Moving in the Right Direction

Brenda Wagner’s life couldn’t be more different these days. A year ago, she suffered from debilitating pain in her left knee due to arthritis. Pain medications, ice packs and cortisone injections did not provide relief. Having failed extensive nonoperative interventions, her orthopedic surgeon, John Eggers, MD, with Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, offered knee replacement as a possible intervention. Thanks to NKCH’s Total Joint Replacement – Get a Head Start class, she instead avoided surgery.

“Arthritic pain can be debilitating not only in the joint, but also in surrounding muscles,” Dr. Eggers said. “The program encompasses many modalities, including improving mobility through weight loss and stretching to alleviate inflammation. As their joint health improves, so does their quality of life.”

Getting a Head Start

Dr. Eggers referred Brenda to an NKCH orthopedic nurse navigator, who put her on a path to enroll in the six-week class, which focuses on nutrition, goals and how to get moving again. With low-impact exercises, participants strengthen and stretch muscles around their joints. Offered virtually and in-person, the class brings in guest speakers, including a dietitian, physical therapist and orthopedic nurse navigator.

Making Headway

Because Brenda, who is 62, limped when she walked, she had to retrain her body to trust her joints for normal walking. “I suffered with my pain because I was fearful of surgery,” Brenda confessed. “Once I started the class, I felt the instructors genuinely cared about me.” When Brenda finished the program, she was near her first weight goal. “That was enough for Dr. Eggers to kick me off his surgery schedule,” joked Brenda, “Plus, I have less pain, can sleep normally and need fewer cortisone shots. Thinking about what I would face with surgery, the class put me in the right direction.” Brenda is trying to lose all the weight Dr. Eggers recommended. “I struggle some days, but I never give up."