'Wasting' no time rehabilitating
If you ever have hip or knee surgery, you will probably
need to rely on some type of apparatus that helps you
remain mobile until you heal. That could include a ‘walker,’ cane,
or crutches.
So when doctors told Phillip Bailey he would need
to prepare for what would come after his surgery, he
built a 'special' device to get himself on his road
to recovery. "I work at Waste Management so I
thought I would create a walker from a discarded refuse
cart-complete with safety reflectors and rear-view
mirrors, that way I could show my fellow employees
that I wouldn't be 'wasting' any time getting back
to work," he said with a laugh.
Bailey had hip surgery at Battle Creek Health System's
Orthopaedic Renewal Center (ORC) several weeks ago. "When
the ORC staff told me to be ready for rehab right after
surgery, they meant it," he said. "One of
the things I liked most, in addition to my special
'walker,' was the interaction with the other ortho
patients at the hospital. The whole concept of group
rehab and encouragement really helped me get moving.
I also appreciated the staff, which went out of their
ways to help us. If I ever need another hip or knee
surgery, I will go to the ORC. And just in case I do,
I will keep this special 'medical device' for just
that occasion."
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