Hobbies are the activities we don’t have to be told to do, or offered compensation for. Hobbies are activities we want to do - we desire to do. When pain in our joints begins to interfere with our hobbies, the quality of our life begins to decline. Mercy Medical Center Redding’s (MMCR) Center for Hip and Knee Replacement (CHKR) is determined to restore quality of life and offer a passport back to active living.
Art Agnew, a CHKR volunteer and former patient, lives for the moment he gets to put on his waders, step into a river and spend his entire day fly-fishing. When Art started to experience joint pain, it began to interfere with his favorite hobby. “I was limiting myself and my ability to wade rivers and participate in my favorite activity. I was living with a constant uncomfortable feeling in my knees. It made things a little miserable for me,” said Art. “I went to my doctor who referred me to an orthopaedic specialist at Mercy. After taking X-rays, my doctor suggested that I start the joint replacement process. I had heard nothing but good things about Mercy.” To learn more, Art attended MMCR’s free Total Joint Replacement Wellness Class that is taught by Joint Care Coordinator and Clinical Supervisor Kimber Graves, RN.
Recently, Blue Shield of California notified all three CHW North State Hospitals that they had earned the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center for Knee and Hip Replacement designation. Along with its sister Hospitals, Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta (MMCMS) and St. Elizabeth’s Community Hospital in Red Bluff (SECH), MMCR was awarded this distinction for excellent outcomes for hip and knee replacement surgeries. MMCMS provides state of the art orthopaedic procedures including hip resurfacing. SECH offers robotic assisted, minimally invasive knee procedures and MMCR offers a variety of hip and knee replacement procedures through its in-hospital camp that begins with Kimber’s class.
“I love working with our hip and knee patients because they are considered “well” patients and they choose to have this surgery to improve the quality of their life. Many of the patients have stopped doing what they love because of the chronic pain in their hips and knees. There is nothing more gratifying to me than to see these patients getting back to a healthier and happier lifestyle. This is what I talk about in the preoperative class. I also discuss the ins and outs of the hospital process and why we do what we do, getting their homes, family and friends prepared (not just the patient) for the recovery process, and enlightening them about the wonderful services we have to offer, not only here at Mercy, but also in the North State community,” said Kimber.
The class helps people understand what joint replacement is and the process that one would go through if they choose to have the procedure. Participants also have an opportunity to ask any questions they may have regarding joint replacement. The class can be viewed online by following this link or a DVD may be requested for those who cannot attend the class.
“The information Kimber provided was excellent,” said Art. “It helped me to make some sound decisions and go ahead and schedule the surgery. I had bi-lateral surgery, which means they replaced both of my knees. It was a positive experience for me. The staff was absolutely incredible.”
Following his procedure, Art attended the CHKR in-hospital camp. Each day he attended physical therapy, not alone, but with a group of patients that also had joint replacement surgery. This builds camaraderie between patients. They can discuss their experiences and encourage each other through the healing process. A board in the hall of the Center titled the “River Run Board” tracks how far patients have walked each day. Boat shaped magnets travels up a river surpassing walking goals set by the patient’s doctor. Patients enjoy viewing the board and engage in a little healthy competition as many use the boats as encouragement to surpass fellow patients.
“I didn’t realize how much the surgery would improve my life. I am free of knee pain. I have been able to get back to what I enjoy doing. When I’m wading rivers, I don’t have to worry so much about my stability. My quality of life has improved 10,000 percent,” said Art.Because Art had such a positive experience, he has taken on the role of the lead CHKR volunteer. He assists the physical therapist with supplies and clean-up, encourages patients, and serves as an example of how joint replacement surgery can improve your life.
“Art Agnew is one of our stars and his fly fishing has certainly improved since his surgery. Many of our former patients come back to volunteer with us and share their experience with the patients in a way that I cannot do since I have not had the surgery myself. Most patients find it so comforting to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and the pain they are having right after surgery has a purpose,” said Kimber.
If you are interested in attending Kimber’s class call (530) 24-MERCY (246-3729). If you are interested in volunteering please call Shirley Knight at 225-6288 or click here for more informaiton. Live your life on purpose!
