Back in Motion with Confidence Following Meniscus Tear
Avid Gardener, Wife, Grandmother, Orthopedic Surgery Patient
“I can’t say enough about my great experience. Dr. Goethe and the entire team were wonderful and put me at ease. Today, my knee feels great and I’m back doing what I love.”
Kelly Terwillegar, 59, was surprised to hear a ‘pop’ in her left leg while exiting the stands at the ballpark. As an active person who loves to fish, kayak and play with her toddler grandchildren, she initially brushed it off. When the discomfort continued, she tried physical therapy. A subsequent fall on the ice sent her to the Emergency Department. Thanks to evaluation and the expertise of MyMichigan Orthopedic Surgeon Mark Goethe, M.D., Terwillegar is back in motion with confidence and without pain.
Following her fall, Terwillegar underwent an X-ray and MRI scan to evaluate the injury. After reviewing the imaging, Dr. Goethe identified a meniscus tear, a painful injury to the cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint.
“Dr. Goethe was very down-to-earth and clearly explained my options,” she said. “We discussed braces and therapeutic exercises, and he also analyzed my gait. Together, we decided surgery would give me the best chance of returning to the active lifestyle I enjoy with my hobbies and grandchildren.”
Unfortunately, Terwillegar had unrelated health concerns that delayed Dr. Goethe’s ability to safely perform the procedure, adding extra stress to the situation.
“I have to say I was nervous to go the hospital once the time came. I feel I might have had too much time to worry about it, but the moment I got there, everyone put me at ease,” she said.
Dr. Goethe repaired Terwillegar’s meniscus at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland performing arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that uses tiny incisions to speed up healing. While inside the joint, he also smoothed down some worn tissue caused by everyday wear and tear, setting Terwillegar up for a much more comfortable recovery.
“I truly had the best experience,” she said. “My nurses, Anesthetist Kendall Morris, C.R.N.A., Dr. Goethe and Bridgett Berg, F.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., were all wonderful. They were extremely professional, efficient and were just the kindest. They took time to explain everything and answer all my questions, some of them through the MyChart patient portal.”
Terwillegar has moved on to physical rehabilitation and is reporting relief at how sturdy her knee feels, which she attributes to Dr Goethe and his skills. She is looking forward to getting back to what she enjoys most this summer: kayaking, fishing and playing with her grandchildren.
“I can’t say enough about my great experience,” she said. “From scheduling to reception to surgery to discharge at my car, the staff was exceptional.”
Those who would like more information about MyMichigan Health’s comprehensive musculoskeletal program may visit www.mymichigan.org/msk.
