Healing Hands for Aching, Shaking Knees
Barbara had been suffering with serious knee pain for nearly a year and a half. As a registered nurse, she tried virtually everything to manage the situation on her own: over the counter medications, prescriptions, knee braces, physical therapy, support stockings, cold and hot packs, cortisone shots, and even considered hypnosis and acupuncture.
Finally, Barbara decided to do something definitive.
“My primary care physician suggested that I contact Dr. Evanich, Orthopedic Surgeon at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Elmbrook Memorial, for evaluation,” recalls Barbara. “I found that he did a procedure called a ‘minimally invasive knee replacement.’ So I made an appointment.”
X-rays revealed that Barbara had bone-on-bone arthritis in her right knee which made her a candidate for knee replacement. She and Dr. Evanich discussed the risks and benefits.
“I was provided with detailed information on just what would be done and what would be expected of me in the recovery process,” says Barbara. “After my husband and I had our questions answered, I scheduled the procedure.”
The decision was not as simple as it might seem. “Being a nurse did not help my anxiety regarding this life altering procedure,” Barbara says. “Come surgery day, I had all the normal concerns, especially over whether or not I was doing the right thing. What if it didn’t work? But seeing Dr. Evanich just before surgery and once again having my concerns addressed, assured me I was indeed doing the right thing and that I was in competent hands.”
The surgery proceeded without complication. By following Dr. Evanich’s thorough post operation instructions, Barbara’s recovery progressed smoothly as well.
“Three weeks after the surgery, I was at a Neil Diamond Concert,” she relates. “Week four found me back at my job part time as a telephone triage nurse, and two weeks after that I returned to work full time.”
Looking back on her experience, Barbara says she never doubted she was receiving the very best of care.
“For Christmas I received an ornament that read ‘I Love My New Knee. ’ That could not have been better stated, and I thank Dr. Evanich for making that possible.”
What about Barb’s other knee? “If that becomes an issue, I will be back in Dr. Evanich’s office because I know he will continue to offer the most up-to-date treatment in joint replacement.”