Three Nuggets of Hip Replacement Advice

I had a total hip replacement at 19, and I'm here to give you some advice. Whether you've already had your surgery or you're set to get it soon, I want you to know that everything is not only going to be OK — it's going to be great.

I remember it like yesterday. Lying on the operating bed at 19, waiting to be wheeled in, scared of what was coming. I had no idea what I'd be able to do afterwards. And I was going into it intending to come back and pitch for the University of Arizona.

Here's what I'd tell you.

Get your mind right first. Lose the fear.

Fear won't help you or serve you in any way, so ditch it. Start realizing that your life is about to improve enormously because of this surgery.

Begin the rehab process by pre-habbing your mind. I believe how you think going into something changes what you get out of it — and going in positive sets you up for far more success than going in afraid. It's a practice that needs constant reinforcement in your mind, your heart, and your spirit. Be positive, and be grateful that you're getting this surgery at all.

Realize how lucky you are.

Hip replacement is one of the most common surgeries performed in the world, and the technology behind it improves EVEryday.

So I'll repeat it: you are lucky to be getting a hip replacement. We live in a time that lets us have this surgery and take the pain away. And once you really feel that luck, you start becoming conscious of everything else too — your nutrition, the way you treat people, all of it.

Find yoga.

Learn about it and start practicing as much as you can.

Yoga will introduce you to a community of inspiring, generous people who want to help you. You'll find teachers who take a real interest in you, especially if you show up with an open mind and a willingness to accept help. Finding yoga was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I still practice it — physically, mentally, and spiritually — EVEryday. I can't shout it from the mountaintops loud enough.

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Two of those three are mental, and the third mostly is too.

So focus on your mindset. Nourish it. Keep reminding yourself how lucky you are to be alive at a time when technology can take away the pain you've been carrying every day.

Go kick some ass and start inspiring people. It's your responsibility now. Life is too short to wallow.

One love,

Isaac