Amy Harris

After seeing a general orthopedist and getting a cortisone gel shot in March 2024 to relieve my hip pain (unfortunately this did not work), I set up an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Alexander McLawhorn. Originally my plan was to wait until after the summer to get the replacement, however, I got to the point where I could barely walk 200 feet unless I had acetaminophen (typically I would walk 2-3 miles per day). The only exercise I could do between May and August was swimming, and even that was getting too difficult. My surgery was scheduled for mid-August at the HSS Main Campus in New York City (I had a choice of NYC or Stamford, CT, but chose NYC because the date was better for me). I was more excited than nervous since I was anxious to get my life back! The recovery was slow and steady. From walker to cane to walking up steps normally to 'look ma, no hands' - it was at about the 5 month mark when I finally did not even remember that I had a hip replacement when I was walking. I did physical therapy for approximately 3 months - my goal was go from sitting on the floor to standing up with no help. I finally was able to do that after about 7 months! I also had a 'buddy' during the process - I coincidently ran into someone at PT who I knew from my youth who had just had their 2nd hip replacement with Dr. McLawhorn. His surgery was about 6 weeks prior to mine, so throughout the process we texted and he was able to share his experience and reassure me along the way. It definitely helped to understand other people's journey. I highly recommend talking to friends/family - most people have had wonderful experiences and are quite happy with the outcome and willing to share, which definitely helps with your confidence. And you can always call/email your doctor. I know I did! Thank you Dr. McLawhorn!