For as long as he could remember, 65-year-old Mike Gaetano stayed active. The Williamsport, Pa., insurance executive wrestled in college, ran outdoors for decades, and worked out before sunrise nearly every day.
“I’ve always believed in taking care of my body,” Mike says. “It’s just how I’m wired. It keeps me sharp for work and present for my family.”
That dedication paid off for decades — until a subtle ache in his right hip began slowing him down. At first, he brushed it off as a pulled muscle or the cost of staying active into his 60s. But over the years, discomfort became a constant companion.
“I would ice it, take some Tylenol, and keep going,” Mike says. “But each year, it got a little harder.”
A Turning Point at Christmas
The breaking point came in late December 2024. Mike was taking down holiday decorations when he missed a step. It wasn’t a serious fall, but the next morning, he noticed a deep pinch in his hip and a groin pull he hadn’t felt before.
“That changed everything,” Mike says. “It wasn’t just soreness — it was sharper, more limiting. I went from working out every day to not being able to work out at all.”
The loss of movement hit him hard. “I’ve built my business around discipline and performance. Suddenly, I couldn’t even walk more than a few hundred yards without pain. It’s humbling — and frustrating," he says.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
In a healthy hip, cartilage cushions the ball-and-socket joint, allowing smooth, pain-free movement. Over time, injury, overuse, or the natural aging process can wear that cartilage away, leading to osteoarthritis.
In advanced stages, the hip bones rub directly against each other, causing severe pain and stiffness. Bone spurs can also develop, limiting motion even more.
By the time Mike saw his doctor in March 2025, he hadn’t worked out in months. An x-ray confirmed his suspicion: His cartilage was gone, and his bones were grinding together. “It was bone on bone,” Mike says. “Once I saw the images, I knew it wasn’t going to fix itself.”
Choosing Excellence Close to Home
Friends suggested traveling to a larger city for surgery. But Mike had someone local in mind: John Bailey, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC Williamsport — and a longtime friend.
“Jack told me, ‘Mike, I do 200 of these a year. If I couldn’t take care of you, I wouldn’t tell you I could,'" Mike says. “That gave me all the confidence I needed.”
Mike also valued staying local. “We have an incredible health system right here in our town. For a community this size, that’s rare,” he says. “You get world-class care without leaving home — and you get a friendliness you don’t find everywhere.”
Preparing for Surgery
At his first appointment, Dr. Bailey explained the procedure step-by-step: removing the damaged bone and cartilage, placing a titanium stem into the femur, attaching a new ball joint, and inserting a cup with a smooth liner into the hip socket.
“I was nervous — it’s my first joint replacement, and the idea of something artificial in my body didn’t sit well at first,” Mike says. “But Jack never rushed me. He answered every question, even the small ones, until I felt ready.”
A week later, Mike returned for a follow-up. That’s when he made the decision.
“The pain wasn’t getting better, and I didn’t want to lose more time with my grandkids or my workouts,” he says. “It was time.”
Surgery Day: Fears Eased by the Team
In April 2025, Mike arrived early for surgery. The nurse navigator greeted him, reviewed the plan, and made sure he understood every step.
“They had me prepped and ready, but they also made sure I felt calm,” Mike says. “The anesthesiologist, the nurses — everyone made me feel like I was their only patient that day.”
By 2 p.m., just hours after surgery began, Mike was on his feet with the help of a physical therapist. “That blew my mind,” he says. “I thought I’d be in bed for days.”
Recovery at Home
Mike went home the next morning with a recovery plan: one month of at-home physical therapy, followed by a gradual return to the gym. His nurse navigator called regularly to check on his progress, answer questions, and adjust recommendations as needed.
His early exercises included leg lifts, side steps, and gentle stretches. “It’s not glamorous, but it works,” Mike says. “Every day, I could feel a little more strength and stability coming back.”
By six weeks, Mike was back on the elliptical and stationary bike. At eight weeks, he began light weightlifting.
“Walking long distances still gave me a little pinch, but it was improving,” he says.
His biggest motivator? Getting back to the activities he loves.
“I’ve got six grandkids, and I want to be the kind of grandfather who can get down on the floor, pick them up, and take them for walks,” he says. “Before surgery, I couldn’t do that without pain.”
The Power of Kindness and Excellence
Mike says two words define his experience: kindness and compassion. “Everyone — from check-in to follow-up — treated me with respect and genuine care,” he says. “Combine that with medical excellence, and you can’t ask for more.”
He also believes staying local was the right call.
“We’re blessed to have this level of care in Williamsport,” Mike says. “I want people to know you don’t have to leave your community for great care.”
Looking Ahead
Now fully back to his early-morning workouts, Mike is focused on building strength, maintaining flexibility, and staying healthy for years to come.
“This surgery gave me my routine back,” he says. “And that routine is what keeps me grounded.”
He also shares his story whenever someone asks about hip replacements.
“My only regret is not doing it sooner,” Mike says. “If you’re living with that kind of pain, don’t wait. Get it checked. You might be surprised how good life can feel again.”
Whether you’re living with hip pain from arthritis, injury, or wear and tear, UPMC offers advanced joint and hip replacement options close to home. Our orthopaedic experts provide personalized care to help you get back to the activities you love.
