For Dr. Edward S. Piatt, staying active has always been part of his life. A longtime Kankakee resident, he spent more than three decades working for the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity before retiring in 2015. Today, he remains deeply engaged in his community as an adjunct professor at Olivet Nazarene University, a business consultant, and a columnist for the Kankakee Journal.
But even the most active lifestyles can be interrupted by chronic joint pain.
Over time, years of athletic activity began to take a toll on Dr. Piatt’s body. A former baseball pitcher and football player, he developed persistent hip and groin pain that made daily movement increasingly difficult. Despite maintaining a routine of walking several miles a day and strength training, the discomfort continued to worsen. “At first, I tried injections and anti-inflammatories,” he said. “They helped temporarily, but the relief never lasted.”
For many patients experiencing chronic hip pain, this turning point is familiar. When conservative treatments no longer provide relief, it may be time to explore advanced orthopedic care options. After living with the pain for several years, Dr. Piatt sought expert evaluation. He met with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rajeev Puri of Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, who diagnosed the issue as bone spurs requiring a total anterior hip replacement, a minimally invasive surgical approach designed to relieve pain and restore mobility. While the diagnosis brought clarity, it also came with understandable concerns. “I was relieved to finally know what the problem was and that something could be done to fix it,” Dr. Piatt said. “But facing major surgery always brings some apprehension.”
When choosing where to undergo hip replacement surgery in Kankakee, Dr. Piatt turned to a hospital his family had trusted for decades: Saint Mary’s Hospital. “My family has relied on Saint Mary’s for many years,” he said. “They have always provided excellent care, and there is also a spiritual element to healing there that means a great deal to me.”
That trust was reinforced during his preoperative experience. Before surgery, Dr. Piatt attended an educational session led by nurse Tonya Woods, who guided patients through every step of the process, from preparation to recovery at home. “She was incredibly thorough,” he said. “She explained everything clearly and made sure I knew what to expect. That preparation helped ease my anxiety and gave me confidence going into surgery.”
With the support of his orthopedic surgeon, nursing team, and hospital staff, Dr. Piatt underwent a left anterior hip replacement procedure. Like many patients recovering from joint replacement surgery, his healing required commitment, physical therapy, and patience.
Within just eleven weeks, the results have already been life-changing. Dr. Piatt has completed physical therapy and returned to many of the activities he values most. He now walks two miles each day, has resumed working out, and is sleeping better. “I’m about 70 percent back to my normal routine,” he said. “There is still some recovery ahead of me, but I am getting stronger every day.” His experience highlights what many patients seek when considering orthopedic surgery for hip pain: relief, restored mobility, and a return to daily life.
Looking back, Dr. Piatt emphasizes the importance of early intervention.
“My advice is simple. Do not wait,” he said. “You can teach medical procedures, but you cannot teach excellence and care for others,” Dr. Piatt said. “Dr. Puri and nurse Tonya Woods exemplify the best of the best.”
Today, as he continues his recovery, Dr. Piatt is returning to the life he enjoys, from teaching graduate students to consulting businesses and writing.
Most importantly, he is moving forward with renewed strength and a deep appreciation for the care he received.
“There are medical providers whose mission is truly to help people heal and feel better,” he said. “Their concern, care, and dedication made this journey possible.”