When years of scrubbing floors on her hands and knees as a housekeeper
took their toll on Linda, she sought help from Dr. Mendella. Her knee pain
had become so debilitating that she could hardly walk. Linda was impressed
by the way Dr. Mendella immediately put her at ease. “He’s very caring, and
he gave me his personal cell phone number on the first visit,” she said.
Linda didn’t hesitate when Dr. Mendella recommended knee replacement
surgery. She underwent surgery to replace her left knee in 2013, and she
had a second surgery in 2015 to replace her right knee. Determined not to
be down long either time, she was diligent about attending physical therapy
sessions and exercising at home.
Linda’s goal was always to be able to ride her bicycle again, something she
has done for 30 minutes every day since she was 16 years old. Practicing on
a stationary bicycle in her bedroom after each surgery, she was back on the
road after two months each time.
Linda also turned to Dr. Mendella for help alleviating the throbbing pain
in her wrist that was making it difficult for her to crochet or sew. For years,
Linda has had fun making the couple’s many costumes, and she loves
crocheting for family and friends. Thankfully, Linda underwent successful
carpal tunnel surgery on her right wrist in 2015, so she is back at it! In
fact, last winter she crocheted and donated 70 hats for people undergoing
chemotherapy at Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Regional Cancer Center.
Impressed by the care his wife received, Jim didn’t hesitate to seek care from
Dr. Mendella when his hip pain continued to worsen – though Jim admits
that he waited as long as he could before undergoing hip replacement
surgery. “It hurt so bad one Christmas that I was dragging my leg behind
me when I walked,” he recalls. He suffered a fall years ago while he was working
as a meat cutter, and he had just dealt with the pain. “I don’t like the down time (of
any surgery), so I appreciate the way Dr. Mendella works with me by offering other
treatments first. He waits until I’m ready, and then he’ll schedule the surgery,” Jim
said.
Jim was surprised to be on his feet the same day he had surgery. “It was such a
relief because it hurt me for so long. I was never really down, but I had to have help
getting out of bed,” he said. “You can tell Dr. Men della is really good at what he
does, and we like that he’s so personable. He turned out to be great for both of us.”
Jim is currently seeking injection treatments from Dr. Mendella for knee pain and
plans to have knee replacement surgery in January.
“He wants to be able to perform,” Linda said. In addition to their passion for
putting on the holiday magic, Jim loves performing as a musician at area nursing
homes and restaurants, and Linda entertains by telling jokes and stories. The couple
is very busy, having made 68 appearances throughout Central Illinois one holiday
season, including gigs at daycares, nursing homes, retirement centers, holiday parties
and more.
Playing Santa has become part of Jim’s identity and people recognize him as Santa
all year round, even when he’s not in costume, his wife said. And thanks to the skills
of Dr. Mendella, Jim and Linda are looking forward to making appearances as
Santa and Mrs. Claus this holiday season.
“ It’s fun watching
all the faces
light up – from
babies to great
grandparents.”
Linda Morgan
For more information about SBL
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine,
or to make an appointment with
Dr. Mendella, call 217-238-3435.
Dr. Mendella also works with
Orthopedic Surgeons Michael
Chioffe, MD, James Kohlmann,
MD, Donald Sandercock, DO,
AOAO, Jeremy Stevens, MD, and
Neurosurgeon Emilio Nardone,
MD.
november 2017
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