Georgia Orthopedic Institute Patient Story: Betty Polk
Betty Polk's Surgery and Recovery with Georgia Orthopedic Institute
Betty Polk's knee pain was making it nearly impossible for her to do her job.
Polk always loved working as a nursing home aide in Fairburn. But the pain in her left knee had become so bad she would nearly cry when climbing the stairs to the linen closet or even walking the hallway to check on patients.
"I was in agony," she recalled. "I could hardly breathe sometimes, and my leg would give out and I would just fall down."
No More Pain
Today, Polk is pain free and back to both the work and gospel singing she loves. In October 2008, she had total knee replacement surgery at Georgia Orthopedic Institute at Southern Regional. Polk says her doctors, nurses and physical therapists provided excellent care in a warm environment.
"It was wonderful," said Betty. "There was such a loving, comfortable feeling there - like you're at home."
The surgery went very well and surgeons removed her natural knee joint and installed an artificial replacement. This corrected the condition that was causing her knee pain.
Arthritis, osteoporosis, sports injuries or simply years of leading an active lifestyle can weaken your joints. When the cartilage that cushions them breaks down, bones often rub together with every movement, resulting in chronic joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Fast Recovery
The pain and loss of mobility from joint problems can affect every aspect of your life, from walking and exercising to family life and work.
But those troubles are now behind Polk, who is once again enjoying an active lifestyle. With the help of nurses and physical therapists, Polk made a speedy recovery.
"I was worried about how long it would take to get around, but I was up and moving the day of my surgery," she said. "They take such good care of you and encourage you, that you're just ready to get up and go. I feel great!"
With specialized rehabilitation and guidance from the team at Georgia Orthopedic, patients like Polk are usually back to work and the activities they enjoy in three to six weeks.
Choosing Georgia Orthopedic
Polk is glad she knew that Georgia Orthopedic Institute at Southern Regional is the best choice for advanced joint replacement in south metro Atlanta. The institute specializes in helping patients with injuries to tendons, ligaments, joints, bones and muscles.
Georgia Orthopedic offers state-of-the-art technology and top-quality care delivered by the region's best orthopedic and neurosurgery specialists. They provide many surgical options to help reduce your pain, restore your independence and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Read more about why you should choose the Georgia Orthopedic Institute at Southern Regional. For more information, call (770) 909-2222.