I had my right hip replaced just over 3 years ago before moving to MN using the posterior approach. My doctor was great (a friend of the family) and my surgery was successful. I walked away completely satisfied and knowing I had received the “white glove” treatment. So when my left hip started acting up, I strongly suspected we were heading down the same path.
Dr. O’Neill and team confirmed that my cartilage had left the building and I prepared for the ordeal all over again. Going on disability and 6 – 8 weeks of down time needing assistance etc. Then Dr. O’Neill carefully explained that a new anterior approach procedure is performed by the team and with results that left me doubting what I was hearing in spite of the logic behind it. Back to work in a couple of weeks (no disability), being able to start swimming and other activities (especially walking) almost immediately, and likely no physical therapy needed. Then I was told about the EXCEL Program and how this group has put together a team and a plan that covers every possible detail of the prep, surgery, and post-op care. I knew that I was in good hands because every concern that I had based on the first hip being done was clearly being addressed. Most of all, my previous Doctor said just be sure the new procedure is being done by someone who has a good deal of experience with it. Dr. O’Neill fits that having successfully performed the procedure many times after spending a great deal of time researching and training. His expertise is on display daily.
I am 4 months and some change out from surgery and I need to say that the difference in recovery this time is amazing. There are fewer restrictions in general. I was walking the day of and have not stopped since. Back in the pool as soon as the wound had healed and swimming easily. I began working from home ten days post-op which really was amazing compared to the earlier procedure (6 weeks before working from home). I had no need for pain medication after the third day post-op stronger than Celebrex (as a person in recovery, this was almost more of a concern than the procedure). I was given the ok to drive as soon as I stopped pain medication but waited 2 weeks to ease the concern of family. Everything I had been told prior to surgery was spot on and or even better than described.
I need to say a few words about the team at TCO. They not only are caring and supportive throughout the process but anticipate just about every question, concern and need in advance. Everyone goes above and beyond to answer questions from insurance to logistics and everything in between. The day of surgery team was caring, professional and on top of things. The overnight nursing care is nothing short of extraordinary and the next day/discharge team left nothing unanswered. The folks at follow up visits from the front desk to the team assisting Dr. O’Neill are fantastic. If you are considering options for a hip replacement, I cannot encourage you enough to look into this team and the work that they are doing. I am so grateful to have been a patient.
