Move towards the life you want. Move…move strong…You can do it…we can help. And move she will. “I am walking better now than I was before surgery,” exclaimed Christine Bohn just two days after having a total knee replacement at Mercy
Medical Center Redding (MMCR). On her way to group physical therapy Christine’s competitive edge shines through as she stops mid step to view the River Run Board posted in 2-South where the Total Joint Replacement classes are being held. Christine quickly eyes the placement of her drift boat, which tracks the total distance she has walked post surgery, and makes a few comparisons. “Well….I’ll catch up…I’ll get another 100 feet if I walk back to my room after class,” said Christine to her twin sister following close behind her. Christine is on her way to a full recovery after her second trip to MMCR’s Center for Joint and Spine Health. Christine had her first knee replacement surgery in 2005 and saw such an improvement in her day-to-day activities she decided it was time to have her second knee replaced.
“Before surgery I couldn’t walk, I was having a lot of problems with mobility, the pain got so bad I couldn’t work. Now, I’m not in pain anymore, it doesn’t hurt,” said Christine. She is one of many success stories emerging from Mercy’s Center that serves as an in-hospital joint replacement camp.
Christine took full advantage of the program beginning with the pre-operative “Total Joint Replacement Class” taught by Joint Care Coordinator Kimber Graves, RN. The class is designed for those contemplating or already scheduled for total joint replacement surgery at MMCR. Kimber presents a detailed PowerPoint presentation, answering patients and potential patient’s questions on an array of topics including: preparation for surgery, what to expect the day of surgery, postoperative events, treatment, caregiver advice and even nutrition tips. MMCR’s Nutrition Services Department caters the class. “I attended the evening class and received some new information. When they discussed anesthesia options I wasn’t familiar with the nerve block so that was interesting to learn. I think this whole program is a good thing. Kimber presents a lot of useful information in the class and it is very educational for everyone,” said Christine.
On the day of surgery, patients can rest assured as MMCR has the experience of more than 20 skilled orthopedic surgeons on its Medical Staff. Mercy’s Center for Joint and Spine Health uses an advanced practice model of care that includes orthopedic specialty teams, an orthopedic trained physician assistant, and registered nurses that are Orthopedic Certified.
For special cases, orthopedic physicians are able to utilize Mercy’s computer assisted surgery instruments for total joint replacement surgery. We also offer a variety of techniques for total knee and total hip replacements, including minimally invasive procedures.
Following surgery, patients enter group physical therapy sessions. They are surrounded with others sharing a similar experience. This group setting helps patients to set goals and strive to meet them. Patients talk and share their stories as they work together to complete the exercises assigned by a physical therapist. Patients are able to track their progress on the River Run Board. This posting allows patients to track the distance they walk with a goal of turning in their laminated drift boat for an updated speedboat at the end of their journey. Patients often keep a competitive eye on each other. “We are highly competitive,” joked Christine as she looks at her roommate and says, “I’m glad I’m sitting next to you today. I’m going to make sure you don’t cheat!” she chuckled.
While patients have each other for encouragement during group sessions, they also have the coaching of trained physical therapists and physical therapy aides. These professionals give patients that little extra incentive, making sure all exercises are done correctly. “From before patients start the program until a few days after surgery, I notice they seem to grow more confident. It makes them feel like they have accomplished something, it makes them feel independent,” said Physical Therapy Aide Ryan Osuna.
Patients are encouraged and welcomed to bring significant others to the physical therapy sessions so they too can learn the proper way to complete the exercises. This allows others to assist the ones they care about once they leave the hospital. Patients are also sent home with a full print out of exercise diagrams and descriptions allowing them to continue their therapy at home.
Many Center for Joint and Spine Health patients are so impressed with the results of their surgery they return to the Center as volunteers sharing their experiences and assisting others through the process. They often volunteer in group therapy acting as patient guides and encouraging family members to participate. Volunteers also gather supplies and pay close attention to specific nutritional requests.
With one knee completely healed and another one in progress Christine is looking forward to joining her Red Hatter Club on an outing to the local go-cart track Need for Speed. “The last time they went I couldn’t drive because it was too difficult for me to get in and out of the go-cart but now I am going to give it a try,” said Christine. For more information follow this link or call 24-MERCY (246-3729).
