Martha Morin with Physician Assistant Erin Mason, Orthopaedics, Riverwood Healthcare
Good communication with her health care team and planning for her recovery in advance helped Martha Morin have a better patient experience with her second knee replacement at Riverwood Healthcare Center.
Morin explains, “I talked to Physician Assistant Erin Mason on the orthopaedic team about how to avoid some of the difficulties I had with my first knee replacement recovery last year. We began thinking outside the box together to plan for a good post-op experience. She bent over backwards to make things work for me.”
One of the proactive steps was prescribing several weeks of physical therapy to help Morin strengthen her leg muscles before her knee replacement. She also asked for use of a milder narcotic medication for pain following her surgery.
Morin shared this advice for others: “As a retired nurse who has worked with patients in the rehabilitation unit, I strongly believe in the value of therapy, and it has certainly helped me before and after my knee replacement. The other suggestion I have for those who have joint replacement surgery coming up is to ask questions of your care providers so that you can make educated choices about your recovery planning.”
Mason helped Morin make a plan to spend the two weeks immediately after her surgery with her daughter, a registered nurse who has been helpful in advocating for her as she has navigated the health system in recent years.
Morin adds, “My mobility is better several months after my knee replacement. I can get up and down the steps at church now. Given my spinal arthritis and related pain issues, I continue to use a cane as needed depending on my level of activity.”
To schedule an appointment with Riverwood Orthopaedics, call 218-927-5181. See more on orthopaedic care at www.riverwoodhealhcare.org