140: I'm Getting a Hip Replacement at 53... Here's Why

140: I'm Getting a Hip Replacement at 53... Here's Why

From Midlife Momentum: Menopause, Hormones & Weight Loss for Women Over 40 by Debbie Harbec, Menopause Coach

April 29, 2026 · 11 min · Episode 140

About this episode

Debbie shares her personal journey leading up to her hip replacement surgery, discussing the challenges and decisions involved.

So it's happening... Next week, I’m having hip replacement surgery. Even typing that feels surreal. Over the last few years, so many people have asked me questions about this decision. Questions like… What does hip arthritis actually feel like? How did this even happen? Aren't you too young for this surgery? Did you try everything else first? How do you know when it’s really time? Will I be able to exercise again… or even run? So this week on the podcast, I’m answering all of it. I’m sharing my full story, from the sharp pain I first felt on a run nearly four years ago, to the X-ray that showed severe arthritis, to everything I’ve tried since then to avoid surgery. This episode is about much more than a hip replacement. It’s about learning to listen to your body, it’s about making hard decisions, and it’s about choosing long-term quality of life over just pushing through. If you’ve ever ignored what your body was trying to tell you, I think this conversation will resonate. Keep moving forward (without so much pain), Debbie

People in this episode

Host: Debbie Harbec

Topics covered

  • hip replacement
  • hip arthritis
  • surgery decision
  • quality of life
  • listening to your body
  • exercise after surgery

Keywords

  • hip replacement
  • hip arthritis
  • surgery
  • pain management
  • exercise
  • quality of life
  • decision making

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