Diary of a Hippie · by John Harbour
The honest, week-by-week companion for the run-up to your hip replacement.
Written by someone who went through it himself — not a doctor. A short, comforting read that finally answers the question the medical pamphlets skip: what is this actually going to feel like?
Recommended by a joint-replacement surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
Been there — not read about it
Every page comes from someone who had the surgery himself and kept a journal the whole way through.
Short enough to read tonight
Just 102 pages, written to be finished in one sitting — because you already have plenty on your mind.
Answers the "is this normal?"
A day-by-day, week-by-week account, so each new ache and every small win makes sense as it happens.
What readers say
"This is the one!"
A really helpful and informative account of the whole hip-op scenario, written by a real, normal human who has been there and done it rather than a medical expert. Great insight and advice, with a blow-by-blow account of what to expect and when — answering all those "Is this normal / should I be worried?" concerns.
The book was an enormous comfort to my mum, who read it twice and even took it into hospital with her — where the nurses said they'd heard of the book, and that those who'd read it enthused about it just as she did.
An easy, enjoyable read that gave my mum courage, determination, peace of mind and optimism in equal measure.
— Avid reader · Verified review, Amazon
From the author
When the pain got too much to bear and I started blocking out time for the procedure, I began my quest to find out everything I could about what I was going to go through. My surgeon was excellent, as were the overviews on sites like the Mayo Clinic and the Hospital for Special Surgery — but they were clinical and general. They explained the procedure, and why it needed to be done, but not what I would experience.
I wanted to know what I would go through. What would it be like the week after? I wanted to hear from the people who had gone into the forest and come out the other side. I didn't find much. So I decided to keep a journal — through the lead-up to the operation, and in the days, weeks and months after — so I might post some trail markers for others to follow.
Everyone's experience is different, and we all heal at our own pace. This one was mine. Hopefully it helps you with yours.
John Harbour · Author
The trail, marked
It walks the whole path with you — from first decision to first steps.
The pain & the decision
Living with it, weighing it up, and finally choosing surgery.
The countdown
Preparing your body, your home and your nerves for the day.
Surgery day
Exactly how the day unfolds, hour by hour, told plainly.
The first days
What the early recovery really feels like — the honest version.
Home & healing
Settling in, measuring progress, and trusting your own pace.
Walking again
The other side of the forest — and what life looks like there.
From the medical side
"A lot of good information that can be very helpful for other patients considering hip replacement or scheduled for the procedure."
Dr. Geoffrey Westrich
Research Director, Adult Reconstruction & Joint Replacement Service
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City
More from readers
Comfort, courage and a clear head — in their words.
"Totally recommend this book for the journey one takes when contemplating and having hip replacement surgery. It's comprehensive and reassuring — easy to read, and it flows. It depicts the fears and the victories, with a positive outcome to look forward to."
"Wish I'd found this book before surgery. Will definitely recommend it to others who'll be having a hip replacement soon."
"More to it than just hips — a kind of 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' for geezers. I enjoyed it very much, and I'm a hard grader."
Letters from readers
Sometimes a book does more than inform. It gives people the courage to go.
"Five years ago a chiropractor showed me the arthritis on my x-ray and told me I needed a hip replacement. I panicked and said no way, not me. His last words were the exact same line quoted in your book — "you will know when you are ready." Since then it's only gotten worse, and honestly, I've been terrified to even go see a doctor.
Thank you for sharing your story. It has built courage and inspired me. It has given me hope. I have it on my calendar to call and book the appointment with the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow morning."
"My sister gave me the book after my double hip replacement. It eased a lot of the worries in those first weeks of recovery — knowing what I was going through was normal. I'm well on the way to full recovery."
Jaci"I really got a sense of what will be happening to me. Your explanation of how everything transpires was very helpful. The pain is hard to explain to folks who don't have it."
Gregg K."I went from running marathons and cycling centuries to being virtually incapacitated. Thank you for telling your experiences — it was very helpful, and I could relate to so much of it."
Darren B.For family & caregivers
Buying it for someone you love?
Many readers find this book for a parent, partner or friend who's facing surgery. It's the kind of gift that quietly trades dread for a plan — and gives them a friendly voice to turn to at 3 a.m. when the worries arrive.
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Read it on your phone tonight, or hold a copy you can mark up and take to the hospital.
The printed book
A book you can hold, dog-ear, and bring along on the day. + shipping.
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