My husband and I married in 2016 with a bucket list of traveling and hiking plans. Shortly after our honeymoon, I started to experience pain in my left hip. The pain eventually became so bad that I was not able to walk through the grocery store. After trying physical therapy and a few other doctors, I was finally referred to Dr. Ellis and in July of 2017, he diagnosed me with Hip Dysplasia in both hips, but it was worse in my left. I underwent my left PAO and labrum repair surgery in November 2017. I was finally recovered and feeling ready for physical activity again by the summer of 2018, but I was starting to feel the same pain that I had felt in my left hip, in my right hip. In the spring of 2019, I decided to see Dr. Ellis about my right hip and I scheduled my right hip PAO and labrum repair in June. This recovery was much easier and I was cleared to start running by November of 2019! Finally I was healthy and my husband and I decided to book our first hike, to Patagonia.On March 9, 2020, we started an 8 day, 80 mile, backpacking trip through Torres del Paine. We saw mountains, glaciers, forests covered in moss, drank glacier water, and loved every second of it! Once we finished our hike through Torres del Paine, we were supposed to go to Argentina to hike more, but unfortunately with Covid-19, we were not able to make it into the country and had to cut our trip short. But most importantly, I was able to make it through the whole hike through Torres del Paine with no hip pain! Thank you so much Dr. Ellis and his team for everything you have done for me! My husband and I are already planning our next hike and we wouldn't be able to do any this without you!
Last December, I received a total hip replacement from Dr. Ellis using the Anterior Approach. His surgical skill, bedside manner and methodology are all excellent and have led to a very successful outcome for me. Before my procedure, we made a plan to ensure that my recovery went as smooth as possible. For the first 6 weeks, I was told to take it fairly easy while performing the prescribed exercises and using ice to prevent swelling. At 3 to 4 weeks post op, I was doing light biking and was able to walk with the assistance of a cane. By 6 weeks after my surgery, I was riding the stationary bike and walking, which then progressed to more challenging exercises which I still do to this day. Once I had reached the two months post surgery mark, I was able to carefully hike in the mountains, hit the elliptical fairly hard, complete a full yoga class and workout like I did prior to the surgery. I only experienced slight pain the evening of my surgery and I have had no real pain since. I sleep better, walk better and played my first 9 holes of golf this week! Thank you Dr. Ellis and staff for giving me my good heath back and allowing me to do the things I want to do in life!