Hip Replacement Gives Patient New Lease on Life
October 22, 2024
Cory Kapral knew it had been eight months too long in dealing with ongoing pain that left him unable to enjoy his usual routine. With discomfort in his legs and feet, it wasn’t until his visit with orthopedic surgeon, Roland V. Askins, III, MD, that he realized his hip was to blame.
When asked why he chose Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for his surgery, Kapral praised the level of patient care. “I’ve had surgery at Lakewood Ranch in the past. They were awesome in treating and caring for me both pre- and postoperatively,” says Kapral.
After a consultation with Dr. Askins, he finally felt heard. “I could not ask for a better doctor. He explained everything in a way to make sure I understood what procedure I would be undergoing,” he recalls. “He made me feel confident in his skills and has great bedside manner.”
Dr. Askins knew from meeting Kapral that he was in a great deal of pain. “He told me he couldn’t move his knees well; it even affected his feet. His hip pain greatly reduced his mobility, leading to so much discomfort that he was having issues sleeping,” he explains.
“When it comes to joint pain, there are typically a few treatment methods we like to explore first, such as anti-inflammatory medications or injections. If those don’t provide relief, that’s when we may consider joint replacement surgery,” says Dr. Askins.
Road to recovery
In the months leading up to his procedure, Kapral focused on a high-protein diet and stretched plenty. Having prior experience in bodybuilding and powerlifting, he had no issues preparing himself. “Dr. Askins explained that having less tissue around the joint could possibly improve my outcome and recovery,” he states.
From start to finish, the day of surgery went smoothly. “I showed up early, I was just ready to be pain-free,” he shares. “The entire team made me feel welcome and at ease. One of my nurses went above and beyond, always popping in to check on me and chat. It was like having a friend while I recovered – I really appreciated that.”
Kapral is joined in his joy by Dr. Askins, who details how glad he is that the surgery was a success. “Seeing him get back to living has been great. I’m so happy to see him happy,” he smiles.