萝莉社

For years, everyday tasks had become a struggle for Joanne Dijanni. Chronic back pain, worsening hip pain and osteoarthritis made even walking difficult, slowly taking away her independence and quality of life.

鈥淚 could barely walk,鈥� Dijanni said. 鈥淚 was in so much pain. I couldn鈥檛 do my laundry, cook, clean or even take the trash out. It was horrible.鈥�

After undergoing two back surgeries in September 2023, Dijanni learned that her pain wasn鈥檛 coming from just one source. Her spine surgeon referred her to orthopaedic surgeon Julie Shaner, MD, director of adult reconstructive orthopaedic surgery at 萝莉社 Jacksonville.

That referral changed everything.

A clear path forward

After evaluating Dijanni鈥檚 condition, Shaner determined that severe arthritis had caused a bone-on-bone condition in both hips. The solution was clear: total hip replacements.

A bilateral hip replacement is a surgery that replaces both hip joints, including the ball and socket, with artificial prosthetics. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with severe arthritis or injury. The same method can be performed on both hips simultaneously or separately.

In Dijanni鈥檚 case, Shaner performed bilateral hip replacements, completing the surgeries six months apart.

鈥淒r. Shaner literally saved my life,鈥� Dijanni said. 鈥淪he really did. I am so grateful to her.鈥�

The team makes the difference

Recovery didn鈥檛 stop in the operating room. Dijanni credits her success to the entire care team that supported her before, during and after surgery.

Following her first hip replacement, she began physical therapy, which she says played a critical role in her progress. One therapist stood out.

鈥淐hris Pinkerton was awesome,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e helped me more than he knows. He encouraged me when it was painful and hard, and he never gave up on me.鈥�

Home-based physical therapy made recovery more manageable, allowing Dijanni to rebuild strength and mobility in a familiar environment.

鈥淭here was pain at first, but my goal was to walk again,鈥� Dijanni said. 鈥淎nd right after surgery, I got up and walked.鈥�

Getting back to what matters

Today, Dijanni can complete activities she once thought might never be possible again. She鈥檚 walking independently, shopping on her own, attending appointments and managing daily activities with confidence.

鈥淚鈥檓 happy now,鈥� Dijanni said. 鈥淚鈥檓 up and walking, and life is good for me.鈥�

She also shared a milestone she鈥檚 especially proud of: After more than 20 years, she was able to come off pain medication on her own.

鈥淚 feel so much better being off of them,鈥� Dijanni said. 鈥淭he pain I have now is manageable, and I can live my life.鈥�

Throughout her journey, family support played an important role. Her daughters, daughter-in-law and niece encouraged her when recovery felt overwhelming.

鈥淚 have a fantastic support team,鈥� Dijanni said. 鈥淲henever I get bummed out, I call my daughter and she鈥檚 always there for me.鈥�

A message of hope

For anyone struggling with chronic hip pain or mobility issues, Dijanni hopes her story offers reassurance.

鈥淭here is help,鈥� Dijanni said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to live in pain. I can walk again, I can take care of myself, and I have my life back.鈥�

If chronic hip pain is limiting your mobility or quality of life, expert care is available at 萝莉社 Jacksonville. To learn more about total hip replacement or other adult reconstructive orthopaedic procedures, or call 904.383.1010 to schedule an appointment.