Five Years On: How My Hip Replacement Helped Inspire WalkNTalk
Five years ago, I had a hip replacement — and at the time, I could never have imagined how much it would change my life. For around ten years before the operation, I was in constant pain. Simple things like walking to the shops or standing for too long became difficult, and eventually, I stopped walking for pleasure altogether. My world slowly became smaller without me even realising it.
When the time finally came for surgery, it was during Covid, which added another layer of worry and isolation. As part of the operation, my leg was also lengthened to correct the difference caused by years of joint damage — an incredible outcome but one that made recovery even more challenging. I had to relearn how to walk properly again, step by step.
The weeks and months after the surgery were tough, but every walk, no matter how short, felt like a huge achievement. I promised myself that once I was fit and able again, I would never take movement for granted. I wanted to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and make the most of the mobility I’d worked so hard to get back.
Hip replacements are more common than people might think — around 160,000 hip and knee replacements are carried out in the UK each year, and more than 90% of hip replacements last at least 15 years. But what people don’t often talk about is the emotional side of recovery — the patience, frustration, and gratitude that come with learning to move freely again.
When I started WalkNTalk in 2024, it came from that same determination. I didn’t want to slip back into inactivity or isolation. I wanted to build something that encouraged women to get outdoors, connect with others, and enjoy walking at whatever pace suited them.
Now, five years after my hip replacement, I can say that walking isn’t just something I do — it’s part of who I am. And through WalkNTalk, it’s become something I can share with others too. Every walk, every chat, and every new face joining reminds me just how far I’ve come — both physically and personally.
A Message for Anyone Facing or Recovering from a Hip Replacement
If you’re waiting for hip replacement surgery, or recovering from one right now, please know that things do get better. It can feel slow and frustrating at times, but every step — no matter how small — is progress. Be kind to yourself, celebrate the little milestones, and trust that movement and confidence will come back in time.
And when you’re ready, get outside. A short walk, some fresh air, and good company can make all the difference — it certainly did for me.
🩷 Written by Rebecca Woolf
Founder of WalkNTalk Colchester
