Hip Replacement Helps LeeAnn Find a Good Night’s Sleep

Joint pain has a way of sneaking up on you. It starts slowly: a shoulder that doesn’t feel right or a little hip pain when climbing stairs. Before you know it, the pain becomes part of your life—and impossible to ignore. LeeAnn McKee of Harrisonville, Missouri, was 68 and had lived with hip pain for two years before deciding she’d had enough.  

“It got to a point where I couldn’t lie down,” LeeAnn says. “Sleeping was almost impossible.”  

Finding the source

Fortunately, LeeAnn already had a trusted connection. Her niece, Lynnsey Shade, RN, APRN, is CEO at Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists . Over the years, LeeAnn had watched Lynnsey's dedication to patients and her commitment to leading a strong, compassionate team. When LeeAnn decided to seek help for her hip pain, Rockhill felt like a natural place to start. 

In May 2026, LeeAnn scheduled a consultation with Chase Hobbs, DO, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Rockhill. Dr. Hobbs specializes in hip replacement surgery and is a leader in same-day discharge , which allows eligible patients to go home just hours after their surgery. After meeting with LeeAnn and discussing her pain and goals, he ordered a set of X-rays and advanced imaging to get a clearer picture of the damage within her joint.  

The imaging revealed that LeeAnn was born with a slightly misaligned hip joint. Combined with common arthritis, this eventually caused the bone-on-bone pain that was limiting her comfort and daily activity.  

“There were days when I had to pull over while driving because the pain was so intense,” LeeAnn says. “I was always an active person, but I had lost my ability to run, jump, and keep up with my great nieces. I was very frustrated.”  

Knowing when it's time for surgery

Chronic pain affects millions of Americans each year, and its effects on mental and emotional health are well documented. Loneliness, depression, and social isolation often go hand in hand with persistent pain, creating a cycle that affects nearly every aspect of daily life.  

“When hip pain starts affecting something as fundamental as sleep, the impact can be far more than physical,” Dr. Hobbs says. “LeeAnn had been dealing with her pain for nearly two years, and it was clearly taking a toll on her overall health. Surgery offered an opportunity to get her back to the quality of life she wanted.”  

During hip replacement surgery , the damaged ball and socket of the hip joint are removed and replaced with durable artificial components. Modern hip joints are designed to last for 30 years or more, and recent advances in technology have made surgery safer and more effective than ever.  

In July 2026, LeeAnn checked into Saint Luke's Surgicenter–Lee's Summit for a hip replacement surgery with Dr. Hobbs. Within hours of her procedure, she was awake, walking, and headed home to begin her recovery. Modern joint replacement has become far less invasive, making same-day discharge a greater possibility for patients like LeeAnn.  

“Today’s joint replacement surgeries often require less soft tissue manipulation, which generates less inflammation and pain,” says Dr. Hobbs. “I also take an approach that respects each patient’s individual anatomy, restoring the joint to its pre-arthritic state rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all method. That combination allows for better pain control after surgery, meaning patients can manage recovery at home instead of needing stronger medication in the hospital.” 

Relief from the start

Joint replacement patients gradually regain their strength and mobility in the weeks after surgery and return to everyday activities within 4–6 weeks. LeeAnn’s recovery went smoothly, and she says the difference is remarkable.  

“I tell people it’s almost like I didn’t have surgery,” LeeAnn says. “I’m able to sleep better than I have in years. It’s made a huge difference.”  

As a licensed psychologist of 30 years, LeeAnn knows the value of a good night’s rest. When chronic pain improves, the benefits are more than physical. Now on the other side of surgery, LeeAnn finds herself in a better mood with more energy to take on the activities she loves most, like exercising and running around with her great nieces.  

Once on the side of the road grimacing in pain, LeeAnn now finds herself on the road to recovery. She continues to build strength and mobility in physical therapy, and each week brings greater confidence in her movement and independence. She is grateful for the exceptional care she received at Rockhill and for the compassion and support she experienced every step of the way. 

“I strongly recommend Rockhill for their professionalism and expertise, as well as their respect and care for the patient,” LeeAnn says. “They treat you like a person, not a number.”  

About Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists

Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists has delivered high-quality care for more than 75 years. The team is affiliated with Saint Luke’s East Hospital  and includes 16 board-certified and board-eligible orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists who have a combined 200 years of experience.  

Visit Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists for more information.