“Big city care, small town comfort” is exactly what Tammy Faux, of Tripoli, experienced at Waverly Health Center (WHC). After more than a year of excruciating pain that hindered her ability to enjoy everyday activities, Tammy had her hip replaced.
Tammy is a tenured professor of social work at Wartburg College. Outside of work, she enjoys kayaking and gardening. Most of Tammy’s days are spent on her feet. When her hip began to make it difficult to walk, work and enjoy daily life, Tammy knew it was time to seek help.
Tammy scheduled an appointment with WHC visiting specialist Dr. Jeffrey Clark, an orthopedic surgeon with Cedar Valley Medical Specialists (CVMS), for the end of June. Dr. Clark uses the Mako SmartRobotics™ Surgery System for hip replacements, using an anterior approach. The combination of using the Mako robot and the anterior approach allows patients to have a faster recovery with less pain.
Brenda Cooper, ARNP who works closely with Dr. Clark, met with Tammy for pre-operative and post-operative appointments. Cooper also took time to visit Tammy the morning of surgery to answer last-minute questions she or her husband had. “Brenda is glorious. She is caring, personable and took the time to answer any question I had,” said Tammy. “I can’t say enough about Brenda, Dr. Clark and their care team.”
Tammy was able to have surgery and be back in the comfort of her home later that day. She credits her fast recovery to her preparation prior to surgery with exercise and physical therapy, and Dr. Clark’s skills.
Her advice to patients with an upcoming major surgery would be to take your pre-operative therapies seriously. She said, “Get as strong as you can and set a goal for yourself. Mine was to get in the kayak by the end of September.” Tammy reached her goal – 42 days after surgery, she was kayaking down the Wapsipinicon River with friends.
Tammy is thankful for Dr. Clark and team for getting her surgery scheduled so quickly. She had surgery in August and had time to recover for a few weeks before fall classes began. Tammy is back in the classroom at Wartburg College and feels great.
“From the time I walked in the door for my first appointment, everyone I came in contact with was so comforting,” said Tammy. “They listened to me and treated me like a person. I’m so thankful I chose Waverly Health Center and Dr. Clark for my hip replacement.”