Patient Testimonials

Feeling like he was rolling downhill, total knee replacement has Al VanderMeer skating to a healthy future

view video of Al

Fifty years ago, my family left The Netherlands for America, sailing across the Atlantic in search of a new life. Last year my son and I returned to my homeland in response to a challenge he made: to go rollerblading across Holland.
 

On this trip I was pursuing a new life, too. Just three years ago, at age 60, an arthritic knee kept me in excruciating pain, so my doctor recommended knee replacement surgery. I asked about recommendations for surgeons and the name of Jeff Pierson, M.D., of St.Vincent came up. After meeting Dr. Pierson, I was convinced he was my man. I had asked for a “Cadillac-quality” knee and he promised me one that was “Ferrari quality.”

Dr. Pierson’s caring was apparent even before he lifted his knife. He suggested my wife and I attend a seminar to learn about knee replacements and how to prepare for them. It was the best possible thing we did. We learned about the exercises I needed to prepare for my surgery and what exercises I had to do afterward. By following doctor’s orders I had a complete and rapid recovery. I had indeed received the “Ferrari-quality” knee Dr. Pierson promised.
 

About a year later, my son issued his rollerblading challenge. Dr. Pierson approved of the adventure and my practice began. First I skated five miles without stopping, and then 10 miles. After five months I was ready for Europe.

Together we covered a total of 160 miles through small towns, along canals … and even over cobblestone streets, which I skillfully navigated along with everyone else.
 

When we returned home, it dawned on me that we arrived 50 years to the day after my family left Holland for the United States. Thanks to St.Vincent for my new knee and the opportunity to come home again.

Back in the Swing

When hip pain began to drive his life “off course”, Bruce McCaw made the decision to reclaim his favorite game. view video

Dad's Legacy