A necessary repair
Paul Dow
Sep, 2021
Physicians: Jeffrey Postma, DO
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When 69-year-old South Haven resident, Paul Dow, and his wife decided to purchase rental properties, they had no idea how much physical work it would require. Each property needed major renovations—specifically drywall repairs. Paul would hold sheets of drywall that weighed close to 50 pounds over his head for hours at a time. After several weeks on the job site, Paul began to experience mild pain in both shoulders. It continued to worsen as he completed each new renovation.
“I knew I needed to seek help once the pain started keeping me up at night,” said Paul. “I like to sleep on my side, and I couldn’t adjust without feeling a shooting pain.”
Also an avid biker, Paul started to notice he couldn’t ride as many miles. Cycling can place stress on the shoulders and upper back due to reaching for the handlebars for long periods of time. For someone who normally rides 30 to 50 miles each week, sometimes more, the pain became a major roadblock for him.
Paul consulted orthopedic surgeon, Jeffrey Postma, DO, who is an avid cyclist himself. Dr. Postma understood why it was important for Paul to find a solution for his discomfort if he wanted to continue riding. He recommended cortisol steroid injections as an initial course of treatment.
“At first the injections were working, and my pain levels started to go down,” said Paul. “But after a few visits, the pain slowly started creeping back.”
When Paul shared the pain had returned, Dr. Postma ordered additional X-rays as a next step. After reviewing the imaging results, Dr. Postma recommended surgery to repair the rotator cuff on both of Paul’s arms as well as a bicep tear in his right arm.
“Dr. Postma explained everything in great detail to my wife and I,” said Paul. “He was confident that he could get me back to cycling and remodeling my properties in no time.”
Paul had surgery on his left rotator cuff at Spectrum Health Lakeland Watervliet Hospital. He went home the same day and began physical therapy shortly after. He continued going to physical therapy until his second surgery three months later to repair his right rotator cuff and bicep tear.
“Physical therapy is so important after undergoing an orthopedic surgery,” said Paul. “If you don’t take the steps to heal properly, you’ll end up doing yourself more harm.”
Since the surgeries, Paul is back to biking ten to 25 miles per day and can do simple home repairs. Over the summer, he traveled up north with a friend to complete a 310-mile biking trip over six days.
“I really appreciated that I was able to have this surgery so close to home,” said Paul. “I can’t thank Dr. Postma enough.”
Watch more of Paul's story in the video below: