Lyndon Rich's Story

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Lyndon Rich is not your typical retiree. After spending 20 years in the United States Navy, Lyndon had not slowed down his active lifestyle until he began experiencing discomfort in his knee and shoulder joints.

An avid runner, Lyndon visited his primary care physician Regina Powers, MD, of OSF Medical Group - Ft. Jesse Family Medicine in Normal. Dr. Powers recommended Lyndon get a second opinion from Joint Specialist and Orthopedic Surgeon Joseph Newcomer, MD, of Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center in Bloomington. Dr. Newcomer told Lyndon he would need surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.

After Lyndon had recuperated from the surgery, Dr. Newcomer suggested Lyndon have an MRI of his knee that continued to give him problems. Two years prior, Lyndon had a knee replacement. Since the initial surgery, Lyndon's active lifestyle was causing his knee to fill up with fluid hindering his workout regimen.

Dr. Newcomer found that Lyndon's gait had changed and recommended removing the knee cavity lining and irreparable knee cap to return to the high activity level he once had. Knowing the operation was inevitable, Lyndon scheduled the total knee replacement with Dr. Newcomer at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center.

"The professionalism and compassion shown by the hospital staff was second to none," said Lyndon. "My every need was attended to in an expeditious, helpful manner. I lacked for nothing."

Lyndon's wife, Linda, said she was also impressed with the helpfulness of the volunteers, during his surgery. "They were very kind and compassionate while I was waiting in the surgical family lounge," said Linda. "

Linda was not able to constantly be by her husband's side during his recovery from surgery due to her job. "I had a great deal of confidence in the nursing staff's abilities and in the care he was receiving," said Linda. "I never felt as if myself, or a family member needed to be there to monitor his care."

A month after his surgery, Lyndon was able to transition back into his workout regimen. He may not be running seven miles a day yet, but he is staying active by riding his bike, while adding in leg crunches and raises.

 "I feel great," said Lyndon. "It was a privilege to once again be a patient at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center. I am always impressed with the superb service I receive at OSF."

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