How to Approach a Hip Replacement (or Any Other Surgery)

Whatever you’ve felt, experienced, or lived through before that point — once you know surgery is definitely happening — it’s a whole new ball game.

Those conflicting emotions of relief and joy mixed with anxiety and stress are completely natural in the first few days (and even weeks) after getting the news.

I’m speaking from personal experience and want to share the approach that really helped me. I knew my hip replacement was happening within six months from the day it was offered. That gave me time, and time can be a powerful tool if you use it wisely.

1. Prepare Financially (Especially if You’re Self-Employed)

I started putting money aside into my 'Hip Recovery Fund'. As a self-employed person, I knew I wouldn’t be paid while recovering, so having that financial cushion really eased my mind.

2. Make Yourself a Priority

This is your time. Focus on your health, wellbeing, and mindset and let go of the noise around you. Do everything you can to be your best self when you walk (or wheel!) into that operating room.

3. Have a Pre-Surgery Plan

Use these weeks or months to build yourself up:

• Clean up your diet

• Stay as active as you safely can

• Find activities you enjoy that don’t aggravate pain

For me, personally, that activity was swimming. I learned front crawl, and it was a game changer!

If your mobility is limited, focus on your mental health: breathwork, stress reduction, and good sleep will make a huge difference when approaching the surgery.

4. Strengthen and Mobilise (If Possible)

Even small improvements in strength and flexibility can make recovery smoother and faster. Go into surgery as strong as you can and your future self will thank you.

5. Keep a Positive Mindset

Don’t become a victim of the situation. Focus on what you can control: your preparation, your attitude, your environment. As my consultant said: “Nine out of ten people are happy with the outcome.” Imagine yourself as one of those nine lucky people!

6. Set Up Your Space

Rearrange your home so you can move easily and reach things safely. Little adjustments make a huge difference when you come home from hospital.

 7. Protect Your Energy

Surround yourself with positive people and avoid negative stories online. Educate yourself on your condition, but don’t fall down the “Dr Google” rabbit hole believing everything you read.

8. Plan Your Recovery Time

Create a list of things that will keep your mind busy and your mood high:

• Books

• Movies

• Creative projects

• Hobbies

9. Trust Your Medical Team

Going in, I reminded myself that I was in the best hands. I trusted my consultant and his team. It still felt surreal on the day, but that trust kept me somewhat calm.

10. Visualise the Outcome

Focus on the outcome: imaging being pain and limp free! Visualise regaining your life after years of suffering! I can’t even describe that feeling of being able to walk with no pain for the first time after almost 8 years of suffering!

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Preparing for your operation is just as important as recovering afterward. As the saying goes: Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

Give yourself the best start: physically, mentally, and emotionally; and step into this new chapter with confidence.