Mary Lou Retton- Total Hip Replacement patient of Brian Parsley MD 

I'm watching this two weeks and three days post op and I've already walked into my surgeon's office with no walker, no cane, driving myself there. I'm fifty six years old and weigh 250, and I can't believe how well I have recovered. Yes, there's some surgical pain but never once has it been worse than the average day before.

I just had total hip replacement 3 weeks ago, I feel like a new person.

I had 2 THR on the same day. She is exactly right on - when the pain outrides the fear - you are ready. I was much worse off than she was, though, and could no longer walk at all Not even one step. I also had congenital hip dysplasia. Now? It is as if I never had a problem. I returned to work as a nurse on my feet for 8 hours five weeks post op. No restrictions. The best thing I ever did - my surgeon gave me my life back.

I'm waiting to have mine in a month I cant wait seeing this video made me cry because I can relate to all of it except the recovery part lol

6 weeks out of surgery. A-mazing how I feel and how rapid I'm recovering. Extremely grateful. Advice... adhere to your physical barrier limitations ... but also exercise as suggested. Rest well and you'll soon feel better than ever!😊✌❤

I watched this before my hip replacement, last June 2022, now September 2023, I have to agree with her, I have a new life!! I will never regret having it done! I’ve got my life back!! 🥰 way to go Mary Lou!!

Oh my, she waited so long to have it done! I had only two years of hip pain, and because I'm 62, got it done NOW, rather than wait and see how much I could take. I'm three weeks post-OP, and SO HAPPY that I get to move freely in my last decades of life!

I had total hip replacement in my left hip a year ago. It has changed my life! I had hereditary osteoarthritis, and the pain was so bad for years. I never got injections. I just guess I never knew and just put up with the pain. I found the best ortho surgeon money could buy in my area. He has literally given me my life back.

Champions like Mary Lou give so much to do what they do at such a high level in the sport. I am glad you could help this wonderful champion regain her mobility. I remember watching her in the Olympics in 1984. What an inspiration! Glad to see her out of pain and recovering.

I’ve had both done - age 56 and 57. Best decision ever

As a former ice skater I had two really destroyed hips. I just had them both replaced eleven weeks apart. What a difference! I understand what you went through to not have the surgery. The pain affects everything in your life. I waited way too long, but it is over now and I no longer have that grinding pain! I am so glad you will be out of pain also!

I just had hip replacement surgery two days ago and it is not as painful as I thought it would be. I think I am feeling better already.

I am 2 months post op and unfortunately for me I'm just starting to walk on a cane, but I'm 54 years old and have lived with severe hip dysplasia my entire life. I received the same hip as Mary Lou and I couldn't be happier. Don't wait as long as I did. My muscles were so weak in my left leg that I literally have to learn to walk all over again. It's the best thing I ever did. I am living PAIN FREE for the first time in 35 years!

Mary Lou continued to amaze us. Her enthusiasm and all-around positivity is like a light in the dark. Glad to hear she's doing well!

This is exactly what I have needed to see! I have scheduled my hip replacement for one week from today and this gives me so much hope!! It eases my fears! Thank you!!

I'm Two weeks post op and now I start feeling good , walking freely without any help and NO pain !!!! I used to be a gymnast to and later i switched to dance ..very heavy on the joints !! I'm glad I did the surgery and can't wait to full recovery !! Congrets to Dr Parsley and to Mary Lou !!!!!!

I go for mine in a week and this video gives me so much hope. it had me crying. i pray mine goes well as hers did! i want my life back! :(

Thank you for this video Mary Lou! . I’m getting my THR in 4 days. Im only 52. As a competitive figure skater for years I learned to work through the pain too. You feel like you just need to be tougher. I got my first MRI on my left hip 20 years ago and I found out I had a labral tear in my cartilage that cushions the hip joint. I’ve been suffering from intermittent hip pain for 30 years! She’s absolutely right. The pain far outweighs my fear now. I have no doubt it’s time. I think I forgot how to walk without limping. I can’t wait to feel normal again.

I have just had surgery and its amazing, walking with a cane 2 hours after and no pain at all.Its a week on and just a bit of stiffness @62 years of age I just feel brand new.Good luck to anyone undergoing this surgery, but it would truly change your life and totally pain free

Great PSA from a great warrior! Thanks Mary! I went through the same thing you after growing up playing ice hockey my whole life and then suffering chronic hip pain that was mis-diagnosed. Finally got my left hip done at age 42 and should have done it at 35. When I started feeling the signs on the right hip, I didn’t wait as long. I’m now 52 and about to get my second hip done and can’t wait! I remember how much better my left hip felt immediately after coming out of surgery.

Thanks for this vid. Left hip in about 4 hours, lol. Glad to see Mary Lou on the elliptical, as I have one at home. I haven't been able to even mount it for about three years.

I had anterior hip replacement in June and I'm doing great! I wish I had had it done years ago. If you need it, go for it!!

At the age of 60 I had bi lateral hip operation, just under two years ago. 100% successful. This was a NHS job at the Golden Jubilee Hospital Glasgow. I few back to Orkney and walked onto a ferry within 4 days . The key things are attitude of mind, and obsessive physiotherapy. Walk move and exercise.

Thank you for sharing your story.I am 55 yrs old and I have been in the same kind of pain for a long time. But i am scheduled for total hip replacement. June 12th 2017. This video has made me feel so much better about going through the surgery. Thank you.

It's great to see her so cheerful and optimistic!!!

Amazing. You could see the pain on her prior to the surgery, that must have been hell. Love to see her smile again.

Just started watching documentaries on Mary Lou which after seeing it she is as down to earth of any human you would like to meet. Hearing recent health scare brought me to this which this was where her health difficulties became the battle she is still fighting today. I never paid attention of her success after 84 but she lived a very fruitful life that is still going spite of the heath ailments she's going through. Keep fighting Mary you are still loved.

Mary Lou, you made us proud in 1984! I am so thankful you were able to get your mobility back. I am so proud of your success in overcoming hip dysplasia!!

Wow I had no ideal she went through this... Well, God bless her She deserves to be happy. Thank you Mary Lou for all the great memories an I wish you all the best life has to offer you!

Got my new hip June 21'2018 doing so much better no more pain riding, motorcycle no pain and its only been two weeks ago. ☺👍

Thank you very much for making this video Mary Lou!

God Bless You! my sister has suffered like you have and she's finally going to get to hip replacement surgery tomorrow. your story is such an inspiration! thank you

I had THR 3 1/2 weeks ago and my recovery has been great. I am now walking by myself without a walker. It is only a few feet though. It doesnt hurt either. It did a little bit the first few days. They--the physical therapist at the hospital had me walking the same day. Before the surgery my ability to walk was getting worse and worse.

Really respect this little lady !!!

She's so right. Pain changes you. I suffered every day for 4 years, because in the treatment of the hip (misdiagnosed), they found out I had cancer, and I had to use all my hip treatment money to deal with that. So it was another 2 years till I could afford the hip. I was slammed up against the invisible wall of the limit of pain I could handle and still work and function as a human. But I'm a teacher - my last 4 years' worth of students have no idea who I am or what I'm really like because of the overwhelming, constant, 24/7 pain. And they're kids - they can't even imagine it, so they can't understand (thank God they can't). So glad it's done. I'm on Day 11, been off pain meds since Day 3. Happy!!!!

Thank you for sharing. I'm a professional dancers it gets the story exactly the same. Gives me hope to go through with the surgery

I'm 27 years old ..and i need hip replacement ..you give me hope 🙏

I went through this on may 3rd 2021......today I was feeling down again and ran across this video.....lifted me back up and I have hope again. Thank you

Teary eyed as I type, I have been in that 6 month stage as of now however, I did get stem cell injections in Columbia in May so it is just at 6 months but all my daily trips to gym, massage, swimming and hot/cold packs not improving. My left hip was replaced 7 years ago and I am still pain free and could not be more pleased but you must put in the work. This Division 1 swimmer from the late 70's 80's believes that we were sadisticly [sic] over training and all! my mates I stay in contact with have exact same issues and it is not all arthritis though that is what all the M.D.'s want to convince you of. So i am beginning the process of my right hip being replaced and I only chant the outcome is the same as the left. Also had a shoulder surgery which was successful 6 years ago, that was a real bugga. Thanks Mary Lou, Rich in Cali.

My brother is 6 weeks out and still in a lot of pain at the end of the day. It's not a cake walk folks. Healing takes time and pain can last a year or longer...

Thank you for this vid. It helps alot. Mine is 9-11-18. I'm looking forward to it and you vids helps greatly even though it is 7 years ago.

Thank you so much for sharing...I have to have one Soon and I was afraid... you make it easier...

I am getting ready to have the surgery. Just like you, the pain and frustration of it all finally reached the breaking point. Thank you for your story...gave me more confidence for what is ahead.

Mary Lou will always be America’s sweetheart. The most infectious smile I’ve ever seen. She could be my daughter but I remember seeing her smile for the first time at the Olympics. All I could say was “WOW”. I just sort of sat there watching the TV stunned!

I am currently 6 weeks past right hip surgery, I am so much better! Have needed it for a while. Good for Mary Lou!

Thank You Mary Lou for this great video!... Had my total hip replacement donne exactly two weeks ago today and already went from the walker to the cane and with minimal paine walking around..Again thank you..

Nice to know someone went exactly through what I did. I was very reluctant but had to do it, no other alternative. Thank you, I did it, too,

Dr. Parsley, thank you for showing MLR’s preparation for hip replacement surgery.

This was a great video to watch prior to my anterior hip replacement at HSS in Manhattan! I'm 5 weeks post surgery and I can't believe how the pain is gone after 5 years of dealing with it! I had an incredible surgeon perform the hip replacement - Dr. Alexiades at HSS. Most important thing is to do your research and find a wonderful surgeon! Great video....and spot on! So encouraging! Life changing!

Well thank you for posting this. I’m having my right hip replaced on the 24th of January, and having watched the surgery on-line, I have been a bit apprehensive regarding pain levels, recovery times, outcomes, etc. this video has helped to calm one’s nerves

I was diagnosed with bilateral osteoarthritis at 36 years old in 1998. Right hip worse than left ( bone on bone for past 5 years) I'm not gonna be able to hold out much longer. The pain, stiffness and loss of range of motion affect so many aspects of your life. I have fought it for so long because the replacements have a finite lifespan and I fear living my final years in a wheelchair more than the surgery itself. But, I'm suffering so much that I will have to do it very soon and let the chips fall where they may. My brother had both of his hips replaced in one year at the age of 48. ( metal on metal 😢). At least I have made it to almost 57. Thank you Mary Lou for sharing your story and giving inspiration

Thank you for helping me find peace with a difficult decision

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO :) :) :)

Thank you for this testimonial video, Mary Lou Retton! This is what happens when one has access to the best surgeon & other medical professionals & facilities. Add to that a patient who is determined, positive, cooperative and persistent in her efforts to facilitate the wanted outcome.

Both of my parents had hip replacement surgery And it really helped them live a pain free retirement

Thank you for this Video. I am a 52 year old man who is having THR on Monday July 2nd. This presentation gave me a new found confidence. I feel that I am in good hands and look forward to getting back the life that I have put on hold. I'm having the Anterior type of procedure and they tell me I will be playing Golf in 4 to 6 weeks!!! For those on the fence, get off the fence and do your homework about your THR. Cheers. Here's to my new hip!!!

Thanks for sharing, I fractured my hip and have been in pain 4 months , your testimonies help the rest of us

I'm so happy for you!

Just had a total hip replacement. Thank you for sharing. Along with my recent hip replacement, I had total shoulder replacements on both shoulders. The fitness industry lied to us with their "Fitness for Life" philosophy. Exercise was touted as the "Fountain of Youth," as though we would be young and strong forever. No one informed us of what could happen to our joints. Everyone knows when it's time for them.

Thank you for this video, I’m looking at a hip replacement and this video has really helped me get closer to making the decision to get it done. I’m doing a few weeks physical therapy which has improved things a bit but I know I’m going to have to have it in within the next few months.

I am end stage osteoarthritis and the pain is unbearable afte over a year of groin and hip pain. This is encouraging and I hope to get this done soon

In 2018, Dr Parsley did both my hips. I still remember -- upon learning that he had done Mary Lou Retton's hips -- I asked him: "Will I be able to do vaults and somersaults after my surgery?" He told me -- "No. But you will be able to walk without a cane." And that was a good enough result for me. And to this day, I thank the Good Lord Above for bringing Dr. Brian Parsley into my life. It truly was -- as the former gymnast (and fellow Longhorn) put it -- "MIRACULOUS." It was basically a life-changing event. Thanks again to Dr Parsley and the staff at the M-HOSH (Memorial Hermann Orthopedic and Surgical Hospital)

I had a hip replacement a month ago everything has gone smooth ,I would recommend it ,the pain has been low im glad I did it

I understand everything she's talking about,especially when she said,when the pain override the fear of having a major operation,thats when you're resdy,and she's absolutely right,thank you Mary Lou,GOD bless and your family!

I needed this. My knees started going bad at 45 I’m 50 now I too was a gymnast in my youth

What a beautiful light of a person

Thank god for this video.

Mary Lou, thank you for this video. I’m facing the same thing in a few weeks and I needed those encouraging words. It is one thing to hear from a doctor. Something different coming from a patient.

Thank you so much for your story. I can identify with you as someone who enjoys sports and a lifetime of activity to not be able to get up off the floor. God bless you!

I'm looking at THR in a month and watching this has helped. I've been like Mary Lou trying injections (stem cells), creams, rehab, chiropractic, but my hip is not better and my life is being impaired. Thanks for the encouragement.

Ive got to have it done. In so scared but she makes it look so simple

Wow, Mary Lou Retton. Great to see her enjoying her life.

I love how positive and motivated she is!!!

Amen I just had my surgery hip replacement last week I was in pain for four years and so happy to get my life back

The pain after 4 years did it for me. simple things became a real struggle. I walked exactly the same way as you did. I experienced alot of the same as you did pre-op and post- op. The one thing I will say, the pain is 100% gone outside of the incision. My muscle memory is returning slowly but surely. Its almost like learning how to walk again correctly. Im 53 years old and have regrets going threw with the surgery, I really had no other option but surgery. Your rehab is very important and I cant stress that enough. YOU HAVE TO DO THE REHAB! Im extremely active and workout 4 days aweek so this wasn't an issue for me. Im glad to see others are having the same success as myself. My doc was fantastic, Dr. William Hozack out of The Rothman Institute in Philadelphia. Good luck to anyone thinking about hip replacement. It really did give me my life back.

I cannot express how much this is like me. I’ve dealt with this for 17 years, and now I am two weeks post surgery. It affected every aspect of my life, as a fitness, instructor and personal trainer, and most importantly, wife and mother. Every activity that I did revolved around “my hip “. Every vacation was misery, if it involved walking walking or hiking, on the beach. Every day at work was worse than the day before I stopped being able to do basic things at home. If anyone here found this and is considering hip replacement due to hip dysplasia and repeated labral tears, I highly recommend pulling the trigger and getting the surgery

surgery 12-16-20---- I cried when I saw this vid---totally understand----5 years of cortisone shots-----shit---looking forward to pain relief---this is a great vid---thanks Mary---wish I would have seen this 4 years ago.

Getting my right hip replaced on August 6th at the age of 55. The pain definitely over rides the fear. Feeling very hopeful after seeing this. Thank you!

About to have left hip replacement surgery done . Wanted you to know how much your video of your hip Replacement helped me. I was a dancer for 16 years and was very upset to learn my hip ball and socket were bone on bone. Very worried and concerned, your RU-vid video of your hip Replacement was inspirational for me and has given me much strength in moving forward with this surgery . Thank you .

THANK YOU so much for sharing this. I have been a fan of Mary Lou for over 27 years and have followed her career since I was a young 13 year old girl. Now as a wife and mother, I continue to admire her and she continues to inspire me. She is such a remarkable woman...not just for her atheletic ability, but because of her Christian testimony and clean lifestyle. I am so glad you were able to help her and am glad to know that there is something to be done for people suffering. God bless you!!!

I’m still cryin.. love this woman. She was americas sweetheart when I was growing up and she and lived up to the worlds expectation her whole life. She Will be top 5 Wheaties Royalty for life. A true role model for boys and girls. I hate that she suffered so much..

What a great story! Brought tears to my eyes. I just had Anterior RHR three weeks ago. I hear conflicting thoughts regarding physical therapy. That less is more and not as important as one would think. Then we watch this and see lots of PT going on. I've read of many who got a bit too vigorous too fast thus slowing up their recovery. What are your thoughts? Thanks!

I had a car accident in September,2019. At first my surgeon just put screws there adjusted my hip as I'm only 25, he didn't want to do hip replacement.Within a month my right hip again got dislocated, this time my surgeon did total hip replacement. It's been three weeks, still using walker. It is taking time for me to get back my balance and strength, because I have total 10 fractures on my body. This story gave me some relief.

I am going in for replacement a week from today and so needed to see this...a true champion shares their glory and their story and makes you feel like you can overcome as well...Thanks Mary Lou!!

I found out today I need a hip replacement; I'm researching like crazy; so happy for Mary Lou, and all the rest of you who have been through this successfully.

Mary Lou, your story helped me with my decision; my condition and story was very similar (see RU-vid video). Almost 2 years ago, I had bilateral total hip replacement outpatient anterior approach and I'm doing fantastic. My passion is snow skiing specifically moguls. Thank you.

I literally cried.. Still am crying. I am 3 weeks post op.. Had Bipolar THR.. On elbow crutches now. My rehab is not as intensive as it shows here. Its just walking for me. I guess it depends on different country's and hospital's treatment protocols. I think I need to get some additional physio. It was wonderful to see her get back to normalcy. To see me in her brought a newfound strength. It could be depressing if there is no proper support system present. This too shall pass!! Good times ahead ♥️

That was wonderful! I lived down the road from Mary Lou in Fairmont, West Virginia, before she went to Texas to train. When my son was in the hospital for treatment, due to a brain tumor, Mary Lou visited him. I am on the list to have a total hip replacement; her story was very encouraging. Of course I cried through it. I have great memories of her and her kindness to Christopher. I lost my son to cancer in 1989; he was 8 1/2. She’s a fighter; he was a fighter! Because of this great video, I have hope. Thank you!!

Thank you so much ! I'm scheduled for 1-7-19 and am extremely nervous but you made it seem a lot easier than I imagined. I can only hope for a great outcome.

Awesome Mary Lou!

Wonderful story! So glad it worked out well. I'm in the pain management phase - awaiting hip replacement in 5 months. Need to wait that long due to steroid injection that took place 6 weeks ago. My surgeon requires waiting 6 months post-injection to avoid infection possibility. The only problem with this is they have gone too far the other way with pain management. From over-prescribing to under-prescribing in order to manage the opiod crisis. I did get a Rx for hydrocodone from my primary doc and only use it when I am overwhelmed with discomfort. This pain is tolerable (almost) at times and outright horrible on other occasions. Tylenol is this surgeon's answer, which as anyone who suffers hip pain knows, is woefully inadequate. Reasonable pain management is essential in all this. Good story for Mary Lou!

I have hip dysplasia and have been a runner.... meeting the surgeon tomorrow.. I am so,ready to get the hip replacement... tired of the constant pain. Looking forward to getting back to normal 😀

God bless you Mary Lou! She is a great American!

I remember when she was just a girl and America’s sweetheart. So glad to see her doing well. She provided so much joy and pride to our country.

I'm 56 and I've had 2 hip replacements playing tennis 4 days a week for 10 years on hard courts probably did it. I feel great now my tip be active right after the op and keep the weight down.

Mary, you're a whole champion 🏆...a WHOLE champion 🏆🏆🏆💚💚

I am glad for you!

I am having TRHR anterior on 2/24/21from hip dysplasia...I can not wait to get my life back and do all the things I love!

Hope you did well! Kudos!

6 days ago I had mine. Wide awake through the three hour surgery. I had a spinal nerve block. I am in a little pain post related surgery but it’s getting better every day. no longer do I have a dull aching “in deep” joint pain that never ends and the fistfuls of painkillers. No more suffering in silence and being grumpy all the time. I’m only 46.