Mary Meyer

Marlene (Mary) Meyer, owner of the Kickapoo Orchard in Gays Mills and professional artist is
an active woman who has participated in everything from downhill skiing to scuba diving.  For many years she noticed a slight pain in her left knee.  It was a gradual process, but soon she was having a difficult time even climbing the stairs. Meyer admits that she lived with pain because she was nervous about having surgery.  "I hadn't been in a hospital in years and was certain that the procedure would be painful.  I just couldn't bring myself to have surgery if I didn't need it." 

The pain that Meyer was experiencing escalated and she decided to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Romzek.  "I heard good things about Dr. Romzek from friends who worked with him for their surgeries." Meyer and her husband met with Dr. Romzek, surgery was scheduled and they attended the pre-surgery seminar offered to all patients having orthopaedic surgery.  "I was impressed by Dr. Romzek for many reasons.  He is a very down-to-earth man, very kind and explains complicated procedure clearly."  Meyer and her husband found the pre-surgery seminar to be very helpful and the  information useful.  "All of my husband's questions were answered. As he was going to be my primary care provider post surgery it was valuable that he was able to chat with members of the physical therapy department and Dr. Romzek regarding my needs after surgery.  We knew what to expect and what was normal from the get-go.  "Pre-surgery, Meyer elected to be awake and view the knee replacement as it was being done.  "Watching the surgery is very interesting. To see your body being altered in a beneficial way is amazing."  Meyer noted that she hadn't been to VMH for surgery in many years and found that the  building had been modernized and the staff was very friendly and helpful.  "I was really impressed with the changes in the hospital building itself, the large staff and visible teamwork.  I had been nervous about my surgery as hospitals are not my favorite place.  I was put at ease after seeing my surroundings and meeting the staff who would be caring for me." 

After leaving the hospital, Meyer indicated that recovery was fairly rapid.  She was aware that recovery time was influenced by age and general health.  Three months post surgery she is able to walk up and down stairs without pain and her body works differently, more efficiently post surgery.  "I feel better in general. I knew that there would be some limitations during recovery.  I can do many things that I did years ago without restrictions.  I can go hiking ad snowshoeing with friends.  I am painting and have more stamina than I did pre-surgery.  I no longer hear a crunch in my knee."  As far as her overall experience, Meyer had this to say,  "I would highly recommend Dr. Romzek and his surgical staff to anyone.  In fact, I would recommend the entire hospital."