HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital issued the following announcement on Aug. 17.
Tim Plappert has a genetic joint deterioration disease and waited for 10 years to receive a hip. Considered too young to receive a hip replacement, he spent most of his days in chronic pain. Meanwhile, this debilitating condition made it impossible for him to work. During that time, his condition declined more, and his muscles atrophied. As his muscles and joints deteriorated, so did his mobility, and he was confined to a power chair.
Being chair bound was difficult for him. Tim had a new granddaughter whom he wanted to play with and take to the park but a wheelchair made that much more difficult.
He saw ads for orthopedic services at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital (GSS) and investigated the possibility. As a resident of Shelbyville, he was relieved to find help so close to home, especially since he could no longer drive and had to depend on local public transportation.
“I felt so blessed to find care and help for his health issues at Good Shepherd,” he said, “Especially since it is local.”
Plappert now has a new hip and has finished his rehabilitation therapy for his hip at GSS. His therapist, Sarah Thoele, helped him become more independent, stronger and mobile. She watched him progress from being barely mobile to walking well with a cane. One therapy session was particularly joyful when he told her that he was finally able to push mow his lawn which he had been unable to do for years. He has been working towards this goal.
He is working on strengthening his knee and thigh so that his knee will be ready for replacement surgery. His other hip may need to be replaced in time, too. He says he will be returning to the GSS team for their help again.
“I don’t have the chronic pain anymore and can walk well with a cane,” Plappert said. “I think Good Shepherd is great, especially the therapy department. In fact, I have been to specialists and to rehab centers in five states. I have tried eight different rehab centers, but Good Shepherd really helped me and is the best treatment I have ever had.
“This is also the best I have felt in 10 years. I am so happy to become more mobile and stronger. I feel like I am getting my life back. I love to play with my granddaughter and take her on walks to the park. Now, I feel joy fills my life instead of chronic pain.”
Original source can be found here.
Source: HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital
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