Hip Replacement Returned Her to Her Favorite Activities
Hip Replacement Patient, Swim Instructor, Avid Golfer, LAMAR Account Executive
“I'm thrilled to be back to exercising, golfing and swimming thanks to the incredible orthopedic team at MyMichigan Health. The care I received was exceptional, and I'm so grateful for their expertise.”
Holly Watson, 53, is an account executive by day and swim instructor by night. Having been active in sports her entire life, she was hesitant to see a physician about growing hip pain and limited range of motion. When she did talk about it with friends and colleagues, one orthopedic surgeon’s name kept coming up, Ben Mayne, M.D. When she finally decided to consult with Dr. Mayne, he determined a total hip replacement on her left side could restore function and relieve pain. Today, she couldn’t be happier with the results.
Watson began having discomfort in her left hip in her 40’s. It wasn’t enough to stop her from being active, but she noticed certain limitations. “I noticed when exercising that I couldn’t get my left leg to do what the right was able to,” she said. “The rotation in that leg was nonexistent but it didn’t cause me pain, so I just accepted it.”
Steadily over the years, however, her condition progressively intensified and discomfort became less tolerable. It was a painful trip to Las Vegas in 2023 that prompted Watson to contact Dr. Mayne’s office for a consultation. “The Vegas trip was terrible. It was hurting to walk at that point,” she shared. “I had lower back pain and just felt pain all day long.”
Watson’s experience is common to those in need of hip replacements. Often, degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) of the hip joint generally seen with aging can be reason to seek an orthopedic surgeon. “The progressively intense, chronic pain — together with impairment of daily function including walking, climbing stairs and even rising from a sitting position — eventually become reasons to consider a total hip replacement,” said Dr. Mayne. “Whether and when to perform total hip replacement are not easy decisions, especially in younger patients like Ms. Watson. After our consultation, it was clear that she was ready. Her bones are young and strong, so I believed she would have a great outcome.”
The MyMichigan Health experience was purely positive for Watson. “I liked Dr. Mayne right away. He explained everything to me, and I really felt good there,” she said. “Blaine Price, P.A.-C. was also excellent to work with. The entire office was fabulous – great communication and follow up.”
Watson was mindful to follow Dr. Mayne’s recommendations and directions with after care by moving but not overdoing. She trusted when he said to use the new hip and that it would operate as well as a natural one. She was a little concerned about an ugly scar but was pleasantly surprised. As a swimmer, she found time in the pool to help regain function without unnecessary strain beneficial. Recently, she ran her first mile.
“I saw a story MyMichigan Health shared about a woman roughly my age who had hip replacement in Alpena and thought hey, that was my experience also! I think it’s important for others to see that you don’t have to reach a certain age to seek experts to address health challenges you have,” Watson said. “If I had sought help earlier, I could have had three or four additional pain-free years. Don’t wait. Be an advocate for yourself, find a physician you’re comfortable with and make a plan.”
Watson is back to doing all the things she used to do, including teaching young swimmers and golfing. Those who would like additional information about Dr. Mayne may visit www.mymichigan.org/mayne.
