August 13, 2008

Carolina Center for Joint Replacement to hold social

The physicians and staff of the Carolina Center for Joint Replacement will host a luncheon for patients and potential patients Sept. 19 at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center.

The social gathering, to be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in a second floor classroom at the fitness center, will include refreshments. Several prizes will be given away at the luncheon.

The orthopedic physicians and staff at the Carolina Center for Joint Replacement held a social gathering in February, which had a good attendance of former patients. Organizers hope, however, that more people who may soon require joint replacement will attend the social to learn more about the procedures from other people who have experienced joint replacement surgery.

“We wanted to give people the opportunity to meet other people who have experienced the same procedures, to allow them to interact and become more familiar with the programs here at the Carolina Center for Joint Replacement,” said Dr. Gerald King, medical director of the center.

Carolina Center for Joint Replacement is a three-phase program designed to maximize patient outcomes after total joint replacement. Patients become part of a team of surgeons and their staff, pre-op and operating room staff, anesthesiologists, specially trained nurses, physical therapists, case managers and pharmacists.

The process starts with each patient being fully educated about his or her procedure and hospitalization in advance, as well as physical therapy prior to and after surgery. It continues with inpatient group therapy, followed by continued education and preparation for full recovery at home.

“Eight weeks after surgery for a total knee replacement, I was able to win the hospital’s golf tournament,” said Richard Swanson, who had a total right knee replacement. Swanson was one of several patients who attended the first joint center social in February.

“I wish I had done this years ago. If I had known it was going to be this easy, I would definitely have had the procedure sooner,” said Johnny Rogers, who had a total left knee replacement.

The Carolina Center for Joint Replacement is a true collaboration between Western Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists, Haywood Regional Medical Center, certified physical therapists, surgical specialty nurses, and skilled operating room surgical techs. Everyone involved has a very important role and genuine interest in the success of patients’ outcomes, King said.

“I put this surgery off for five years. I no longer had a choice. I now know I had nothing to fear,” said Sandy Stamm, who had a total left knee replacement.

Carolina Center for Joint Replacement is located on the seventh floor at Haywood Regional Medical Center. Reservations are suggested for the social. Please call 452-8757 and leave your name and contact information.