Center for Joint Replacement- Joint Testimonials

IN OUR PATIENTS’ WORDS

Our patients think Fort HealthCare Orthopaedic Associates is great — we think they're pretty great, too. Helping thousands of patients every year, we have many success stories to share. Here are a few:

Amy E. – Patient of Dr. Zambrano

I had an injury, that may have been due to a car accident, and my shoulder would have numbness and tingling. I had limited range of motion, which got worse over time and then became constant. I finally reached the point where I had to do something about it. Working in the medical field, and after doing some research, I had heard great things about Dr. Zambrano and felt comfortable going to Orthopaedic Associates. He examined me thoroughly and sat down and talked with me about what he thought my problem was. When it became apparent that therapy wasn't helping, he drew pictures for me on what the surgical procedure entailed, the benefits and risk, how long it would take. He even came in during his vacation to do the surgery for me because my insurance was changing. After surgery he came in and showed me pictures of what he did and then personally called me a week afterwards to see how I was doing. Surgery was December 29 and I was back to work on March 9, which was way ahead of schedule.

Mary C. – Patient of Dr. Nordland

I was like many people, afraid to undergo a surgery that may take me out of my daily routine for an extended period of time. I lives and work on a family farm, and the age of 62, I still wanted to work hard. After many months of painful nights’ sleeps, I decided it was time to have my hip replaced with Dr. Nordland. Dr. Nordland is someone that answers questions and understands people. I was so impressed with his thoroughness. He went through all the X-rays with me and explained things. He took the time to watch me walk and he understood my need to get back on my feet.

Two days after surgery, I was discharged from the hospital and began physical therapy. The day I was discharged from the hospital, I was so happy, and I was dancing around my room! There was some pain, sure, but it was nothing like the pain that I had felt before surgery. And therapy was great .My overall experience at Fort HealthCare was a remarkable one. From the first time I set foot in the hospital, I felt welcomed. In no way was I a burden on anybody. From the food service staff, to the nurses to the doctors, I was very impressed with the quality of care that I received. A small town hospital does not mean you won’t be able to have the high quality and the advancements in technology as in the bigger places. You can get them all right here. I had choices. I could have gone elsewhere, but I didn’t. Fort HealthCare continues to impress me and we are so lucky in a city of this size to have a hospital of this caliber.

Tom O. – Patient of Dr. Bruno

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dr. Bruno and the staff at the joint replacement center in Fort Atkinson. I had my first knee replacement done about five years ago, and it turned out great, but the entire experience I had with the second one just earlier this year was worlds better. My recovery has been fantastic, my pain is virtually gone, and the staff at the Joint Camp in the hospital are so knowledgeable and pleasant – they even did whatever they could to make my wife feel at home while I was in the hospital after surgery. Everyone was just great – top notch. Dr. Bruno is just wonderful. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.

Stephen W. – Patient of Dr. Jennings

I'm 46 years old and work at a job that requires a lot of heavy lifting. I was lifting a plantar when I heard something pop. I had my choice of a couple of different places [for my surgery], but I'd heard from someone that Dr. Jennings “walks on water.” When I saw that my insurance covered his services, I made an appointment. Dr. Jennings used a plastic button and a screw to drill a hole through my arm and repair the Left Distal Bicep and now I'm back to work 100% without any pain medication. I thought I'd have to go on some kind of disability, but I was back to work in 11 weeks.

During the surgery I noticed that Dr. Jennings and his team (the anesthesiologist and the nurse) were well coordinated. I got there at 2pm and I was out of the building at 7:30pm. Any kind of pain was taken care of… they didn't make you feel like you had to tough this out. The healing process went really well and Dr. Jennings is very careful. He doesn't allow you to go back before you're ready. I told him after 6 weeks, I felt healed. But he was looking out for my best interest and told me to wait a while longer. He's very trustworthy.

Linda B. – Patient of Dr. Jennings

I live in Burlington, and am a former Whitewater resident. I'm a patient at Whitewater Family Practice and I was having trouble with my right hip two years ago, and my family doc suggested I see a specialist. I went to Dr. Jennings and two other doctors in Madison. I just felt so comfortable and confident with Dr. Jennings. I liked his demeanor and how open he was in explaining my options. He waited to schedule it until another orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Nordland, was available to assist, so I thought he was very careful and took the extra precaution to make sure I was well cared for. He warned me immediately that [my hip] wouldn't be the same as before, but I wouldn't have the pain I had before, either. We went ahead and did the surgery and now, I can walk freely. I just feel I made the right choice.

I recently overheard a conversation between a husband and wife about the hip resurfacing procedure. The husband was hesitant for his wife to have it done. I do know people who've had this procedure who haven't had the same results as me, but I was able to provide them with my experience, which was so positive. I attribute this to the physician's expertise.

In the two years since my hip resurfacing, I've gone hiking in Alaska, zip-lining in Hawaii, explored the ruins of Guatemala, and been on two cruises. It's just given me a whole new life. I send Dr. Jennings postcards from all the places I've been.

Jessica J. – Patient of Dr. Jennings

I'm an athlete at Cambridge High School, where I play girl's basketball and soccer. In July of 2008 during basketball practice, I tore my right ACL, and Dr. Jennings reconstructed it by doing a hamstring graft. A number of students in Cambridge had had injuries and Dr. Jennings' name just kept coming up as the doctor who was able to help them, so I was familiar with his practice. Then when my athletic trainer, Brian, recommended him for my surgery, I felt like I was going to see someone with some expertise.

Dr. Jennings was confident that he knew what the problem was, but to make sure, he took x-rays. His recommendation was surgery and rehabilitation. For most people, it would have taken five months of physical therapy to get back where I started, but Dr. Jennings got me back up to speed in three. I was even able to start the basketball season and play a few games. Rehab was really good; I worked with Jeff at Fort HealthCare for the first portion of my physical therapy, and then Todd at a private therapy practice in Jefferson. Both were pretty convenient for where I live.

Since then, I've been great and back in the game! I participated in some basketball leagues over the summer, and a really intense soccer camp; and my knees are in awesome shape! I'm a senior this year, and I'd like to play Division III sports in college, or at the very least, intramural sports. I'm thankful I've got my health back, and I would definitely recommend Dr. Jennings to other patients!

Wil-Joint replacement patient

I’m sure it’s normal for anyone facing surgery to approach it with a certain amount of dread. But what a pleasant surprise! Your professionalism at every stage made for a wonderful stay. You demonstrated your dedication at each event-the pre-operative orientation, meeting with the surgeon, the surgery, my first walk in therapy, Joint Camp and all the nurses who took care of me. Thank you for making my stay pleasant and memorable.

Cindy-Knee replacement patient

Thank you for the excellent care I received from your staff while I was there for my knee replacement. I can’t say enough of how well I’m doing at home because of the things I learned from all of you! I couldn’t believe that I was out of bed the afternoon after my surgery.

Parvez-Joint replacement patient

I have to thank you all at Fort Memorial Hospital. You definitely have a superior team of professionals who made my stay very comfortable, peaceful and happy. I don’t have the words to thank you enough. I received a ‘get well’ card from you a few days ago as well. You all are the best.

Lisa-Knee replacement patient

I would like to commend the staff at the Center for Joint Replacement for the excellent service they provided during my stay after a total knee replacement. In my opinion, the level of service that was extended to me was far beyond my expectations. What particularly impressed me was the team’s extraordinary commitment to excellence in customer service. In an era where exceptional one-to-one customer service has virtually disappeared, the work that’s done at the Center for Joint Replacement is exceptional.

Anonymous-Joint replacement patient

Thanks for all the good care I received at Fort Memorial Hospital. A special thanks to Beth, all the caring nurses and the Joint Camp therapists. Everyone made my recovery super! I really enjoyed getting all your messages in my get well card. Keep up your great program!

Dennis-Knee replacement patient

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the extremely professional and personal care I received at Fort HealthCare. From the beginning to the end I was treated like a person, not just another patient, that had individual wants and needs. The kind caring and personal touch that I felt from the entire Fort HealthCare team is one that I will always remember. I will definitely share my experience with others.

Dr. Jennings, and his staff, did a wonderful job of explaining what a knee replacement surgery would entail. He was so proud to share his optimism as he showed my wife and I the x-ray of his work the very same day of surgery. The physical therapists were very professional and dare I say, entertaining. Any pain I endured was gently calmed by quick wit and sense of humor from the entire team. The sherbet was a nice finishing touch at the end of each session.

The card I received, from all that worked with me, was something I never experienced at any other hospital. This takes time and effort to coordinate, and I thank you for that Beth. I know it is your job, but you do it in a very personal way. Once again, thank you to the entire team at Fort HealthCare it was a pleasure!  

Karen-Joint replacement patient

You are all wonderful caregivers! I have had many hospital stays but none like the three days I spent with all of you. From the bottom of my heart, thanks for all you did for me. You ladies are the best! I am doing well, no cane after four weeks and I am driving at six weeks! I thoroughly enjoyed my physical therapy visits. I will miss seeing Jeff here at the Lake Mills office. Thanks again! You made a new woman out of me. Your program is fabulous. Keep up the good work!

Carroll and Marilyn-Joint replacement patient

I give many thanks and much appreciation to all of you for the service that you gave to and for Marilyn while she was hospitalized at your facility. Your professional expertise, your personalized care and your loving interest and concern were very much in evidence. Marilyn was emotionally moved when she received your multi-signed get well cared. Marilyn has continued to make positive progress!