Our Patients Say it Best

Slow and Steady Wins the Race - Tom Carter

Over the course of four or more years, Watervliet resident, John Thomas Carter, could feel the pain in both of his knees getting increasingly worse. As a toolmaker, he spent a lot of time on his feet, bending down and assisting customers. Eventually, the pain became too much for him to bear. He knew it was time to seek treatment.   

After consulting with orthopedic surgeon, Daniel Sohn, MD, Tom decided to try a more conservative method as a first course of treatment. When the steroid shots didn’t take away the pain, Tom knew it was time for surgery. Since the pain was impacting both of his knees, he decided to undergo a bilateral knee replacement which would replace both knee joints at the same time.  

"Dr. Sohn was very thorough while explaining how the procedure would be done,” said Tom. “I felt prepared for what was to come after.” 

Ten days after Dr. Sohn performed a successful surgery, Tom began physical therapy at Lakeland Rehabilitation in Coloma. Over the course of a few weeks he worked with physical therapists Melinda Grimm, PT, and Simi Jain, PT, and athletic trainer Andre Hitt, AT, to regain strength and mobility in his knees. 

“I really appreciated the dedication of my therapy team to make sure I exercised regularly,” said Tom. “They helped me heal faster than I could have on my own.”  

Tom attended therapy sessions three days a week and the remaining four days he worked out at home. Now, a year later, Tom is close to making a full recovery. He’s back to work and able to stand most of the day without any pain. Although he no longer attends therapy, he still finds ways to stay active at home.   

“I’m still healing, but the willingness of the Lakeland Rehabilitation staff to go above and beyond was extremely helpful in getting me where I am today,” said Tom.