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Published on October 18, 2024

Hip Replacement Surgery Returns Alpena Woman to Her Active Lifestyle

Photo of Michelle Nensewitz sitting on a bench, with the medical center behind her.

Michelle Nensewitz is enjoying her favorite activities again thanks to her hip replacement.

Michelle Nensewitz, 55, enjoys outdoor activities like going on walks, gardening, hiking and paddle boarding, and she wasn’t letting hip pain slow her down. In fact, she spent more than a year maintaining her busy lifestyle with the help of cortisone injections and physical therapy to manage the discomfort she experienced while climbing stairs, walking and bending to garden. When a recent sailing trip ended with extreme pain and immobility, she knew it was time for a more permanent solution. She opted for hip replacement surgery at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena and couldn’t be happier with the results.

Nensewitz primary care provider Hasan Basheera, M.D., had discussed her hip pain in 2022 and even ordered an MRI, but the findings did not indicate surgery was needed. In preparation for an upcoming vacation this spring, she scheduled a cortisone injection (her third in a year) close to her departure date with the hopes that it would allow her to enjoy it with minimal soreness.

“The boat we were on was large and waters were calm, but the last two days my pain was unbearable,” said Nensewitz. “I couldn’t get off the boat to explore the stops and at the end of our time, I needed a wheelchair to exit the craft. It was really difficult.” When she returned home to Alpena, Dr. Basheera ordered a new MRI and a consultation was arranged with Orthopedic Surgeon Jeffrey Dombroski, M.D.

Nensewitz admits she questions things and wanted the opportunity to work through her results with Dr. Dombroski. The MRI revealed a labral tear to Nensewitz’s right hip, and a total hip arthroplasty was recommended. During a hip replacement, the surgeon makes an incision over the thigh and removes the diseased or damaged bone and cartilage from the hip joint, then replaces the head of the femur and acetabulum with new, artificial parts. “Dr. Dombroski has a great reputation as a surgeon, so I knew I would be in good hands. After my consultation, it became apparent to me that he also has a great read on his patients and knew I was in a good head space for the surgery.”

Nensewitz shared that her experience at MyMichigan was excellent from start to finish. “I’m thankful for Dr. Dombroski’s expertise and the confidence he had that I was ready for surgery,” she said. “The nurses and inpatient therapists were phenomenal; they had me up and walking the same day. Micaela Goebel, P.A.-C., was in the operating room with Dr. Dombroski during my procedure and visited me afterward. She did an incredible job of explaining everything to me; how things went and what to expect going forward. The staff is just wonderful. My daughter was able to stay with me at the Medical Center overnight, and I appreciated that a lot.”

Nensewitz continues to recover and rebuild her strength. Her energy level is high, and she is pain free. “I honestly didn’t realize how much my hip pain was effecting my life,” she said. “I feel amazing. I can walk up hills and steps without pain. I am bending to weed my flower beds again. I am improving each and every day.”

Nensewitz and Dr. Dombroski both expect continued positive results with many active years ahead for her. “I have always been grateful for our hospital and think it’s important for everyone in our community understand what a huge asset it is,” she declared. 

Those who would like more information about Dr. Dombroski and the comprehensive orthopedic services in Alpena, may visit www.mymichigan.org/alpenamsk.