Testimonials

Richard Lebsack Retired High School Teacher and Joint Camp Patient Midland, Michigan "My knee replacement turned out well, and Joint Camp made a difference. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Mayne and Joint Camp."

After Joint Camp, He’s Looking Forward to Summer Again

Arthritis, along with the wear and tear of life, had taken a toll on Richard Lebsack’s knees.

“I taught for 34 years and was always standing on concrete floors,” Richard said. “And it didn’t help that I carried some extra weight.”

The 68-year-old former high school teacher suffered with painful knees for several years.

“I tried taking pain pills for relief, but it was always short-lived,” Richard said.

“I enjoy playing golf, bowling and going to the Great Lakes Loons baseball games,” Richard said. He is one of the Dugout Dudes, an organized group of Loons fans.

“It was getting so I could not walk the golf course, I had to use a cart. And, unfortunately, bowling puts a lot of stress on the knees as well.

“During summer, I would go see Dr. Mayne for a cortisone shot,” Richard said. “They work great for a while, but I knew it was a short-term solution.” 

Richard’s love for sports cars – particularly Mustangs – was another strong motivation to have joint replacement.

“I belong to the Mustang Club of Mid-Michigan, and we participate in, and work at, car shows around the state,” Richard said. “At one of our car shows, at the Birch Run Expo Center, I started working at 7 a.m. and by 9:30, my knees were aching. I either had to hobble around or sit all day. I thought: There’s got to be something better than this.” 

Richard went to see Orthopaedic Surgeon Ben Mayne, M.D.

“I finally decided to go for it. I wanted to be able to play this summer, so I went to see Dr. Mayne about joint replacement."

“I had my left knee replaced on Tuesday, November 3, and on Wednesday morning I was walking down the hallway with the help of a walker,” Richard said.

For Richard, Joint Camp was the key to his successful knee replacement.

“I don’t know what I would have done if they had just sent me home with instructions to exercise,” Richard said. “At Joint Camp, we did our exercises together in a group. They showed us what to do, and worked with us individually, which made a difference.”

Richard discovered that rehab is hard work. “They pushed us to the limit,” he said. “It’s strange to say, but I didn’t like hurting myself. I don’t know many people who like to hurt themselves. I didn’t mind the therapists hurting me, but I didn’t want to hurt myself.”

He followed up Joint Camp with physical therapy at the 555 Building on West Wackerly.

“I came home Friday and had physical therapy at home both Saturday and Sunday, which I really appreciated,” Richard said. “I thought it was really important to continue work on the knee. PT was a lot like Joint Camp – I winced and groaned, and then told the therapists how much I appreciated their skills and the hard work they put into each therapy session."

Richard especially appreciated the efforts of his therapist, Lisa Smith, and credits her for his progress.

“I feel fine now. I’m out walking, driving and generally coming along fine,” Richard said. “I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dr. Mayne and Joint Camp to anyone who needs a joint replaced. My experience was enjoyable. The people at Joint Camp were hospitable and very accommodating. Whenever I wanted or needed something, they were there.”

Richard is very pleased with the results of his joint replacement.

“It turned out well, just as we anticipated,” Richard said. “I’m very pleased. It’s wonderful to be flexible again and to be able to walk around.”

MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland is the only tri-city hospital to offer Joint Camp–a unique program that offers faster recovery times, higher patient satisfaction, lower risk of infection and improved clinical outcomes. If you need a total hip, knee or shoulder replacement, attend one of our free classes or ask your doctor for a referral to MidMichigan. For more information, visit our Joint Camp page.