Carrie Bradshaw
When Carrie Bradshaw, a passionate marathon runner, was told she needed a double hip replacement at age 40, it felt like the end of the world. That is until one orthopedic surgeon at Texas Orthopedic Hospital gave her the hope and level of care she needed to get back to what she loved.
“It’s given me a piece of my soul back,” Carrie says of her double hip replacement performed at Texas Orthopedic Hospital. “I’m grateful to have the ability to show my kids they are able to overcome anything.”
Congenital hip dysplasia
Carrie’s hip pain came on suddenly in 2021 while she was training for a marathon. She remembers how it started as an annoying feeling, then quickly turned debilitating. Her leg locked up and she was unable walk without intense pain.
For months, the pain took a toll on her body and her quality of life. When she finally met with specialists in her community, she was diagnosed with congenital hip dysplasia. Adults with hip dysplasia have a hip socket that is too shallow to support the ball of the hip. Most people who experience hip dysplasia are born with the condition, but do not experience symptoms until adulthood. If left untreated, hip dysplasia can cause osteoarthritis and the need for a hip replacement.
Due to her young age, Carrie initially opted for platelet-rich plasma injections, which in some cases may enhance the body’s ability to heal and reduce joint pain. But, as time went on it became clear: she would have to undergo surgery.
Journey to the right surgeon
Carrie’s journey to locate an orthopedic surgeon wasn’t easy. Several physicians told her running with two hip replacements would not be possible. Her marathon days would be over.
It was a hard pill to swallow, but Carrie did not give up. She finally met with Texas Orthopedic Hospital affiliated orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gregory W. Stocks of Fondren Orthopedic Group, who specializes in hip and knee replacement. Dr. Stocks was confident that Carrie would run again. This was the reassurance Carrie was looking for and confirmation that she found the right surgeon for the job.
Two successful hip replacements
At 41 years old, Carrie underwent two hip replacement surgeries with Dr. Stocks, spaced 5 months apart. Just six months after her second hip replacement, Carrie completed her first 10k run.
Carrie, who is also a community advocate for the Arthritis Foundation, is currently training to run the Houston Half marathon in January 2024. Her ultimate goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon and return to the race for the first-time post-surgery.
