I came to Dr Blevins and HSS with a torn labrum and severe arthritis in my right hip. This was brought on by many years of competitive and professional figure skating. I have been skating since I was 4 years old. I competed nationally and internationally for the USA and after graduating from college, I performed all over the world for the top ice skating touring production companies globally. I performed all the jumps and spins that we all see from figure skaters at the Olympics. My traveling performance career lasted 16 years, until my labrum tore in 2023. I used to land all the triple jumps on my dominant hip - my right hip - so it makes sense that this would be where I have problems. I continued to perform after the injury, but with a diminished capacity.
I was very scared to get a full hip replacement at my age, and because there was no guarantee that I would be able to skate at the same level again. By the time I scheduled the surgery, there was no other option. I could barely walk, but was still taking painkillers daily to get through my performances.
Dr Blevins and all of the team at HSS made me feel so comfortable. They all explained what would happen and every step of the way, there was a doctor present to make sure it all went smoothly. The surgery was (seemed) quick and I was able to leave the hospital on the same day.
Everything I had heard about a hip replacement made me believe that I would be in bed for many weeks and off the ice for months and months. Maybe I pushed it? Maybe I just healed fast? But the recovery was nothing like what I imagined. I did PT religiously and kept a positive attitude throughout (not always easy for me...but for some reason, the surgery made me so hopeful.)
I was predominantly in bed for about 4 days, then up and walking around with crutches for 8 more. On the 12th day, I didn't need the crutches anymore - and the day after my 6-week check in, I skated again! Of course this was not a skating session with lots of tricks and spins - I glided around the ice, did simple turns, and kept my legs very grounded. It was such a win!
I'm now 4 months post-op and skating almost daily. The ease with which my hip healed (the scar is almost nonexistent as well) and how natural my hip feels after the replacement is extraordinary. I feel like I have two natural hips - there is no difference between them! I am still very careful on the ice, as I am aware that the bones need up to a year to fuse completely with the implant. For that reason, I have not started jumping yet, but all the other movements just seem so normal. Even my range of motion is very similar to what it was before the surgery!
I can't thank Dr Blevins and the team at HSS enough for my new hip. You've all breathed new life into my career, my ability, and my self-esteem. I actually just decided to sign on to another performance contract - next month!! That's only 5 months post-op! This time, instead of all the jumping and spinning, and to take it easy on my hip, I'll be choreographing and directing. I am so grateful for this opportunity and would not have been able to do this without Dr Blevins and HSS!
Can't wait to see what else my new hip can do!
All by Physician