Surgical Expertise and Innovative Treatment Delivers Pain Relief
Twenty-year Navy veteran, husband, woodworker, orthopedic patient
“I can’t thank the MyMichigan teams enough for the excellent care and motivation,” said Michael. “Dr. Morse and Dr. Holst were absolutely great, along with the therapists. I feel like a new man.”
Twenty-year Navy veteran, Michael Perry, 73, knows a few things about discipline. His years in the service demanded it. But after leaving the Navy, his focus on health and fitness began to slip as he worked long shifts at a plastics plant. Over time, a combination of weight gain and standing for extended periods took a toll on his knees.
MyMichigan Orthopedic Surgeon Patrick Morse, M.D., ultimately replaced Perry’s left knee. Today, after completing physical therapy and losing 50 pounds, he can’t stop smiling as he enjoys his renewed mobility.
Perry was an avid runner during his Navy years and maintained excellent health while in service. In 1995, he and his wife moved to Gladwin, where he began his career at the plant.
“We worked 12-hour shifts, mostly standing, and I wasn’t taking very good care of myself,” he said. “I didn’t realize how much had changed physically. I tried therapies and other approaches to relieve my knee pain that didn’t stick, and surgery became my best option. It was my job to lose weight before surgery, and I did it. Now, there’s no looking back.”
Dr. Morse explained to Perry that being overweight for surgery can put patients at greater risk for infection, long recovery times and potentially poor wound healing. Once he reached a safer weight, Dr. Morse performed a successful total knee replacement.
When approved for physical therapy, Perry applied the same discipline that he used during his military career. “I went three times a week and gave it my all,” he shared. “I really enjoyed using the PhysioStep bike, and my therapists were great.”
In addition to physical therapy, Perry worked with MyMichigan Non-Surgical Sports Medicine Specialist Anthony Holst, D.O., who performed Iovera® treatments on his healing knee. This innovative treatment uses liquid nitrous oxide to temporarily freeze targeted nerves, helping decrease post-operative pain after total or partial knee replacements. Treatments take approximately 30 minutes, and pain relief typically lasts three months. This unique treatment can also be used to treat osteoarthritis in the knees and treat chronic knee pain in patients who cannot have surgery.
Perry is happy to be on the other side of surgery and feels better than he has in years. His energy and mobility are rebounding, and he is committed to healthy eating and regular exercise to protect his joints moving forward.
“I can’t thank the MyMichigan teams enough for the excellent care and motivation,” he said. “Dr. Morse and Dr. Holst were absolutely great, along with the therapists. I feel like a new man.”
Those who would like additional information about comprehensive musculoskeletal care at MyMichigan Health may visit www.mymichigan.org/msk. Those interested in more information about advanced pain relief treatments available through MyMichigan’s WellSport Program may visit www.mymichigan.org/advancedhealing.
