Total Hip Replacement Pilgrim

[Peregrina 2013]

Hello everyone,

Obviously you probably understand why this question is being posed; you see I had this surgery done last June. At this time all the pain that was there is completely gone, and I have been able to walk and hike. My concern is what will it be like day after day of walking? The intention is to listen to my body and not push too hard, and I'm fine with that; and yet my expectations are high just as my spirits are too

Have any of you had this surgery and then done such a long trek? I am so interested in hearing back from any one of you who has done the Camino after a hip replacement. What was your physical experience regarding your hip, such as pain, strain, any limitations in distance walking, or worse, did your pilgrimage have to be cut short due to a hip related problem? If you'd like, you certainly could PM me. I will be in your debt for any information you are willing to share about this topic, be it your own or of someone you know.

Thanks so much!

Mary

 

[lovingkindness]

Manoll, you are an inspiration! I have come across others like yourself hiking long distances with hip replacements. I find it astounding. Recently a Polish friend-of-a-friend with hip replacement succeeded in walking the Via de la Plata....

Ultreia!

 

[camino-david]

Hi. I presume you mean a total hip JOINT replacement. I had my left one replaced 5 years ago and 6 months later I was trekking in the Nepal Himalaya for a period of 4 months. Since then I have walked the Camino Frances twice, plus the Aragones and Finisterre for a total distance of just under 2,000 kms. In 2 weeks I am leaving to walk the VDLP, plus Camino Portugues and if time permits the Finisterre. And I am planning to arrive in Santiago on my 82 nd birthday. Once I get into the rhythm, 25 - 30 kms a day is fine. So I consider myself qualified to give you my opinion.
So long as you have no pain, then your joint is fixed, and you have absolutely no worries. Walking is the best exercise you can do for your new joint. Just go for it and have a buen camino. David

 

[Al the optimist]

Inspirational. Puts us young "fit(ish)" with concerns into perspective.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Good morning, Lovingkindness, David & Allan,

Thank you for your kind words and reassurance. You have made my day a much BETTER one
Indeed, it was a total hip JOINT replacement, this past June. With all the pain gone my hope is to be able to transition from daily hiking & treadmill use into the rhythm of long distance daily walking on the Camino. David, the treks you have done and your dedication to continue are amazing! What a great birthday present to yourself You have lifted my spirits to a much higher level and inspired me. I want to be like you -so many paths to walk!

Cheers everyone!

Mary

 

[backpack45]

Haven't had a hip joint replacement myself, but we met someone while we were climbing Mt. Kilimajaro who had just had this procedure done a couple of months before. I suspect everyone varies, but your plan to listen to your body sounds like a "fit" one.
Buen Camino!
Susan "backpack45" Alcorn

 

[Peregrina 2013]

To you my thanks for the encouragement. Just knowing that there are some trekkers out there who've gone through a similar procedure, reassures me that I am on the right path and that indeed, it is possible to venture on this adventure!

¡Gracias por los consejos y Buen Camino!

Mary

 

[FatmaG]

Last year, I also met a pilgrim with a "new hip" (and some other bones replaced due to an illness).
He used to walk every year a long distance and was fine with it.

He did not use the hip strap, but wore all the weight on his shoulders.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Thanks for yet another great story of inspiration and encouragement! I can't wait to get started!

Mary

 

[gerardcarey]

Welcome to the tin hip club. I've got two.
I did the Camino Frances last year, no problems.
In fact I consider us bionic folks to be at a considerable advantage compared to other pilgrims.
Don't tell anyone. They might put up our credential qualifying distance to 3000ks if they see us bounding across the countryside.

Regds
Gerard

 

[Al the optimist]

LOL

 

[Peregrina 2013]

The "Tin Hip Club" exclusive for those with bionic parts! I like that, Gerard!! It certainly sounds like you are doing incredibly well, that is amazing; I feel more at ease and more determined to be successful on this Camino of mine Thank you.

Cheers!

Mary

 

[fraluchi]

... total hip JOINT replacement. I had my left one replaced 5 years ago and 6 months later I was trekking in the Nepal Himalaya for a period of 4 months. Since then I have walked the Camino Frances twice, plus the Aragones and Finisterre for a total distance of just under 2,000 kms. In 2 weeks I am leaving to walk the VDLP, plus Camino Portugues and if time permits the Finisterre. And I am planning to arrive in Santiago on my 82 nd birthday. Once I get into the rhythm, 25 - 30 kms a day is fine.

I cut and pasted David's message to it's essential parts. A remarkable experience :!:
Since we are all different, it might also be wise to ask for your physician's opinion. :wink:
Enjoy your upcoming Camino

 

[Peregrina 2013]

You are absolutely right about speaking to my surgeon, Fraluchi. My doctor has been very encouraging and has given his approval! Thanks for your recommendation and good will

Mary

 

[Peregrina 2013]

This is an update on my Camino. I did the Camino del Norte to Oviedo and then switched to the Primitivo (about 820 KM) in May and part of June. What an extraordinary and breathtaking journey, and more so because I had absolutely NO PAIN!!! My hip was perfect and I feel so blessed to have done it. And, yes it is true, one Camino is not enough! I will do it again

Ultreia!

Mary

 

[lovingkindness]

Bravo!

 

[JohnMcM]

Manoll,
I'm so pleased for you.

 

[gerardcarey]

Amazing isn't it cobber. Well Done!
Regds
Gerard

 

[peregrina2000]

Great, another Camino addict in the making. Which camino will it be for you next, Mary?

Many congrats, buen camino from Laurie