When every movement causes pain, many people – as much as a half a million annually in the United States alone – turn to joint replacement surgery as a way of restoring mobility, relieving pain and getting back to the business of life.
To assist those who choose joint replacement, Saint Anthony's developed “JointCamp,” a program that allows patients undergoing similar procedures to support each other during their nursing care, therapies and recovery -- using a group approach. Joyce Turner of Granite City attended JointCamp after she had bilateral knee replacements in March, and said for her – it’s been like night and day.
“It’s given me my life back,” Joyce said. “I’m not confined to my home anymore.” She said that after tearing cartilage in her right knee last fall, she was in constant pain. She then put extra stress on her left knee due to the other injury and ended up with severe pain in both knees.
After Kyle Shepperson, M.D. performed her knee replacements, Joyce received her postoperative care in JointCamp, which included nursing and therapy in group sessions. She is driving again, walking where she wants to go and once again, living a full life. “Dr. Shepperson and the therapists say I have done very well,” Joyce said. “I chose Saint Anthony’s because I liked the people, and they’ve all done a wonderful job.”
At JointCamp, located in the Joint Replacement Center on the Saint Anthony’s Hospital campus, patients may undergo hip, knee or shoulder replacements. Many patients get to know each other while attending the pre-operative class, which includes instruction on their procedure, expectations during and after surgery, as well as the necessary exercises to speed their recovery. These patients often undergo surgery during the same time period, allowing them to have therapy sessions together in JointCamp.
“The group approach to therapy is a way to help encourage patients,” said Felecia Huebener, Director of Clinical Programs. “One patient may see how another is advancing and it can be an incentive for them to work toward. It’s proof that each day does make a difference in recovery.”
Jeffrey Ogden, 49, received two knee replacements, one at a time spaced four months apart, performed by Michael Taylor, M.D. Jeff said he had suffered with pain since the 1970s when he injured his knees playing football. He had several procedures over the years to try and help alleviate the pain, but finally made the decision to go for total joint replacements. “I had severe pain in both knees; it was getting very difficult to function, and the pain limited my daily activities,” he said. “The surgeries made a big difference for me. The care at Saint Anthony’s was second to none.”
Likewise, Richard Bain, 68, of Bethalto, who had bilateral knee replacements last year, performed by Randy Rogalsky, M.D., said that it was the right decision for him. “I was walking okay and back to work in four weeks,” Richard said. “It was definitely worth the process. I was hurting all the time before the surgery – now the pain is gone.”
For information about Saint Anthony’s Joint Replacement Center, call 474-6285.