Sometimes life changes in an instant. For me, it started with a fall and pain that would not go away.
For years, I had been told my groin pain was muscular. So when it became excruciating after the fall, I hesitated to seek care. I did not want to be dismissed again. But after a couple of weeks, things became unbearable and I could barely walk. Standing up from a seated position felt impossible without almost falling over and I knew something was not right. That is when I reached out to Georgia Bone & Joint and asked for their first available appointment. They scheduled me with Dr. Broggi—a decision that ultimately gave me my life back.
Feeling Heard for the First Time
From the moment I met Dr. Broggi, I felt comfortable. More importantly, I felt listened to. He truly understood how much my quality of life had been affected and genuinely wanted to help. Even though nothing showed up on my X-rays, he knew we needed to look deeper. He ordered an MRI with contrast for the following week.
The day after the MRI, I received a call asking if I could come in as soon as possible. When I met with Dr. Broggi the next day, I brought my husband for support. Dr. Broggi reviewed the MRI results and that is when I learned there was a fracture and osteonecrosis. I remember blurting out, “Dead bone? What do you do about dead bone?” He explained that, ultimately, I would need a total hip replacement.
I was 43 years old. I had never had surgery before, not even stitches. The idea of needing a new hip was overwhelming. Thankfully, Dr. Broggi took the time to explain all my options. We decided to try conservative treatments first to prevent collapse.
Trusting the Process and the Pain That Followed
For three months, I committed to physical therapy and remained toe-touch weight bearing using a walker. Follow-up X-rays showed no collapse, so I decided to wait and see. Two weeks later, I was in agonizing pain. I messaged Dr. Broggi and simply said, “I’m ready.” His team moved quickly. He walked me through the surgical process in detail, answered every question, and scheduled my hip replacement for eight weeks later. During that waiting period, my hip began locking up completely. Sometimes I could not bear weight at all. I even got stuck on a walking trail once.
By the day of surgery, I was equal parts terrified and excited.
Surgery Day and a Call That Changed Everything
The care I received on surgery day was incredible. The nurses and anesthesiologist were kind and reassuring. When I woke up in recovery, I was quickly helped up by two physical therapists and reunited with my husband. We practiced walking and moving, and I was discharged home the same day. About an hour later, I received a call from Dr. Broggi. He explained that during surgery, he discovered that at some point, the ball of my hip had collapsed. He wanted me to know that the pain I had been experiencing was real. That acknowledgment meant everything.
If Dr. Broggi had not listened to me, I would still be living in chronic, debilitating pain. Instead, he gave me my life back.
Recovery Is Not a Race
I did a lot of research before surgery and even joined an online hip replacement support group. One thing became clear. Everyone’s recovery looks different and it is not a competition. I stayed committed to physical therapy, which is absolutely essential. The first 10 days were painful, but small improvements started to appear. Some days felt like two steps forward, others like three steps back, and that is normal. Giving myself grace was just as important as doing the work.
Small Victories That Meant Everything
Around day 10, something shifted. I could get out of a chair by myself. With my walker, I made it to the kitchen to grab a snack. I felt more confident getting in and out of the shower. That was also the day I slept in my bed for the first time instead of a reading chair. Those small moments felt huge.
A New Perspective on Life
Today, I have my energy and my life back. I did not realize how heavy the mental toll of chronic pain had been until it was gone. I can clean my house. I can cook dinner. I can walk at work without psyching myself up just to stand. I even joined a gym for the first time in 15 years.
I am only 12 weeks post-op, and I am still healing. I cannot do everything I used to just yet, but I have complete confidence that I will. I already feel like a new person, and I am excited to see where I will be at the 12-month mark.
Endless Gratitude
I owe an enormous thank you to Dr. Broggi. Words truly cannot describe my gratitude. I have never had a doctor who cared for me the way he does. He spent hours talking with me and my husband, explaining the diagnosis, the treatment, and answering every concern. I never once felt rushed or dismissed. He is passionate about his patients and his profession, and the world needs more people like him.
I am also incredibly thankful for the nurses and support staff at Georgia Bone & Joint. I was always met with kindness and warm smiles. Messages through the patient portal were answered quickly, and phone calls were returned promptly. Every interaction made a difference.
Because of this team, I am no longer just surviving. I am truly living again.
If hip pain is limiting your daily life and conservative treatments are no longer effective, a consultation can help determine whether a hip replacement is the right next step. Dr. Matthew Broggi and the team at Georgia Bone and Joint Surgeons are committed to listening, advocating for patients, and helping them return to the activities that matter most.
👉 Learn more about hip replacement or request an appointment today.
