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PATIENT TESTIMONIAL: Brice G. on Hip Replacement with Dr. Andrew Mulder

We’ve conducted many interviews over the years with our providers, and it’s clear they all have their way of defining success. Yet, one common theme emerges from all responses: having a happy patient. Watching a patient’s life transform from the work we do here is incredibly humbling. Many of us have dedicated our lives to patient care, including Dr. Andrew Mulder, our resident joint replacement expert who specializes in primary and complex revision hip and knee replacement surgery. We recently sat down with one of his patients to discuss his hip replacement last spring. 

SCSC: Hi, Brice. Thanks for sitting down with us today. What brought you to St. Cloud Surgical Center? 

BRICE: Hi, thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and talk about my experience. My name is Brice. I am a retired dentist living in Central Minnesota. After years of pain, Dr. Mulder replaced my right hip in April at the St. Cloud Surgical Center. 

SCSC: It sounds like you were ready for surgery, but did you have concerns before you came to the center? 

BRICE: Yes, I was very concerned about the healing process. I had no idea how I would heal afterward, and I voiced my concerns about that. To my surprise, I found the healing process to be pretty amazing. To go home the same day that I came in was truly remarkable. 

SCSC: Well, that’s what we do best here! Besides recovery, how do you feel about the overall surgery experience? 

BRICE: My experience at the St. Cloud Surgical Center was wonderful. From the moment I walked in the door, I was taken care of. Everyone was accommodating, and the surgery could not have gone better. Like I said, I walked out the door and into my car to head home the same day. 

SCSC: I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’re so happy to hear that. When patients come for surgery, they interact with many different staff members. What was that experience like? 

BRICE: From start to finish, I thought everyone did their job wonderfully. The communication between staff members was excellent. You can tell they know how to talk with one another. When someone needed help, a team member was always willing to lend a hand. 

SCSC: That’s our team! Doing the math, you’re almost four months post-surgery. What does it look like for you now? 

BRICE: My life after surgery has been much more comfortable. I don’t limp anymore; I’m not using a crutch. I said goodbye to my walker. I’m happy to say my hip is doing well! 

SCSC: That’s incredible Brice, truly. It brings us so much joy to see our patients back, living a life they love after surgery. With the review, can I wager to guess you’d recommend our facility to a friend or two? 

BRICE: Most definitely! I would, and I already have, recommended the St. Cloud Surgical Center to a few friends. So, there may be some people already considering surgery here because of me! 

SCSC: Well, in that case, thank you for your referral! There is no better marketing for us than word of mouth. We appreciate you being a patient of ours. 

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Hip Replacement 101

The St. Cloud Surgical Center is a leading provider of hip replacements in the United States. With hundreds of hip replacements under our belt using innovative technology, like MAKO SmartRobotics™, we can perform world-class joint replacements in an outpatient setting at high volume. With hip replacements increasing in popularity, we’re proud to offer this kind of procedure at our St. Cloud, Minnesota facility. By 2030, orthopedic surgeons will complete nearly half a million hip replacements annually. Could you be next? 

Hip replacements are a common and safe procedure in an outpatient setting. While many factors can contribute to a patient’s needing a hip replacement, none are more common than arthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, and post-traumatic arthritis are the most common forms of this disease.

  • Osteoarthritis: Occurs when cartilage in the hip joint wears away, and the bones rub together. 
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Occurs when the immune system attacks the joint, causing pain and stiffness. 
  • Osteonecrosis: Occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the joint. 
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Inflammation that occurs in your joints after trauma. 

All forms of arthritis can be debilitating. Arthritis can directly impact your lifestyle and, when left untreated, can cause significant mobility issues. If you are experiencing pain that you believe may be caused by arthritis, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to address your concerns. Together, you can come up with a treatment plan for care. If you reach a point in your journey where conservative measures have not eased your pain, surgery may be your next best step. 

Preparing for Your Hip Replacement 

As our patient Brice mentioned, from start to finish, our team is here for you. And that includes the weeks leading up to your surgery and the weeks post-op. You’ll never feel out of the loop or surprised during this process. We’re here to help! 

To prepare for a hip replacement surgery, we encourage our patients to do the following: 

  • Speak with your healthcare team, including your surgeon, about what to expect. Being prepared can make all the difference in your experience. Before your procedure, a representative from our center will contact you with information about arrival time, support persons, and more. You will be given a guidebook with information to review and refer to as needed. 
  • Start living a healthy lifestyle NOW. A plan for physical therapy and exercises will be discussed with you by a team of professionals which will get you ready to hit the ground running. 
  • Have a support person in place. You’ll need someone to bring you to the center and be with you once you return home.
  • Stock up on groceries, make meals in advance, and ask for help when needed! 
  • Set up your home for recovery.
    • Keep the remote, phone, medicine, snacks, and water nearby. You won’t be able to move as easily in the beginning stages of your recovery.
    • Wear shirts with pockets to help you carry things around the home. This will allow you to brace yourself if needed. 
    • Make your bathroom safe. Post-surgery, you are a fall risk. Our team will review this with you prior to surgery but having a balance bar, shower seat, and devices will aid you after surgery.

St. Cloud Surgical Center is a special place to have your joint surgery. We have continuously been ranked among the best surgical centers in Minnesota and have some of the best surgeons in the country on our team. Our commitment to culture and willingness to adapt to the latest technology allows us to offer patients first-class, cost-effective joint replacement solutions. If you need a joint replacement, remember to ask your doctor about coming to our center. We’ll be ready to welcome you with open arms!