A Humbling Experience
Connie Harmacinski
Aug, 2019
Physicians: Nicholas Loafman, DO
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After Edwardsburg resident, Connie Harmacinski, retired in December, she patiently waited for warmer weather to arrive. She wanted to spend her newly acquired free time doing the things she loved–working in her gardens and playing golf. But before the snow had even melted, hip pain began to put a damper on her plans.
Thinking she had pulled a muscle while horseback riding in Glacier National Park, Connie tried to ignore it. The pain didn’t go away on its own after a few weeks and she knew it was time to seek help.
“I was recommended to [orthopedic surgeon] Nicholas Loafman, [DO] and immediately upon meeting him I felt very comfortable,” said Connie. “He is straightforward and honest which I really appreciate, so I knew what to expect the whole time.”
X-rays on Connie’s hip revealed severe arthritis in the joint. Dr. Loafman discussed all treatment options with Connie and together they decided to start with steroid injections.
“Within a few weeks the pain wasn’t getting any better–in fact, it continued to worsen,” she said. “It got to the point where I could no longer drive. It felt like my hip was going to disintegrate when I lifted my foot to brake. I was ready to have surgery,” said Connie.
A few weeks later Connie was scheduled for hip replacement surgery at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.
“It was a fabulous experience from the moment I walked in the doors,” said Connie. “Everyone was so helpful and I loved the smaller atmosphere of the facility. Everything felt so personable.”
Having had both her knees replaced in 2004, Connie was impressed with the advancements in joint replacement technology.
“For being a major surgery, this was the easiest thing I’ve ever done–it was a piece of cake!” she said. “It’s amazing to see how far things have come.”
She was also surprised to learn just how much the arthritis in her joint had advanced.
“I was shocked. I found out that the ball of my femur bone came out in pieces during surgery,” she said. “Leading up to the procedure I was also experiencing pain in my knee and Dr. Loafman told me that by having my hip replaced it would likely help correct this issue as well. Thankfully the small adjustment has made all the difference.”
Connie spent the night after surgery in the hospital and was able to return home the next day. The following week she was out mowing her lawn and going to the grocery store.
“Dr. Loafman told me the minute I woke up from surgery I wouldn’t feel the joint pain any longer and he was right,” said Connie. “If I would have known how easy it was, I would have done it sooner.”
“It feels so good to be able to do the things I couldn’t for so long,” said Connie. “It really is a humbling experience when something like this happens and you realize how much you take simple things like walking for granted.”
Watch more of Connie's story in the video below: