Marcy's Story

Hip Replacement Allows Busy Wife, Mother, and Nurse to Return to Her Active Lifestyle

Being a wife, mother of two, and registered nurse would be a challenging lifestyle for any active individual. For Marcy, it was a fulfilling life she welcomed with purpose and enthusiasm. Marcy says she was blessed with the ability to provide loving care for her family and her patients alike. However, as hip pain from arthritis began to complicate her life, Marcy faced the possibility of assuming the role of patient.

Marcy has worked as an RN at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Towson, Maryland, for nearly 35 years. She says, despite the kindness and compassion of her colleagues, her arthritis began to take a toll on her ability to work as a nurse. She was no longer able to stand for long hours. “By the time I got to work, I would limp. It was a struggle to get through the day,” recalls Marcy. “I felt like I was 100 years old. I couldn’t do anything,” she said.

“My whole life was affected. I couldn’t even kneel in church. I couldn’t do the basics, such as tie my own shoes. I couldn’t drive long distances. My arthritis interfered with my social life. I could no longer go to New York City or go shopping because I could not stand for more than 20 minutes at a time.”

Marcy enjoys living in Baltimore on the water near the scenic Chesapeake Bay. Her arthritis made it hard for her to take advantage of her life on the water. “I love fishing, swimming, snorkeling, crabbing, and boating. But one day, I couldn’t lift my legs out of our boat. Eventually, I had to roll overboard and swim to shore. The only activity that I could do without pain was water aerobics because it didn’t put pressure on my joints.”

Marcy’s family worried about her, especially Rick, her husband of 34 years. “Sleeping was difficult for both of us. He would awaken to sounds of my pain.”

Even though the pain worsened, Marcy delayed seeing a surgeon. “I had a fear of having major surgery. As a nurse, I was afraid of complications. I also felt that I was too young for this surgery. I felt that I could put it off.”

The turning point in Marcy’s life was a trip to Europe with her daughter, sister, and niece in 2001. Marcy, then 56, was unable to tour on foot as she would have preferred. She had to use a cane and take a cab everywhere. She came home from Europe and scheduled surgery.

Hip replacement surgery is not for everyone, but her surgeon determined that Marcy was a good candidate. The surgeon discussed with Marcy and Rick the risks of surgery, what to expect, and the time it would take to recover. They also discussed the recent advancements in hip surgery technology, along with the techniques that were best for Marcy.

Her surgeon chose a DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., hip replacement system. The system’s component parts can be selected to provide the combination of materials and sizes most suited for each patient.

Marcy spent 3 days in the hospital after her left hip replacement. “I was relieved that it was over and that everything went well.” Upon her discharge, Marcy continued with her rehabilitation at home and then as an outpatient at a nearby therapy facility. “Each day I felt better and better.”

Because of her limitations for the first few weeks after surgery, her husband Rick took a 2-week leave from his job as a special education teacher, to care for Marcy. “I was really limited for the first 2 weeks. I was not allowed to bend nor reach. Rick took over the household chores and cooking. I felt much more comfortable with Rick at home.”

Marcy had a successful second surgery to replace her right hip 3 years later. “I have so much more energy now, I can bend and pick things up and do things that I haven’t done in years.” Now that Marcy has had her surgery, she is back to work as a nurse, providing care to others. “I can now work consecutive days instead of having to take a day off in between to rest.”

Marcy’s life at home has improved as well. “My husband is completely delighted that he has me back. His life is better now that we can go out, travel, and spend time on our boat. My children are delighted to have me back as well. They hated to see me in so much pain,” she said.

“Being a hip-replacement patient has made me a more insightful nurse. It took me a while to get used to the idea of having surgery, but once I did, it was wonderful. My quality of life has completely changed. One day as I was gazing at the water, it dawned on me that I was pain-free. It was a glorious feeling.”

The performance of a hip replacement depends on your age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have this surgery. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can tell if hip replacement is right for you.

Register Now!
Register for a Free Hip Replacement Surgery Information Kit and an informational email series. These people have gotten back to the activities they enjoy, and you should too! Why not learn more about your options and what hip replacement could do for you? Click here to learn more.