HealthEast Orthopaedic Care Quality Data
“Joint replacement is a big step. But get it done. Don’t wait.”
Woodwinds Orthopaedic Specialty Center patient Jerry Markfort
As is often typical for men of his generation, Jerry Markfort initially soldiered through the growing pain in his lower body. “I had just started my own business, so for about four or five years, I just put up with it,” he said. “But then the problems with my hips started to get worse, and I got scared. I thought, what will I do if this keeps me from working — how will I help my wife provide for our family?”
At the same time, Jerry’s father was suffering from cancer, and used his unique perspective to give his son some advice. “He said, ‘Jerry, you don’t know how long you have — get your hips done. Enjoy your life now.’ So, at the age of 49, I got the operations.” His choice for the surgeries: the Orthopaedic Specialty Center at Woodwinds Health Campus. “My dad was at Woodwinds, and when you walk into that place, they treat you right from day one.”
Jerry’s first surgery went smoothly, and Jerry tried both acupuncture and Healing Touch as part of his recovery. “I thought it was pretty cool. And I didn’t have a problem with much pain at all. I stayed in front of it with medication at first, but really, in the years since, there’s only been one moment where I really felt a bad hit of pain.”
Both caregivers and family members found Jerry’s quick recovery remarkable, so he was surprised when his second surgery had him walking even more quickly — the very next day. “With all the aftercare they gave me — the nurse and the physical therapist, plus the support and training they gave my daughter to be my coach at home,” he said, “I was back to work in about six weeks.”
Jerry admits there are some limitations post-surgery, but they have as much to do with his outlook on life as his physical abilities. “I played a lot of hockey in my day, and there’s an over-50 league I’d love to play in,” he said. “But I’m more cautious now. I can do my two-mile walks with my wife, I can play baseball with my grandchild, I’m doing things I couldn’t do two years ago. I felt a lot older back then than I do now. I’m sure glad I got it done.”
HealthEast Orthopaedic Care Quality Data
Preparing patients for before, during and after joint surgery:
Susan Garofano, Orthopaedic Nurse Educator
“People are surprised at how quickly we get them moving after surgery,” comments Susan Garofano, orthopaedic nurse educator at Woodwinds Health Campus. “That’s why we offer our pre-operative education — to help them prepare ahead of time, so they know what to expect on surgery day, and so they’re ready when they head home.”
“We encourage a family member or a friend to join patients at our pre-op class — we call the individual who’s supporting the patient their ‘coach’ — and train them as well. Their role comes in once the patient gets home after the surgery: helping their family member with exercises and encouraging them as they return to their normal routine.”
“A lot of people don’t expect us to ask them to do exercises before surgery,” comments Susan. “But I’ve seen that, for patients who are diligent about strengthening their muscles ahead of time, it really helps them recover after joint surgery. It’s surprising how strengthening your arm muscles can make it easier to get yourself out of a chair.»
Other topics covered in the pre-op classes: Small, everyday details that can make all the difference. Susan cites how morning rituals need to be adapted as an example: “If you’re a hip patient, you have to think about how you’ll use your bathroom, post-surgery. For a while, you can’t bend your leg more than 90° — which means you need to have access to a shower vs. a bathtub, and all your toiletries need to be raised to an easy level. We give you information on where to get equipment to assist with walking, bathing and dressing.”
She’s also observed another layer of support rise from the pre-op classes: Patients helping patients. “Our classes are relaxed and informal, with time for patients to know each other. People share their experiences, especially if they or a family member have been through the surgery before, and it lets them feel comfortable asking questions. Sometimes patients in the pre-op class will end up having surgery on the same day, and will be group therapy together. By seeing each other throughout their experience, they support each other along the way.”
