At 56 years-old, Sherri Brehob was used to staying active and on the go. But when hip pain started to interfere with her daily routine, she knew something wasn’t right.
Initially, she followed her primary care provider’s recommendation to begin physical therapy. Instead of improving, the pain continued to worsen, and each session left her feeling more frustrated and discouraged.
“I felt like I was doing everything I was supposed to be doing,” Sherri recalls. “But nothing was helping, and I started to wonder if the pain was somehow my fault.”
Seeing an Orthopedic Specialist
That changed in January 2025, when she was referred to OrthoIndy and Dr. Patrick Millikan. After a thorough evaluation and imaging, Sherri finally had answers. Scans showed bone-on-bone arthritis in her left hip, while her right hip remained in good condition.
Rather than fear, Sherri felt relief. Having a clear diagnosis validated what she had been experiencing for months. “It was comforting to know there was a real reason for my pain,” Sherri said. “I finally understood that I wasn’t doing something wrong with my health!”
Dr. Millikan took the time to explain her condition, discuss options and answer every question without pressure. Surgery was never rushed. Instead, the focus was on finding the right path forward for Sherri and her goals.
“My husband and I are big Indianapolis Colts and Purdue University football fans,” Sherri said. “Standing for hours on hard ground, cheering and tailgating with our friends simply wasn’t possible with my hip pain. I knew something had to be done.”
She also wanted to return to working out, walking the Monon Trail behind her home, entertaining guests and navigating the stairs in her three-story house without hesitation.
After trying a cortisone injection that provided temporary relief, Sherri ultimately decided to move forward with a hip replacement with Dr. Millikan. The plan sounded ideal for her situation, and she felt confident knowing she had a full care team behind her.
Total Hip Replacement and Recovery
After Sherri’s procedure with Dr. Millikan, her hip pain disappeared almost immediately. And with attentive, personalized physical therapy, she was back in the gym within nine weeks.
Sherri shared that her recovery brought more than physical relief. It restored her emotional well-being.
“My mental health came back,” she said. “I don’t feel limited anymore. I feel like myself again, and I’m happier each day.”
Thanks to the surgery, Sherri was also able to get back to attending football games in the fall of 2025. “I absolutely loved getting my quality of life back, and I will always be grateful to everyone at OrthoIndy for all they did for me,” she said.
For Sherri, OrthoIndy didn’t just provide medical care. They restored her confidence, mobility and quality of life.
— Don’t live your life limited by pain. Learn how OrthoIndy’s team of specialists can help you get back to what you love doing most at orthoindy.com.
