So I have enormous sympathy for what you must be going through.

better stop whinging.

Posted at 10:20AM, 20 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Sounds like you need the enforced rest Susan. It's probably doing you the world of good having to put your feet up,...but don't forget a bit of gentle walking for your back as well!.
Helen, my sister is a determined walker and she has had one hip replacement, had that hip replacement revised and is in the system now for her other hip. She enters events and finishes well, usually in a lot of pain. I have just been reading a book about running as I want to improve on that and read that these things are 10% physical and 90% mental. Don't worry about training your body although physical strength and ability counts a lot, train your brain first and the other will follow. Just remember that when those of us who don't have too many aches and pains to hold us back, see you and my sister and others who have some huge challenges out there trying, we are inspired to rise to better things and to keep going. Keep up the good work, you will notice the benefits when you have had your op,your excellent base fitness will help your recovery no end.
Hope everyone has had a great weekend, the weather wals positively balmy in ChCh yesterday, hope we aren't going to pay for it.

Posted at 01:55PM, 20 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Owwwww! Susan, hope you're feeling better soon - will be sending good thoughts your way for a quick recovery. Helen, you too!

Manic - I'd be interested in finding out more about that book you mention - what's the title?

Posted at 02:13PM, 20 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Hi Helen, - Yes I too had to get the other 1/2 to put my soxs on etc. I must admit before my hip replacement the winter was sheer he.....I think the dampness gets into your bones. I was working in a supermarket at the time on my feet. Found I got very stiff just standing, but after going for a 1/2 hr walk at lunchtimes, my hips & legs were a lot more flexible. But some days were absolutely fine & I was running round like a spring chicken all day , then "boom" something would kick in and I was left 'paralized' & wouldn't be able to move for a few minutes (eternity). So I would fiddle with some tins on the shelf, then when nobody was looking would gamely walk down the aisle. Probably with a heavy limp and then after a while it would go back to normal walking. After hip replacement one has to be patient on the crutches and off. I returned to work after 6-8 weeks - still limping tho. My brain was moving faster then my walk. So had to slow down until my legs caught up. Did a lot of walking (to a schedule I set myself). Was cycling really at the time, so didn't return to cycling for at least 6-8 months.But I did a lot of walking - nearly a 1/2 marathon. Being in a supermarket I heard a lot of different ideas from a lot of people, which set my mind afraid of it, but then realised they were people that were in their 80's up who just sit around & don't exercise. When you here of someone being positive (like us) and who have been through it - its a great feeling - so hold that head up high and go for it. As Manicginga says, its your fitness and keeping at it, will pull you through.
There was a lady (young customer) who lived by herself and had 2 hip. replace.within a shorttime of ea. other, and within a few weeks would come in (after driving too) do her shopping and return home. I wasn;'t allowed to drive for at least 6 weeks after the op, but with her, she had to do things on her own or starve! - I really admired her.
I am getting stiff in my Left one now, and find it hard to bend my knees (squat). Also not be able to bend my left leg to put shoes or sox on, - even taking 2-3 stabs in getting my leg into my 'knickers'!!
Someone (customer too) was like that too, but she was told to do - in the mornings or when you have time to yourself to regularly lie on your back on the floor or on the bed, and 'write' the alphabet in the air with your legs. Do it daily. (either in capitals, mixture or lower case) It keeps the hip joint freeable. (if thats the word).
I went cycling with the club yesterday (beautiful sunny day - raining tho today!) and as I hadn't cycled all week, I was wondering how on earth was I going to get on my bike. I did these exercises yesterday and the previous day, and I was so confident as it felt easier,in getting on my bike. Getting off it too I sometimes I have the same problem. Walking is great for you, but I also am intermingling it with cycling as it keeps that socket mobile! Again let us know how you get on with the Specialist on Wednesday. We are here also for you for moral support - don't worry.
Susan do take care of yourself - you are such a busy lady.

Posted at 06:24PM, 20 Jun 2010. Permalink.

I nearly wet myself laughing at the 'having 2 or 3 stabs at putting your knickers on". I have slipped a disc (I think self diagnosis until I see someone tomorrow. I always hurt myself in weekends) and it was such an effort getting changed I put my track pants on and forget my undies so had to start again and it was soooo painful.

Your post has made me smile and they say laughter is the best medicine.

Posted at 06:52PM, 20 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Casual gave me a giggle too, I look really stupid trying to get my knickers on I try and think of all sorts of different ways to get them on but in the end there is only one. I used to be able to do the Mr Bean and getting them off, now you would have to call an ambulance if I tried that. Now the knickers sit on the floor, I get the dodgy hip leg in and then get the easier leg in.

I know that I am going to be driving and moving around before I should too, I hate sitting around. I ended up having three good days last week with my hip and leg and today I seem to be paying for it. Three day countdown to see the specialist.

Susan you should have come to my place and we could have been crippled together on my couch that has electric recliners and watched those DVD's together :)

Posted at 07:14PM, 20 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Hi Susan

Are those Skechers Shape Ups you are trialling, I wouldn't mind hearing the outcome on those? The other thing I seem to have problems with are socks, getting the right kind as I tend to feel every strand in socks with my precious feet. I managed to get a three pack of socks in Melbourne the other week from Athletica for $45NZD and they are so comfy. The stupid thing was I threw away the packet and don't know the brand of the socks. Does anyone else have problems finding the right socks?

Helen

Posted at 07:54PM, 20 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Still giggling about the "knickers".Lucky the boys and co were away for the weekend because I would have to be in traction for them to notice anything was wrong.

My good friend and physio has just been round for a gentle massage some anti flams some codeine and a hot bath feel much better.

I have been trialling shoes called Stretch walkers..similar theory to Skechers but developed by a specialist company in OZ (it was my physio friend who gave them to me to trial)

They are awesomely comfortable but a bit dorky looking but I imagine that if you were on your feet all day they would be fab.My only concern would be walking on uneven terrain as they do have a large sole that tends to rock but I certainly feel the difference in my butt and hammies.

Still trialling will keep you posted.

Socks I just wear any old ones..lucky if I can ever find a matching pair. Just imagine 4 boys and a husband who exercise every day how many socks we have. In fact you will lauhg we have a large washing basket of socks that sits in the lounge.

Posted at 10:41AM, 21 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Thanks Helen about getting into one's knickers. Never thought of that before - put the stiff leg in first than the other!

I can just imagine Susan your Laundry Basket full of sox. My grandsons used to come up to stay during school holidays, and they always had holes in their sox - no wonder as they do run around with no shoes etc. But I always used to clean out my sox drawer, and they went home with my old sox which had a slight grease mark on them from my bike. (I thought they had gone past their due date, but they were better looking than their own pairs.\

The other 1/2 said that in that book "How to live off an Oily Rag" - there are a series of them, a guy used to buy only buy black or white pairs. Black for work, and white for sport, so that it didn't matter what he wore he always used to have a pair.

I went to a Shoe Clinic about 2 years ago, to get a special brand of walking shoes for my odd shaped wide feet) and asked about sox at same time. They recommended me "Thorlos'. They were ankle ones and were black (grey) & white. Had black cushioning round the ankle and toes, and white cushioning under the sole. Quite expensive tho. Only bought the one pair. Found they were great.

I also bought a pair (Ankle Biters) from Ground Effects for cycling (also cushioning) & if the Thorlos are in the wash I wear my Ground Effects for walking. I do have favourite sox for this & that, so it could be a 'thing'! if you know what I mean.

Sunny today and Saturday, but seems to rain every 2nd day. Wore my merinos, raincoat, gloves yesterday for walking. Would have given it away if it wasn't for my weekly together walk with the girls. Got "wet" but got "drenched" Sunday before. Walk in between, only if it is to keep up with the girls on Sundays

Keep up with the comments & walking girls - love it.

Posted at 09:08PM, 21 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Well that just about does it for me....here I am with nothing wrong with me doing battle with my head to get up and walk on the treadmill in the relative warmth of my conservatory on a frosty Canterbury morning and I read about all the odds you ladies are having to overcome just to get dressed and get moving... I've got the guilts now. You guys are troupers even if you don't feel like it at the moment. Casual your experience with your hip while working in a supermarket sounds just like my sister. She has the same problem, she locks up all of a sudden and can't move. She wings it too but it's hard on her. It's a pain isn't it when you want to get out there and do something but the body says no., I can't imagine what it would be like.
I just talked to a most interesting lady who is writing a book at the moment and it struck me how through Wonderwalkers I have come to know so many women, some who are high profile, but who are all extraordinary in their own way yet we are just everyday women trying to get on with life and living. How cool that the simple art of Walking has brought so many from different walks of life together in this forum and we can sit down for a coffee and a natter online. This is such a special website and even though I walk on my own each day ( I prefer it ) I always think of all of you and wonder how your day is going and try to imagine where you are walking and it's like I have company anyway.
Have a wonderful day tomorrow.... get well those who are suffering and don't forget to plant your garlic in the next day or two.

Posted at 04:50PM, 23 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Oh yay! As I suspected I have an arthritic hip (45) :(

I am the first in my family to have this problem and the down side is, that approx every 12 - 15 years I will need to have the replacement replaced. I have to have both sides done but the worst one first, which is the right one. So if I live long enough I could end up having a few hip replacements. I guess my medical insurance company will now be seeing me as a liability. Luckily with my work and modern technology I can work remotely if push comes to shove. On the bigger of the plus side of things is Monday I am getting some temporary relief by way of cortizone and anaesthetic injection.

Looking forward to Monday and also looking forward to thd day I can dress myself fully again without looking like a complete retard and assistance :D

Posted at 05:08PM, 23 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Hi Helen - I especially click on tonight - thinking of you and hoping you would reply! We are here for you don't worry. Thanks Helen for letting us all know. All the best for Monday. I'm relying on Glucosomine Sulphate to help me along, Was taking Omega 3 (salmon Oil Tablets) but they went just through me= no good for me. A friend of mine has a stiff leg too, and she is going to take more of the Salmon Oil. My husban d is also on them. So I just handed the Salmon Oil Tablets over to him as well. Seems some people can take them and some can't.
Has any other people got any views on these.

I agree manicginga - one is never alone with our problems, and as for meeting people for walking (in company) it is a great site.

Posted at 10:07AM, 24 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Hi Casual - keep in mind that while many people find salmon oil useful, it's actually a little lower in the two important essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) than standard fish oil, which is made from 3-4 different kinds of fish. That means you need to take more salmon oil to get the same levels of EPA & DHA as you would for standard Fish Oil (just make sure that any Fish Oil is comprehensively purity-tested and sustainably harvested before you buy it!)

Good to hear that you're taking Gluc Sulfate form of glucosamine, not the Glucosamine hydrochloride form that a lot of manufacturers use - most of the research that has found Glucosamine beneficial has been performed on the sulfate form.

Other possible natural supplements that may help include chondroitin and a compound called MSM - an organic form of sulfur that has been quite extensively studied for its benefits on joints

DISCLAIMER: I work for a natural health & wellness company that sells a range of supplements, including products that contain ALL of the above ingredients. Feel free to assume that anything I say on the matter of natural health and supplements is going to be informed by that fact :-)

Posted at 11:24AM, 25 Jun 2010. Permalink.

Thankyou for that Starfire. I read the Consumers Magazine and they had a subject on this. (I know one should not use this as an advertising tool but it is good). They had 5 products that were good, and I kept a list from this.
I looked up the bottle I am using at the moment, and it is

Microgenics Glucosamine 1500 Chondroitin Complex with 180 Tablets. That contains Glucosamine hydrochloride 1500mg + Chrondroitin sulphate 100mg+ Proline 50mg + Zingiber officinate (Ginger) 200mg (This one was top of their list) This has the hydrochl... in it which you suggest I should not buy but it has the chron.. sulphate in it..Is this right?

It was expensive but they (Hardys Health Shop) gave me a pottle of

Micro Genics Eco Omega Odourless Fish Oil - 200 capsules FREE .Each capsul contains Fish Oil - Natural 1000mg. + Omega 3 Marine Triglycerides 300mg + Eicos ....Acid (EPA) - 175mg + Docos....Acid (DHA ) 70mg. This is what you are saying. (Mind you I have copied this from the bottle - not that I can pronounce or spell these words!!_) Found tho this went thru me after a couple of weeks (with no warning! - was a mad dash!)

I was buying similar (altho not the same brands) from the supermarket, but after reading up about it, found the pottles there didn't have the higher percentage of Glucosamine in them and Hardys Health shop were the better shop. I think once before I just bought the Gluco.. sulphate 1500 by itself, then I went for the 1500 Chrondroitin etc.
Enquired at Doctors but he said as they don't prescribe it they can't accurately say, but a lot of people swear by it so keep on taking them.
Calcium Take 1 daily -(Bone Density) & Colecalciferol (Vitamin Tablet) - 1 per month are what Dr. prescribes for me.
May enquire after the MSM after finishing this pottle. Thanks again.

Posted at 09:05AM, 29 Jun 2010. Permalink.

I had my injection yesterday of anaestetic and cortizone into the hip joint., today I can say I am more pain free than what I was yesterday. I even had a good nights sleep (that could be partly because my husband is away for the week and not here to snore in my ear), but I could move in the bed without screaming in pain. :D Socks and knickers are still a bit difficult to put on in the normal way but I do feel so much better. I have also started taken Glucosamine Sulphate thanks to you ladies :D

Oh, I also bought me some Reebok Easytone's. I have had a Morton's Neuroma removed from my left foot about 3 years ago and have never found a comfy pair of shoes before. These Reeboks are like heaven, I have never felt so much comfort in a pair of shoes. On saying that though I have only done a few laps of the shoe shop in them. Will let you know how I go.

Thanks ladies, I am feeling really positive today :D