“Having this done was the best decision for me!”
– Judith A. Sedgeman, EdD
Judith A. Sedgeman, EdD, knew it was time to address the pain in her right knee. She was attending a conference and realized she was limping more than she was walking. When she returned home, she researched orthopedic surgeons and found Daniel Lamar, MD, at The Orthopaedic Spine and Joint Center at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. “I am very active, and when I learned that Dr. Lamar also treated professional athletes, I felt he would be a good choice for me,” says Dr. Sedgeman.
Dr. Lamar determined that Dr. Sedgeman needed a total knee replacement. “We had an understanding that we each had a part in this – he was going to give me a new knee, and I was going to give it my all for a great outcome. I was due to leave for a two-week trip on November 3 and I needed to be able to get around,” says Dr. Sedgeman. Dr. Lamar worked her into his schedule and she got her new knee on August 17, 2016.
Prior to surgery, Dr. Sedgeman attended the pre-op education class taught by Care Coordinator Caroline McGrath.
“Caroline did an excellent job teaching us what to expect before, during and after surgery. She also encouraged us to increase our fitness level before surgery since it helps with rehab afterward. The notebook they gave us was very helpful,” says Dr. Sedgeman. “I felt ready the day of surgery and was confident in Dr. Lamar and the medical staff.”
One of the concerns people have is the pain after surgery, states Dr. Lamar. “We use a comprehensive pain management strategy targeting pain from different angles. Our goal is to have people get back on their feet as quickly as possible and back to their normal routine,” he says.
The afternoon of her surgery, Dr. Sedgeman was up and walking and was home in two days. Following in-home physical therapy, she attended outpatient rehab at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. “I knew I would be doing a lot of walking, so I pushed myself in every session,” she says.
Dr. Sedgeman says she was thrilled to be able to keep up with everyone else on her trip. “There were a lot of stairs and I climbed them for exercise,” she says.
She gives high marks to both Dr. Lamar and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for helping her get back to her active life. “Dr. Lamar was a true partner in my care, and this facility is magnificent. When it comes time for my other knee to be replaced, I will definitely be coming back here!”
The Orthopaedic Spine and Joint Center at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center can help you return to an active life. Learn more about our services >