Healing Isn’t Just Physical — EP.7 Blog - What My Second Hip Surgery Taught Me About Pain, Presence, and People

There’s something about doing it again that makes you brave… and cautious at the same time.

My second hip replacement was scheduled for January 14. I thought I knew what to expect—but no amount of preparation can ever fully prepare you for pain, especially when your body carries the layered weight of chronic illness, fear, and memory.

The first time I had hip surgery (on the left side), it was hard—but smoother than I expected. This time? We were more proactive. I had my blood transfusion done the day before surgery, which made a big difference. I walked into the hospital with hope, a little anxiety… and a sense that this would be different.

And it was.

💔 Pain Has Layers

I was supposed to be discharged the day after surgery. But that didn’t happen.

A situation on the hospital unit caused a delay in my pain meds—and if you live with sickle cell, you already know what that means: pain can trigger a crisis. And for me, it did.

In sickle cell, when pain isn’t managed quickly, it builds on itself. It doesn’t stay in one place. It echoes, multiplies, and becomes a storm. That moment reminded me: pain triggers pain. Physically, yes—but emotionally too. Even a movie or memory that mirrors your life too closely can open wounds you didn’t know were still bleeding.

🕊 “We Must Feel the Pain to Heal the Pain”

I’m currently reading Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst, and her words hit so deeply:

“We must feel the pain to heal the pain. If we never allow ourselves to feel it, we won’t acknowledge it’s there.”

That moment in the hospital—the vulnerability, the need, the delay—it brought up more than just physical discomfort. It reminded me that healing requires honesty. And honesty can be so uncomfortable.

🤝 Healing is Communal

But this story isn’t just about pain.

It’s about community.

My husband dropped me off that morning because he had to work—but he was right there holding my hand before they took me in. A sweet friend picked me up afterward. My mom was by my side in recovery, offering her quiet strength. My surgeon, Dr. Watson, took a moment before the procedure to pray with me. It wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t flashy. But it was sacred.

Even my primary care physician, Dr. Dada, stopped by to check in—something that made me feel seen in both body and spirit. He’s prayed with me through so many seasons, especially during infertility and tough sickle cell flares.

🏡 Home Looked Like Healing

I stayed in the hospital until January 16, then finally came home.

This time, recovery moved a little quicker. I felt stronger. More confident. Last time, I didn’t go back to church until I was walking with a cane. But this time, I showed up with my walker. Not to prove anything—but because I knew healing was already in motion.

I spent those weeks cuddling with my baby girl Cam and baby boy Wes, blessing my sister (might not have the same Mama but we sisters) by watching her kids for a bit—and yes, they all loved the grabber tool from my recovery kit. That thing was gold. 😂

🛒 Tools That Actually Helped Me Heal

I used the RMS Premium 7-Piece Hip/Knee Replacement Kit, and it made a huge difference. Between the leg lifter, the long-handle shoehorn, the sock aid, and that famous grabber—it helped me maintain independence and avoid unnecessary strain.

➡️ Shop the Recovery Kit on Amazon

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my podcast!)

🙏🏽 Presence Over Perfection

This recovery wasn’t perfect. I even got a viral infection—but thankfully, I was already on antibiotics from surgery. Grace showed up in so many forms.

My mom stepped in with home remedies. My husband was more present—not in quantity, but in quality. And my friend who drove me home? Later we realized her husband had surgery with the same doctor. We bonded over how surgery brings out deep emotional layers we don’t often talk about.

We don’t always feel like ourselves when we’re healing.But sometimes that’s where the most honest version of us lives.

🧡 Final Thoughts

Healing isn’t just about stitches or X-rays. It’s about:

• A whispered prayer before surgery

• A friend driving you home

• A child’s hug after a hard night

• Journaling through the mess

• Talking about your pain instead of hiding it

You are not behind.You are not weak for needing people.You are not forgotten.

God sees you. And sends people—sometimes with soup, sometimes with silence—to remind you that you don’t have to walk alone.

Even if you’re walking with a walker.

📲 LET’S TALK ABOUT IT:

💬 Did this blog speak to your story? Leave a comment or DM me on Instagram: @joyinthejourney_podcast

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube with subtitles

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

🛒 Check out the tools I used for recovery

with love,

Jaja🤝