In 2008 I had my right hip replaced; the following year, I had my left hip replaced. At the time, I was only 19 years old. As you can imagine, that was probably one of the scariest things I have ever had to go through, and so much fear ran through my head. At the time, this was something uncommon for someone so small to get this type of surgery; I felt like a freak in many ways.

I can remember going to the doctor’s appointments the year leading up to my first surgery; I would leave crying after each surgery. The fear, the unknowing of how my life would be after my hip was replaced, what the recovery would be. Unfortunately, one of my biggest fears, which still rings true to this day, is whether someone would want to be with someone who had hip replacements, especially so young, knowing eventually I would have to go through the whole ordeal again. I used to be really insecure about my hip scars; I was so afraid to have anyone see them for years. I would wear boyshorts bathing suit bottoms, but they were not sexy or cute. It was truly to hide the scars; it’s funny I finally decided to embrace them by getting a meaningful tattoo along my scar line. This way, I would be excited to show off my tattoo and forget I even had a scar.

When I had my first hip replacement surgery, I was told the typical length of time before getting the joints re-replaced would be 10-15 years. At 19, that seemed like a long time; as I got older, it started to feel like a ticking time bomb before I may have to go through the whole ordeal all over again. This week I went for my checkup to see how my replacements were doing. Knowing I may hear times up, it’s time to get your hips redone. Well, I am excited to say I was told to come back in 5 years, words I was not expecting, and I could not be happier. It was like a weight taken off my mind. I have tried to be mindful of my weight, work out, and stay healthy. Anything possible to prolong the wear and tear of my artificial joints. It looks like everything has paid off, which I will continue to do in hopes I can push past even the next 5-year marker.

Being 35 with both hips replaced is a weird thing to say or even be at times. Looking back, I think that whole experience was something that really shaped the person I am today. I had many insecurities from the two surgeries and some other items that happened during that time. However, knowing where I am now, overcoming most of my insecurities, and even being able to admit some still linger reminds me that I am strong and can handle a lot.

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