Lara Spencer gave an update on how she’s feeling during Good Morning America Tuesday, September 6, just a little over three weeks after her hip replacement surgery.
The GMA coanchor, 47, announced last month that she has hip dysplasia, a condition that makes cartilage wear down more quickly than normal. After visiting a doctor for help with chronic pain, she learned that she would need to have her right hip replaced.
“I’m feeling great,” Spencer said via telephone to her cohosts Tuesday.
She revealed that Robin Roberts came to see her after the August 13 operation, and the visit was “priceless.” “One of the main things, if anyone’s ever had a surgery like this, No. 1, it’s a big deal,” Spencer said. “You’re very fatigued and it kind of consumes you, so to have someone that you love come up and take your mind off your troubles and the pain and make you laugh for two hours is worth its weight in gold, so thank you, my friend, for that.”
The coanchors also showed off photos of Spencer’s new blinged-out cane that she’s using to get around. “My friend Michelle came over day one that I was home, and she bedazzled my cane to make me laugh and make me smile,” Spencer said. “It’s very, very beautiful. It’s become not only a necessary tool but also a party trick.”
Besides getting her rest, she’s been regularly visiting her physical therapist to regain mobility. “I’m up to almost a mile a day walking, and at physical therapy, I ride the bike and do loads of exercises,” she said. “If you have had this surgery or if you have to have a hip replacement or any major surgery, I implore you to please, please do the exercises, because that has really gotten me where I am today and I’m so hopeful I’ll be back with you guys before you know it.”
Spencer didn’t specify when she’ll be returning to the morning show. ABC News’ chief women’s health correspondent, Dr. Jennifer Ashton, who appeared alongside Spencer during her surgery announcement last month, previously explained that the full rehab for a hip replacement can take anywhere from three to six months.
