Regaining Mobility and Confidence: Marcy’s Journey with OrthoIllinois

The first time Marcy got back on her bike, she couldn’t stop smiling. After years of hip and knee pain, the simple joy of pedaling around her neighborhood felt like freedom. For the grandmother and retired nurse, it wasn’t just about riding again. It was about keeping up with her grandsons, walking without pain, and reclaiming the active life she thought she’d lost.

“I had my first hip replacement at just 35,” Marcy shared. “Later, after a hip revision surgery, I dislocated my hip nine times. By then, I couldn’t find an orthopedic specialist willing to take on such a complex case. It was horrible.”

That changed when she was referred to Dr. Harvey at OrthoIllinois.

Finding Hope in the Right Hands

Friends had already spoken highly of OrthoIllinois, and after reading about Dr. Harvey’s background, Marcy decided to make an appointment.

“I really couldn’t be happier,” she said. “Dr. Harvey is the real deal – he’s amazing. Every single experience I’ve had at OrthoIllinois has been positive.”

From the moment she walked in, she noticed a difference. The check-in process was quick, the X-rays were done immediately, and she never felt like just another patient.

“Everyone is so professional, and you can tell they all work well together. It was a relief to feel the positive energy and supportive environment.”

A Turning Point: The Surgery That Changed Everything

In October 2024, Dr. Harvey performed Marcy’s right hip procedure. Almost immediately, Marcy noticed an incredible change. The chronic back pain, something she had dealt with for years, was gone.

During physical therapy, however, her knee pain grew worse. Dr. Harvey helped her through the next step, and in May, she had a knee replacement at the OrthoIllinois Surgery Center.

“For the first time in a very long time, I feel back to normal,” Marcy said.

Life Restored: Moving Without Limits

The difference in her daily life has been dramatic. Marcy can now walk without pain, play on the floor with her grandsons and get back up with ease. She climbs stairs confidently, enjoys exercising at the gym, and something she’s especially proud of, rides her bike again. “I can walk around the block, go on vacation, and just live my life again,” she said. “For decades, I couldn’t move correctly, and now I finally can. It’s incredible.”

Strength in Motion: The Power of PT

Marcy has stayed committed to physical therapy to regain strength and ensure long-term success.

“A lot of people stop PT once they start feeling better, but I’ve stayed consistent. As a nurse and with my daughter being a physical therapist, I know how important it is. I’ve built so much strength, and I can see my gait improving every week.”

Marcy’s Words of Wisdom

Marcy often shares her story with friends and neighbors who are dealing with joint pain or considering surgery. Her message is simple and heartfelt:

“If you’re considering surgery, you’ll know when the time is right. And when it is, this is the place to go. Dr. Harvey is down-to-earth, explains everything clearly, and the staff makes you feel completely supported. If the other doctors are anything like Dr. Harvey, you’re in excellent hands.”

A New Chapter, A New Life

Today, after undergoing both revision hip replacement and primary knee replacement with Dr. Harvey, Marcy is living the active life she thought she’d lost. She’s walking with ease, enjoying time with her family, riding her bike, and embracing new experiences.

“For the first time in years, I feel normal,” she said. “I can move, I can play, I can live. That’s a gift I’ll never take for granted.”