Back to active in no time .
Back to active in no time .
Jim Bill likes to stay active . He ’ s a General Manager at a transportation company , as well as a drummer , dog walker , golfer , father , and husband . But multiple issues with his left knee , including osteoarthritis , were making it increasingly difficult to do the things he used to do . “ I had been limping around for six months ,” he said . “ It was painful to walk .”
The doctor Jim sees for his osteoarthritis , Scott Schweizer , MD , an AHN orthopaedic surgeon , thought he would be a good candidate for partial knee replacement surgery assisted by the MAKO™ Robotic Technology * — AHN Canonsburg ’ s new surgical technology . It helps doctors provide a more precise surgical experience , and assists with removing damaged bone and tissue . So he referred him to Eric Yakish , MD , an AHN orthopaedic surgeon and specialist who has performed hundreds of robot-assisted knee replacements . After reviewing X-rays and imaging studies , Dr . Yakish agreed . “ The minimally invasive surgery was going to be the best option for pain relief and restored function in a way that wouldn ’ t lay Jim up for several months ,” said Dr . Yakish .
Jim was totally onboard , and happy that he could have the surgery at AHN Canonsburg Hospital with Dr . Yakish . “ If you ’ re having anything like that done , you want to see extreme confidence ,” Jim said . “ Dr . Yakish was extremely confident , which made me extremely confident .”
His surgery was scheduled for July 25 , 2023 . To ensure the best outcome , he attended a one-hour group session with other patients having the same procedure , led by his Nurse Navigator , Rachael . “ She handed out books , and explained everything that was going to happen to us the day before , the day of , and the day after ,” he said . “ She also coordinated everything everybody would need to go home with after the surgery — from medicines to walkers .”
The day of surgery , everything went like clockwork . “ When Dr . Yakish came to see me in pre-op , I asked , ‘ Are we going to have a good day ?’ He said , ‘ All we have here are good days .’ I was amazed . Everything was extremely streamlined — from the nurse who came and got me to the anesthesiologist ,” Jim said . “ Two and a half hours after surgery , I took my first two steps . The pain was gone .” Jim used the walker for two days , then switched to a cane . Now , after two weeks of in-home therapy and four weeks of outpatient therapy with AHN physical therapists , he ’ s back to giving life his all . “ If you ’ re suffering , don ’ t wait ,” Jim said . “ The whole team was spectacular . It was a flawless day as far as I was concerned .”
* Stryker Corporation or its divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own , use or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks : Mako , Stryker and is used with permission . All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders .
“ When Dr . Yakish came to see me in pre-op , I said , ‘ Are we gonna have a good day ?’ He said , ‘ All we have here are good days .’”
— Jim Bill