Norwich, Vermont resident Emma Cottage had been struggling with pain in her hip, but it wasn’t until after taking photos at a high school graduation that she realized her life was limited due to both the pain and the ability to move her body.
“Sleep was interrupted every night due to the pain. I was no longer running, hiking, and playing any sport. Walking was painful and I was truly miserable,” she said.
A visit with Dr. Ivan Tomek, an orthopaedic surgeon at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, uncovered the reason for her pain: osteoarthritis, cysts, a torn labrum, and hip dysplasia.
Emma was concerned about the surgery, but conversations with others who had the surgery and research into the process helped her prepare.
“I watched a YouTube video about the process, and even though that sounds scary, it made me less fearful as I knew what to expect,” she said.
She prepared for surgery by strengthening and toning her muscles.
“I was told that going into the surgery strong would help me recover faster, so I did what I could,” Emma said. “I was having physical therapy for many months before hand and, once I knew I was destined for surgery, I used PT to work on strengthening. I also swam and walked in a swimming pool to strengthen my legs.”
Emma had hip replacement surgery in February 2021, over three years ago. Today, she is doing great and even participated in a recent orthopaedics educational panel, sharing her experience with more than 50 attendees.
“I occasionally get a little niggle in my hip area but stretching and walking always sorts that out,” she said. “I love to hike, climb, and be active every day. It was a full year before I could run, and I never thought I would run again so that was amazing.”
Recovery is different for everyone, and Emma shares her advice.
- The recovery can be miserable, so take it slow and accept help from your loved ones. I had a wonderful team of friends who set up a food chain for me.
- Hold a replacement joint in your hands — it’s the most amazing piece of engineering. It helps me visualize what’s inside my body.
- It can be useful to wear a watch that monitors your steps, so you don’t overdo it on the days when you feel amazing.
- For those living in Norwich, the Norwich Nurse has lots of helpful aids to help you during recovery, like walkers, canes, and even a little contraption to help you put your socks on.
- I make sure I continue to work on strengthening and mobility. We only have one body, and it’s worth all the attention and care we can give it.
Emma would recommend APD to anyone considering hip replacement surgery. “I had the most amazing care at APD,” she said. “Dr. Tomek and all the other staff looked after me very well.”