On October 8th, I had surgery for a hip replacement. For nearly 9 years, I have been treated on and off again for lower back pain that presented itself only on my left side. Two years ago, I went to a knee specialist with complaints of knee pain, again, on my left side. The knee specialist and the back specialist did not see a clear-cut reason as to why I was having pain. An MRI scan I had done earlier this year did show I was a candidate for a spinal steroid injection. I was so excited to finally be approved for the injection and feel some relief! However, before I was scheduled to receive the steroid injection in my spine, I started to feel some very unusual and intense pain in my left leg. The pain came on very suddenly. It started as an upper hamstring strain then manifested itself as a very sharp and deliberate strain in my hip flexor area.

In the month of May, there were more days that I could not walk than days I could. I recall one day in particular I found myself crawling on my hands and knees to move around the room. While on my knees, I felt and heard a "pop" in my left knee. The sound and sensation spooked me! The entire situation revolving around my sudden pain and lack of mobility scared me. It had taken me years to get my back needs addressed, and now I was full of worry as to how long it was going to take to get my leg diagnosed and treated. I consider myself a very positive and happy person, but between the pain and anxiety I was having, there were more days of depression and tears than with smiles.

Fifteen days before I was scheduled to get my spinal injection, I went to yet another specialist, this time a Hip Specialist. The doctor visit started with a set of X-rays. After the X-rays, as I waited for the orthopedic specialist to come into the exam room, I diligently started going over my notes, recalling as many details as I could. When she came into the room, I took out my phone and blasted her with my story of how I came to be in her exam room. After a quick exam of my flexibility and a peek at my X-rays, she gave me my diagnosis. "You need a hip replacement."

WHAT?! I need a hip replacement?! I had no idea I even had a hip problem! The news was shocking to say the least. I cried for a minute or two then pulled myself together and said, "Let's do this!"

Prior to surgery, I opted to get a steroid injection in my hip joint to buy some time. This steroid injection took priority over my upcoming scheduled spinal injection, so 3 days prior to the original planned procedure, I got the hip injection. I felt great relief for about 60 days. Steroid injections cause your immunity to decrease, so there is a 90-day minimum wait period from the day you receive a steroid injection to the day you are able to have surgery. The last 30 days, I knew I was hanging on by a thread. Each day came with a decline from the day before in mobility. The pain now had an accompanying limp and a poignant popping/clicking sound. I started to count down the days until my surgery not with dread but with anticipation. In fact, the last thing I remember saying as I was being rolled through the hospital was, "I think in a way it's a good thing to have pain before a surgery because it makes the ordeal feel more worthwhile... things have got to be better than they are now."

It's been seven days since my surgery, and I am so happy to have it done and over with. The stress and anxiety of the unknown is over. Now it is time for recovery and rehab.

I do not know when I will be back to 100%, but I do know with my determination and positive attitude I will get there. In this time of healing, I am writing to you to ask for help. Wrestling is my only career, my only avenue of sustainability. I am hoping my healing process will be quick, but until I am able to "get back out there," I am asking for help with medical and living expenses. I've given over 20 years to the session world, and now I am asking those of you who can to give a little back.

Luckily, I have a great support team at home. I have family taking care of my physical and emotional needs. I am hoping to raise $12,000 with GoFundMe for my financial needs to help cover costs related to my surgery, physical therapy, upcoming doctor visits, and income loss due to my inability to work. $4,000 will be going towards medical bills, and $8,000 will be going towards my basic living needs.

I appreciate any and all contributions and thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Tyler Dare!