Hi Robin, you are definitely not the only one. I'm a 58 year old woman who reached the end of surgical options on my hip as well. Four months ago my artificial hip was removed permanently and I also now have to learn how to live without a hip. I'm really amazed by your mobility at this stage of your recovery! That's very promising and being able to get around must be helping with your mental health. I'm still mostly bedridden but I also have rheumatoid arthritis which is a large part of why I have very limited mobility right now. I also went through many of the same things you did. It's been frustrating because this type of surgery is so rare that it's hard to find any medical providers who have experience with patients in our "condition".

I lucked out and was assigned a home PT who has been amazing. I've learned so much from him and my progress out of bed is largely due to him. I've always been a big believer in PT, and especially in our case, I think it's critical for maximizing mobility. I'm also getting a lot of help from my occupational therapist. She's been able to suggest equipment and mobility aides that will increase my ability to be out in the world. I highly recommend making use of these two resources to the most and they are probably available to you through your insurance.

Let's stay in touch, and please remember you not alone. I was told the emotional part of this surgery is the toughest. You never had a chance to mentally prepare for this surgery so I can only imagine how much harder it hit you when you lost the mobility you were used to. Keep up the good fight! Janeen