Dianne O

• Option A

  Option B

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  Option D

  Option E

  Dr. Freeman explained some of the conditions that could cause the pain in my right hip. He understood that I had been suffering for months, limping my way through daily activities. Dr. Freeman offered an injection in the joint to reduce the inflammation, and recommended an MRI with contrast, to get the clearest picture of what was wrong.
  
  The injection helped a lot- enabling me to dress myself easier, even to continue with exercise classes & tennis clinics.
  
  At the next consult, Dr. Freeman explained the MRI report: osteoarthritis to a degree that warrants joint replacement, when I’m ready.
  
  I wasn’t ready on that day. Still enjoying some benefit from the injection, I had travel plans. But less than a week later I played some tennis- and absolutely ruined something in the hip. Done. I could barely walk. Called to ask how soon I could get a new hip. Now I was sure- no second thoughts.
  
  Dr. Freeman was confident & reassuring, explaining the advantages of the “anterior approach” he uses. The JOI program actually instructs a class explaining what to expect, and how to heal fairly comfortably, and safely - post op.
  
  So 16 days now, since the one night hospital stay, my new hip & I are already pretty attached to each other. First few days home, moderate pain only with movement- (using Ibuprofen only, as narcotic pain meds make me really nauseous) Only “bump in the road” for me was about day 4 -11 pain was increasing, until I figured out my Piriformis muscle (under the gluteus) was too tight & being aggravated by one of my exercises. I thought that much pain was normal for going without the pain meds. But I should’ve called and they’d have figured it out sooner than I.
  
  Two week post op visit was great. Incision was looking super clean & neat (Dr. Freeman was able to use a “bikini” cut - more horizontal than vertical, usually leaving less scar). Dr. Freeman allowed me to transition from walker, to my “Canadian” crutch. And I’ve now started outpatient PT.
  
  Amazing improvements after the initial 2 weeks! I’m doing so much more for myself (without needing both hands on the walker). Thanks to my husband/ driver, already getting out to Publix, Dunkin Donuts & Kohl’s! (“Retail therapy”).
  
  Thank you Dr. Freeman for all your expertise, patience with my many questions, and post-op support. I don’t know many surgeons who give patients their mobile phone number, sincerely encouraging to call, if experiencing a problem. Thanks to you I can look forward once again, to long beach walks, tennis, gardening- and staying strong 10 yrs. after ovarian cancer.
  
  Sincerely,
  Dianne O’Keefe