Back on the Horse: Living Life After Hip Surgery
Imagine waking up and finding it difficult and painful to just get out of bed. Hip pain is an uncomfortable reality for many Americans, but it’s not something you have to live with forever. Hartford, SD, native Karrie Mueller is living proof that an active lifestyle doesn’t have to be stalled by hip pain.
“What isn't to like about it? Being outside, being at one with your horse,” said Karrie Mueller.
Mueller is living her best life with a few of her best friends, her horses. There’s Pumpkin, then we have Oliver and Perry. Missy and Xena and then finally there’s Shadow. She's not taking any of these days for granted because not too long ago, getting into the saddle was a near-impossible task.
“There were a good number of years that I couldn't ride her because of my hips. I couldn't, like, function like, move around and, you know, you got to get up there and hook everything up or get on the horse and any of the natural movements of the horse, it just hurt,” said Mueller.
Osteoarthritis Leads to Hip Replacement
Mueller was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both of her hips. Not only was it robbing her of riding time. Even simple movements were filled with pain.
“When I would go to get out of the pickup, I couldn't just get out like a normal person. I would have to wait for a popping sound in my leg before I could move. And then it was so bad that I even cried towards the end there, it was so bad. It hurt and I just couldn't handle it, said Mueller.
“Arthritis is a progressive disease. There can be ups and downs but the general trend is worsening over time,” said joint replacement and orthopedic surgeon Dustin Bechtold, MD, Avera Orthopedics in Sioux Falls. “When conservative measures fail to provide enough pain relief and the pain impacts daily life and function, surgery can be an excellent option.”
With bone-on-bone arthritis in both of her hips, Mueller decided to have surgery to replace both. The procedures would be staged a few months apart, and while she felt fear, it was definitely the right choice for her.
“There are times when both hips can be replaced at the same time, but in many cases doing them in a staged fashion can be preferred,” Bechtold said. “Hip pain can significantly impact patients in their day-to-day life. Surgery can be literally life changing.”
He added that no two patients – or two hips – are the same; each case varies.
When both hips have severe issues and a patient is appropriate, doing both at the same time can be a good option.
“Each patient has their own circumstances and it’s good for the patient and surgeon to coordinate goals and expectations,” said Bechtold.
He said all patients get up and start moving right away as they begin the path to recovery. Some walk that path at different speeds, but the outcomes are generally very rewarding.
Loving Life and Activity After Joint Surgery
“Nothing is stopping me now. I kicked myself for not doing it a lot sooner!” said Mueller.
“We hear most patients say they are very happy with their results and wish they hadn't waited so long,” Bechtold said. “The pain of a bad hip can be debilitating and really impact quality of life.”
Bechtold added that while every person's journey is a little different, steps can be taken to ensure best outcomes, such as:
- Optimizing weight and nutrition before surgery.
- Ensuring a good support system and preparation before surgery.
- Exercising – an important part of your preparation for surgery, and for your recovery.
- Preparing your home before you have surgery, to avoid any hazards, slippery areas or other difficulties that can occur with limited mobility.
With Mueller’s hip replacements, physicians can refer to a near-perfect example of how surgery helps. She’s returned to the things she loves, and in her case, that means she’s back in the saddle again.
“Some of the best moments in clinic are when a patient excitedly reports how they are back to things they have had to avoid or miss out on for a long time. They are so happy to have their life back,” said Bechtold. “That's what it's all about.”
Mueller said the rewards go beyond the pastime for which she has so much passion.
“You know, I think I'm even more active than I was before,” she said. “I didn't realize how much it altered my life. Now, I don't think there's anything that I want to do that I can’t do – or I haven't tried – since.”
I Take the Next Step Toward Joint Replacement
