Finding Relief After Two Years of Pain: Nancy’s Hip Revision Success Story at OrthoIllinois

For 53-year-old Nancy, being active isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way of life. As an outgoing and outdoorsy person, she values movement, independence, and the ability to enjoy everyday activities without limitation. When what was supposed to be a life-improving hip replacement instead led to two years of constant pain and unanswered questions, Nancy knew something wasn’t right. That journey eventually brought her to OrthoIllinois, where she finally found answers and relief.

When a Hip Replacement Doesn’t Go as Planned

In April 2024, Nancy underwent a hip replacement at another facility, expecting to regain comfort and mobility. Instead, the pain worsened.

“From the moment after that first surgery, I was having deep groin pain,” she said. “The more active I was, the worse it got.”

Despite following post-surgical instructions and seeking help, her symptoms persisted. Nancy visited several physicians, hoping someone could explain why her pain wasn’t improving. None were able to give her clear answers.

“I was in tears,” she recalled. “I kept asking, ‘Why can’t anyone see that something is wrong?’ I was in constant pain, and nobody could explain it.”

The experience affected more than just her body. The inability to walk even short distances without pain began to take a toll on her mental well-being.

A Referral That Changed Everything

Eventually, a surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush suggested Nancy seek another opinion; this time with Dr. Michael Harvey, who specializes in complex hip conditions. That referral changed everything.

“Dr. Harvey saw exactly what was going on when no one else could,” Nancy said. “He understood that I had been in pain for two years, and he was able to recognize the problem.”

Dr. Harvey identified a mechanical impingement caused by improper placement of the original hip component. The cup in her hip was oversized and misaligned, which was creating damaging metal-on-metal contact.

A Clear Path to a Pain-Free Future

Nancy immediately noticed the difference during her first visit with Dr. Harvey at OrthoIllinois. For the first time since her initial surgery, Nancy felt truly heard. Dr. Harvey recommended a clear and thoughtful treatment plan, ultimately determining that a hip revision surgery was the only way to fully correct the issue.

Following the hour-long revision procedure, Nancy experienced some temporary nerve discomfort, but overall the outcome was immediate and dramatic.

“By the third day, I was doing things by myself,” she shared. “The pain I had lived with for two years was just gone.”

Even her recovery exceeded expectations.

“The surgery was so great that I only needed four physical therapy sessions,” Nancy said.

Getting Back to Feeling Like Herself Again

Today, Nancy is pain-free and looking forward to returning to the activities she loves, especially spending time outdoors as the weather warms up. Just as significant as the physical recovery has been the emotional one.

“Not being able to walk half a block at my age was depressing,” she said. “This surgery saved me both mentally and physically.”

When asked what she would say to someone considering care at OrthoIllinois, Nancy didn’t hesitate.

“This is the place to go for orthopedics, period,” she said. “Dr. Harvey didn’t just fix my hip – he gave me my life back. To me, he’s an angel.”