"Pre and Post-Op Therapy Made Recovery a Dream"

Patient Story: Joseph from Long Branch, NJ

What was life like before joint replacement?

I was in total pain 24 hours a day, and had to sleep sitting up before having my hip replaced. I could barely walk, even with a cane. I had to stop playing golf and virtually all other activities.

What was the turning point for you?

I chose to move forward with surgery when I was only able to sleep in a recliner, propped up in certain positions with pillows, and the slightest move led to a painful awakening. and nothing eased the pain.

How has joint replacement changed your life?

Life after surgery has been amazingly pain free. I'm actually doing more then I had ever done in the past. I just marched 33 blocks in the NYC Columbus Day Parade.I do 12 miles on a bike in a gym 3 days a week, and even walked all over Normandy, D-Day sights, and up and down a couple of mountain villages nearit, pain free.

What information do you have that would help others considering joint replacement?

I did a few months of therapy prior to surgery, that was very painful prior to anterior approach hip replacement surgery. The day after my surgery I was walking with what felt like almost no pain. Every day there was less and less pain. In less then 3 weeks I was pain free and I have not needed any pain relievers, not even over the counter. I just had my second annual check-up, and I feel amazing. The pre-op therapy and immediate post-op walking made recovery a dream.