“I’m just so happy I don’t have constant pain any more.”
Woodwinds Orthopaedic Specialty Center patient Kathleen Pechacek

Kathleen Pechacek was working as a surgical nurse when an on-the-job injury put a pause in her career. “I remember it like it was yesterday,” said Kathleen. A fall left her with a torn meniscus, which was treated with arthroscopic surgery. “Eventually, I had to shorten my work hours because I couldn’t be on my feet so much. People don’t realize how physical a surgical nurse’s job is, pushing equipment and moving patients. And it’s a mental job too. You move at such a fast pace. And I was in pain all the time, just taking medicine and hoping I could put surgery off forever.”

A visit with her orthopaedic specialist, Dr. Jack Drogt, helped her make the final decision. “I told him, I’m losing sleep at night, I’m so tired of this pain all the time, I’ve had enough. And he said, ‘I’m surprised you lasted this long!” Together, they decided that Kathleen would undergo full joint replacement for her knee. “I felt pretty good going into the surgery, thanks to the Joint Camp that I attended beforehand. It really helped me know what to expect, how to prepare, and what changes to make at home for after the surgery.”

Kathleen had surgery at Woodwinds Health Campus, and couldn’t be more glad about her decision. “I’ve never had care like that in my life. They had all sorts of comforting things to help you along after surgery, like acupuncture and healing touch. Both really helped me to relax. Of course, when you get home, that’s when the hard work with therapy starts—but it’s worth it.” Today, Kathleen is able to use her knee again, including a nifty new function. “If the weather is going to be getting bad, I now know how a barometer works, because my knee swells a little bit. But I’m just so happy that I don’t have constant pain, day and night. It is refreshing, let me tell you.”