Living life with a bum knee had its drawbacks
A twist of the knee was all it took to trigger a string of symptoms and the sting of pain. For Sue Rosendale, living life with a bum knee had its drawbacks. Strolls around her Wabasha neighborhood came to a halt. Getting a good night’s sleep was next to impossible. Frequent doses of Tylenol became standard therapy. When injections, arthroscopy, and removal of fluid around her left kneecap didn’t provide prolonged relief, it was time to consider another treatment option that promised a lasting recovery.
“It was a long year of tests and trials,” recalled Sue. “I didn’t want to rush into surgery so I was willing to try anything.” After her injury, she saw Dr. Matthew Eich, orthopedic surgeon with Fairview Red Wing Medical Center. Dr. Eich sees patients at Wabasha Clinic, part of Lake City Medical Center-Mayo Health System, and performs a wide variety of orthopedic surgeries and procedures at Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center.
An X-ray confirmed that ligaments were torn. Dr. Eich suggested conservative measures at first. “The treatments offered some comfort, but it was only temporary,” Sue added. “They were relieving some of my symptoms but weren’t getting at the real problem.”
In the fall of 2009 -- after a ruptured cyst and more fluid build-up -- another x-ray was taken. It revealed that the inside portion of her knee deteriorated enough to warrant replacement. Because the outer section of her knee was still intact, Dr. Eich suggested a partial knee replacement. A partial joint replacement only replaces the diseased or injured section, leaving the healthy joint in place. This option fixes the problem with less trauma for the patient. This surgery alternative typically means less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery.
“I had my surgery on the afternoon of December 17,” Sue stated. “And the only pain I felt was the incision. I was a little fearful of taking that first step, but it was a piece of cake! I couldn’t believe it. The surgery team, nurses, and physical therapists at Saint Elizabeth’s were wonderful. Everything went so well and the care was terrific. Within a day I was walking down the hall. I went home a few days later and was able to climb twelve steps to my bedroom.”
With the holidays only days away, Sue didn’t skip a beat. She began outpatient physical therapy on Christmas Eve day. Exercises to improve her range of motion, endurance, and strength were facilitated by physical therapist Pam Kieffer. Sue’s rehab also included time on a Nustep and treadmill. “She is doing fantastic,” commented Pam. “Healing and recovery are progressing at a quick pace. Sue is coming in for therapy two days a week, and she continues her exercises at home. That makes a big difference. When patients listen to their bodies and follow discharge instructions, they feel better, faster. Partial joint replacement is a great option. The recovery time is often cut in half.”
With the help of her family, Sue enjoyed all their Christmas and New Year traditions. And with Saint Elizabeth’s only blocks away, she didn’t miss any of her rehab sessions.
“I would have never considered going anywhere else,” praised Sue. “Saint Elizabeth’s is my second home!” She has been employed in the finance/payroll department for more than 33 years. Her sister and daughter are nurses on the medical/surgical unit; and her mother is an assisted living resident. “I probably spend nearly as much time here as I do in my own house,” she laughed. “Being surrounded by family and friends made my experience even better. It was a special treat to have my daughter taking care of me.”
It’s now about several weeks since her surgery and the only thing keeping her on guard is the snow and ice. Sue is beginning to realize that living the life she once did is within reach! “I’m already looking forward to pain-free, springtime walks around town!”
Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center offers a full scope of orthopedic, general, and specialty surgeries. The new surgery suites were completed in the fall of 2009, with significant financial support from local residents, businesses, and organizations.