Hear What Patients Have To Say / Patient Success Stories
Albert McClelland
Albert McClelland has led an amazingly active life. He participated in the World Surfing Championships in Makaha Beach, Hawaii, and incorporated the Rocky Mountain Expeditions Company, which provides whitewater rafting in Colorado. He also became a Colorado outfitter specializing in high country fishing, cross-country skiing expeditions, and hiking in the Grand Canyon.
This exciting lifestyle was put on hold when his left knee became increasingly painful. As Al states, "I purchased over-the-counter pain relief, used hot or cold compresses, exercised my joint, and took prescriptions for arthritic aliments and more. Over a two-year period, I tried to solve my knee concern with various other medications both over the counter and prescription, all with no success."
Al scheduled an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss his concerns. Al was in the U.S. Coast Guard for thirty-seven years as a Criminal Intelligence Investigator, so he was naturally inquisitive. Al asked for references, "after all, this was the first civilian doctor to lay his hands on me, and I required some certification and validity." As his physician answered his questions, he became less concerned about his civilian doctor.
The patient education materials Al received included a patient booklet, pre-surgery hospital meetings, and pre-surgery therapy lessons, all of which were a comfort to him.
"I felt relieved upon making the decision to have a full left knee replaced by this physician, and commenced a journey that later included the replacement of both hips as well!" Al had a Vanguard® Total Knee and two Mallory-Head® Hip System replacements. After his initial surgery, Al's nurse told him he was not sick, rather he was just having a tune up. She told him to stand up straight and walk. According to Al, "This was the best advice anyone could have given me." His rehabilitation consisted of water aerobics, strength training, and deep muscle massages three times a week.
"Life has continued as before, perhaps even more active. It amazes me that twenty years ago or so when I was diagnosed with joint problems, the only remedy was to take pain medications and sit on the porch and watch the world go by. Today, there are so many options for pain and discomfort."
"I am very thankful to the staff of Biomet in Warsaw, Indiana. They are truly exemplifying the human spirit through technology."
This article is meant solely as a human interest story and is not meant to constitute medical advice.
While the patient in this story is a true joint replacement recipient, his results are not necessarily typical, indicative, or representative of all joint replacement patients. Joint replacement implants have been used successfully in achieving restored mobility to many patients. However, as with any implanted device, there are factors affecting performance which ultimately result in variable outcomes, including levels of mobility and pain. These factors include, but are not limited to, the patient's pre and post-operative health conditions, weight, activity level, and adherence to instructions regarding the use of the joint replacements. Due to these variables, it is not possible to predict specific results or patient satisfaction.
The persons named in this article have consented to be named and have given Biomet, Inc. the exclusive right to use their personal and medical information for educational purposes.
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