Successful Hip Replacement

Blindpugh


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In 2011 (after reaching my goal of L6) I started suffering with back problems a couple of days after refereeing. GP sent me for Xray which showed I had advanced osteo arthritis in my right hip. GP told me to stop running on treadmill, roads and eventually in 2014 told me to stop refereeing which I found

Following over 55 MOT I listened to nurse and lost 10 kg. Unfortunately, problems didn't improve so I asked to be referred to specialist. He agreed best solution was hip replacement to restore my quality of life.

I had MIS (minimal intrusive surgery) in March 2017 and was back in the gym after 5 weeks. My next target is January 2018 when I plan to start refereeing again at my local club again. I can't wait!
 

didds

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congrats BP!

I had my full right hip replacement in Dec ember 2012.

But I was banned from all running, for ever... which buggered the triathlon dreams... got as far as half ironman...

*sigh*

didds
 

Blindpugh


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Hi Didds,

Yes I had my right hip replaced. I put it down to old style hooking, cricket and 10 years doing 45 - 50k miles a year as National Accounts Manager. I wouldn't change anything! Cheers and here's to next season!
 

didds

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Hi Didds,

Yes I had my right hip replaced. I put it down to old style hooking, cricket and 10 years doing 45 - 50k miles a year as National Accounts Manager. I wouldn't change anything! Cheers and here's to next season!

ha! the consultant I saw winced as I described 30+ years in the front row, plus wicket keeping and bowling, followed by running band triathlon in my 40s. Oh, and the dabbling in squash for a few years.

He banned me from further running!

didds
 
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Blindpugh


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ha! the consultant I saw winced as I described 30+ years in the front row, plus wicket keeping and bowling, followed by running band triathlon in my 40s. Oh, and the dabbling in squash for a few years.

He banned me from further running!

didds

Didds, wow 30 years in front row :clap: no wonder you had a dodgy hip!

Thankfully medical science has advanced so much in 10 years. Consultant said it would take 6 - 8 months for my uncemented ceramic hip to bed in properly and not to overdo the running and refereeing.

Blindpugh's new hip.jpg
 

didds

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The assistant consultant saw me in hospital the day after my op.

He said mine was the hardest femur he'd ever had to drive the spike into!

didds
 

Drift


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Former international referee Chris Pollock had a hip replacement in 2014 IIRC. He was back running around at the RWC in 2015 and in Super Rugby up until last year as well. It can be done.
 

Phil E


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A bionic referee, great stuff :biggrin:

Best of luck with the road to recovery.
 

OB..


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Last season I only assessed 4 times due to cataract problems. Having now had both both removed (a literally brilliant operation), I shall now be able to terrorise/help referees much more effectively next season (provided my arthritic knees hold up :biggrin:).
 

didds

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Excellent news OB :D

didds (who is contemplating walking race to the stones next year... aka stroll to the stones)
 
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Phil E


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Last season I only assessed 4 times due to cataract problems. Having now had both both removed (a literally brilliant operation), I shall now be able to terrorise/help referees much more effectively next season (provided my arthritic knees hold up :biggrin:).

A blind assessor...that explains a lot :biggrin:

...and are you sure it was cataracts? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-40630852
 

tim White


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I used to wear one contact lens when I was refereeing -in the eye with the poorest distance vision. That way i could still see my score card AND the detail on the far touchline:smile:. I 'lost' it on one occasion and ended up trying to pull my eyeball out when there was no lens to find???? Not recommended.:nono:
 
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Ciaran Trainor


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I used to wear one contact lens when I was refereeing -in the eye with the poorest distance vision. That way i could still see my score card AND the detail on the far touchline:smile:. I 'lost' it on one occasion and ended up trying to pull my eyeball out when there was no lens to find???? Not recommended.:nono:
That explains a lot !! Shall we just keep that between us two up here for now Tim and for a small fee I promise not to mention it to anyone at Bennies or Moresby :biggrin:
 

tim White


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They never complained about my eyesight, only my opinions.
 

Blackberry


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I used to wear one contact lens when I was refereeing -in the eye with the poorest distance vision. That way i could still see my score card AND the detail on the far touchline:smile:. I 'lost' it on one occasion and ended up trying to pull my eyeball out when there was no lens to find???? Not recommended.:nono:

There was an airline pilot in America who did that; it didn't end well (not fatal, but he certainly lost his NCB)_
 

Blindpugh


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Former international referee Chris Pollock had a hip replacement in 2014 IIRC. He was back running around at the RWC in 2015 and in Super Rugby up until last year as well. It can be done.

Chris Pollock would have been 42 when he had his hip replacement. There is no doubt that the fitter you are going into operation the quicker you will recover with all these new types of hips.

Many people I saw in rehab were much older than me (Heinz 57!). They were struggling with their rehab hip and/ or knee replacement because they were unable to exercise before op and were over weight.

Thanks to everyone for your best wishes. I have missed refereeing so much and can't wait to blow my whistle again.:clap:
 

KML1

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Welcome back!!
 

Simon Thomas


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Blind Pugh - always welcome back onto a pitch, or a touchline ! It was quite a journey with you up to L6 - I learnt a lot.

Early March I had my left hip full replacement MIS with cemented ceramic ball and titanium socket (made in Melbourne from UK CT scan 3D images). Now jogging a bit - first stone off my weight and more to follow. Like you both hips poor due to osteo arthritis and years of year round sport, especially 400m hurdling (with a 29" inside leg !) and avoiding nasty back rows.

Maybe some youth club games at local club in October/November with skiing in February my target. Not sure at 60 I can return to full adult reffing, but can make more of a contribution as a Match Observer/Referee Coach.
 

Blindpugh


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Blind Pugh - always welcome back onto a pitch, or a touchline ! It was quite a journey with you up to L6 - I learnt a lot.

Early March I had my left hip full replacement MIS with cemented ceramic ball and titanium socket (made in Melbourne from UK CT scan 3D images). Now jogging a bit - first stone off my weight and more to follow. Like you both hips poor due to osteo arthritis and years of year round sport, especially 400m hurdling (with a 29" inside leg !) and avoiding nasty back rows.

Maybe some youth club games at local club in October/November with skiing in February my target. Not sure at 60 I can return to full adult reffing, but can make more of a contribution as a Match Observer/Referee Coach.

ST, thanks for your support and kind words. Reaching RFU Level 6 is something I am very proud of and would not have achieved without yours and other HRURS members support and advice. I have some wonderful memories but most important to me is the friends of rugby I made at Hampshire clubs and refereeing on exchange “overseas” in Singapore and Wales!

Glad your hip replacement was a success and I wish you every success in reaching your objectives. Look forward to seeing you on the touchline next season.
 
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