I developed arthritis in my hips, knees, and lower back at a relatively young age. When I was 62, while coming down from a three-step ladder, I missed the last step, and landed very hard with full weight on my right foot. Although I did not experience any pain at the time of the mishap, within the next few weeks I began walking with a serious limp because of the pain that had developed. Following a referral from my regular physician to Dr. Peter Ramsey at Coastal Orthopedics, X-rays showed that my right hip contained numerous bone spurs that were apparently damaged when I took my fall. A cortisone shot reduced the pain somewhat for a couple of months, but Dr. Ramsey advised that hip replacement surgery would likely be in the picture in the near future. I attended one of his seminars describing the surgery, then met with him again, at which this time he explained what was involved in my particular case. He said he would perform the surgery whenever I was ready.
I waited a couple of months and realized the cortisone was merely a temporary means of reducing the pain, but I still walked with a limp. Accordingly, I made the decision to proceed with the surgery. Never having had a major surgical procedure, I was somewhat apprehensive about the unknown. However, my experience at the hospital was much better than I could have ever anticipated. Every person on the hospital staff that I encountered from admissions to pre-op, surgery, post-op, patient room, physical therapy, food-service and cleaning staff was courteous and professional. The food was great and my husband was permitted to stay in the room as much as he wanted, and I was permitted to go home the day after surgery.
I was quite apprehensive about the spinal anesthesia, but even that went smoothly.  I awakened immediately upon completion of the surgery and was alert, without any nausea, headache, or pain. My surgery was scheduled for 8:00 a.m. I was ready to eat when lunch arrived at noon. Physical therapy came around 2:00 p.m., and I took my first steps with the walker, putting some weight on my right foot. I went home the following morning. Over the course of the next two weeks, a physical therapist came to my home three times. I spent one week using the walker, then graduated to a cane the second week, and did not need the cane after the second week (except for long walks). It was amazing to witness the healing of the body, especially the way the muscles gained strength steadily over the weeks and months. Five months after surgery I marched two miles in the Memorial Day parade and, after six months, I was given permission from Dr. Ramsey to begin riding my bicycle again. Now, at eight months post-surgery, I am riding an average of ten miles a day on my bicycle (just around the neighborhood in a flat area, and not in a race!!)...and it feels great. -- Sharon R.