Mary O'Connor

I thought I had to give up my love of running when I hit my mid 50s. After completing 4 marathons and 10 half marathons, my running days came to a halt when I started having pain in my left hip due to arthritis. I shifted to hiking and visited a handful of National Parks, but even that became challenging. The pain in my hip was impacting my joy of being outside and participating in so many of the activities I loved. My older sister and brother also had had hip issues and both had gone to Dr. Gausdsen at HSS in 2024 for hip replacements. The result for both of them was so immediate and positive I decided to have it done too. On 8/26/2024 I had a full hip replacement on my left hip. Dr. Gausdsen was phenomenal as were all the members of the HSS staff. I knew when I arrived at the hospital and was greeted by my first name that I was in the right place. Fast forward to mid April 2025. Along with my two daughters and my niece, I completed the San Diego Bay to Beach Half Marathon (see attached photo). I wasn’t breaking any speed records, but crossing the finish line was wonderful! My new hip felt great! A huge thanks to Dr. Gausdsen and the team for giving running back to me and enabling me to make a memory that I will always cherish!

In a few weeks my brother and sister and I along with my husband, two daughters and a few other family members will be heading to Glacier National Park to tackle some hiking. That will make 5 new hips between my sister, brother and I on the trails! I can’t wait! More memories to be made on the horizon for me. A big thanks to Dr Gausdsen and team!