I have always enjoyed walking several miles at a time. In 2015, I began playing pickleball and was having a blast. However, in 2017, my right hip began to bother me. I ignored the pain for a while, but it was always nagging at me. I began getting cortisone shots in 2018 and they helped a little, but I definitely was not pain-free. By 2020, I was struggling to walk just a little ways, but circumstances at the time prohibited me from undergoing major surgery, so I dealt with the pain. By 2021, I could barely make it through the grocery store, and when I did – I was in so much pain I wanted to cry.  

So, I made an appointment to see Dr. Benjamin Beecher at Iowa Ortho, who had performed a total knee replacement for my husband several years ago. He agreed that I was a candidate for a total hip replacement and scheduled my surgery. Due to the pandemic, it was decided that my surgery would be done as an outpatient procedure. I was skeptical since I live in a two-story home with all the bedrooms on the second floor, but I trusted my doctor – and I agreed.

I received my new hip the morning of October 4, 2021 and went home that afternoon. I followed all the guidelines and got along just fine. Everyone agreed that I was doing very well following the total hip replacement. I attribute this to the excellent care and guidance I received from Dr. Beecher and all that were involved in the process.

Winters in Iowa are no fun. So in February 2022, I packed a suitcase and headed to Florida. I have made so much improvement since my surgery in October, I was even able to get out on the pickleball court.  I’m not quite walking as far each day as I used to, but I am confident that I will be very soon. My hip surgery has given me my life back. Thank you, Dr. Beecher and Iowa Ortho!