The following patient Q&A was provided by Camille Cantwell, whose outlook on life was changed after receiving treatment from OrthoIndy and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick Millikan:
What brought you to OrthoIndy?
I received a referral from my primary care physician.
What made you choose OrthoIndy and Dr. Millikan?
I researched online reviews for the doctors my PCP recommended, and after reading through them, I was impressed by Dr. Millikan’s bio and the positive feedback from patients. They praised his delightful bedside manner, successful surgical outcomes, thorough follow-up care, and genuine concern for his patients.
What was your diagnosis?
Osteoarthritis: I needed total joint replacements in both hips.
What were your immediate thoughts when you heard the diagnosis?
I was aware that my hips were bad and expected it. I also came prepared to ask questions of Dr. Millikan. I knew that if he could take the time to talk with me and answer my questions, I’d be in good hands.
He not only met my expectations but also exceeded them. He patiently responded to each question, did not push me in any direction, and did not appear to be in a hurry. He listened to all my concerns and replies.
What was your end goal, or what did you want to get back to doing that was at the forefront of your care plan?
I wanted to be independent again since my hips had deteriorated significantly. I could not put on or tie my shoes, cut my own toenails, walk without pain, or exercise. I was generally depressed about the direction I was heading. I knew I was a burden on my family and friends, and it seemed like the only risk I was taking was the risk of doing nothing at all.
I come from a family of 13, with several older siblings who’ve had joint replacements. A few avoided surgery and now live in pain as they age. I didn’t want to be part of that group. I wanted to live pain-free.
How are you feeling today after your procedure?
I believe God gave me another chance at life. From where I was headed to where I am today is night and day. My family and friends are amazed at the activities I can now do, and it even surprises me at times! I can reach the floor – pick up things I drop without the aid of a grabber or having someone else do it for me. The day I could tie my own shoes, zip up my winter boots and trim my toenails made me feel young again!
My life has totally changed as I can now walk in an airport, take hikes, shovel snow, crawl on the floor, and exercise without pain. I no longer feel like I’m trapped – I love my new life as a recipient of a double-hip joint replacement!
How would you describe your experience at OrthoIndy and with Dr. Millikan from start to finish?
OrthoIndy has a wide range of excellent providers and support staff. Many of the team members at the hospital were amazing, and the doctors who assisted in surgery and post-op were super. But, for my own procedure, the true star of the show was Dr. Millikan.
At the first appointment, he emphasized the need to do physical activity and build up my muscles prior to surgery and gave me pre-op exercises to do at home. I did these and was ready for my first procedure on my right hip in May 2023. Afterward, I had help from a fantastic OrthoIndy physical therapist (Hank) and started to feel the benefits of the replacement.
Once I received clearance from Dr. Millikan, I scheduled surgery on my left hip. After the procedure, and with help from another fantastic OrthoIndy Physical Therapist (Madison), I exceeded all my goals and finished therapy in almost half the time of my first hip replacement.
An additional procedure with Dr. Bradley Jelen corrected an issue I had with my hip flexor. Since then, I have had no issues with my hips!
Is there anything else that you want to include as part of your story?
As you can see by the picture (above), my son Nathaniel and I were able to enjoy an Alaskan cruise pain-free. This was only a dream prior to my hip replacements, and I never could have done it or enjoyed this trip without the fine work of the team at OrthoIndy!
For those who are hesitant to get orthopedic surgery (joint replacement) – I want them to know that the adage “no pain, no gain” is not true. Yes, there is short-term pain involved in anything surgical, but you do not need to live in pain! There is hope for independence and hope for a future. The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
That is exactly what my hip replacement surgeries gave me – a hope and a future!
Thank you for allowing me to share my story.
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Learn how OrthoIndy’s team of specialists can help you get back to what you love doing most at orthoindy.com.
