Patient Stories

Michelle

I was born with bilateral hip dysplasia. My left hip is worse then my right. It effected my whole life. I couldn’t play with the kids on the playground. I was full of shame because of my limp. I felt I attracted a lot of negative energy because of surgeries I had as a kid. It was a lonely cause no one I knew experienced what I was going through unless I was in the hospital.

Just 3 weeks ago I finally got a THR. I am so happy I can’t wait to feel like a person I always wanted to be but couldn’t cause it was too painful to face what was my reality or my limitation. People can say some heartless things. Just cause you can’t see the pain doesn’t mean it’s not there all over your lower half of your body. You’re body compensates for your bad hip and causes you tremendous amounts of pain. It’s hard asking for help and losing your independence.

There is so much I could say I don’t know where to go from here. I guess if any of you do get a hip replacement too please be forgiving of yourself and cry if you need to. It’s not like a typical hip replacement we have different anatomy and extenuating circumstances. So our healing takes longer. Be kind to yourself cause it’s a lonely journey. No one knows it unless they walk it and not too many have it all their lives. I have limped so long I am struggling with walking even. Just be kind and patient with yourself.