Patient Finds Relief and Renewed Energy After Hip Replacement

For more than two years, the pain in Bruce Pulley’s left hip slowed him down and kept him from doing the things he loved, especially fishing. His BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon, Jesse Beard, DO, recommended a hip replacement as treatment to help relieve his pain, but the thought of surgery made Bruce nervous, so he put off scheduling it.

“As time went on, simple things like walking or getting out of bed were becoming more painful,” Bruce says. “The worse it got, the more I knew I had to do the surgery.”

Bruce made the decision to have hip replacement surgery at Parkland Health Center, a procedure in which the physician surgically removes a painful hip joint and replaces the worn-out bone and cartilage with an artificial joint, or implant. Dr. Beard performs total hip replacements through the anterior approach, which is less invasive and allows for a faster recovery.

A successful surgery and recovery

“I’m so glad I did it,” he says. “I feel fabulous. The pain is gone, and I am moving around more easily—getting out, staying active, and just feeling like myself again.”

Before surgery, Bruce’s leg was 1 ½ inches shorter due to the severity of the hip damage. Dr. Beard was able to correct the issue during his procedure, giving him pain relief and improved balance and movement. 

“Dr. Beard was fabulous and explained everything to me before and after the surgery,” Bruce says. 

After outpatient surgery, recovery began at home, with physical therapy visits, where the therapist was impressed at how quickly Bruce was regaining his mobility. 

“They couldn’t believe how far along I already was with walking and moving around,” Bruce says. The anterior surgical approach made a big difference, helping him get back on his feet faster than expected. “The therapists were fantastic and gave me a few exercises to do at home, which I did regularly.”

Walking is a breeze for Bruce now and getting in and out of bed and the car is easier and pain-free, too. 

But for Bruce, the most powerful part of the experience wasn’t just the results—it was the care he received along the way. 

“The moment I walked into Parkland, every nurse, doctor, and staff member went above and beyond to take care of me,” he says. “They knew I was nervous, and they made me feel like I wasn’t alone. They didn’t just treat my hip; they eased my nerves and gave me peace of mind. That meant everything to me, and I knew I was in the right place.”

Going back to what he loves

Now Bruce has his sights set on something he couldn’t do last year—fishing. 

“I couldn’t even think about going fishing before with the pain I was in,” says Bruce. “Now I can’t wait to get out and cast the reel again.”

With one hip healed and his confidence restored, Bruce is planning ahead. 

“When it’s time for the other hip to go, I know I won’t be as nervous, and I definitely want Dr. Beard to do the surgery,” he says.

To schedule an appointment, visit BJC Medical Group Orthopedics at Parkland or contact the clinic at 573-760-8090.

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