As a young man in about junior high, I began dealing with chronic knee pain which my mother passed off as growing pains. Finally, a trip to the doctor revealed I in fact had the beginning stages of arthritis in both my knees. The protocol at the time was a Hemiepiphyseal stapling surgery (I am NOT a doctor, so please know this may NOT be exact name of the procedure I had done – I had BOTH knees done at the same time). I can tell you it was a painful two summer stint of surgeries and recoveries which were successful in limiting my pain, and allowing me a “normal” life for the next 30 years. I made it to 52 without “serious” complications. I did have a small surgery done on one knee after the removal of the staples for some internal issues which I must admit were likely due to my personal habits (competitive curling).
At the ripe old age of 50, the effects of the earlier surgeries had “worn off” and I needed help.
My wife and children encouraged me to visit another doctor to evaluate my situation. I knew in the back of my mind that I was in trouble, but when I met Dr. Steven Meisterling, I immediately trusted him, and his opinion. The road to knee replacement was charted, and I never looked back. I just had my 6 week post-op appointment and I can say without reservation, Dr. Meisterling and his team has given me 10 years of my life back. My new knee is essentially pain free, I have amazing range of motion and I am truly getting my life back. Prior to surgery, I was very limited in my ability to get around, both at home and at work. I coach track and field and the most recent season, pre-surgery, was brutal to say the least. Next season promises to be amazing given the success of my recent surgery. I will be able to grouse hunt, deer hunt, and just do the simple things in life that had evaded me for too long.
At my last appointment, I was very clear to tell Dr. Meisterling that while he may be the “head coach”, the team he has pulled together is absolutely amazing. From the office personnel that answer the phones, through the nurses, PA, and to Dr. Meisterling, the staff is outstanding. They have treated me with the utmost of respect, and professionalism. The trust I had in Dr. Meisterling on my first appointment was genuine and my instincts were accurate.
I have scheduled my second knee replacement and I am confident that the outcome of the next knee replacement surgery will be as good as my first. With the support of Dr. Meisterling’s team, the physical therapists, and some work on my part, I will enjoy a long life of pain-free living.
Thank you to all of you for your hard work, and in truly making my life better. I am truly blessed.
