Why should I choose Dr. Eccles and Conway Medical Center?
Dr. Eccles uses the most up-to-date techniques and he and his staff will treat you like family. Conway Medical Center was awarded the 2022 Medical Excellence Award by CareChex for being the #1 Hospital in the State of South Carolina for Orthopedic Care.
How do I make an appointment?
Simply call us at during our working hours or you can request an appointment online using this form.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
Most medical specialists will accept only referred patients. This is mainly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for you and your condition. Although Dr. Eccles does not require a referral, it is important to check with your insurance company to see if a referral is necessary.
What to bring for your initial consultation?
For your initial consultation you will need to bring a referral letter from your physician if required.
Here is check list for your initial consultation:
- Driver’s License or a valid ID
- Insurance information
- Referral Letter (if required)
- Reports, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc. and any other relevant information
- List of medications (if any)
We encourage you to come to your initial consultation with a written list of questions to ensure you don’t forget to ask them when you visit the doctor.
Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.
How soon will I walk after surgery?
Hours after surgery, you will work with our excellent physical therapy team who will instruct you on how to safely walk and teach you exercises you’ll need to do.
How long will I need to stay in the hospital after surgery?
Most healthy patients that meet all criteria go home the same day of surgery. Some patients require an overnight stay for monitoring.
How long will my new joint last?
This depends on many factors but typically a modern-day implant should last 20-30 years or more.
How long do I need time off work after the surgery?
The post-operative recovery period varies based on the surgery and the individual patient. Generally, it is recommended patients take at least 6-8 weeks off work to recover from any surgery and to resume light duty following resumption of work. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow for a successful recovery.
How long before I can resume driving?
This depends on what side and what joint was operated on. In general, you must be off prescription pain medication during the day or when you would be driving. Typically, hip replacement patients are faster at returning to driving. If your left knee was replaced and you feel safe, this may be around 3-4 weeks after surgery. If it was your right knee that was replaced, a few weeks longer may be needed to gain muscle control, coordination, and strength to safely drive.
When can I resume exercise?
Your doctor will instruct you about post-treatment exercises – the type and the duration to be followed. You may be referred to a physical therapist to help with strengthening and range of motion exercises following surgery.
How do I contact after hours?
There will be a point of contact 24 hours a day for any concerns you may have. You will be provided with contact details following your treatment.
What are the non-surgical treatment options?
The non-surgical treatment options include activity modification, medications, injections, and physical therapy.
Will physical therapy be required after surgery?
Getting full range of motion, strength, and flexibility back after surgery usually takes time. That is where pre-operative exercise, education, and post -operative physical therapy programs come in – to ensure you are physically and emotionally prepared for surgery and to maximize your recovery after surgery. All knee replacement patients will need physical therapy to assist in this process. Most hip replacement patients do not need formal physical therapy, but are instructed to walk and increase their activities on their own.
What are the risks associated with surgery?
As with any surgery, risks include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, stiffness and nerve damage. Your doctor will discuss the risks associated with your specific procedure.
When can I return to daily activities?
This varies depending on the type of procedure undergone, and can range from a few days to a few months. Return to all activities, sports and exercise can take up to four to six months. Your doctor will advise you depending on your health condition.
What can happen if surgery is avoided?
Some complications of not undergoing an orthopedic total joint surgery may include continued and increase in pain, weakness, and progressive loss of joint motion.
