Health Styles August 2017 HS AUG 2017 | Page 8

Beverly says that during her first visit, Dr. Mendella “seemed to kind of know how I was feeling.” According to Beverly, Dr. Mendella was very patient in his explanations and he assured her that he would work very hard to help her regain her independence. “I liked the way he talked to me,” Beverly said of Dr. Mendella. “He was nice and understanding, but he tells me how it is and it makes me feel better knowing that he’s going to be honest with me.” After successfully completing physical therapy, Beverly was able to return to her normal routine. Two years later, however, she woke up with an excruciating pain in her foot. Beverly says she was tempted to put off seeking treatment. It’s not much fun sitting on the sidelines and watching life pass you by. Sarah Bush Lincoln Orthopedics and Sports Medicine will help you move in ways that seem impossible right now. Our extremely talented team of surgeons uses the latest and least invasive techniques to heal you, and put you back into the game of life. “I’ve never been one to really sit still, so I didn’t want to face another surgery,” Beverly said, “You know, I just like to do things on my own.” With encouragement from her children, Beverly did seek treatment and learned that she had a severe tear in her tendon. Beverly knew that she could rely on Dr. Mendella to help her get back on her feet. The surgery to Beverly’s foot involved replacing her tendon with a cadaver tendon – a somewhat uncommon procedure. Dr. Mendella had the confidence to involve his partners in the surgical process. Beverly says that knowing that Dr. Mendella had the assistance of an experienced team made her feel reassured and brought her comfort. Beverly has words of advice for other active seniors who are feeling discouraged by injuries and illness. “You’ve got to try to have the right attitude. Don’t sit at home and brood about it,” she said, “Think about getting back to where you were, participate in things and spend time with your family and friends. Make sure to do your therapy.” Michael Chioffe, MD Spinal Surgery Jim Kohlmann, MD Louis Mendella, DO Emilio Nardone, MD Neurosurgery Donald Sandercock, DO Jeremy Stevens, MD Left to right are Lauryn, Kathryn, Beverly and Claire Hampton. Regaining Independence Mattoon grandmother stays on the move despite multiple setbacks from injuries. Some people are ready to slow down once they hit the age of 81, but not Beverly Hampton. If chasing after her granddaughters, taking care of her large country property, and spending time with friends isn’t enough, then assisting her 100-year-old mother certainly keeps her on her toes. Beverly was told that the injury would require surgery and extensive therapy. She sought care from someone who was highly qualified and close to home so she could get back into her busy routine as quickly as possible. She chose Orthopedic Surgeon Louis Mendella, DO. For the first 75 years of her life, Beverly was healthy and injury-free. So when she returned from errands one day in 2012 and lost her balance in her kitchen, it was a shock to learn that the fall had caused her to break her elbow. “I was kind of sick about [the injury],” Beverly said, “not being able to do my yard work, not driving where I wanted to go. I wouldn’t even look at the X-rays.” 6 healthstyles august 2017 Eric Brewer, DO, Orthopedic Surgeon, joins SBL Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in September. To make an appointment with Orthopedic Surgeon Louis Mendella, DO, call 217-238-3435 or visit www.sarahbush.org. Dr. Mendella is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Orthopedics and Sports Medicine 217-238-3435 Information Systems 1990 Neurosurgery 217-238-4982 august 2017 healthstyles 7