Hear What Patients Have To Say / Patient Success Stories
Don Zimmerman
Fifty-four-year old Battalion Chief Don Zimmerman led an active lifestyle. For 28 years, Don had a physically demanding job with both the county fire department in the Kennewick, Washington and the fire department at the Hanford Nuclear Site. He was involved in fighting wild land fires and structural fires with both fire departments, which was very stressful on his body.
During that time, he also was working for the Department of Energy Nuclear Site as a SWAT team member on the security force. Both of these jobs required an enormous amount of physical strength. In order to maintain his strength, Don estimates he was running about 1500 miles per year.
In 2003, he had arthroscopic surgery on his right and left knee; however, his doctor indicated that Don would most likely need knee replacement surgery in the future. After 5 years, Don experienced severe pain, swelling, and an inability to continue his activities at home or at work. Don said, "He was even able to predict the weather."
During this time, the fire department implemented a fitness-testing program. Since he quit working out, it was pure agony to participate in any of his fitness-training program. He would go to bed with bags of ice on his knee to relieve the pain.
Based on the decline in his quality of life at home and at work, Don finally went to his orthopedic surgeon. Even though he found out that he required knee replacement surgery on his right knee, he knew he could have his life back in the fire service. After doing much research on the internet and asking the doctor many questions, he finally chose to have surgery.
As Don states, "I did rehab for 2½ months 3 times per week without missing one day, and on days off, I did the stuff they wanted me to do without fail." He continued this regimen until the month before returning to work. "All the surgery in the world is nothing unless you do the rehab." Each day Don's workout became more and more pain free.
Don's rehab not only improved his functionality, but he also lost 80 pounds. "I work out on the elliptical trainer and go walking with my wife and dog. I did the cancer walk with my wife, which I never did before. It is wonderful to not have the old pain and to now be pain free," Don says.
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 replacements 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 affected joint. Due to these variables, it is not possible to predict specific results or patient satisfaction. For additional information regarding joint replacement, refer to the patient risk information located at the top of this page and talk to your orthopedic surgeon.
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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