Your friends and neighbors from throughout southwest Michigan and beyond share their experiences at Spectrum Health Lakeland. Do you have a story to share? Click on the "What's Your Story" button and complete the form.
Mar 19, 2020 Reporting from Niles, MI
A Phenomenal Feeling - Bill Chickering
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/orthopedic-care/our-orthopedic-patients-say-it-best/Detail/A-Phenomenal-Feeling/0ccfef30-6ae1-43ed-b7e7-6ca26efd7141/?utm_source=A_Phenomenal_Feeling&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Mar 19, 2020
Mar 19, 2020
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
A Phenomenal Feeling - Bill Chickering
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/ResourcePackages/SpectrumHealth/assets/img/sh_white_logo.png
A Phenomenal Feeling - Bill Chickering
Mar, 2020
Physicians: Kenneth Edwards, 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.
When retired lawyer Bill Chickering started feeling pain in his right hip, he knew he couldn’t let it stand between him and an active lifestyle of playing golf and traveling with his wife. But, over time, those first twinges of pain turned into a bigger problem.
“My hip pain started interfering with things as simple as moving around,” said Bill. “It was harder to engage in normal activities like seeing my granddaughter, working in the garden, or walking the dog.”
Bill contacted orthopedic surgeon Kenneth Edwards, MD and scheduled an appointment to discuss his options.
“We tried nonsurgical treatment at first,” he said. “Physical therapy helped a little, but it didn’t alleviate all the pain. It got to the point where most of the cartilage in my hip was gone. It was bone on bone.”
After several more consultations, it was determined that a hip replacement was Bill’s best option to return to a pain-free and active lifestyle.
A calming effect
In preparation for surgery, Lakeland team members ensured Bill and his family were well informed and knew what to expect every step of the way.
“Every conversation in the process was helpful—from discussing the procedure, planning with financial advocates who explained insurance coverage, and meeting with the anesthesiologist,” said Bill.
He added, “Understanding the next steps and feeling prepared had a calming effect on me. I had absolute confidence in everyone.”
When Bill underwent the procedure at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph, he was also impressed with the outstanding care the staff provided him.
“My surgery was as pleasant and pain-free as you can you have with a major procedure,” he said. “Everything was top notch, including the facilities and the team who took great care of me and my family.”
Bill was also impressed by the speed of recovery. After he was released from the hospital, he began physical therapy to rebuild strength in his leg.
“As soon as I woke up from surgery, my hip pain was gone,” he said. “It was a phenomenal feeling. I started physical therapy right away, and within two weeks, I was back to walking my dog.”
One hundred percent
After a full recovery, Bill returned to all of the activities he once enjoyed.
“My wife and I try to get away at least once a month, including visiting our daughter in New Orleans,” he said. “I couldn’t have continued to do that without getting my hip replaced.”
“I have Dr. Edwards and everybody at Lakeland to thank for getting me to where I am now,” said Bill. “My hip is 100%. This process gave me my normal life back.”