Hip Replacement Patient Story

Read one patient’s story of her experiences before and after hip replacement surgery.

I have had issues with my right hip since 1999.  I did undergo a hip arthroscopy in December of 1999 and was told then that I would eventually need a total hip replacement, and that I would know when that day came. Since I would prefer not to have surgery, I would explore any means that made sense to me in order to maintain a quality of life that includes physical activity. 

When I moved to Pennsylvania in 2002, friends of mine had been setting me up on blind dates.  Then they thought of setting me up with Bob, since both he and I have hip issues.  They felt it was a point of common interests.  Anyway, the set up was not happening and I just asked for Bob’s phone number so I could call him and try to talk him out of surgery.  At this point he was already scheduled for his total hip replacement with Dr. Robert Hozack for July 23, 2003.  I was trying to get Bob to try some of my other means to treat his hip issues. 

From that call we had our first meeting and starting dating.  He had his surgery in July and it was a great success.  I was with him through the whole thing.  Needless to say come September 2004 I was unable to get relief from the hip pain I was suffering.  So of course, I called Rothman Institute and Dr. Peter Sharkey did my total right hip replacement in November 2004. I am so happy with the result. I knew the minute I came out of anesthesia that I was pain free. It was in December 2005, while I was still recovering from my surgery, that Bob popped the question of marriage. 

So here we are, both in our 40’s getting married for the first time, Bob with his new left hip and me with my new right hip.  I love the fact that I can still be active in athletics and not have any more pain in my hip.  There is no doubt, for any future joint or sports related injuries, Rothman Institute is the only place I will come.

Also interesting in my hip stories:  My co-worker had surgery with Dr. Sharkey in 2003 and he had both hips replaced during the same surgery.  It was comforting to me to see his progress at work and put me at ease to go forward with my hip.  Then, when I went for my dental exam prior to surgery, my dentist had his hip replaced (not sure what doctor, but it was not by any Rothman doctors) and was having issues with it.  Of course, we talked about the surgery and he asked who I was seeing to get my hip done and I told him Rothman Institute.  He had heard other good things about Rothman Institute and eventually went to see Dr. Hozack.  Dr. Hozack did perform hip revision surgery, which has resulted well for him. 

So I have a new right hip, my husband has a new left hip, my co-worker has two new hips and my dentist has had a hip revision.  All of which have been extremely successful. 

Thanks,