A NEW HIP AND A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE

For 52 years, Dr. Robert Heide provided medical care to Hampton Roads patients. So, when it finally was time to get care for himself, he chose Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine. As someone who spent so many years in the medical field, he knows what constitutes great care.

Robert has been a Hampton Roads resident since 1964, when his service with the Coast Guard brought him to Norfolk. When Robert graduated from medical school, the Berlin Crisis was unfolding. “All doctors who were graduating that year were drafted for service, and I chose the Coast Guard,” Robert explains.

Robert’s long list of hobbies includes fishing, hunting, skiing and gardening. With such a busy and active lifestyle, it is easy to see that hip pain does not fit into his schedule! When he began to experience pain in his left hip, he did not wait long to schedule an appointment at Hampton Roads Orthopaedics. “I had pain with walking and while resting at night. The pain interfered with everything. I had to give up all my hobbies,” Robert states.

Robert found out about Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine from his medical partner, who had had his hip replacement done by Dr. John Aldridge, and highly recommended Dr. Aldridge and his team. Robert took that recommendation to heart, traveling through the busy Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel to make it to his appointments at Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine.

When conservative methods, such as cortisone injections and arthritis medication failed, Robert and Dr. Aldridge decided that surgery would be the best option. HROSM is the first practice in the Hampton Roads area to offer the anterior approach to hip replacement; a new technique for hip replacements.

“The anterior approach is a tissue-sparing alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery that provides the potential for less pain, faster recovery and improved mobility,” explains Dr. Aldridge of the procedure. “Our goal is always to help our patients recover faster.”At 80 years old, Robert figured the sooner he had the surgery, the more years he would have to enjoy and benefit from the new hip replacement.

Robert has been recovering well and is now able to resume his outdoor activities. In fact, just one week after his surgery, he took a trip to Sedona, Arizona. “I got on a plane and spent a week in Sedona; and although I walked around with a cane, I had no pain or complications from this very ambitious trip!” Robert explains with a laugh.Dr. Aldridge says of Robert, “He had a very positive attitude, which is extremely helpful for a successful and speedy recover!”

Robert had a great experience with Dr. Aldridge and the team at Hampton Roads Orthopaedics, and thanks to his hip replacement surgeries he is now living pain-free.

Robert has this advice to future patients: “If you’re in pain, don’t delay! I certainly recommend you visit Dr. Aldridge for joint pain!”