Ann's Story

Hiking with a hip replacement

Ann Loos, 63, finally decided to have hip replacement surgery [link to Hip Reconstruction, page ID 8.6.5.2] to relieve the chronic pain she was experiencing. She could no longer take part in her favorite activities such as gardening, taking long walks, and hiking with her husband. Even rolling over in bed had become difficult.

“I have always had an active lifestyle ... walking, biking, fitness center workouts and classes, gardening, and lifting young grandchildren,” Ann says. “Several years ago, I started to experience occasional hip pain, which was diagnosed as bursitis/osteoarthritis. I started physical therapy and had cortisone shots, which helped in the short term, but over time, the pain became worse.”

Finding the Right Option to Relieve Ann’s Pain

After researching hospitals and interviewing several doctors, Ann decided to make an appointment with Hany Bedair, MD, Medical Director of the Kaplan Joint Center and Chief of the Division of Arthroplasty at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, to learn more about her pain relief options. “I decided on Dr. Bedair and the Joint Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital because it was a more intimate venue with a great reputation,” Ann explains. “I felt I would get more personal attention before and after my operation.”

Dr. Bedair’s expertise revolves around improving the practice of orthopedic adult reconstruction. He is actively involved in clinical work, providing treatment for patients afflicted with arthritis of the hip and knee. Dr. Bedair met with Ann and conducted a thorough evaluation. “Ann and I discussed the pain that was limiting her activities,” Dr. Bedair says. “Her hip was stiff, and her X-ray showed advanced osteoarthritis. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, which is designed to allow a wide range of motion and withstand considerable wear and tear. The joint has a cushion of cartilage that helps prevent friction as the hip bone moves in its socket. With age and injury, the cartilage can wear down or become damaged.”

To relieve Ann’s pain, Dr. Bedair recommended a hip replacement. “Arthritis leads to inflammation of the hip joint and breakdown of cartilage,” Dr. Bedair explains. “Hip pain gradually gets worse as arthritis progresses, and patients may report stiffness and reduced range of motion. Diagnosing the cause of hip pain begins with talking to the patient to understand his or her pain and listening to the medical history. Based on Ann’s history, physical exam, and X-ray, I recommended a hip replacement operation.”

Ann decided without hesitation to schedule her surgery. “The pain was really limiting my normal activities; even walking and sleeping were painful,” Ann says. “I decided to be proactive about getting my hip replaced. My mother has had two hip replacements, so I felt it was inevitable that I would have it done eventually.”

Ann’s Surgery and Recovery

Ann’s surgery went well, and her recovery went even better. “I spent three nights in the hospital and felt that my recovery went smoothly and quickly. I definitely received the personal attention I was hoping for,” Ann says. “Once I was home, Dr. Bedair and his nurse practitioner, Judy, responded quickly to the few concerns and questions I had.”

The team at the Joint Center uses various minimally invasive surgical techniques, which leads to decreased recovery time. “We offer various conservative muscle and bone-sparing techniques and new, improved pain management methods that result in easier, faster recovery from joint repair and replacement and faster return to regular activities,” Dr. Bedair says.

Ann was diligent about her physical therapy. Ten days after her procedure, she was walking more than a mile with her crutches, and three weeks later, she was doing stairs without assistance.

“Ann was an ideal patient. She listened to our suggestions, and her recovery went very well!” Dr. Bedair says. “It is important to see a medical professional if hip pain causes discomfort or gets in the way of taking part in everyday activities. We can help you get back to a pain-free life!”

Having her hip replaced gave Ann her life back, and within six months, she was back to all of her most-loved pastimes. In fact, Ann and her family completed a challenging 4,000-foot hike to the top of Mount Jackson in the Presidential Range in New Hampshire. “I come from a family of experienced hikers and they told me it would be a fun challenge,” Ann says. “The trail conditions that day were less than ideal — basically a river of ice and rocks. The hike took five hours and included a spectacular view at the top! It was the most difficult hike I have ever done. The next day, the only part of my body that wasn’t sore was my new hip!”

Ann encourages anyone living in pain to be proactive about seeking treatment. “I tell anyone facing this surgery to seriously consider the Joint Center at Newton-Wellesley as his or her choice. After several years of chronic hip pain, I now rarely think about my hip. My husband and I felt cared for and cared about throughout the process. Kudos to Kaplan Joint Center!”