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Why I Chose a Double Hip Replacement and How I Bounced Back

Glenn, 54, a married father of one teenage daughter living in New York State, was a longtime fitness buff who lived with unbearable pain in both of his hips. Knowing that he'd have to replace them, he made the bold decision to have double hip replacement surgery, a choice that made his recovery significantly more challenging. He spoke with Health.com just a month after the operation.

First post-op order of business: Sit up in bed
The day after surgery, they say, "OK, let's see if you can sit up at the side of your bed." I have run three marathons. I once portaged a birch bark canoe with one other 14-year-old kid one mile through six inches of mud. Nothing compared with how hard trying to sit up in bed was. I pretty much fainted.

The physical therapist started walking away. She said, "I'll be back tomorrow." I said, "What are you talking about? I'm going to lose a day in the hospital?"

She said, "You are not ready to sit up. You're in incredible pain and you're incredibly weak."

So I was like one of these athletes waiting for the next big game. I was practicing all of these exercises they give you with your ankles and your feet and I was getting myself on the backs of my hands pushing myself up. I was [determined to] be ready when she came back. And I was.

They actually kicked me out after two days, which is extraordinary for a double hip replacement. The operation was on a Tuesday night, and I was out of the hospital on Friday morning.

I'm doing physical therapy three times a week for four weeks and it's great. It hurts. They stretch you and they give you electrodes that stimulate the muscles. It's not pleasant, but it's worth it.

I've been telling everybody to not be an idiot the way I was. Mix up your exercise. My doctor told me five years ago I shouldn't be running every day. I didn't listen to him. Now I say mix it up: swim, bike. Don't run every day—it's not worth it.

The importance of attitude
God forbid this ever happens to you. But if you are vigorous and you are determined and you are optimistic and full of life, it does make it easier to get through these things.