Restoring my Faith in Medicine
My name is Beverly Tyler and I have a Conformis implant
Most doctors do a double take when they pick up my medical chart. I’ve had organs removed, undergone cataract surgery, and experienced countless cortisone shots for horrible pain in my knee and back. I am a 76-year-old retired nurse, and despite my history I am not used to acting as the patient. I always trusted the doctors I worked with professionally in Manchester, New Hampshire, but I found I was losing confidence in the doctors who treated me. Nothing they suggested seemed to relieve the horrible pain in my knee. As a healthcare professional, I felt like I was losing my faith in medicine! Then two years ago, I reached a turning point.
I seriously injured my left knee after falling in the parking lot of a nearby shopping center. My knee was already weak, and my doctor told me I could no longer delay a full knee replacement. My first thought was here we go again— another surgery with another long and painful recovery. I doubted a replacement would completely relieve my pain, but I felt like I had no other choice. I contacted a local specialist and scheduled an “off the shelf” knee replacement.
As I prepared for surgery, I read an article about knee replacements in my local paper. The piece focused on Conformis technology and said the replacements were designed to fit each individual patient. I had never been told about this option, and I was encouraged by the success stories I read. I was so impressed that I canceled my surgery and decided to see if I was a candidate for the Conformis knee.
Dr. Thomas Marks at Rockingham Orthopaedic Associates explained that the Conformis knee would be created only for me. With my past experiences in healthcare, I decided it was time to try something new— something designed only for me! I scheduled the surgery.
My left knee was replaced on August 14, 2017. I was in the hospital overnight and returned home with the help of my family the next day. My husband passed away years ago, but my daughter came down from Canada to help with my recovery. My two sons also live nearby and regularly checked in. We were all prepared for a long painful recovery, but were surprised when I was walking unassisted within a week!
Not only was my surgery successful, but I credit Dr. Marks and Conformis with restoring my faith in the medical community that I was once so proud to be a part of. Before my surgery, I couldn’t even get around my own home without being in pain. I couldn’t shop for groceries or travel into town, and I hated relying on my children for assistance. Now, I have no problems handling many daily tasks and have even started riding a stationary bike for 30 minutes every day. I tell everyone about my Conformis knee! I want others like me to explore all their healthcare options before deciding on a treatment plan. All they have to do is keep their faith!
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