Downtime for hip replacement

scottbass · #1 07-10-2008, 01:23 PM

Hi - has anyone here had hip replacement surgery? If so, how long did it take you to return to gigging?

I was in pretty bad shape for the last month before my surgery and I relied on the help of my family and other band members to load and unload my gear. I stood on my one good leg whenever I had to sing (lead or backups), and I sat on a bar stool for about 50% of the songs.

I had a new right hip implanted on June 30th

and my bands want me back as soon as possible. Yes - I am doing my therapy/rehab exercises exactly as prescribed.

How long before I can start gigging again with help (like right before my surgery)?

How long before I can plan on loading/unloading my own gear (Schroeder 1212R, 60 lb 4-space rack case, basses in cases, etc.) and standing for a full 4-hour gig (with two breaks)?

Right now the earliest date I have committed to playing is August 22nd, but like I mentioned both bands want to book gigs sooner than that.

Thanks for your help! - Scott

bkbirge · #2 07-10-2008, 02:03 PM

I'd say TB is not the place to get this advice. Ask your doctor and abide by what he/she says. Don't mess around with your recovery time.

scottbass · #3 07-10-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkbirge

I'd say TB is not the place to get this advice. Ask your doctor and abide by what he/she says. Don't mess around with your recovery time.

I'm just looking for others' experiences. I certainly wouldn't go against what my doctor says, which, by the way, is "I don't know, we'll see how it goes." He won't even give me a date for returning to my desk job. That's not real useful for planning purposes...

scottbass · #4 07-10-2008, 07:13 PM

Anyone? How long were you sidelined? I'm just lookin' for a baseline expectation here. Thanks

senorblues · #5 07-10-2008, 07:22 PM

I had one done several years ago. You will be on crutches for a few weeks. You will use a cane for a few weeks. You will limp for several months. Then you will walk just fine without pain.

If you can sit at your gig, you should be able to do it. Good luck.

Once the swelling stops you can move around more. I was back to work (sitting) in a month.

scottbass · #6 07-10-2008, 07:29 PM

Thanks, senorblues! I'm especially looking forward to the last part you mentioned: "Then you will walk just fine without pain."

**BullHorn** · #7 07-11-2008, 02:36 AM

Get a wheel chair, chicks dig it.

scottbass · #8 07-11-2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BullHorn

Get a wheel chair, chicks dig it.

Hmm...I've got a walker, but that just makes me feel like the old pervert (Herbert) from Family Guy.

Chasbo · #9 12-08-2011, 08:10 PM

Hey Scottbass, I too am an older Bassist (61) and Family Guy is one of my favorite shows. I havent had a major surgery such as yourself but do play with a siatic nerve issue which hampers my ability to stand for any great length of time without my legs going numb. This is 8 December 2011.I agree with senorblues. I would think that providing you didnt overdue the healing process and try and come back to quickly, by early spring (March) you should be back to playing sets with no major issues. As far as humping cabinets and such. That will take some time (maybe by early fall). I have a friend who last year had his hip replaced. Realistically he was back 90% within 7-8 months. He is a drummer with dual Bass kicks. He does just fine and also with no pain. Let us know your progress. Best of luck and a speedy recovery.