Hip Replacement Brings Relief to John
During his major league career, John Odom pitched two all-star games, three World Series with the Oakland A’s, and a no-hitter against the Oakland A’s. But one of the biggest challenges of his life was admitting that the pain in his right hip had become too much to bear.
“As an athlete, you learn to overcome pain, but it got so bad that I just couldn’t handle it any longer,” says 69-year-old John.
Golf had become John’s passion since retiring from baseball. Through the Major League Alumni Association, he was playing 30 to 40 charity events every year to help raise money for various charities, and to give back to the community.
“It was my way of giving back, but it was becoming more and more difficult for me to participate,” says John.
With the pain from his hip compromising not only his golf game, but also his quality of life, John made an appointment with Timothy Gibson, M.D., medical director of the Joint Replacement Center at Orange Coast Medical Center. John conceded that a total hip replacement operation was his best option.
LESS TIME OUT
Dr. Gibson performed John’s surgery. On the very day of his procedure, physical therapists had John up on his feet and walking.
“When it comes to joint replacement, our philosophy is to have patients on their feet as quickly as possible, as early as the same day,” says Dr. Gibson. “With our advanced techniques and aggressive pain management, we do exactly that because it’s proven to shorten recovery times and reduce complications.”
John began his journey to mobility by walking the hospital halls. Just two days post-surgery, he was released with a cane and a walker. Once home, he worked diligently in his physical therapy sessions, and even harder on his own. Six weeks later, he felt well enough to play golf.
HOME RUN
From diagnosis to recovery, Dr. Gibson and the experienced team of orthopedic surgeons, nurses and licensed physical therapists provide comprehensive and coordinated care. From the patient’s very first visit at the Joint Replacement Center at Orange Coast Medical Center, a dedicated program coordinator oversees patient care every step of the way, including pre-surgical education, inpatient therapy, rehabilitation and home care.
Dr. Gibson holds a fellowship in sports medicine and sees plenty of athletes – from teenagers with game injuries to former professionals with degenerative joint conditions.
“For patients like John, hip problems typically start with stiffness in the morning, or what we call start-up pain, which occurs when you stand after being seated for a long time,” says Dr. Gibson. “The pain progresses to simple, everyday activities, like walking down stairs. Then it becomes more severe and persistent, affecting every aspect of life.”
Today, John has a renewed passion for life. With free hip rotation and zero pain, John’s golf game has improved dramatically.
“I’m driving the ball 10-15 yards farther than before the operation. I kick myself every day for living with that pain for as long as I did,” says John. “I tell people, ‘if you need it, just get it done. You won’t regret it’.”
Learn more about the MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Orange Coast Medical Center.