Health Struggles: The Initial Problem
For many people, living with chronic pain can be an overwhelming experience. For Dan Hertel, this was particularly true with his ankle. After years of consistent pain, swelling, and limping, Dan decided to seek medical help.
"My ankle just was bothering me all the time," he shared.
As a carpenter, his physically demanding job made it difficult to continue working while managing the constant discomfort. Although doctors prescribed pain medications, nothing seemed to address the root cause of his issues.
"I would work, come home, and put my leg up," Dan explained, capturing his frustration with the ongoing pain.
Seeking Help: Connecting with Dr. DeVries and Understanding the Cause
When it came time to explore surgical options for his ankle, Dan turned to his family doctor for a referral.
"My doctor said he knew someone, so he gave me the name of Dr. Jason DeVries," he recalled.
Despite feeling some hesitation and uncertainty about the procedure, Dan decided to consult with Dr. DeVries.
Dr. DeVries diagnosed the ankle as being "worn out" and explained that a broken bone in the back of the ankle was contributing to the pain. Dan had not been aware of the extent of the damage until Dr. DeVries's explanation.
"I knew something had to be done because it wasn’t recovering," he reflected.
Decision to Go Through with Surgery
At first, Dan was unsure of what to expect.
"I thought they were just going to freeze it, like I had heard before," he confessed.
However, after Dr. DeVries thoroughly explained the procedure and reassured him, Dan decided to go forward with the surgery.
"He was upfront with me, answered all my questions, and encouraged me to get the surgery done," Dan said.
With this newfound trust, Dan felt confident that the surgery would be the solution he had been seeking.
The Surgery: Experience and Recovery
Dan underwent his ankle replacement surgery in 2017. At the time, he had never heard of anyone else undergoing a total ankle replacement. Despite being unfamiliar with the procedure, Dan was hopeful that it would improve his quality of life.
Recovery after surgery was challenging.
"The first six to eight weeks, I couldn’t put any weight on it," he explained.
He relied on crutches and was unable to work during the early stages of healing. It was not until about three months after surgery that Dan was able to move around more comfortably.
Despite the gradual recovery process, it took about nine months before Dan could resume normal daily activities without difficulty.
"It was a long process, but it led to a life with significantly less pain," Dan reflected.
After the surgery, Dan's life gradually improved, although some limitations remained.
"I can do just about what I used to do, but not maybe as smoothly," he shared.
Though his ankle pain had diminished, Dan still needed to be cautious when climbing ladders or going up and down steps. Additionally, the combination of his knee and ankle replacements required him to be mindful of his movements.
Despite these challenges, Dan was able to return to many activities he enjoyed. While not exactly the same as before, he was able to live more freely while pacing himself.
Having undergone multiple surgeries, Dan now encourages others who are struggling with similar pain to seek help sooner rather than later.
"You can’t be afraid of the surgery," he advises. "You can’t just keep putting up with the pain."
He stresses that delaying treatment can make recovery more difficult, and addressing issues earlier can significantly improve one’s quality of life. Dan recommends Dr. DeVries to anyone he knows, emphasizing how beneficial early intervention can be.
Looking back on his experience, Dan is grateful for the improvements in his life post-surgery. While he occasionally remembers his ankle and takes care not to push it too far, the ability to move without pain has made a significant difference.
"I don’t even think about it as I move around," he said.
It's now been 8 years since Dan's surgery, and everything is still working as it should be. His ankle and knees continue to serve him well, allowing him to live life more freely and without the constant pain he once endured.
Dan's journey is a testament to the power of modern medical interventions and serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking treatment in a timely manner. With the right care, a healthier, pain-free life is within reach.