When you hear the words “joint replacement,” it’s hard not to imagine cold operating rooms and endless recovery. But what if we reframed it? What if, instead of fear, we approached it with preparation, intention, and a sense of possibility?
I recently went through a hip replacement, and I can tell you—it’s a journey of transformation, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. Here’s what I wish I had known, broken down into simple stages that might help you or someone you love.
- Before the Surgery: Listen to Your Body
You don’t have to be in unbearable pain to take action. If your world is shrinking—if you’re canceling plans, avoiding stairs, or simply dreading movement—it’s time to talk to a specialist.
Find a surgeon who doesn’t just focus on the X-rays but listens to you as a whole person. Ask questions. Get second opinions if needed. Trust your gut.
- Prepare Your Space for Healing
This is one of the most overlooked but powerful steps.
Before surgery, turn your home into a healing sanctuary:
• Remove rugs or tripping hazards
• Set up a “nest” with water, snacks, medications, a journal, and your phone
• Put a bell or buzzer nearby (yes, really!)
• Ask a friend or family member to be your “on-call” helper—even if just by phone
- Post-Op Must-Have Gadgets
Some small tools make a huge difference. Here are my top picks:
• Grabber tool (for picking up anything you drop)
• Sock aid (so helpful!)
• Long-handled shoehorn
• Walker with a basket or tray
• Shower chair
• Raised toilet seat
• Wedge pillow for elevation
• Ice packs with straps for targeted relief
These aren’t luxury items—they’re sanity-savers. They preserve dignity, reduce frustration, and help you stay more independent during recovery.
- The Hard Part: Post-Surgery Recovery & PT
This is where the real transformation begins. The first few days are a blur, and yes—it hurts. But healing is not linear. You’ll have setbacks and triumphs.
Physical therapy is the magic. Don’t skip it. Show up. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Your strength will come back—slowly, then all at once.
- What Helped Me Most? Hope.
One of the most unexpected sources of motivation came from imagining what I’d return to—walks in the woods, long flights to sacred sites, time with people I love.
And yes, for me, knowing a quiet casita in the desert awaited helped speed my recovery in ways I didn’t expect. Hope can be medicinal. So dream a little. Make a list of what you’re healing for.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just Fixing a Joint—You’re Reclaiming Your Life
This isn’t the end of something—it’s the beginning. With the right preparation, support, and mindset, you’ll come out stronger than you think.
If you’re about to embark on this journey, or know someone who is, I hope this helps. I’ll be sharing more in future posts and podcast episodes about my recovery, lessons learned, and the soul-deep renewal that can come when you rebuild from the inside out.
You’ve got this.
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