Outpatient Joint Replacement at Good Samaritan
Living with joint pain does not have to be a part of your daily routine,
especially now with outpatient joint replacement surgery at Good Samaritan.
Read below to learn more about one of our patient's experience with
his hip replacement surgery.
When Dr. Michael Dulin began experiencing pain in his left hip in April
2020, he made an appointment with orthopedic surgeon, Dr. David Miller.
The pain was increasing in severity each day and an x-ray showed severe
osteoarthritis in Dr. Dulin’s left hip. “The pain in my hip
made it difficult to walk in the halls of the hospital and do my job as
an anesthesiologist,” said Dr. Dulin, “Getting in and out
of a car was also a problem. Sleeping was the most difficult. I had to
situate myself in certain positions to avoid pain in my left hip.”
After a trial of steroid injections that relieved his pain for only a short
period of time, he and Dr. Miller decided the next best step would be
a hip replacement surgery. He began receiving information from the Joint
Replacement Center with instructions and preparation for his surgery.
“The day of surgery was quite simple,” said Dr. Dulin. “I
arrived at Good Samaritan and was greeted by the staff. They already had
my information and the presurgical process was short and uncomplicated.
I met my surgeon and anesthesiologist, and both described what they intended
to do that day. Everyone was kind and professional. I was immediately
given some sedation medication and the next thing I remembered I was waking
up in the recovery room.”
After being in the recovery area for about 30 minutes, Dr. Dulin was transported
to the Joint Replacement unit, 4GM. Although his anesthesia was beginning
to wear off at this time, he remembers experiencing very little discomfort
or pain. Once he had a few hours of rest, he was asked to walk down the
hallway with a walker and assistance from physical and occupational therapy
staff. The nursing staff monitored Dr. Dulin’s progress and decided
he was physically able to be discharged the same day as his surgery.
“My surgical outcome was amazing,” stated Dr. Dulin. “I
used a walker to get around the first week and I believe I only took pain
medication two times. The following week, I used a cane and after the
third week I required no other support.” Dr. Dulin was quickly able
to return to his normal routines with minimal discomfort. After only three
weeks, he felt no pain while walking and was able to return to work full
time after only four weeks.
“I would absolutely recommend joint replacement surgery. My hip pain
would have consistently gotten worse without intervention,” he said.
“This procedure is something that cannot be put off indefinitely
and I am so happy to have chosen the joint replacement program at Good
Samaritan. They used the most advanced technology available and I was
cared for by a dedicated and professional staff. Why would anyone drive
outside of Knox County for a total joint replacement when the best care
is right here?”