Knee Replacement “I started having knee pain about 10 years ago,” says Tom Deck. “I put off treatment for a while and just put up with the pain. Finally, I went to an orthopedic surgeon in Indiana where we lived at the time and he diagnosed me with osteoarthritis. He administered a corticosteroid injection into each of my knees which worked for a short time, but the pain kept coming back.” Knee pain can often be the result of osteoarthritis, a common condition that develops when the cartilage in the knee joint begins to deteriorate. This causes the surface of the bones in the knee to become damaged, often causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced functioning. One of the many treatments for osteoarthritis is to inject corticosteroid into the joints. This can reduce swelling and reduce inflammation. Although relief is found quickly through this treatment, the benefits are often short term. Once Tom and his wife left Indiana and retired in Ellijay, Georgia, he began to really see how his knee pain was limiting his life. “Even when my wife and I would go to Walmart, sometimes I would wait in the car instead of having to endure the knee pain that came with so much walking,” says Tom. One day, Tom was talking to a friend at church who recently had a knee replacement. His friend was very pleased with his orthopedic surgeon, John Norman, MD, in Dalton. Due to his recommendation, Tom made an appointment with Dr. Norman. After the evaluation, he suggested that Tom have both of his knee joints replaced. Tom elected to have his surgeries done separately, approximately 10 months apart. “Dr. Norman was so thorough,” says Tom. “He did a complete evaluation of my medical history and reviewed additional imaging of my knees. I felt very comfortable with him as my surgeon.” Tom underwent the knee replacement surgery and then began receiving physical therapy. His progress exceeded expectations. “I was very impressed with Hamilton Medical Center’s physicians and medical staff,” says Tom. “I’ve even become great friends with two of my nurses. Teresa Ingle, RN, Arthur McKinish, RN, and my wife and I often visit and go out to dinner together. The whole process has been such a blessing.” (l/r) Teresa Ingle, RN, John Norman, MD, and double knee replacement patient Tom Deck Teresa Ingle, RN, Nurse Navigator for Hamilton Medical Center’s Joint Moves Program When a patient makes the decision to have joint surgery, understanding the process can sometimes be confusing. That’s where Teresa Ingle, RN, comes in. She’s a nurse navigator for Hamilton Medical Center’s Joint Moves program. “The patients and family members receive a lot of information, but sometimes have a hard time remembering it all,” says Teresa. “It helps for them to have a familiar face that they can contact when they have questions.” Teresa serves as an educator and advocate for the patient and the patient’s family. She presents the weekly Joint Moves classes that patients attend prior to their surgery. “I try to prepare patients for what is ahead and what to expect,” says Teresa. We talk about preparation for surgery, what happens during the surgery, and what they should expect following their surgery. I am their cheerleader. I give them support and encouragement when they feel down. I try to reassure them and try to make them feel less nervous – something that’s very normal before any procedure.” After the surgery, Teresa assists with care and continues patient education. Even after they are discharged, patients are encouraged to call her regarding any issues that might arise. “I enjoy hearing everyone’s story,” says Teresa. “I enjoy watching them make progress and exceed their own expectations. Most of all, I enjoy talking with them weeks after the surgery when they tell me they wish they hadn’t waited so long – that their quality of life has improved.” Hamilton Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for knee replacement by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. The certification award recognizes Hamilton’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards. Knee replacement is part of Hamilton’s Joint Moves program, which also includes hip and shoulder replacement surgery. Hamilton also holds The Joint Commission certification for hip and shouler replacement. Hamilton Medical Center Joint Moves Program 706.272.6511 jointmoves@hhcs.org hamiltonhealth.com/jointreplacement x 2
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