03/04/2026
Patient Testimonial — Olivia Potter 💃💬
Q: What operation did you have?
A: With Dr. Williams, I had a PAO (periacetabular osteotomy) on both hips.
Q: How long was your recovery?
A: It took about 6 months to begin easing back into my desired activity level, but closer to 18 months to feel where I truly wanted to be.
Q: How far post-op are you now?
A: Just over a year and a half post-op on my right side and 4 months post-op on my left side.
Q: What activities are you back to?
A: Before surgery, I was working toward becoming a professional dancer. After taking time off to recover, I’m now back to pursuing that goal.
Q: Any tips for someone preparing for hip surgery?
A: Use your voice and advocate for yourself. Not every medication or step in the recovery protocol works the same for everyone. My right side progressed smoothly with weight bearing, but my left side needed more time. Speaking up about my pain allowed me to adjust my recovery and give my body the time it needed. Self-advocacy is so important throughout the entire process.
Q: Biggest improvement since surgery?
A: The biggest improvement has been my pain. Before surgery, I struggled with walking and daily activities and experienced random pains regularly. As a dancer, I’ve also noticed significant improvements in my flexibility and hip stability.
Q: Advice for anyone nervous about surgery?
A: The recovery is long, but it gave me back my quality of life, my ability to dance, and the freedom to do what I love. Dr. Williams and his team were incredibly supportive and responsive throughout both surgeries, I always felt well taken care of.
Q: How has your quality of life changed?
A: My overall quality of life has greatly improved. I had hip pain for so long that I didn’t realize it wasn’t normal until it was pointed out to me. After my PAOs, I finally understand what a healthy hip should feel like. I no longer live with the pain I once had.
