Ruth Bernhardt-Kuehl
Ruth Bernhardt-Kuehl endured hip pain for nearly a decade, given her fear of surgery. After discussing a new, minimally invasive hip replacement procedure with an orthopaedic surgeon at Loyola University Health System, Ruth decided to face her fears.
Almost 10 years ago, Ruth – a retired meeting planner – started experiencing sharp pains that occurred three or four times a year. Although the pain was intense, the LaGrange resident decided it was something she could live with.
About five years ago, the pain got worse and occurred more frequently,” Ruth remembered. “The pain was so intense it was difficult to walk, stand and cook. When I had to give up the hope of a vacation to Barcelona, I reached my breaking point.” She made an appointment to see an orthopaedic surgeon at Loyola.
Ruth was diagnosed with arthritis in both hips and was scheduled for a right hip replacement.
In the past, hip replacements were done through traditional surgery that required a large incision and possibly weeks of rehabilitation in the hospital. With advances in technology and surgical sophistication, patients at Loyola now have access to the latest techniques in hip replacement surgery, including four different types of minimally invasive procedures.
When performing Ruth’s minimally invasive hip replacement surgery, the surgeon made a tiny two-and-a-half-inch incision, and proceeded to replace the ball-and-socket joint in her hip with metal components.
Like most patients, Ruth was able to get up the same day as her surgery and begin physical therapy. The next day, she was sent home to continue therapy. A home-health nurse provided Ruth with follow-up care for 10 days and then she received physical therapy at the Loyola Oakbrook Terrace Medical Center
After listening to others who had undergone traditional surgery, I was expecting more difficulty,” Ruth said. “I was quite impressed with the way I felt after surgery, and I told everyone about it.”
Ruth completed physical therapy on her right hip within six weeks, and two weeks later had her second minimally invasive hip replacement surgery on her left hip.
After being in pain for so long, I had forgotten what it was like to feel ‘normal.’ In fact, when it was time for my second surgery, I was excited,” Ruth said. “I am thrilled with the results and care I received from everyone at Loyola. They gave me my life back.”
If you suffer from joint pain, talk to your doctor about the various treatment options available. For an appointment with a Loyola orthopaedic specialist, call (888) LUHS-888.