Episode 30 – Navigating the Holidays With a Hip Replacement – Transcript
Welcome to The Hip Replacement Podcast, where recovery meets motivation and healing leads to a whole new lifestyle.
I’m Chris Bystriansky, your host. I’m an author, athlete, and double hip replacement patient. I’ve been through the surgeries, the setbacks, and the comebacks, and I’m here to help you do the same.
Each week, I’ll bring you tips, tools, expert advice, and inspiring stories to help you take back your life one step at a time. Thanks for joining The Hip Replacement Podcast.
New hips, new you. Let’s go.
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Welcome back to The Hip Replacement Podcast.
I’m Chris Bystriansky, your host. I’m also a two-time hip replacement patient—one more than 10 years ago and the other more than 12 years ago—and I’m here to share my experiences with you.
Right now, we’re in the middle of December, and in this episode, I’m going to talk about 12 practical, hip-friendly reminders that can help you navigate the holidays successfully.
I know we have a lot going on. We may be out of our environment, out of our routine, and although this is a great time of year, it can also pose some risks for us—depending on how far you are from your hip replacement surgery. Maybe a few days, weeks, months, or even years.
Maybe this is your hip’s first Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, or whatever holiday you celebrate.
I’m very far out from my hip surgeries, but it’s still a big deal for me because my schedule is totally different this time of year. My kids are out of school. We’re visiting people. We may have guests at our house. Everything is different.
The holidays are meant to be joyful. You’re likely getting together with family or friends, but if you’re recovering from a hip replacement, they can also be exhausting and risky—especially if you’re on your feet more than usual.
Here’s the reminder before we start:
Your hip recovery comes first.
Not serving guests. Not preparing meals. Not taking care of everyone else. Your hip recovery has to come first.
So let’s go through the reminders.
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1. Your hip recovery must come first
It’s okay to say no. It’s okay not to do everything you did last year. Holiday traditions this year are optional. Your long-term health is not.
Protecting your new hip this year will pay off for decades. Don’t do anything that causes pain or setbacks that linger for weeks or months.
Putting up lights, climbing ladders, decorating, cleaning—it’s all optional. Take care of your hip first.
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2. Plan your seating everywhere you go
Low couches, deep chairs, and soft recliners can be dangerous, especially close to surgery. Sitting down and standing up from these can stress your hip, muscles, and back and increase the risk of falling.
Ask for a different seat. Switch with someone. There’s no need to be embarrassed. This is not the time to tough it out.
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3. Watch your standing and sitting reps
Up and down adds up—meals, conversations, greeting people, saying goodbye. All of these repetitions can cause fatigue and soreness.
Move deliberately. Rest often. You don’t have to stay perfectly still, but be mindful. If you’re not used to this level of activity, you’ll feel it later.
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4. Stick to your movement routine
Consistency beats perfection. Short walks or gentle mobility work help prevent stiffness during busy days.
Don’t wait until you’re tired or in pain to rest. By then, it’s already too late. Rest early and rest often.
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5. Mind your step count
Holiday shopping, airports, gatherings—steps add up fast. You may double or triple your normal daily steps without realizing it.
More activity means more recovery time. Pace yourself.
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6. Ask for help and accept it
If someone offers help, accept it. It’s a gift. Turning it down can hurt the person offering.
Let others carry plates, move chairs, lift luggage. This isn’t weakness—it’s smart recovery.
Even years after surgery, I still limit how long I’m on my feet doing small movements. Those short, repetitive motions can be harder than long walks.
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7. Travel smart
Get an aisle seat. Stand and move every 30–60 minutes. Use compression socks if recommended.
Ask for airport assistance if needed. Wheelchairs and carts are there to help you. Don’t be embarrassed—enjoy the ride.
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8. Watch alcohol intake
Alcohol can interfere with medications, increase inflammation, affect balance, and disrupt sleep.
Limit it. Stay hydrated. Your hip needs good sleep and recovery.
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9. Protect your sleep
You don’t have to stay late. Sleep is part of rehab.
Late nights, noisy houses, unfamiliar beds—these derail recovery quickly. Prioritize rest.
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10. Beware of slippery conditions
Wet floors, snow, ice, cluttered homes, pets—fall risks increase this time of year.
Move slowly. Turn your whole body. Wear stable shoes. Don’t rush.
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11. Expect emotional ups and downs
Recovery isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. Frustration, impatience, feeling left out—it’s all normal.
Healing takes time. Expect ups and downs, and know you’ll get through them.
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12. Remember this phase is temporary
This holiday season is about healing, not performing.
Protect your hip now so future holidays are stronger, easier, and pain-free.
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13. (Bonus – Baker’s Dozen)
Take your medications with you when traveling—even if you haven’t needed them in a while.
You don’t want to be searching for meds late at night in an unfamiliar place.
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That’s the baker’s dozen of holiday tips. I hope these help you protect your hip and enjoy the season without setbacks.
Thanks so much for tuning in to The Hip Replacement Podcast. Until next time, I wish you the best recovery possible.
And if you want these tips printed on a one-page sheet, click the link in the show notes.
Take care, and have a great holiday season.
