For Doug Atchley, farming isn’t just a job – it’s a way of life. Every day, he’s in and out of tractors and combines, managing long hours to keep the farm running. But when severe knee pain started slowing him down, he knew he had to do something.
Doug’s wife and another one of his friends both recommended OrthoIndy, saying they’d had great experiences there. Trusting their advice, Doug made the call and was quickly scheduled with orthopedic total joint replacement surgeon Dr. Philip Huang.
“I was impressed by how quickly and efficiently OrthoIndy scheduled my first appointment, getting me in within a week,” said Doug. “Right away, I knew I was in good hands.”
A diagnosis that changed everything
After examining Doug’s knee and reviewing his scans, Dr. Huang gave him the news that he had bone-on-bone arthritis in his left knee. The only real solution was a total knee replacement.
“Dr. Huang didn’t just explain the problem in medical terms. He broke it down in a way I could easily understand,” said Doug. Dr. Huang walked him through every step of the process, making sure he felt comfortable with the plan. Doug left the office feeling confident in his decision to move forward with a total knee replacement.
Preparing for surgery and a fast recovery
Before his operation, Doug had a pre-op meeting with the OrthoIndy team. They were thorough, professional, and reassuring, making sure he knew exactly what to expect. Due to his heart stents, the OrthoIndy staff advised him to stay in the hospital the night before surgery for observation.
On the day of surgery, Dr. Huang and his team took excellent care of him. The procedure went smoothly, and within just two hours, Dr. Huang was out in the waiting area updating Doug’s wife. That evening, Doug already had the opportunity to stand up for the first time after his surgery.
Doug started physical therapy the next day. True to his hardworking nature, he embraced the process with determination, repeating the phrase, “No pain, no game.” His physical therapists were amazed at how quickly he progressed.
Doug only experienced a little pain for a few days after surgery, and far less than he expected. As a bonus, Dr. Huang was able to use surgical glue instead of stitches or staples, leaving him with no visible scar.
Doug had one goal in mind throughout his recovery: getting back to work in time for harvest season. Thanks to his fast healing and OrthoIndy’s expert care, he did just that, returning to work in a limited capacity only three days after surgery.
Life after surgery
Today, Doug says he is feeling great. He can easily take steps into his tractors again, something that had become nearly impossible before surgery. He’s back to doing what he loves without the constant pain that once held him back.
Looking back on his experience, Doug describes it as “absolutely flawless.” From start to finish, he felt supported, well-informed, and in the best hands possible. “I couldn’t have asked for a better experience,” he said. “I know my recovery was better than most, and I owe that to Dr. Huang and the entire team at OrthoIndy.
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Schedule an appointment with our team at OrthoIndy and get back to what you love doing most. Call us at 317.802.2000.
