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Determined to regain her mobility, she began physical therapy—but even basic exercises were a struggle.

“My kids had to help me stand up and get in and out of the car,” Maureen says. “I kept asking my family to take on more chores. My movement was becoming so limited.”

Her usual activities—exploring the outdoors and skiing—became distant memories. With a trip to Australia already on the calendar, Norwood realized she needed a long-term solution for her chronic pain. After an X-ray revealed that the cushioning tissue around her hip joint had completely worn away, Maureen knew hip replacement surgery was the next step.

Choosing the Right Care

“I knew the �����г���Ƶ of Utah offered the best care,” she explains. “After researching the orthopedic team, I immediately felt confident in our doctor and the facility.”

Her surgeon, Jeremy Gililland, MD, is a leading expert in orthopedic surgery specializing in adult reconstruction of the hip and knee at the �����г���Ƶ of Utah �����г���Ƶ.

“We see patients with bone-on-bone joint pain like Maureen’s every day,” Dr. Gililland says. “Fortunately, these cases are routine for us, and we know how to get patients back to the active lifestyles they’re passionate about.” After carefully reviewing Maureen’s health history, X-rays, and pain level, Dr. Gililland and his team determined that she was a good candidate for hip replacement surgery. Norwood was eager to proceed.

The Surgery and Recovery Process

“Surgery is a shared decision between physician and patient,” Dr. Gililland explains. “For many patients, the decision comes down to balancing pain versus functionality. For those in severe pain, a hip replacement can significantly improve quality of life.”

The procedure typically lasts about an hour and a half, and most patients go home the same day. Unlike traditional surgeries, hip replacement at �����г���Ƶ of Utah �����г���Ƶ is done with a regional anesthetic, allowing patients to remain awake but comfortable. This approach leads to a quicker recovery with less grogginess and nausea, and patients can stand and move their legs soon after surgery.

Norwood’s recovery was monitored closely by a team of nurses and physical therapists. Before being released, she had to meet safety milestones like walking and using stairs. For a few days, she used crutches to regain balance, but after about six weeks, she could gradually return to her regular activities.

A Better Quality of Life

Maureen wasted no time getting back on her feet. Three weeks after surgery, she was ready for a week-long camping and boating trip. “I was amazed at how strong I felt,” she says. “I could climb in and out of the camper, handle the unsteady boat rides, and even ride my RZR (side-by-side vehicle).”