Take me to Alaska Regional Hospital – I’ll get the care I need, and I will get better
Shelly Smith has endured more than 10 surgeries and survived ovarian cancer. When she says she’s “been through a lot,” she means it. So, when Shelly started experiencing pain while walking, she pushed through until everyday motions became unbearable. She couldn’t sit, stand or lie down without excruciating discomfort by the time she went to her doctor.
Shelly’s primary care physician ordered an X-ray, which delivered the first diagnosis: degenerative disc disease, a condition classified by worn down discs and a loss of rubbery cushioning between vertebrae. Then the doctor requested an MRI for a more detailed imaging. The MRI revealed a lack of rubbery cushioning around Shelly’s hip joint.
“They said, ‘Shelly, how are you even walking around? You’re bone-on-bone! You must be in so much pain,’ On a one-to-ten pain scale for a normal person, that would be a 13.” Shelly said. “When they told me I needed a total hip replacement, I freaked out. I cried. I’m only 54 years old! I was really scared because I thought a total hip replacement would be horrible.”
The initial fear Shelly felt about total hip replacement surgery dissipated as she attended what she fondly refers to as “hip camp.” The one-day total hip replacement course, hosted at Alaska Regional Hospital, teaches patients about preparing for surgery, recovery, pain management and preventing complications.
“Taking that class was the most beneficial thing of all,” Shelly said. “It’s like a Lamaze class for pregnant women, but specifically for total hip replacement surgery. If I wouldn’t have taken that class, I wouldn’t have been as well educated about my after-care and I don’t think I would have healed as well.”
Armed with knowledge, Shelly arrived at Alaska Regional Hospital on the day of her total hip replacement surgery feeling prepared for the experience and enveloped by people who care.
“Alaska Regional is the only hospital I’d ever have surgery at,” Shelly said. “I love the way they treat me. I love the cleanliness of the hospital. The people are detail-oriented and know what’s going on. From the time in admitting to the anesthesiologist, to pre-op and to post-op, all the nurses on the floor — there are people I get to know by name. It’s personalized, personal care.”
During surgery, Dr. Douglas Prevost, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, removed the damaged portion of Shelly’s hip joint and replaced it with a prosthetic implant custom-designed to fit Shelly’s body. The surgery lasted a couple hours, and then Shelly spent the night recovering at Alaska Regional Hospital.
“What they cared about most at the hospital, was my pain level — how comfortable I was. The nurses were wonderful,” Shelly said. “I got up and walked 2.5 times around the hallway that very night!”
Once discharged from the hospital, Shelly continued her recovery process. She diligently practiced walking and at-home exercises, she also attended physical therapy three times a week.
“I did everything they told me to do. If you want to get better and get walking, do what they say,” Shelly said.
At 12-weeks post-surgery, Shelly’s footprints in the snow stand as proof of her successful results.
“My boyfriend and I went out and hiked a glacier this past weekend! I feel like a new person!” Shelly said.
Due to Shelly’s degenerative disc disease, she anticipates having another total hip replacement surgery performed on her other hip within the next 5 to 10 years.
“The thought of having it done doesn’t scare me at all. In fact, this experience makes me want to do it sooner than later. Life is too short to be in pain!” Shelly said.