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Aug 7, 2019 Reporting from Niles, MI
Double the Pain, Double the Gain - David Burns
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/orthopedic-care/our-orthopedic-patients-say-it-best/Detail/Double-the-Pain-Double-the-Gain/bd1484ad-c230-6723-add8-ff0100ca780f/
Aug 7, 2019
Aug 7, 2019
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to help patients manage certain conditions, relieve pain, restore mobility and independence, or return to work and other daily activities. To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, contact us.&nb
Double the Pain, Double the Gain - David Burns
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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Double the Pain, Double the Gain - David Burns
Aug, 2019
Physicians: Daniel Sohn, MD
Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to help patients manage certain conditions, relieve pain, restore mobility and independence, or return to work and other daily activities. To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, contact us.
It wasn’t until two years ago that David Burns, 56, began experiencing sharp pain in both of his knees. As a medium equipment operator, it became hard for David to stay active and do his job taking care of properties and roads. Having already had surgeries on both of his hands, shoulders, and biceps with orthopedic surgeon, Daniel Sohn, MD, David trusted him and knew to schedule an appointment.
“Both of my knees were worn out,” said David. “I put a lot of faith in him.”
David began receiving steroid shots in his knees. Unfortunately, they didn’t alleviate his pain. He couldn’t climb a ladder. He had a hard time getting in and out of his truck and even pushing on the gas pedal to drive. Every step David took was painful. The pain was so severe that it would wake him up some nights.
“It felt like I had a knife in both of my kneecaps,” said David.
After seeing no improvement, Dr. Sohn suggested that David get bilateral total knee surgery, meaning he would have both knees replaced at once. Since David had someone at home to help him recover, he was the perfect candidate. As a result, he had his surgery at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph and, with the help of his wife, made a full recovery.
“My wife took three weeks off of work to help me,” said David. “One week after the surgery, I had less pain than what I did before the surgery.”
After surgery, David began rehab at Lakeland Rehabilitation in St. Joseph.
“My physical therapist, Amanda Trail, was wonderful,” he said.
Fourteen weeks after surgery, David was back to his active lifestyle.
“I can do things that I haven’t done in four to five years,” said David. “People say I have a better attitude, and I look happier.”
For others who might be experiencing a similar situation, David has some advice.
“If both knees are bad, and you have someone to take care of you, do both at the same time,” he said. “It was the best decision I could have ever made.”