Putting the HIP Back into Hip Replacements

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would need a hip replacement—not once, let alone twice. What began as a subtle, nagging ache in my leg slowly evolved into excruciating, life-altering pain. Before I knew it, I could barely walk. For two long years, I fought surgery with everything I had. I tried physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, supplements, anti-inflammatory diets, medications, prayer circles—yes, even psychics. If someone told me they had heard of a remedy that might help, I tried it. Anything to avoid the operating room.

But pain has a way of humbling even the strongest among us.

When Walking Becomes a Luxury

Walking had always been my grounding force—my way to connect with the world and myself. It was where I found clarity, joy, and freedom. So when I reached the point where I couldn’t walk a block without stopping, everything changed.

The stairs to my apartment looked like Mount Everest. Grocery shopping felt like a marathon. And slowly, I became a pseudo shut-in, not emotionally… but physically imprisoned by my own body.

That was the moment I realized the truth:
My mobility wasn’t just declining—it was disappearing.

So I got to work. I researched obsessively. I followed stories from strangers who had gone down this path. I studied surgeons and techniques and methods. I visited five surgeons to gather every piece of information I needed to feel empowered and confident.

Preparing for Surgery: The Regimen That Saved Me

Preparing for hip replacement wasn’t just a checklist. It became a full-spectrum transformation—physical, emotional, logistical, and spiritual. I created what I now call my Surgery Preparation Regimen, which included:

• A Hip Farewell Party — A joyful send-off with 45 friends and family members. Humor and celebration helped transform fear into empowerment.
• A Support Plan — Who would stay with me? Who would bring meals? Who would walk with me? Who could I call at 2 a.m. if I needed help?
• Logistical Planning — How to move around the house. How to manage daily tasks. Who could help with my son, as a single mother.
• Emotional Preparation — Journaling. Visualizing. Letting myself feel afraid, hopeful, confused, excited—all of it.
• Medical Prep — Strengthening before surgery, optimizing nutrition, and gathering the right assistive tools.

I didn’t just prepare for surgery.
I prepared for rebirth.

The Surreal Reality of Recovery

After surgery, my 88-year-old mother flew in from Arizona to help me. Neither of us expected to be in this role reversal. Watching her change light bulbs, prepare meals, and help me maneuver around my home was intensely humbling.

There’s a unique vulnerability that comes with recovery—needing help, accepting help, even asking for help. It taught me not only resilience, but surrender. The good kind.

Recovery wasn’t glamorous. It was messy and uncomfortable. One hip was hard. Two hips… even harder.
There were moments I cried.
Moments I doubted.
Moments my spirit felt tired.

But instead of sinking into a “poor me” mindset, I decided to turn the experience outward.
If I could help myself, I could help others.

From Patient to Advocate: HIPSTERCLUB.COM

During recovery, I began blogging—sharing tips, fears, breakthroughs, product recommendations, exercises, humor… everything. Writing became my therapy and my connection to the world.

As people began to respond—asking questions, sharing their own stories—I realized something huge:

Most people navigating hip pain or hip replacement feel alone.
And they don’t have to be.

That realization became the seed of HIPSTERCLUB.COM, a supportive community built for:

• People in pain
• People preparing for surgery
• People recovering
• People trying to avoid surgery
• People seeking answers, clarity, and real-life stories

I believe fiercely in patient advocacy.
In being informed.
In asking questions.
In not accepting vague answers.
In finding your voice.

A New Mission, A New Purpose

Today, I am deeply grateful for my mobility. I walk, swim, golf, and live with independence again. But my mission goes far beyond my personal recovery.

I want to empower every person with hip pain or joint issues to:

• Know their options
• Understand their bodies
• Ask better questions
• Prepare wisely
• Recover confidently
• And most importantly… never feel alone in the process

Whenever I see someone limping, I instinctively want to help. I ask, “Is it your knee or your hip?”—because I know that one simple question can open the door to a life-changing conversation.

Join the Conversation

If you’re in pain…
If you’re considering surgery…
If you’re avoiding surgery…
If you’re recovering…
Or if you’re simply searching for answers—

You’re in the right place, and you’re not alone.

Share your story.
Ask your questions.
Offer your tips.
Let’s walk this path together—literally and figuratively.

You can reclaim your mobility.
You can rewrite your story.
You can become the hero of your own hip journey.

And I’m here, cheering you on every step of the way.

Be your own advocate!