Vince Powell
For the first time in many years, I actually enjoy walking.

Vince Powell has been busy working full time, just four months after hip replacement of both hips on June 30, 2003. Each week, he sees and feels improvement in his daily activities. "The first week back was a little rough but it is getting easier and I am pretty much back to the old grind," Vince says.

Due to the severe symptoms of osteoarthritis Vince was experiencing in both hip joints, both of Vince's hips were replaced just one week apart. His left hip was replaced March 4, 2003, with an M2a-38™ metal-on-metal prosthesis, and exactly seven days later his right hip was replaced with the same component. Just prior to the operation, Vince experienced so much pain that he was barely capable of getting around, walking only when necessary. Vince exclaimed, "I was in constant pain, especially on the left side where the hip had lost all of the cartilage and was working "bone on bone."

Following his surgeries, Vince experienced some pain, mostly in the area where the incisions were made. Committed to his physical therapy, Vince began to feel less pain and experienced greater mobility as each day passed. "...I was amazed to find that the hip pain that caused me so much grief for a long time, was virtually gone! The physician's assistant said it best when he told me that each day would seem like a quantum leap from the previous day."

Four months following surgery, Vince is in excellent condition. He still experiences some stiffness, especially around the incisions. On days when he must walk a lot, he stretches to lessen the discomfort. "For the first time in many years, I actually enjoy walking. There is no discomfort from the titanium and metal on metal hips. In fact, unless I look at the x-rays, I wouldn't know my hips were anything other than what I was born with."

Vince shares a piece of advice for those contemplating hip replacement. "Having both hips done during the same hospital stay is not the easiest thing to do, but if you need to have both replaced, as long as you have a lot of intestinal fortitude and are willing to work really hard for a few months without giving up when it seems like you are getting nowhere, it is very well the best way to go."

This article is meant solely for educational use and is not meant to replace or promote one orthopedic surgeon's advice or practice over another. Individual results may vary. Surgery involves potential risks and requires recovery time. The life of any joint replacement will depend on your age, weight, activity level, and other factors. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine if surgery is right for you. Please click here to search for a local orthopedic surgeon.

The persons named in this article have consented to be named and have given Biomet, Inc. the exclusive right to use their personal and medical information for educational purposes.