Arthritis Life

From Marathon Running to Double Hip Replacements and Back: Carrie’s Story

Episode Summary

What’s it like to learn at age 42 that you need double hip replacements? In this inspiring conversation, Cheryl speaks with Carrie, a mom and marathon runner who received the surprising diagnosis of congenital hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in her early 40s.

Episode Notes

Carrie shares how she  managed being a mom to two young kids and returned to her passion of running after undergoing two hip replacement surgeries. Her story emphasizes the importance of getting second opinions, persevering through setbacks, listening to her body and asking for help.

Cheryl and Carrie discuss the challenges she faced and the mindset shifts that helped her return to running, including the importance of “staying in the mile you’re in” and remembering that “the comeback is bigger than the setback.” This episode serves as important representation for those looking for stories of younger or middle aged people returning to their passions after joint replacement surgery.

Episode at a glance:

• Carrie's Remarkable Journey: Surviving hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and  two hip replacements to become a marathon runner.  
• Carrie’s Journey from seeking a “miracle cure” to accepting the need for surgery
• The importance of advocacy and second opinions: While most doctors said she could never run again, Carrier found one doctor who believed she could return to her passion post hip replacement surgery. Her surgeon had done over 6,000 surgeries for hip replacement, with only 3 patients ever returning to half marathons. She and her doctor worked together with the current (very small) set of data to decide what was best for her.
• The Complexity of Parenting Small Kids while in Pain: Carrie shares the physical and emotional hurdles she faced post-surgery, including the difficulty of explaining her pain and limitations with small children. How do you balance the goal of being honest without giving your children false hope?
• How Carrie recovered from Surgery: the power goal-setting, listening to her body, and pacing in Carrie’s recovery.
• Community Support: Cheryl and Carrie discuss how a strong support system helped Carrie stay motivated and focused.  
• Mindset Matters: How Carrie developed resilience and adaptability in the face of limitations.  
• Takeaway Message: Embrace challenges and pursue passions despite obstacles!  

Medical disclaimer: 

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE,

 an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. 

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