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The Hippy Sisters held their 5th Annual HipCheck & ChickFest at the end of August, 2010. They all received good news from their beloved Dr. Berry and spent the rest of the time celebrating their friendship and pain-free lives. They made sure they went out dancing, because now they can!
The Hippy Sisters in front of Rochester Methodist Hospital, which they affectionately refer to as their second birthplace
Some patient support groups are developed formally, with a mission statement, mailing list, annual goals and hundreds of members. Others develop more organically. Five Mayo patients, who call themselves the Hippy Sisters, started their small support group without even realizing it.
Dr. Daniel Berry with his patients, the Hippy Sisters
Kay Anderson, Beth Denton, Barbara Nunke, Rachel Petersen and Cathy Weber met through online chats on the Totally Hip Support Group website.
They were drawn to each other’s posts because they were all quite a bit younger than the average recipient of a hip replacement. They weren’t all Mayo Clinic patients to begin with, but after talking with each other and other patients online and conferring with their own doctors, they all became patients of orthopedic surgeon Daniel J. Berry, M.D., at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
Dancing on new hips!
The women have supported each other through surgery and recovery and cheer each other on every day via the Web and e-mail. They also hold an annual reunion by arranging to have their appointments with Dr. Berry at the same time. At their last reunion in November 2008, they went dancing for hours to celebrate their fabulous hips – something they could not have done prior to their surgeries.
Five women from four different states bonded in ways they could never have imagined because of their shared medical issues and because of the care they received at Mayo Clinic. If you would like to connect with the Hippy Sisters to talk about hip replacement, please leave a comment here. They would be happy to respond.
Where do you find support? Send in your comments below to let us know if you have formed a Mayo patient or caregiver support group. Or if you are part of a more formal support network. What has connecting with other patients or caregivers meant to you?
Catherine, thank you for helping us to share our story. I am so very honored that I’ve found these four wonderful Hippy Sisters in my life!
It is great to see stories of hope and inspiration such as these.
I have been blessed to see how surgeries such as these have changed lives.
Indeed one of the “hippie sisters” is a member of our parish. As as the youth, with whom she volunteers, will attest. Kay is awesome.
Thank God for the gifts of healing being given through Mayo.
There is a great support network in BoneSmart. There’s nothing like getting support and encouragement from people who have been there before you! All power to you all.
Dear Hippy Sisters,
I am a 67 year old lady who has developed severe arthritis of my hips . I am taking the water aerobics class, two tylenol arthrtis tablets every morning, and Move Free (glucosomine/ chondroitin) to ease the pain in walking in my attempt to avoid
major surgery. Also, I smear topical ointments on my thighs, plus I use a heating pad and ice to relinquish pain. I am trying my best as you can see to cope with my situation.
However, I heard that the Mayo Clinic is the best place to
get help for my problem. I realize that you found satisfaction at Mayo in Dr. Berry’s care, who I believe is the department’s
chair doctor. Please share with me your experiences and what
you believe my experience will be as a prospective patient.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Berner-Flint, Mi.
Hi Syvia–here’s my email address:
littleredhen@mitchelltelecom.net
Just shoot me an email and I can share my experience (and advice) with you. That might be easier than corresponding through the blog.
Talk soon!
Cathy
So happy for these women…and as those of us who have undergone “hip preservation” surgeries can attest, having wonderful surgeons who have given us back our lives is absolutely priceless and we are truly blessed for having them in our lives.
Congratulations ladies!
For anyone looking for support groups online for hip preservation (dysplasia, impingement, labral tears) there are links on my blog.
I am electronically challenged, so I hope you get this. About a year ago diagnosed with R.A. Have had 2 surgeries on wrist. Use to work out 2 hours a day in gym, haven’t been able to do that. Was just told need hip replacement, am devasted as thought R.A. under control. Live in Texas and therefore am thinking of doing surgery here.Also am thinking of changing diet heard sugar and wheat bad for arthritis. Anything you can tell me greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Diane
Very good text. I’ve found your blog via Yahoo and I’m really glad about the information you provide in your articles. Btw your sites layout is really broken on the Chrome browser. Would be really great if you could fix that. Anyhow keep up the great work!
I AM 76 FEMALE,DOC SAID I HAVE ALMOST BONE ON BONE, RIGHT SIDE IN MY HIP. I’VE READ ALOT ON THIS PAGE. GOOD ADVICE. MY QUESTION
IS WHAT BRAND OF HIP, HOW LONG IN THE HOSPITAL, CAN I RIDE HOME
4-5 HOURS HOME. THIS IS IF I DO DECIDE TO GO TO MAYO’S FOR MY SURGERY. WE LOVE MAYO’S AND I WOULD LIKE TO GO THERE. THANK-YOU
GIRLS FOR THE GOOD INFO ABOUT DOCTOR BERRY. HOW DID YOU PICK HIM FOR A DOCTOR. I KNOW YOU CAN’T GIVE A ANSWER TO SOME THINGS I APPRECIATE ANY ADVICE. SINCERELY, MARJI JONES
Thank you for contacting us with your questions regarding hip surgery. Please phone the Appointment Offices to discuss scheduling a consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists in Arizona 480-301-1735, Florida 904-953-0853, and Minnesota 507-538-327. Here is more information on hip surgeries http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hip-replacement/MY00235. Thanks again.
I have a Conserve Plus right hip resurfacing 2003. Having pain and was told I have an impingement. Probably need to go to THR. Have appt with Dr Berry in July. Would like to communicate with someone regarding their experience. Thank you, Eileen 57y