A Joint Decision: Lebanon Couple Praises Tennova Healthcare for Outstanding Orthopedic Care
1/17/2018
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LEBANON, TN – Bobby and Betty Kirk share life together. The husband and wife
enjoy boating and fishing together, dancing together, traveling together, and socializing together with
their friends at the Lebanon Senior Citizens Center. They also share a history of joint pain. Both
suffered from arthritic joints that had worn away cartilage until bone met bone.
So, it’s no surprise that they both came to the conclusion to have total joint replacement surgery at
Tennova Healthcare – Lebanon. In fact, the Kirks had a combined four knee replacement surgeries
performed at the hospital within a span of just five months. They also shared the same orthopedic
surgeon: Jon Cornelius, M.D.
According to Dr. Cornelius, joint pain can result from a variety of conditions or injuries. “It can be the
direct consequence of a single traumatic event like a fall. Or it can arise from overuse, repetitive
trauma, or stress to a particular joint or muscle. Regardless of its origin, joint pain can significantly
interfere with normal movements, such as bending, reaching, walking and climbing stairs. If joint pain
affects everyday activities and prevents you from doing the things you enjoy, it might be time to see
an orthopedic specialist,” he said.
A retired home health tech, Betty made the decision to have a total left knee replacement in July
2016. She admits she was worried about having surgery, but after meeting with Dr. Cornelius her
concern was quickly replaced with confidence. Three months after her first knee replacement
surgery, the 68-year-old mother and grandmother from Lebanon had a total right knee replacement.
“I can honestly say I experienced very little pain after my surgeries,” Betty said. “For each knee
replacement, I spent just two days in the hospital and then I received physical therapy at home. I
strongly believe that if you do your exercises and everything the doctor tells you to do, you will have
a good recovery.”
Seeing how well Betty did—and how quickly she “bounced back” after both of her joint replacement
procedures—Bobby Kirk, age 69 and a semi-retired central air conditioning and heating mechanic,
chose to have double knee replacement surgery in December 2016. Bobby says he used a walker for
about a week post-surgery, and he was back at the gym working out within two weeks of his left and
right knee replacements.
“Dr. Cornelius encouraged us to do our exercises and not lay around,” Bobby said. “And I think that
was a key to our successful recovery.”
“Joint replacement is considered an elective surgery, meaning patients determine for themselves if
and when to schedule the procedure,” Dr. Cornelius said. “This choice can be both a blessing and a
curse. Patients appreciate being in charge, but often agonize for months or even years over whether
it’s the right time for surgery. Frequently, they postpone the procedure and suffer tremendously in
the interim.”
“We can’t thank Tennova enough for the great care we received,” Betty said. “The staff was
wonderful. We only wish we had done it sooner. We are both enjoying an active, pain-free life now.”
“I don’t crawl around in attics anymore,” Bobby added. “But we’re back to boating and playing Bingo
at the senior citizens center and line dancing. You should see us do the Cupid shuffle now!”
For more information or to find a doctor, call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682).
About Orthopedics at Tennova Healthcare – Lebanon
The comprehensive program at Tennova Healthcare – Lebanon features the expertise of a
multidisciplinary team including orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, orthopedic nurses, physical
and occupational therapists, and a total joint program coordinator. Tennova Healthcare – Lebanon
offers a full range of advanced surgical techniques including total joint replacement, partial joint
replacement, resurfacing, and robotic-assisted surgery. To learn more, call (615) 443-2560 or visit
www.TennovaOrtho.com to sign up for a joint pain seminar.
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