Nancy's Patient Story – Hip Replacement

Recovery time, post-operative pain and physical ability for the following hip replacement patient may not be representative of outcomes for all patient populations. Results will vary due to health, weight, activity and other variables. Not all patients are candidates for this product and/or procedure. Only a medical professional can determine the treatment appropriate for your specific condition.

“Michael and I got married when I was 38 years old. We are blessed with two beautiful, healthy twin boys. When I used to feed them, I’d put them on the floor on a pillow and I’d lie them back to back. I’d pop bottles in their mouths at the same time to feed them. One time when I was doing that, I went to get up and all of a sudden my hip went out on me. And I was like, that was weird. It was really painful; it kind of felt like someone had shot me in the leg. Then, I’d be exercising and the same thing happened. All of a sudden, my left hip would give out on me. My pain was shooting pain.

The sensation of bone-on-bone is really awful. I tried painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Nothing worked for me. I always felt young and vivacious and all of a sudden...

It all started to take it's toll on me. So, finally I went to an orthopedic doctor. He took an X-ray and said, 'Well, you need a hip replacement.' 

It was an early morning surgery. Late that afternoon the physical therapist came. They came in with a walker. I walked the length of the hallway with the walker and I was feeling really good. I felt strong. It was weird, but I really felt that I could do this. And when we got to the end of the hallway I looked at the therapist and the nurse and asked if I could walk back without the walker and they said, 'Do you think you can?' And I said, 'I really do. I really think I can.' And I did. And they were blown away. Absolutely blown away.

The pain that I had from the arthritis was gone. That bone-on-bone feeling was gone. I’m doing great! It worked. My legs are moving. Things you totally take for granted… all of a sudden I’m doing it.

When I work out now I don’t even think about my hip. It’s working. That pain that I had, and the discomfort, is gone, behind me now. I feel so happy. The best thing I did for myself was to go through with it. And it’s life-changing. Absolutely life-changing.”  

Appropriate post-operative activities and pain will differ from patient to patient.   Talk to your surgeon about whether joint replacement is right for you and the risks of the procedure, including the risks of infection, implant wear, loosening, breakage or failure, any of which can necessitate additional surgery or treatment.