For Jim McLaughlin, owner of Baker Design Wear in Greensburg, August 26 was a life-changing day. That’s when he underwent a total hip replacement by Dr. Eric Tannenbaum, a Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon at Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH). This surgery transformed Jim’s mobility, his work, and his everyday life.
Jim wasn’t new to surgery. After six knee surgeries since the age of 28, he was nervous about what recovery might look like. Jim’s surgery was performed using the anterior approach, a technique that works between muscles rather than cutting through them. This method often means less pain, quicker recovery, and a lower risk of complications like hip dislocation. For Jim, it was reassuring to know that this approach would protect the surrounding muscles and help him get back on his feet faster, something especially important given his active lifestyle and busy role at Baker Design Wear.
“I thought maybe I should wait since things were so busy at work, but I could hardly walk,” Jim said. “Dr. Tannenbaum assured me recovery would be smoother than I expected, and he was right.”
So smooth, in fact, that when a family emergency left his store without coverage, Jim was back at work the very next day after surgery.
He credits his recovery to a strong team effort. “The key when you’re having a surgery is getting the right feel from the doctor,” Jim explained. “Dr. Tannenbaum was honest, informative, and positive; he made me feel confident going in.”
“Jim’s recovery is a great example of how the anterior approach can help patients return to their normal lives quickly,” said Dr. Tannenbaum. “Jim’s determination and positive outlook have also played a big role in his success.”
The anesthesia team, Evan Smillie, also made a big impact. “The nerve block they gave me worked great. I had very little pain afterward and didn’t need to take much medication, which I really appreciated,” he said. “I don’t like the way pain medicine makes me feel, so that meant a lot.”
Much of his healing journey has taken place with the DCMH Rehabilitation Services team. He worked closely with Melissa and Emily, who guided him through therapy in the hospital’s new, modern space. “It’s such a great improvement from the old location,” Jim said. “The facility is great and the team here continues to be watchful, careful, safe, and very kind. I see how good they are with everyone who comes through.”
That care has helped Jim get back to what he loves, whether that’s working at his family-owned business, helping out on the farm, or chasing after his grandchildren. And with a new puppy on the way, he’s especially thankful to be walking with ease again.
Best of all, his wife Christy has made sure he knows there are no more excuses for putting off chores. “My honey-do list is expected to get done now,” Jim laughed.
For Jim, the surgery has been nothing short of life-changing. “I’m incredibly thankful for the whole team at DCMH,” he said. “This has improved my quality of life, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
To learn more about orthopedic services at DCMH or schedule an appointment with Dr. Tannenbaum, visit dcmh.net/orthopedics or call 812-663-7790.
