As a nurse practitioner and a case manager, my priorities for a knee replacement were to minimize risk for infection, have effective pain management, coordinated care and optimal recovery of functional movement. Dr. John Burrow and his team prepared me with what to expect, how to prepare for the surgery with pre-op exercises and and with clear infection prevention instructions for the 3 day skin prep prior to surgery. The exercises pre-op made for optimal recovery of movement and strength post-op. I was up walking with no walker at 2 days and driving at 2 weeks and back at work in under 3 weeks (my job requires little movement and I could elevate and ice my knee as needed).
The team at Mary Immaculate Hospital is laser focused on infection prevention and pain management. The unit RN and therapy staff work in a coordinated manner to manage pain, increase mobility, prevent infection and blood clots. They have a nurse-patient navigator (Nancy) that is well versed in post-op knee replacement recovery and Dr. Burrow’s expectations. She was available to answer all questions. and provided me many helpful tips for managing pain without fear. Ice and Tylenol worked wonders and minimized the need for opiates after the first 48 hrs. She, along with the nurse case manager, coordinated my DC and post-acute care services for home care, prescriptions, follow- up appointments, post-op instructions, etc.). The Knee Replacement Recovery handbook is well done, easy to follow and extremely helpful.
This is a comprehensive program that is based on research and is patient-centered. Knee replacements are not easy, but this team approach makes for the best outcome. At 12 weeks post-op, I am walking 2 miles, riding my bike, doing exercise classes and able to work on my feet without pain for 10 or more hours a day.
This team is the best and I am so thankful to Dr. Burrow for giving me my back my active lifestyle with minimal pain and functional movement.
Cyndi Fisher