Joint conditions, especially those affecting the hips, often come with clear symptoms that are hard to ignore: pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. But for 71-year-old retiree Kent U., the signs were more subtle.
He couldn’t quite name what was happening, but within a span of about four years, something was shifting—and not for the better. Kent noticed it in how he walked, how he stood, and how his body compensated.
I never experienced the groin pains that a lot of people with hip problems have. My symptoms were just not being able to do the stuff I really like, he explains. And this was hard for me because I’m a retired active guy.
At first, Ken’s hip problems showed up mostly during walks. I wasn't walking very well, and my gait was showing it—I was doing the side-to-side waddle and favoring my right side, he says.
Chalking it up to older age, he did his best to adapt.
When Everyday Life Takes a Turn
Kent lives on 10 acres near Gaylord. Tree cutting, snow removal, and long walks keep him busy when he’s not working on his cars, including an old ‘36 Ford.
There’s always something to do, the retired homebuilder says. But my activity level just slowed down. I couldn’t do things at the pace I wanted to.
Even his simple routines felt harder. Standing for long periods meant leaning to one side. Sitting too long became uncomfortable—but so was getting up. Walks with his wife and dog, once regular two-mile loop, started getting shorter.
I found myself cutting that loop down, he says. The dog didn’t like it.
Nearly every aspect of Kent’s life was being impacted. Like many newer retirees, he’d vowed that he would never spend his days in front of the television. His hip, however, was getting in the way of those plans with each passing year.
I also started putting on a little weight because I wasn’t active. That’s when I knew I had to do something.
Choosing Care Close to Home
Kent began his path to relief with someone he already knew and trusted.
Following a knee procedure he’d had several years back, he had been assigned a different doctor for his post-operative care: orthopedic surgeon Michael VanWagner, MD. Kent was impressed with Dr. VanWagner’s thorough, hands-on approach and he never forgot the experience. He knew he wanted to see him for his worsening hip condition—so he’d receive the same meticulous care.
I looked him up and saw that he was with Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute, Kent says. I thought, ‘I’m going to check him out.’
At Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute, Kent met with Dr. VanWagner and Orthopedic Physician Assistant John Tazzi to get answers.
Michael VanWagner, DO Orthopedic Surgeon
“We always try to put patients at the center of their care, so they feel informed, supported, and confident in their treatment plan. Our clinical team, including our nurses and physician assistants, work closely with patients before and after surgery to answer questions, provide guidance, and help make the process feel much less overwhelming,” explains Dr. VanWagner. “In Kent’s case, his X-rays revealed advanced hip osteoarthritis, and his symptoms were significantly affecting his mobility, daily function, and overall quality of life.”
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage located at the end portion of the bone connecting to a joint — like a knuckle, knee, or hip socket — deteriorates over time. As this protective cartilage wears away, friction from the exposed bones rubbing against each other leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
We reviewed his condition in detail, discussed conservative treatment options for symptom management, and determined that direct anterior total hip replacement surgery would provide the best long-term solution in Kent’s particular case, VanWagner says.
Prepping for Hip Replacement Surgery
Having gone through a knee replacement before, Kent admits he was cautious.
My knee surgery was really tough, so I had some concerns, he explains.
But this time around, through a different treatment facility, Kent’s found that his experience was much different—right from the start. Through Munson Orthopedic Institute’s Joint Camp, Kent received a clear, step-by-step understanding of what to expect, from medications to recovery.
They answered all my questions, he says. Everything was laid out so well. I felt really confident going into surgery.
On the day of his procedure, Kent was ready and even calm. I was actually looking forward to getting it done, he says.
Just as he had anticipated, from his check-in to post-op, Kent’s hip surgery was seamless.
The staff was great. The check-in was seamless. I got prepped for my surgery, the anesthesiologist came in, and I got my nerve block. They kept me informed every step of the way, Kent says. Before I knew it, I was in recovery.
Recovering Faster Than Expected
Kent’s recovery began from day one.
When I left there the same day, I went out on my own power on a walker, he recalls. My first night at home was good. I actually slept.
Within days, he noticed progress. His pain, which he personally opted to address with Tylenol, started to subside by day three.
Over the next several weeks, Kent steadily regained mobility, moving from a walker to a cane—and eventually walking on his own.
My wife pointed it out first, he recalls. She said, ‘You didn’t even use your cane.’ And she was right.
[****Video: Kent’s Physical Therapy Experience]
Back to Moving, and Living, Normally
Five months after surgery, Kent continues to gain strength and confidence.
It just feels smooth, he says. The way my hip moves feels natural.
His wife notices the difference, too.
She said, ‘You don’t sway when you walk anymore. You’re walking straight!’ That was pretty good to hear, he says.
While others see his straighter gait, what Kent can see cleary is that he’s back to doing what he’d always wanted for his retirement: tackling projects around his property, getting in and out of his tractor more easily, and working on his cars again.
It used to be tough getting down and back up. Now I can do those things again, he shares. My wife and I also love to camp, especially in the Upper Peninsula. I’m really looking forward to getting back to that.
With a summer of outdoor projects and camping trips ahead, Kent feels ready for his new chapter.
[****Video of Kent walking]
Kent’s Advice: Don’t Wait
For those grappling with hip issues, Kent’s advice is simple:
You’ll know when it’s time, he says. You start realizing you can’t do the things you used to do—or you’re in pain doing them.
When that moment comes, Kent encourages people to take the next step.
Don’t wait around, he says. Go get it looked at. The team at Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute takes great care of you. You’ll be happy with the results.
World-Class Orthopedic Care, Here in Northern Michigan
Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute serves patients across Northern Michigan who are experiencing pain and/or reduced mobility stemming from joint conditions.
With 7 locations and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons who specialize in a specific area — including hips, knees, shoulders & elbows, and sports medicine — Munson Orthopedic Institute offers world-class expertise, conveniently close to home.
Get answers and find relief. Get started by scheduling your consultation today.
