For Jim Shinaver, a 58-year-old attorney at a small Indianapolis law firm, the return of hip pain in the fall of 2024 was more than just a nuisance – it was a sign that something needed to change.
“The discomfort started slowly, but by winter it was affecting my everyday life,” said Jim. “I was having trouble doing things I used to enjoy, including yard work, jogging and even just getting around without discomfort.”
After talking with one of his law partners who had undergone a successful hip replacement with OrthoIndy total joint replacement surgeon Dr. Christopher Pomeroy, Jim decided it was time to make the call. “My colleague couldn’t say enough good things about OrthoIndy and Dr. Pomeroy,” he said. “That personal recommendation meant a lot.”
A Seamless Start – From arrival to treatment plan in under an hour
In early January 2025, Jim scheduled an appointment and headed to OrthoIndy at Ascension St. Vincent Carmel. “From the time I walked in, everything ran smoothly. The appointment, imaging and consultation with Dr. Pomeroy were all completed in about 30 minutes. It was incredibly efficient,” said Jim.
At the appointment, Dr. Pomeroy diagnosed Jim with arthritis in his left hip and noted early signs of arthritis in the right hip and right knee.
After reviewing his options, Jim followed Dr. Pomeroy’s recommendation for a left hip replacement, with plans to address his right side later. “I didn’t want the pain to limit my life any longer, so I scheduled my left hip replacement for April,” said Jim.
Surgery Day – How OrthoIndy’s patient care and coordination made all the difference
The procedure went exactly as planned, and Jim was impressed by how well everything was organized from start to finish. “I had never had surgery before, so I was a little nervous,” he shared. “But the team at OrthoIndy made me feel completely at ease.”
Jim attributes the success of his surgery and early recovery to the exceptional care he received from anesthesiologist Dr. Stephen Birrer and to the rest of the dedicated medical staff. “Shauncey, Alexis, Peter, Amanda, Melissa and Hannah in physical therapy, every single person played a role in making me feel cared for and confident in the process,” he said.
The overall experience was far more comfortable than he expected. “Oddly enough, it felt more like a short-term relaxing vacation than a surgical stay,” said Jim, jokingly. “Even the food was surprisingly good – more like a nice hotel than a hospital.”
Post-surgery Care – An easy-to-follow schedule and strong follow-up support
Jim’s post-surgery experience went just as smoothly. “The at-home rehab plan was clearly laid out with a week-by-week schedule that made it easy to follow,” he said. “I was back at the office within a week, which still amazes me. The follow-up care from OrthoIndy has been excellent, and I feel very well supported.”
Reflecting on the experience, Jim expressed deep appreciation for the care Dr. Pomeroy provided. “Dr. Pomeroy is outstanding – not just as a surgeon, but as someone who takes time with his patients. I never felt rushed or overlooked. And the nursing staff… they were compassionate, efficient and truly made me feel like I mattered. I’d honestly want my own staff at the law firm to treat our clients the way they treated me.”
Jim is now looking forward to a more active future, free from pain. “When I was younger, I loved basketball and jogging – I just wanted the option to do those things again,” he said. “Especially one last pickup game with my two oldest sons.”
“I’m just thankful,” Jim added. “For the care, the people and the chance to get back to doing what I love.”
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Learn more about how OrthoIndy can help you get back to what you love doing most here.
