Total hip replacement can be a life-changing procedure for those struggling with severe hip pain and limited mobility. In this patient Q&A, we hear from Ari Smith, who underwent total knee replacement surgery with Dr. Rohan Gopinath at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists.
Dr. Gopinath is a board-eligible, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the hip and knee. He has helped countless patients like Ari regain their mobility and improve their quality of life through this transformative procedure.
Keep reading to learn more about Ari’s journey with Dr. Gopinath at BOS.
Hello Ari! Tell us about your life prior to surgery. How long have you been experiencing hip pain? How was it affecting your life?
I began having pain in my right leg probably 3 years ago. Initially, I thought it was perhaps a pulled nerve or some sort of sciatica that would eventually go away, but of course it did not. Frustrated, I began looking for professional help and was referred to Barrington Orthopedics by my wife, who had previously had many positive experiences with the practice. After an initial assessment by a BOS team member, I was referred to Dr. Gopinath.
Why did you ultimately decide to pursue total hip replacement surgery?
Basically it came down to a quality-of-life issue for me. I was tired of constantly being in pain and taking over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain, especially at night when trying to get to sleep.
Describe your first consultation. Why did you decide to have your procedure with Dr. Gopinath and Barrington Orthopedic Specialists?
I was immediately impressed with Dr. Gopinath’s “bedside manner” as I was with his entire team, very friendly, understanding, and encouraging. He actually left the decision as to whether to have the procedure entirely up to me and suggested that I take some time to evaluate pros and cons to the surgery. He also suggested that we try an injection to the hip that would give me an idea of how I would feel after the hip replacement, and then make a decision. It didn’t take me that long to figure out that I should have gotten the procedure scheduled a long time ago.
Tell us about your procedure with Dr. Gopinath. What was involved in your right total hip replacement? How long did the procedure take?
Dr. Gopinath suggested that I was an excellent candidate for anterior hip replacement and that it could be done without any issues at Schaumburg Surgery Center located at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, Schaumburg office. instead of a multi-day hospital stay. Again, totally my decision to go with the surgical center, where I checked in the day of surgery at 11:00 AM and was out of surgery by 3:00 PM and on my way home. Amazingly, I was able to take several steps and walked immediately after my surgery!
What has been the biggest challenge of your recovery period? What was the most rewarding part?
My understanding is that people who have anterior hip replacement typically recover and rehab quicker, which was the case with my recovery. My biggest challenge was to slow down and let my hip heal, and not to do too much. The most rewarding thing was that after a short two weeks of at-home rehab visits by a rehabilitation specialist, I was able to walk and climb stairs without any assistance. My mobility was the same as it was in my 30s!
Have Dr. Gopinath and the BOS team been helpful to you during the rehabilitation process?
Absolutely yes, I had BOS check in on me on a daily basis and later on a weekly schedule. I leveraged the rehab department at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, where they have a great crew of therapists who I highly recommend. Regular post-surgical consultations have been scheduled with Dr. Gopinath and his team, where they took X-rays and evaluated my progress.
How is your new hip? Has your procedure changed your life for the better?
As I mentioned, I feel that I am back in my 30s! I am currently much more active and attending Spin classes and other non-high-impact exercises. My quality of life has vastly improved thanks to Dr. Gopinath.
What would you say to others who are considering a hip replacement?
Don’t wait, do it. You’ll wish you had done it earlier!
Thank you for answering these questions for us!
To learn more about Dr. Gopinath, visit his page on our website! If you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact our office at (847) 285-4200 or schedule online here.
Don’t wait another day living with hip pain. Visit Barrington Orthopedic Specialists and get started on the road to recovery!
