Joint Matters: A Story of Healing and Hope

For 15 years, Holly struggled with what she thought were lower back issues, and despite various treatments, her condition steadily worsened. The turning point came when her right leg started to spasm, making walking almost impossible, prompting her to see an osteopath whose insistence on an x-ray uncovered severe hip problems.

Holly's search for a solution led her to Dr. Pincus at Sunnybrook’s Hip and Knee Arthritis Rapid Access Clinic. Impressed by Dr. Pincus’ accomplishments and the clinic’s specialization in joint replacement, Holly felt confident in her choice. By January 2022, Holly was in the capable hands of Dr. Pincus and his team. Although initially concerned about long wait times, Holly was pleasantly surprised to undergo surgery by May of the same year.

The comprehensive support Holly received, including the clinic's informative booklet, greatly enhanced her experience by helping her revisit key details and feel more informed about her surgery. “My consultations and the information shared with me helped allowed me to make well-informed decisions,” Holly notes.

Holly underwent a bilateral total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, a complex total joint replacement surgery for both hip joints, deemed suitable for her condition. Dr. Pincus and his team, prepared to adapt as needed, acted as versatile engineers integrating multiple disciplines to achieve their goals.

Leading up to her surgery Holly was impressed by the team’s ability to navigate the complexity of the procedure ahead. She shares,

Every step of the way, I felt they were doing their job, so I had complete confidence they weren’t stressed, and I wasn’t either.”

The MyChart app was another game-changer for Holly, allowing her loved ones to provide support from afar. Her family could track her progress globally, with her son in the UK, relatives in Newfoundland, and her sister, a nurse in St. Catharines, all staying connected and informed.

Post-surgery, Holly experienced swift relief. “I couldn’t believe I was able to put my hips in a position so that my back was flat and I slept comfortably that very first night,” she says. Reflecting on her journey, Holly feels immensely fortunate and blessed. “After I was discharged from Sunnybrook, Dr. Pincus and a nurse called to check in with me,” Holly recalls. “Regular check-ins throughout my recovery made me feel well-supported.” Today, Holly is back to an active lifestyle, enjoying gardening, Tai Chi, yoga, and travel, grateful to Sunnybrook for her renewed health and the unparalleled support that made her recovery possible.