olphart
Contributor
Just curious, how do the hip replacements affect your legs and kicking? Any issues with packing tanks and weights?
I'm asking because I'm headed that way myself.
There's a rotation involved when I kick that sometimes gives me a "shot". Not every time but enough to make me wary. The loss of flexibility makes keeping my feet up problematic. I also ended up with femurs about an inch longer than they are supposed to be which I believe throws the geometry out and makes my quads and IT band very tight. Sitting on my heels is so far out of the question that it is laughable. I don't seem to have any more trouble than expected with packing weight, though I'm a little careful and only double SM, hooking up in the water. I am surprised to find that your strength does indeed wane as you age. The same loads just get heavier for no good reason.
Would I hesitate on hip replacements if I were to do it again? Not for a New York minute! They made life sooo much better.
My experience may not mirror anyone else's. I could have been more diligent with my post op physio. I am the age I am so that makes a difference as well.
I can walk, run, jump as well as anyone my age and warm water diving is no issue at all. For a while this fall I was snorkelling 2km twice a week to try to improve my RMV. Stopped when I got bored stupid doing 80 lengths at a time