Our Patients Say it Best

Head and Shoulders Above the Rest - Gerald Bushnell

Jan, 2015

Physicians: Dr. Robert Schaefer, MD,

At seven months old, Gerald Bushnell was diagnosed with polio. Polio is a viral infectious disease that causes muscle weakness and often paralysis in the legs. Even though Gerald was immunized twice, due to the strain of the vaccine his left leg muscles are considerably smaller than his right leg. He has worn a brace and walked with a cane since he can remember. Because Gerald does not have full use of his legs, he has relied on his arms to perform many daily activities.

Gerald, 57 and a resident of Dowagiac is unable to stand or walk for long periods of time and uses a scooter to get around. Because his legs are quite weak, if he is on his feet for a long time, he risks falling.

In 2009, after a particularly bad fall, Gerald started seeing Dr. Robert Schaefer, MD. X-rays showed that his right leg was broken in three places. “Dr. Schaefer put me back together again after that fall. I was having problems with my shoulders at that time but didn’t say anything because I was focused on my broken leg.”

While his right leg was healing, Gerald’s right shoulder pain was getting worse. He received cortisone injections to relieve the pain but it would always return. He went to another medical provider where he had an MRI and was told that nothing could be done. The news was quite discouraging to Gerald and his wife; since he was unable to move his right arm and was totally dependent upon her to perform simple daily tasks. And, Gerald was in excruciating pain.

Remembering what a great experience he had with Dr. Schaefer, Gerald made an appointment. “I trusted Dr. Schaefer. He had done such a great job on my leg; he would let me know if my shoulder could be fixed,” said Gerald. Dr. Schaefer reviewed Gerald’s medical records and told Gerald he was going to consult with his colleagues and find the best course of treatment.

In November of 2011 Gerald had a right shoulder replacement. The surgery and recovery was such a success that he had his left shoulder replaced in July, 2012 with one request-that he have the same rehabilitation team that he had worked with in 2011.

“The Watervliet rehabilitation facility at Lakeland is Southwest Michigan’s best kept secret,” according to Gerald. “Everyone was great. They are a mighty team that taught me how to get out of bed, dress myself, and shower and much more,” said Gerald.

“I have my life back,” said Gerald. “I am able to do normal daily activities like getting out of a chair, pain free! Dr. Schaefer has given me my life back.”