My new hip and I went fishing today - a month early!

[Larry Hemphill]

As some of you know, I had a "new generation" non-invasive total hip replacement on Dec 20 in Red Bluff done by one of the few pioneers in this field - Dr. Umber. We figured I would be able to get in a boat by mid-Feb and start guiding in March. I saw the doc on Wednesday and he was not only amazed at my healing but cleared me to go fishing! So I went to Collins Lake - by myself - launched my new but dusty 520 Ranger and soon caught my first bass of '06 - a 4 lb 15 oz largemouth, 6 weeks after my surgery!! I attribute this miracle to three things besides the great medical care. I did ALL my post-op exercises faithfully, I am not overweight, and most important, I had lots and lots of folks in several churches (where I have directed their choirs) praying faithfully for me. What a great support group! I saw some of you at the Sacramento ISE show where I thought I would last about three hours (a month after the surgery) but I lasted 6 - with no limp! I WAS tired the next day! It was funny - I didn't realize how many fishermen have aches and pains from so much time on the water. I think I answered more questions about my surgery than I did about fishing! Most of you won't have the problem I did because boat companies have finally realized that the trolling motor pedal needs to be recessed in the deck and there needs to be a step up to the casting deck. Lots of guys are telling me that they are upgrading their boats with these features. Do it!! I am looking forward to my first guided trip this week - wow! One more thing - I have never had a boat of mine sit for 6 weeks - so I hoped my new Evenrude E-Tec would start ok. What a sweet sound when it started like I had just run it yesterday! Goodby - I have a fishing report to do, yea!!! Hope I remember how to spell!!!!!!

[StogieMan]

Larry..Good work! Stay focused on your recovery and continued success to you with your fishing / health and guideing.

[Bill K]

Larry. Good to hear that and know you have been just waiting for that moment on the water. Stay focused on those excerises and positive thoughts. Bill K

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

I just doesn't get a whole lot better now does it..

way to go Larry..

mac

[NaCl]

*NM*

[jdickins]

As a Therapist that works with Hip repairs/replacements that is great news. I have some non fishing questions. What was your weight bearing protocol after the surgery? Did you still have hip precautions? (ie do not cross your legs, do not bend over 90 degrees at you hip,etc) Like you said this is a new surgery and I would like to get some of my patients back fishing quickly. My last guy that tried to go fishing at six weeks lost his walker in the river and had so have some kid fish it out.

[Larry Hemphill]

Hi - you are right! I wasn't to put full weight on my right leg for a few days, but that's all. The only rules are what you stated - not to cross my right let over my left and not to raise it above 90 degrees. I am just now starting to put on my own shoes and socks. At 6 weeks, in spite of how well I was doing, Dr. Umber told me to still not overdo the crossing over of legs and lifting my leg much above the 90 degree angle for awhile. I have lifted my leg more that that a few times with no pain or problem. A miracle surgery in my opinion! It was cool to impress the doc - I think he was a little surprised at how well I was doing. As I mentioned, I probably wasn't a REAL man - I followed his post-op directions to a "T"!! I may be dumb, but not stupid!!!!

[jdickins]

That is great, thanks for the infomation. I had a chance at work to look up the surgery. You are right not many Doc's doing this at this time. The surgery significantly decreases the scar/surgery site by using special tools, but the harware is about the same. Good Luck