Compassionate Care with Every Step
For St. Joseph resident Linda Dokter, pain was a
constant companion she only escaped while sleeping. With severe osteoarthritis from two bad falls, she was
left with excruciating pain in her right leg and
throughout her knee.
Linda had visited various physicians seeking a solution to her pain, but she didn’t feel the trust and security needed to take the next step toward healing until talking with orthopedic surgeon Jeffrey Postma, DO.
From the moment Linda met Dr. Postma, she felt at ease. He not only did a thorough examination of her knee,
he told her, “I don’t want you to leave until all of your questions are answered.” He answered her questions,
addressed her concerns, and reassured her. For the first time, Linda felt comfortable pursuing a knee replacement, and it was due to the compassionate, personable
care of Dr. Postma.
Dr. Postma performed Linda’s knee replacement at
Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet. It went smoothly, and the next step was rehabilitation. After coordinating with
Dr. Postma and her family physician, Linda decided to
start her rehab at Pine Ridge Rehabilitation Center in
Stevensville, and follow that up with Home Care
physical therapy.
“I wanted to be able to water my flowers, and he helped me learn how to navigate through my yard with my walker.”
– Linda Dokter
Linda was pleased with the level of physical therapy she received through Pine Ridge and Home Care, but she was especially impressed by Kevin Kutchie, PTA, one of her Home Care therapy providers. Kevin made a point of encouraging Linda as she regained strength to return to the activities she loved.
“I wanted to be able to water my flowers, and he helped me learn how to navigate through my yard with my walker,” said Linda.
Similarly, Kevin helped prepare Linda for her return to work, helping her adjust to getting in and out of her car and easing her transition back to work.
“I am so thankful, blessed, and glad to have it done,” said Linda.
“It has made such a difference. I can now walk or stand without pain or a limp, and I no longer dread going to the store because I have to walk. I can now carry my grandson without any pain.”
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