Oct 8, 2021 Reporting from Niles, MI
Life without limits - Paul Depeal
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/how-we-compare/our-patients/Detail/life-without-limits/?utm_source=Life_without_limits&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Oct 8, 2021
Oct 8, 2021
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to help patients manage certain conditions, relieve pain, restore mobility and independence, or return to work and other daily activities. To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, contact us.&nb
Life without limits - Paul Depeal
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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Life without limits - Paul Depeal
Oct, 2021
Physicians: Daniel Sohn, MD
Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to help patients manage certain conditions, relieve pain, restore mobility and independence, or return to work and other daily activities. To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, contact us.
After enduring years of limping, discomfort in his right hip, and excruciating back pain, 57-year-old Paul Depeal faced a unique dilemma: He was a younger patient considering joint replacement surgery.
“I didn’t realize I was becoming inactive,” said Paul. “I would sit for long periods and wouldn’t really get up because of the pain. Basically, my daily exercise was going from my desk to the copy machine.”
As his hip joint wore out further, Paul also realized he was compensating by bending his leg, which caused more pressure on his knee. It all added up to a painful loss of mobility and a growing problem.
“I didn’t even realize I couldn’t move my leg and was losing flexibility,” he said. “I had become willing to accept the limitations.”
Paul received treatment for his back pain, but after no improvement, he was referred to orthopedic surgeon, Daniel Sohn, MD. Dr. Sohn recommended a total joint replacement for Paul’s right hip, also known as anterior total hip arthroplasty. This is a less invasive procedure as the surgeon makes a small incision in the front of the hip and muscles are moved instead of cut.
A joint replacement lasts an estimated 25 years. It can be a balancing act when deciding the right time to undergo the procedure. Having the surgery at a young age can mean outliving the joint and needing a second surgery. But the alternative is giving up mobility and quality of life.
“Ultimately, the best choice for me was having surgery when I was younger and had the greatest chance for a quick recovery,” said Paul.
From hospital to home the same day
Leading up to the surgery, Paul used resources and tools on the Spectrum Health Lakeland website to help himself prepare. He was also supported by his care team.
“I was a little apprehensive, but I knew it was completely worth it,” said Paul. “An extensive network of people helped me prepare, go through surgery, and recover. Everyone was so helpful, from the nurses to anesthesiologist assistants, and beyond. Dr. Sohn was very thorough and precise.”
Paul chose the option of a same-day joint replacement, which allowed him to return home a few hours after surgery.
“It was a real benefit to recover at home, in my own bed, with my partner and dog nearby,” said Paul. “I felt very fortunate that I didn’t have to stay overnight in the hospital.”
Paul also completed eight weeks of outpatient physical therapy to accelerate his recovery time.
A new level of appreciation
Paul’s joint replacement has made a drastic impact on his life.
“It’s made me realize that health is a gift,” said Paul. “I have a new level of appreciation. I’m more conscious of nutrition, diet, and exercise. I’ve lost 32 pounds. I walk in the evenings after work.”
And most importantly, Paul’s living without limits.
“Since my recovery, I’ve crossed a few things off my bucket list and I’m doing things I didn’t allow myself to do before,” he said. “I had the mindset that my life was limited because of my joint pain, and I’ve realized that it’s not.”