Hip replacement surgery question?

[sczeebra]

Does anyone out here know of any fellow officials who have had hip replacement surgery and continue to officiate. I'm trying to set some goals after getting my hip replaced tomorrow. Thanks ya'll.

[Grant - AR]

Does anyone out here know of any fellow officials who have had hip replacement surgery and continue to officiate. I'm trying to set some goals after getting my hip replaced tomorrow. Thanks ya'll.

Good luck with the surgery!  I have a friend who had his hip replaced a few years ago.  I believe he was around 60 at that time.  He's able to move much better now and continues to officiate NCAA D2 football.  I don't remember the recovery period, but unless I've forgotten something, he didn't miss any games at all.  I think he had it done around this time of the year also.

[AlUpstateNY]

Your only regret is likely to be about how long you delayed having the surgery.  Had both mine replaced 15+ years ago (separately) during off-seasons and it never hampered by officiating activities.

A key, of course, is following your doctor's instructions which will likely include a serious, and consistent exercise program.  A helpful permanent exercise, if you have access to a pool, is running laps in water, both forward and backwards, as it provides a range of movement (most of us) don't have on dry land.

You'll be up and around in less than a month (depending on your exercise commitment) and once you get into a habit, why stop.  It will definitely help your golf swing, which may or may not, improve your golf game.  Last season's over, and the sooner you can get the surgery done before next season begins the better off you'll be.

[sczeebra]

Thanks these stories are an inspiration. Officiating would be a huge blessing to me. 61 is too young to hang it up. I've dropped 40+ pounds since starting this buisness a decade ago. I study hard and work hard on the field, it has been a way of life to me.

[ChicagoZebra]

My crew chief had both hips done as well. Would have never guessed it either. Medical technology is amazing!

[ElvisLives]

Your personal health is more important than the officiating, but I hope all goes well, and you have a complete recovery, able to return to the field.
Robert

[Etref]

Not sure about a hip, but I just had a knee replaced and was told by my surgeon to absolutely not attempt to return to the field.

Running creates too much stress on the new joint.

[hefnerjm]

I have a good friend who is having his replaced later this year...in his mid 30s.  What he is hearing from his docs is that it will have no impact after about 6-8 weeks of rehab.

[Etref]

Just to clarify, the doc told me that running on the replacement knee would cause it to wear out within a few years ears. No way I want to redo it if possible.

As much as I love officiating, I have to think about myself for the long term. I gave it 29 years and enjoyed every minute of it.

[centexsports]

I had my knee replaced in July 2015.   I called two games in October as a fill in.  Called a full schedule in both 2016 and 2017.   Planning on having the other done in 2019 when I turn 65.  Best money I ever spent.   It is a bi__h recovery but there is no pain and I have full range of motion.  Plus he straightened my leg.   You don't realize how screwed up your foot and leg get compensating for the pain in the knee.  As for wearing out, the doc says with new units they last 20 years, give or take. 

The best advice I have is to be a R and get a good crew that has mobility.   Your experience as a leader and game manager is more important than the few steps you loose. 

[RS]

I officiate high school and NCAA Div. II.

Hip resurfacing 2004 - No problems at all. Still going strong.

Knee replacement April 2017 - Tough last year but I survived. Knees are much more difficult to return from.
Will require serious rehab but can be done. Doctor said it may shorten life span of knee but none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
Enjoy while you still can.

[RS]

Also, I work R.
It will be harder if you work a position that requires you to REALLY run.

[Etref]

I officiate high school and NCAA Div. II.

Hip resurfacing 2004 - No problems at all. Still going strong.

Knee replacement April 2017 - Tough last year but I survived. Knees are much more difficult to return from.
Will require serious rehab but can be done. Doctor said it may shorten life span of knee but none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
Enjoy while you still can.

Doing rehab now, but at 67 harder to bounce back 

[Etref]

4 weeks since surgery

Hope to hitting golf balls next week!

[ElvisLives]

Hit ‘em straight!

[sczeebra]

Thanks for all the testimonies and encouragement. I am looking forward to seeing goals met and continuing with this sport. I love football!

[Ralph Damren]

A few years back I had a hip replacement in January. Missed spring baseball, but was able to return for summer ball and fully for football. In November 2016 I had a knee replaced. Back by baseball. Things that I've learned :

 (1) A joint replacement is sorta' like buying a new tire. The more you drive, the faster the tire will wear out and need a replacement. At age 72, I worry more about myself wearing out than my joints.

 (2) Find and work with a physical therapist that deals with athletics. I was fortunate and was able to schedule my time with one that had been a therapist for the Cleveland Indians back in the 1990's. Her first question to me was : "You need to set a goal. Is yours being able to shuffle from the couch to the 'fridge and back, or to chase some kid down the sidelines for 95 yards?" She pushed me. I pushed myself. It was well worth it.

 (3) As soon as your brain is back fully, you'll realize the pain that was once there no longer is. You'll wish you had chose this path several years prior.

[Etref]

Hit ‘em straight!

That would be a change!!!