"I had been seeing a chiropractor, Dr. Brian Rector, for some back problems. He successfully treated my back pain but I was still having problems walking without pain in my right leg. He was suspicious of this and took some additional xrays which showed I was having a hip problem. Dr. Rector suggested I make an appointment with Dr. Meckel to confirm his suspicions. This was done and Dr. Meckel confirmed the bad hip diagnosis. I was set for a trip to Chicago and Detroit, and Dr. Meckel suggested I see him when I returned. I returned from my trip a couple of weeks later and decided I would try and improve my hip situation with exercise. For a brief while there was some small improvement, but by the end of August 09, I was definitely NOT improving and deteriorating at a rapid rate.
I returned to Dr. Meckel and surgery plans were put into place. Never having had surgery, I was somewhat apprehensive about the coming experience, but knew I had no choice but to get this done.
Dr. Meckel has a very reassuring way about him and I liked and trusted him completely. The surgery was done November 18, 09 and any concerns I might have had were completely ill founded. I awoke with no pain and continued pain free until my release from the hospital two days later. I was doing so well that Dr. Meckel told me I was not a candidate for post-op therapy at a rehab center and sent me home. Some Visitng Nurse home therapy seemed to do the trick and as of this date (Dec. 28, 09) I'm practically all the way back to normal.
This has been like a miracle to me and every day I marvel at the things I can now do that were impossible for me just a few short weeks ago. If your experiences parallel mine I urge you to consult with Dr. Meckel. I realize all people are different and your experiences may not be quite the same as mine, but I can assure you, with Dr. Meckel you will be getting the highest quality care and treatment you could hope for. Don't wait. It's not worth the pain."
"I am writing to you on the 8 week anniversary of my hip replacement surgery. To be honest I don´t know where the time has gone.
At this point in time I am still in awe of "MY NEW LIFE" so please forgive me if I seem to ramble. Instead of limping I walk fast. Instead making allowances for the pain in my right hip I now just move freely without any discomfort. I am so pleased with MY NEW LIFE I will tell anyone who will take the time to listen. Just be glad you aren´t around me all the time. My poor friends never knew what hit them.
First off and most importantly, let me publicly THANK YOU and your parents from every fiber of my being for becoming the fine man AND the surgeon you most definitely are. After having consulted with other surgeons in your field I knew from day one that you were the one I would want to do my very delicate procedure.
As I have learned from many hours of research, your somewhat unique ANTERIOR approach is almost revolutionary, yet has been in existence since the late 1940s. In discussing my experience with many of my friends who have undergone hip replacements of other types such as posterior I almost feel embarrassed to tell them how easy and pain free mine has been. Why every surgeon who specializes in hips doesn´t use this method is a total mystery to me.
From day one of our meeting to today, eight weeks later I cannot tell you how incredibly alive I feel.
I know this is somewhat unusual for someone less than 2 months out, but I played my first round of golf yesterday and I cannot tell you how unbelievably strong and powerful I felt. I got back at least 20 yards from my tee shots. The confidence I am feeling from the support in my right side is beyond description. It´s almost like being reborn. I have a new life and am again so ever grateful to you for making this would-be old man into a young and vibrant one. Thank you again and GOD BLESS."
Ryan Ranch Monterey, CA 93940 Phone: 831-648-7200 Fax: 831-648-7204