Patient Ambassadors

Hi - just had to email you and let you know how absolutely fabulous I feel - smiling like a cheshire cat all through therapy - absolutely not believing how good it feels - doing things on land that I could only do in the pool before - walking up and down steps like a normal person with no pain - already down to 1 crutch yesterday and feeling stronger by the hour - don't worry I'll behave, David warned me of tendonitis - doesn't sound like fun - by the way, couldn't remember, how much Vit D do you think I should be taking on a daily basis again? See you next Friday. Nancy

"I can do things now that I couldn't do when I was 33," said Graff, who’s 63 and has had arthritic discomfort since his 30s. "So my attitude, my self esteem, my faith and my outlook on life is much younger."

May 31, 2013 To Future Fellow Hip Replacement Patients - If I Can Do It - You Can! It has been seven months since my hip replacement!  This time last year I was just beginning to make appointments with orthopedic surgeons because my hip pain was becoming debilitating.  No more long walks - actually short walks either!  I DREDED it and kept thinking that maybe with more leafy green salads, salmon, beta carotene-whatever-it would get better...but nooo! I had read about a medical company several months earlier that created hip/knee joints for a new operating procedure - never knowing I would be checking them out for my own surgery within a year!  So GLAD I discovered this company because it led me to know about "direct anterior" hip replacements!  The search for a surgeon began.... It took a while to find Dr. Louis!  Several appointments with well-known surgeons (one even wrote a book on hip replacements and advertised he did "direct anterior" but did not) led me nowhere.  Those who supposedly used the "newest" procedure called "minimally invasive" still had the long, painful, slow recovery.  No bending/crossing the legs at the knee for several weeks, lots of physical therapy, drugs, etc. When I mentioned to surgeons that I wanted the "direct anterior" approach, they didn't seem to think it was "that much better" and that it could cause "different sets of problems"...etc.  I think the real issue is that they didn't want to learn the new procedure.  Didn't have the special operating room table and had a full roster of future patients - so why deal with it? Finally I found Dr. Louis!  He answered all  my questions!  The "direct anterior approach" calls for NO PT - IMMEDIATE ability to bend, cross your legs - no restrictions on movement.  AND Dr. Louis has done hundreds of them!  I schedule my surgery after picking the color of the new hip joint I wanted - pink!  I merrily left his office, got in the car and..... BEGAN TO PANIC! Everything I saw reminded me of my impeding surgery. I couldn't watch "Direct TV" - without being reminded of "direct anterior".  It was hard to buy chicken legs without envisioning the joint being sawed apart!  I tossed. I turned. Several of my friends - who had the "old surgery" were trying to prepare me for the "after" surgery experience.  They were stunned that there was no six week "hip university" for me to attend.  They insisted that I was being "naive" - that I would be on drugs (and groggy) for several weeks - would need crutches - months of physical therapy - couldn't be alone for the first few weeks, etc. etc.  That what Dr. Louis promised was a nice fairy tale but impossible! Because I live with an old dog who needs to be carried up and down the stairs - have friends who are all busy and a boyfriend who lives 30 miles away - I kept re-reading all the letters from previous patients that Dr. Louis had included in his pre-surgery notebook.  I needed to learn what to expect afterewards - on my own. I read - and re-read every word of every person's story!  "Gone with the Wind" paled in comparison!  They were all saying how quickly they healed and how thrilled they were with the results!  I felt like Natalie Wood in Miracle on 34th Street when she asks Santa for a new house then says "I believe.... I believe I know it's silly but I believe!" So I prepared for surgery in October - put all the flower pots away - bought enough paper goods for an army.  Frozen foods packed into my freezer - I was ready for anything!  I was hoping for the best and preparing for the worst!  My friends were talking in hushed whispers and appalled at my lack of planning.  They were convinced that I should have gone to a rehab clinic or hired a full time nurse for the first week or two! Maybe they are right - I thought!  But it's too late...surgery is tomorrow!  I took a low dos of xanax at midnight.  After, ofcourse, a pedicure in the afternoon. SURGERY DAY I arrived at Good Samaritan Hospital.  Everyone was kind, gracious and professional.  Dr. Louis visited me in pre-op.  "How could he be in such a good mood" I wondered?  I remember being wheeled into the hospital room and seeing the "ski boots" at the end of the table....fad to black. ONE HOUR LATER! Dr. Louis approached the waiting area to talk to "BF" - who was engrossed in his iPhone 5 expecting to have several hours of personal time awaiting information about my new hip.  When BF saw him - he immediately stopped reading about Nebraska football - and thought I died on the operating table!  What else could explain Dr. Louis' quick exit from surgery! Not to worry - surgery was over and a total success!  Back to the sports page! THE REAL SCOOP So what's it like?  Here's the scoop - at least my scoop! I did have some pain in post-op (I think) - before getting pain pump but don't remember using it that much.  Truly amazing drug - no grogginess either!  Bravo!  The nursing care was great!  Had both a private and double room - either is fine. Standing up to take the first step was the most difficult part of the whole thing (which is five minutes).  But after that - pretty much home free I was glad to have the raised toilet seat - "my landing pad" - which was the only item I actually added in my house.  Borrowed one from my friend who had had the surgery the "old way" - she was surprised when I returned it after two weeks!  Frankly I could have kept it forever - comfy! The food was good - I suggest the fish for dinner and the scrambled egg with green pepper in the morning!  I also brought snacks for middle of the night hunger - bananas, apples, dried cherries, almonds and some Trader Joe's low-cal chocolate bars - always delish! Day two - I was getting ready to go home - after the Nebraska game of course - and was taken to the Physical Therapy room on the same floor.  I was a bit scared thinking it might be painful - but NO!  I had to walk up three steps and down three steps - I remember saying - is that it?  It was. Then the nurse came with my first dose of Lovenox - which I truly dreaded!  I had checked on YouTube for info on how to give yourself a shot in the stomach.  Do yourself a favor and stay OFF YouTube!  There was a video of a young lady who ranted about how painful Lovenox is - then proceeded to show her swollen and red belly that looked like it had been beaten with sticks by wild monkeys!  Not an issue.  Easy to do and it looks like a bed-bug bite...just go with it! Before you know it its time to go home!  BF drove and when I walked into the house and saw a leaf on the floor I bent over and picked it up! The house and dog were fine but I felt that I needed to vacuum - so I did about an hour later!  I put my cane in the closet and never got it out again! I did have two girlfriends who came by on Monday and one stayed all night.  But I was down in the kitchen with her cooking etc. already energized from having to wash my duvet because my dog threw up her special treats the second night.  One of the girlfriends had recently had the "old surgery" - with a well-known surgeon - she thought she was witnessing a miracle! Friends brought fresh food from the grocery store and I cooked dinner for BF when he visited for the first three nights because I felt guilty that he had to drive in bad traffic!  I ended up helping my dog outside (in a tri-level) - several times a day and night!  Brought in my flowers (sent by well-meaning friends) and took the boxes out to the garage. I stopped taking Tramadol after three days - because I thought it made me shaky and went to Extra Strength Tylenol the rest of the next 7 - 14 days or so.  I slept with three pillows under my knee to raise my leg for a while too.  It took any stress off my hip! Dr. Louis has exercises, etc. in the notebook you receive.  I did them every few hours.  Probably OVER-did them.  You don't need to do that!  After having one visit by the physical therapy person and another by a "home nurse" I canceled any other visits.  Really pointless - you can do the exercises yourself and the nurse just takes your blood pressure, etc.  Why not save the insurance company some money! Every day got a little better - I had a stack of books, movies and dozed a lot!  If you have someone to drive you around you won't feel so housebound - get out if you can! So there you go - we're all different and will have our own stories.  But keep the faith - you will feels so much better.  I went to a party two weeks after surgery and back to the gym three weeks after surgery.  No one could tell I was walking any differently! So kudos and MANY thanks to everyone at Hinsdale Orthopaedics and "Good Sam" hospital.  You are the BEST! And for anyone reading this now very long letter - curled up in the fetal position awaiting their impending surgery - just do it! Love to all, Kathy S    

Willowbrook Man Back to Work After Direct Anterior Approach Hip Surgery WILLOWBROOK, IL — May 8, 2012 Immediately after orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Louis performed Direct Anterior Approach hip replacement surgery on Gregory Kozak, 57, of Willowbrook, he was able to walk comfortably.  Within a month, he was back to work in a 100,000 square foot machine shop, where he’s on his feet most of the day enjoying his work as a maintenance technician. “I’m a self-proclaimed workaholic,” Gregory explains, “and my hip was shot before the surgery. I’d just put too much strain on it over the years. The pain was the worst at night. Every joint — from my back to my toes — ached in tremendous pain. Now, I feel absolutely pain free – no pain whatsoever.” Gregory rebounded so quickly because the Direct Anterior Approach allowed Dr. Louis to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip (as opposed to the side or posterior, which is typical in traditional hip replacement surgery). This technique allows a hip replacement to be completed without detaching muscle from the pelvis or femur. Consequently, the important gluteal muscles, which play a key role in hip function, are less affected than with traditional hip replacement surgery. Dr. Louis performs his surgeries at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, and now trains other Hinsdale Orthopaedic surgeons in this specialized technique. To date, he has performed over 1,000 successful Direct Anterior Approach procedures on Chicago and Northwest Indiana area patients. “Gregory was a perfect candidate for this new procedure because he was in terrible pain and wanted to get back to the work that he loves as soon as possible,” Dr. Louis explains. “This less-invasive approach is much easier on the patient because there is less tissue and muscle damage involved in the surgery.” Gregory dealt with his pain for a long time and had a doctor tell him not to get anything replaced until he absolutely had to. “But here’s my question, — how do you know when you have to? If I had known sooner that the surgery was going to be this easy, I would have done this several years ago.  When I sat down with Dr. Louis we discussed all aspects of my surgery and I felt totally comfortable with all his recommendations.”  Before Gregory left his office during the consultation, he had a surgery date scheduled. Since the procedure, Gregory has recommended Dr. Louis and the Direct Anterior Approach hip replacement surgery to several other potential patients. “I’ve got people at work telling me I walk too fast now,” he chuckled. “Everyone has been in awe about my speedy recovery, myself included. The whole experience was wonderful, painless and quick. Dr. Louis and his entire team at Hinsdale Orthoapedics were great … even the food at the hospital was great. You think I’m kidding, but I’m not. I’m just so glad to have my life back.” Gregory continues to feel great and enjoys the same, active lifestyle he enjoyed before his hip pain began.

Engineer hip mobility regained after serious car accident. A personal note....  [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

A retired teacher finds new lease on life.  Paul, a  Naperville North High School teacher and coach of both football and baseball, Paul Ryan was used to being on his feet constantly for long days without much rest. During the last 10 years of his career, he experienced a gradual increase in hip pain that made long days at work extremely difficult to get through. To relieve his pain, Paul would take painkillers every day.  This only allowed him to mask the pain that really needed attention from a physician. As time went on and the daily pain worsened, Paul developed a pronounced limp to compensate for the pain he felt when walking. People began to ask about his limp, and he finally decided it was time to find a solution. Paul began by asking his daughter, a physical therapist, to consult her colleagues and come up with a list of recommended physicians that could help him. First on that list was Dr. Steven Louis, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon at Hinsdale Orthopaedics.  Dr. Louis is known for using the direct anterior approach for hip arthritis patients, allowing them to get back to their daily lives soon after surgery.  Interested in a quick recovery, Paul quickly contacted Hinsdale Orthopaedics and set up a consultation with Dr. Louis. After performing an x-ray and evaluating the injury, Dr. Louis strongly suggested that Paul consider having direct anterior hip replacement surgery, a new approach to hip surgery that is less invasive than traditional surgery; it involves less cutting of muscles and ligaments, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recuperation.  With full trust in Dr. Louis, he agreed to have the surgery. The surgery took place on January 4, 2012 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. Paul was surprised when, shortly after waking from surgery, he was instructed to slowly stand up from his hospital bed. He wearily obeyed, and was amazed by the stability of his new hip. He remained in the hospital for two days, participating in daily therapy. Dr. Louis checked on his progress several times, always encouraging him not to let his mind restrict him from getting the most from his new hip. Paul received physical therapy from home for the following two weeks until his checkup with Dr. Louis. By that time, he had made excellent progress and started using a cane in place of crutches. Throughout the next few months, walking became easier. Today, he has nothing more than occasional discomfort in his hip, and his hip mobility is the best it has been in more than a decade. Paul’s only regret is that he didn’t find Dr. Louis sooner so he could have lived an even fuller life with less pain.

February 28, 2012 Dear Dr. Louis, I would like to thank you so much for your kindness, wonderful bedside manner, and helping to make my husband feel good again. We did our research, spoke to two other doctors and I am so glad we chose you and the direct anterior approach. It boggles my mind that anyone would do this surgery any other way. Your staff at Hinsdale Orthopaedics was wonderful, as were the nurses and staff at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove,   I cannot say enough good things about everyone involved.  Since he was debilitated almost two years ago, I have had to do 99 percent of the work around the house.  I can now give him back his 9 percent!   Thank you again so very, very much! Sincerely, Kris H

Award-Winning, 13-Year-Old Piano Player Performs at Ravinia After Treated by Dr. Steven Louis for Broken Wrist and Elbow Jonny Cruz, 13, is a talented pianist who is a scholarship recipient and member of the Music Institute of Chicago’s Academy program for gifted, adolescent musicians. A piano player since age four, Jonny has studied and performed with several renowned musicians and orchestras. Just four months after his debut performance at Ravinia, Jonny suffered a broken wrist and broken elbow—potentially detrimental injuries for a piano player. Fortunately, Jonny was in good hands with Dr. Steven Louis, who performed surgery to mend Jonny’s broken elbow and broken wrist. Since then, Jonny has experienced a full recovery, returning to his love for performing music. The gifted teen- who also plays the violin in his school’s honor strings ensemble and the alto saxophone in his school jazz band, and swims competitively- is seen in the video below performing with a piano trio, where he was one of three pianists selected internationally to spend three weeks in Connecticut performing numerous pieces with chamber group ensembles. Since his recovery, Jonny performed Aaron Copland’s El Salon Mexico piano duet with Welz Kauffman, president of Ravinia, while Concert Dance, Inc. performed on stage. His biography, as printed in the program for this performance, is also shown below.

Richard Sroka, physical therapist amazed with hip progress of his Direct Anterior Hip surgery patient.  Mr. Sroka is a Physical Therapist with Achieve Orthopedic Rehabilitation Institute in Park Ridge, has been helping patients recover from hip surgery for 12 years.  “Doctors typically require six to eight weeks of physical therapy after hip surgery,” Sroka said. “Three sessions of therapy each weeks is usually needed.” This month, for the first time in his 12-year career, Sroka is treating a patient who opted to have anterior hip surgery instead of traditional hip replacement surgery. Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics performed anterior hip surgery on the patient in December. Now, his physical therapist is amazed with his progression. “I expect he will be complete his physical therapy within the first month, and I only see him twice a week” Sroka said. “He’s also in much less pain than we usually see.” Not only is the patient experiencing less pain, a faster recovery and less therapy than traditional hip surgery patients, Sroka took notice of his positive mentality. “The patient is more optimistic than usual, probably from a pain standpoint and his ability to be more functional in walking and getting around,” Sroka said. Here are some of the advantages Dr. Louis points out about the direct anterior approach over traditional hip replacement surgery: o Less pain post-operation o No restriction of post-op activity o More accurate leg lengths and alignment with intra-operative X-ray o Decreased risk of post-op hip dislocation o Minimal incision and scarring o Patients may walk same day as surgery o Little or no physical rehabilitation o Procedure is easier for patients who are overweight or obese o Earlier release from hospital o Cost-effective because shorter hospital stay For more information on Dr. Steven Louis and to download a free brochure on the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement, visit www.anterior-hip-surgery.com.  

Just two days after orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Louis performed Direct Anterior Approach hip replacement surgery on Karen Facenda, 68, of Lemont, she was back home and walking up and down the stairs. Within months, she was back to riding comfortably in the car to visit out-of-state grandchildren and walking the long aisles during quilt shows. “Before my hip replacement surgery, I would avoid walking and I couldn’t sit for long periods,” Karen explained. “While I was at the zoo or park with my grandchildren, I just wanted to sit down. Now, post-surgery, I am able to do most everything with them.” Karen rebounded so quickly because the Direct Anterior Approach allows the surgeon to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip, as opposed to the side or posterior in traditional hip replacement surgery. This allows a hip replacement to be done without detaching muscle from the pelvis or femur. Consequently, the important gluteal muscles, which play a key role in hip function, are less affected than with traditional hip replacement surgery. Dr. Louis has performed over 250 successful Direct Anterior Approach procedures on Chicago and Northwest Indiana area patients. “Karen was a perfect candidate for this new procedure because she was in pain and wanted to get back to her active lifestyle as quickly as possible,” Dr. Louis explains. “This less-invasive approach is much easier on the patient because there is less tissue and muscle damage involved in the surgery.” Karen, who has had arthritis for more than 20 years, previously had both of her knees replaced. Because she was no stranger to joint replacement surgery and recovery, she researched physicians and surgery techniques carefully. When she realized her hip pain was just not going to go away, she contacted Dr. Louis who performs his surgeries at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove and now trains other Hinsdale Orthopaedic surgeons in this technique. She enjoyed his casual manner, sense of humor and felt comfortable asking him questions. When she described her pain and other symptoms, they discussed the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement procedure. Karen continues to feel great and enjoys the same, active lifestyle she enjoyed before her hip pain began. A passionate quilter, which requires long periods of standing, she plans to visit between 4-5 quilt shows this year. Free Informational Seminar Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics is hosting a free seminar for patients to learn more about the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement surgery on Tuesday, October 25, 7 pm in the Taylor Room, Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive in Bolingbrook. To register, please call 1.630.986.8749. This event is free and open to the public. For more information on Dr. Steven Louis and to download a free brochure on the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement, visit http://www.anterior-hip-surgery.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DrLouisDirectAntApproach.pdf.

Just days after orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Louis performed Direct Anterior Approach hip replacement surgery on Jocelyn Rogers, 55, of Valparaiso, she strolled the aisles at her local Target without a cane or walker. Within just weeks, she was once again riding on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, getting on and off herself without pain. “I was virtually bed-ridden for months before my hip surgery and I couldn’t do any of the things I enjoy,” she explains. “Now, I am riding with my husband on his motorcycle again, walking the treadmill, biking and looking forward to the future.” Jocelyn rebounded so quickly because the Direct Anterior Approach allows the surgeon to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip, as opposed to the side or posterior in traditional hip replacement surgery. This allows the hip to be replaced without detaching muscle from the pelvis or femur. Consequently, the important gluteal muscles, which play a key role in hip function, are less affected than with traditional hip replacement surgery. Dr. Louis has performed over 250 successful Direct Anterior Approach procedures on Chicago and Northwest Indiana area patients. “Jocelyn was a perfect candidate for this new procedure because she was in pain and wanted to get back to her active lifestyle as quickly as possible,” Dr. Louis explains. “This less-invasive approach is much easier on the patient because there is less tissue and muscle damage involved in the surgery.” Jocelyn, a stay-at-home mother and wife, had no time for hip pain. She was concerned about visiting her two children in college and what the future would hold without any relief. When her painful hip started last year, she did extensive research and contacted Dr. Louis who performs his surgeries at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove and now trains other Hinsdale Orthopaedic surgeons in this technique. She enjoyed his casual manner, sense of humor and felt comfortable asking him questions. When she described her pain and other symptoms, they discussed the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement procedure. Jocelyn continues to feel great and enjoys the same, active lifestyle she enjoyed before her hip pain began. Free Informational Seminar Dr. Steven Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics is hosting a free seminar for patients to learn more about the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement surgery on Tuesday, October 25, 7 pm in the Taylor Room, Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive in Bolingbrook. To register, please call 1.630.986.8749. This event is free and open to the public. For more information on Dr. Steven Louis and to download a free brochure on the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement, visit http://www.anterior-hip-surgery.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DrLouisDirectAntApproach.pdf.

I can't say enough wonderful things about Dr. Steven Louis. He has given me a new lease on life. In 2008, I had hip resurfacing on my left hip due to degenerative arthritis. At that time, another doctor performed a posterior hip resurfacing. This procedure went well, however, I soon started showing similar symptoms with my right hip. I had bone spurs removed, then they tried a shot of cortisone and they even tried a Synvic-1 injection, but nothing was relieveing my constant pain. So, I returned to the doctor who performed my original surgery on the left hip and he told me a total hip replacement was my only option. The next morning, I called his scheduler to set up a surgery date and was told I would have to wait another 5 1/2 months for a date. Due to a tooth infection, I had to postpone that surgery. I was told the doctor would reschedule me when he could fit me in. By this time, my pain was so severe, I was on several pain medications and using a cane just to walk around. I went home that evening from work so frustrated, I told my husband I don't care what it takes, we need to find another doctor. I soon opened the local newspaper and there was an article about Dr. Steven Louis and how he was doing an anterior approach to hip surgery. I asked my husband to call and in the morning Sabina called me back to set up an appointment. My husband explained all the pain and we were able to see him in five days. The surgery date was scheduled at the same time within four weeks, assuming Dr. Louis thought I was a candidate. We met with both Dr. Louis and his PA Katelyn O'Connell and I could just feel the confidence they both had in themselves and the anterior approach. When Dr. Louis told me he would be able to perform the surgery, I was so happy, I truly believe a heavy weight had been lifted and I knew I was in extremely good hands. The operation was a complete SUCCESS! The next day, Katelyn came to see me and asked if I wanted to go home. The physical therapist had me walk the hall with a walker and I was able to go up and down ten steps the very DAY AFTER SURGERY. All of the hospital staff involved were very happy with my immediate progress, but not really surprised, because they knew that Dr. Louis had performed the operation. My posterior hip resurfacing required a four day hospital stay, and three months recovery time. I also had a large scar, pain and discomfort due to the fact that the doctor cut through muscle to correct the problem. With my procedure with Dr. Louis, I had a one day hospital stay and I was the one who asked for physical therapy. I felt I needed it because I had limped and used a cane for so long. My husband and I recently took a trip to Chicago just seven weeks after my surgery and I rode a Segway for over an hour through Grant Park, Millennium Park and to the Field Museum. With Dr. Louis' direct anterior approach procedure, I have no restrictions or pain. It is so nice to feel ALIVE again. Dr. Louis is a GIFTED SURGEON whose goal it is to make sure you can enjoy a pain-free life. Thank you so much, Dr. Louis and Katelyn. May God bless you. Karen Terdic Elwood, IL