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Joint Reunion
November 1, 2007
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Each year orthopedic surgeons perform
thousands of joint replacement surgeries in
Lee County. A special series of banquets offer the patients of those procedures
a special kind of reunion. The banquet offers up a great meal and pairs up patients
with the surgeons and physical therapists who helped them recover from joint replacement
surgery.
Edward Humbert is one of those orthopedic surgeons. He says, “The Lee Memorial Joint
Center has changed joint replacement positively in every aspect. It helps the surgeons
it helps the patients. It helps the four physical therapists and I think everyone enjoys it actually.”
George Beatty has had two knee replacements and now is a part of the All-star total
joint center program. He says, “The biggest thing is when you get into therapy be
it in the hospital be it afterwards follow what they say and do the best you can
because it’s important. It matters.”
What also matters for these total joint center alumni is sharing their experiences
and making lasting friendships.
George says,
“I had my eyes worked on and I couldn’t talk to anybody unless I happened
to run into somebody on the street and this way you run into people you went through
the same thing with and that helps.”
The All-Star Total Joint Center also prepared patients for what to expect before,
during, and after surgery. Now they get together every three months for some good
food and conversation.
Dr. Humbert says, “They love the social aspect of it they love to come back and
meet other people who were in the hospital with them at the time.”
“The biggest thing the patients have to have is a good attitude, realistic expectations
and an understanding of what patients can accomplish and they don’t give themselves
enough credit for what they can do,” says Dr. Biggs.
Patients usually go through strenuous physical therapy for about four weeks after
surgery. The next several months are focused on regaining strength and control in
their joints.
If you want to learn more about the All-Star Total Joint Center log onto leememorial.org
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