Bloomington Orthopedic Specialists

Melissa Thanks Dr. Newton for a Life-Changing Procedure

This summer Melissa Lanham and her husband, Jim, took a vacation to Canada where they went hiking. It may sound like a small thing, said Melissa, but it was something she hadn’t been able to enjoy for years. Spinal stenosis had slowly robbed her of her life. “I had back soreness for years,” Melissa said. It progressed to leg numbness and pain that prevented her from leading a normal life. She continued to work at Montessori School of Wooster but could do little else. “Jim took over most of the housework and other chores.”  When chiropractic care and shots no longer worked, she was referred to Dr. Marcus Newton for surgery. In October, Dr. Newton went in and “cleaned out” the lower vertebrae to take the pressure off her spine. “My physical therapy was walking,” she said.  Seven weeks later Melissa was back at work and at six months, she felt like she was 100 percent again. “As far as back surgery goes, I think I had it easy,” Melissa said. “Dr. Newton was amazing.  He was so personable and kept it light.” “In my experience, the more informed a patient is about their circumstances, the easier it is to embrace surgical solutions,” said Dr. Newton. “Miss Melissa followed my guidance perfectly; she was a model patient with a life-changing outcome.”  “Dr. Newton and his whole staff were so supportive through the surgery and afterwards,” said Melissa. “He told me to call him any time I needed anything. I’m so grateful he helped me not to succumb to fear. This surgery has changed my life.”
— Jackie Buckwalter

I’m Back to Living My Best Life

Sharon Vanasdal, of West Salem, was retired and knee deep into her passion of working with rescue dogs when knee pain brought it to a grinding halt. She could no longer transport rescue dogs or take care of her flower beds. It was time to get help.  When cortisone and gel shots failed to bring relief, Sharon was referred to Dr. Joseph Borruso, who recommend a total knee replacement. On May 3, Sharon had the surgery.  “Sharon suffered from advanced knee arthritis,” said Dr. Borruso. “We were able to correct this and provide a well-balanced knee utilizing the advances in our robotic joint replacement technology. We hope to improve the quality of life for those suffering with similar abnormalities and disease in our community.”  “While an inpatient, WCH staff had me up and walking that night,” said Sharon. She also started therapy at the hospital. “It was wonderful,” said Sharon. “They taught me life skills again, like how to get in and out of the tub and navigate stairs after surgery.”  Dr. Borruso and his staff were “excellent,” said Sharon. “I could call them at any time for anything I needed. They were all very trained and professional.”  She also appreciates the staff at HealthPoint, where she is undergoing therapy. “It hasn’t been easy but I would do it again to get my life back. Everybody at the hospital and HealthPoint have been encouraging and fantastic to work with.”
— Jackie Buckwalter

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