Bob's Story

Bob McGuirl, 72, sat on the exam table at his primary care physician’s office. As his doctor tried to gently pull McGuirl’s knees apart, they wouldn’t budge. One X-ray later, McGuirl was diagnosed with arthritis in his hip. His physician offered medication as treatment but McGuirl refused.

“I didn’t want to take anything even though putting my shoes and socks on and getting in and out of the car was starting to be a challenge,” McGuirl said.

A year later, McGuirl returned for his next physical. This time, he agreed to take medication to assist with pain management. He enjoyed going for daily walks with his wife, Marie, and his arthritis was making that hobby difficult. The new medication changed everything.

“I’d take the pill on Monday and it really relieved the pain. I’d be pain free until about Wednesday,” McGuirl said.

Around the same time, McGuirl received an e-mail from Holy Redeemer Health System advertising an upcoming joint pain seminar in Feasterville. McGuirl decided to attend. The seminar featured an orthopedic surgeon and Linda Beck, Total Joint Care Program Manager as well as what to expect during joint replacement surgery and a question and answer period.

“It was great. I learned a lot,” McGuirl said, “But I had not stayed in a hospital since the day I was born. I still didn’t want surgery.”

Despite the medication, McGuirl’s pain returned. At his next doctor’s appointment, he received troubling news. His liver function was in jeopardy and he was taken off the “magic” pill. Now McGuirl had to use over-the-counter options to manage his pain or consider surgery. McGuirl’s neighbor recommended Dr. Robert Mannherz of Suburban Orthopedic Specialists. 

Hoping to cure his pain with a shot, McGuirl scheduled a consultation with Dr. Mannherz. An X-Ray showed extreme arthritis on both hips. McGuirl’s left hip was almost bone on bone.

He reluctantly looked at his calendar to determine the best time for hip replacement surgery. McGuirl didn’t want to miss out on summer vacations or autumn walks. He was fearful he’d “hobble around” during Christmas. As 2018 came to a close, McGuirl knew he had to do something and fast.

“I went from not wanting surgery to being willing to go in that day if they called me,” McGuirl said.

McGuirl was scheduled for surgery on January 2, 2019. As he showered the morning of the surgery, his hip clicked every time he shifted his weight. McGuirl feared it would fall out of the socket before he made it to the operating room.

Marie dropped him off at Holy Redeemer Hospital at 5:50am. By 7:10am he was taken to the operating room. McGuirl woke up at 9:35am in the recovery room, completely pain free. At 2:30pm, his nurses and physical therapist had him get out of bed and take a few steps with a walker. He took two steps and didn’t hear the clicking.

Two weeks after surgery, McGuirl’s physical therapist, Amy Dickson had him walking with a cane.

“I learned the cane goes on the opposite side of the injury. I was like a duck taking to water! I had no confidence,” McGuirl said.

Dickson worked with him and in due time, McGuirl was able to walk around his block again. He did his physical therapy exercises diligently and is pain free. Marie is thrilled the pair can go on walks again.

“It was an excellent procedure. My God, I should have gotten it done sooner,” McGuirl said

Learn more about Comprehensive Knee & Hip Care at Redeemer Health.