My Comeback Story: Helene Z.

I came to Desert Orthopaedic Center upon the advice of my PCP, Dr. Jacob Nelson. I had left groin pain, similar to to pain I felt before I had my right hip replaced, three years prior, in Los Angeles. I was able to be seen as a new patient in just under two weeks. Dr. Woodworth confirmed by xray and physical exam that I indeed needed a left hip replacement. He explained the procedure and was very careful to emphasize that my experience would be different than my past experience with my other hip replacement, in that I may have more pain or just a different experience than before. I felt that was an extremely honest and authentic comment to make to a prospective patient. He and his staff encouraged me to continue to exercise as much as I like before surgery and I met the surgery scheduler at my initial appointment. I need to emphasize how consistently professional everyone on Dr. Woodworth’s team was throughout my entire experience- the front office staff, the phone team, the after hours staff. I met Kaley, Dr. Woodworth’s PA, on my pre-op visit and was impressed by how she looked me in the eye and answered my questions seriously and with compassion. I had my surgery at the Outpatient Surgery Center on January 27, 2026. The office staff was kind and professional and every nurse that I interacted with the entire day was outstanding. The OR nurse came to see me in the pre/op area. I told him I was afraid of not waking up and he offered to say a prayer with me. I have been a nurse practitioner for 40+ years, and NEVER PRAYED. That was exactly what I needed that morning. The anesthesiologist was kind and my induction was lovely. I had physical therapy in the outpatient area ( the PT was OUTSTANDING) and went home that afternoon. I had pain medication and other medications to take that were clearly explained to me prior to the day of surgery and made seamless transition home. Dr. Woodworth’s staff called the next day to check in on me and I began the recovery process. I started PT as planned at Desert Orthopaedic Center, and twice a week was greeted by the most knowledgeable and upbeat PTs and techs who worked with me and cheered me on. I was back to nearly all of my activities (golf, yoga, walking, strength training) by eight weeks. On Mother’s Day I hiked with my son in Oahu on an 1,000 foot vertical climb on Koko Head crater. With no hip or surgical pain! (Picture at the summit attached). I am going to be 71 next month and words cannot express my gratitude for Dr. Woodworth, his staff and everyone who cared for me during this event in my life. Thank you from a grateful patient, wife, mom and grandmother.