More than a hip replacement: Helena’s story of compassionate care

When Helena O'Connor arrive at Sunnybrook's Holland Centre, she wasn't just seeking a new hip. She was trying to regain her mobility — and her independence. 

Helena lives with metastatic breast cancer which metastasied to her liver and has faced mobility challenges for years due to polio she contracted as a baby. In recent months, her left hip had become a serious obstacle. "Despite my stable condition with cancer, it was my recent mobility issues and hip pain that has been my biggest challenge and an impediment for my daily activities," she wrote.

She began using a walker in 2023, but a sharp pain in her hip worsened over time. "I couldn't even walk a block without the aid of the walker."

After a fall that left her with a head injury, Helena began exploring hip replacement surgery. A consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon in Ohio — a family friend — confirmed the complexity of her case. Years of overusing her left side has caused hip dysplasia and femoral bowing. She needed a surgeon with advanced expertise.

Her search brought her to Sunnybrook's Holland Bone & Joint Program, where she met advanced practitioner Ali Drynan. "She followed with a thorough physical testing of my mobility and recorded the respective pain scale accordingly," explains Helena. Drynan shared her findings which led Helena to Dr. Markku Nousianinen, medical director of the Holland Centre and an experienced hip replacement surgeon.   

Dr. Nousiainen reviewed her X-rays and examined Helena. “He explained to me the complications of the surgery and the potential, positive outcome,” she said. He also discussed the nerve pain she felt in her knee and toes, noting it likely stemmed from compression in her spine and scoliosis.

“He said that surgery would not alleviate that pain. However, after the surgery and in time, when I get stronger and walk straighter, it could relieve some pressure on the nerves from the compressed area of the spine.”

In preparation, Helena attended a 90-minute pre-operative education class, a five-stage pre-admission clinic and provided with a pre-surgery exercise guidebook. She was also advised to take on weekly physiotherapy to build up muscle strength in her legs prior to surgery. “This once-a-week regimen gives me the discipline to adhere to the exercises,” she said.

The big day

She underwent surgery on February 25, 2025. The surgery marked the start of a rewarding experience, as she is now pain-free and moving with ease, no longer limited by joint pain.

Helena spent three nights in hospital and followed detailed discharge instructions, including wound care and medication management. A follow-up with Dr. Nousiainen confirmed the surgery’s success. “He showed us the results which indicated that the new joint was intact. Now the muscles will continue to heal and bind around the joint.”

While Helena still experiences some weakness due to scoliosis and post-polio syndrome, she remains focused on recovery. “I need to be patient and keep up with all the daily exercises to build strength,” she said.

In a recent oncology appointment, she received more good news: her cancer remains stable and her liver enzymes are in the normal range. “I am now reaping the benefits of the new hip replacement.”

Helena said her care at Sunnybrook went far beyond the procedure itself. “We walked away with confidence and felt that I would be in excellent care at Sunnybrook’s Holland Centre.”