Question
On May 25, 2007, I will have a MIS hip replacement of my left hip.  I am 48 and lead a very active life.  Unbeknownst to me, I have dysplasia, which apparently accelerated the deterioration and got me to this point.  I was always told "10-15 years down the road".  I'm feeling cheated and betrayed by my body, as I was/am a long-distance runner and loved it.  (I am seeking therapy pre-surgery to deal with these feelings.)

I seem to be getting conflicting answers to whether or not I will be able to ride a bike after the surgery.  If I can't run, I at least want to bike.  If I CAN bike, about how long after surgery will it take before I'm able to do it?

Answer
Dear Michele

You are doing the right thing in seeking therapy prior to surgery.  The reason for that is because immediately after surgery, many patients tend to get depressed because of the loss of control of their lives. You will need help in your self care, and in your daily activities for a few months, and independent people such as yourself sometimes have a problem asking and receiving that help.

This sometimes lasts up to three months.  As you begin to heal and re-gain control of your life, you will feel stronger mentally.  I would suggest investigating with your therapist, possibly going on some short term anti depressant such as celexa until you heal and then you can come off of the drug.

Because the recovery period varies, and you regain control of your life in small steps, you may become depressed and the short term anti depressant will help that.  The one thing you must remember is that you can't do certain activities until you get the green light from your doctor of Physical Therapist.  If you push yourself too hard, you run the risk of dislocating or shortening the life of your replacement.  So no matter how hard it is for you, you must not push yourself and you must follow instructions to the letter.

Now as far as the bike riding....I have never heard that anyone with hip replacements cannot cycle.  In fact, many of THR recipients do the stationery bike or a regular bike as exercise because there is no weight on the hip.  Swimming is also good.

The one thing I need to caution you about is falling from a bike.  If you fall from the bike you run the risk of doing damage.  I use an adult tricycle and that way I do not run the risk of falling.  If you are stable on the bike, you should be able to use a regular bike, but do keep in mind that if you fall, you can do damage to the prosthesis.  Your doctor can give you more information on that exercise.

As far as when you can actually bike depends on your recovery period and on your doctor.  The first three months are considered healing months.  You will probably go from a walker to crutches and then to a cane.  Once you are stable walking, you should be given the OK to resume many activities. Just be aware that you will have precautions that you will have to follow for the rest of your life.  Those precautions will be given to you prior to surgery.

The best person to direct your questions to is your doctor, but again, I don't see any reason why you should be unable to bike.

Best of luck to you and take it slow.