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Getting to Know Your Surgeon: Wine Making with Dr. Davis Tsai

Posted on February 11, 2013 by adminRmm

The women at the Kennedy Center gave me a home wine-making kit for Christmas last year and that started my wine making hobby. Since then, I have been experimenting with several wine varieties and flavors. With the kit, I have been using pre-pressed juices to make wine. The price of the juices varies depending on region, country, year, and whether it is a single harvest or a blend from different vineyards. I even paid my son and niece to run through the woods and collect frost grapes native to Wisconsin and Minnesota to see what kind of wine they would produce. Unfortunately, the results of this batch tasted like V-8 juice and had to be discarded. Because I didn’t have a press, I had to squeeze the juice of the frost grapes in a juice bag by hand, which turned out to be both labor intensive and undrinkable. But I have to say, my son and I are having a lot of fun trying new combinations of grapes and techniques to make drinkable wines. It becomes even more of a challenge as I don’t drink and my son sure doesn’t. I have to try out each new batch on my wife or other willing volunteers.

Because the wine making kit that the Kennedy Center women gave me is so extensive, I can vary the flavor of the wine by changing yeast species. I can increase the alcohol content to as high as 18%, which is higher than U.S. store bought wine, which ranges between 12% and 14%, and I can also lower the alcohol content. I also tend to use less preservative. The white wines can be drunk in a few months, but the reds have to sit for over a year to develop their flavor completely.

It is a fun project for my son and me to do together. Because I’m not a drinker, I have been giving away my creations. We can make about 250 gallons before the tax man shows up. Luckily, we’re only making 3 gallons and giving it away to friends and colleagues. The good news is, wine making is less labor intensive than cigar making, an activity I attempted some years ago with disastrous results.

About the Kennedy Center for the Hip and Knee:

If you think you’re a good candidate for shoulder, knee or hip surgery, consider a Wisconsin orthopedic surgeon at The Kennedy Center for the Hip and Knee in Oshkosh. Our doctors are board certified with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons and are members of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

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Healing After Surgery: What Patients Need To Know

Posted on January 16, 2013 by adminRmm

Although healing from joint surgery can seem challenging, following your recovery plan is vital for a successful outcome. Your doctor will give you important instructions about exercises, physical therapy, and rest so that you can safely begin using your joint again. Once you return home, you are in charge of realizing the full benefits of your surgery.

Whether you’ve had a hip, knee or shoulder replacement or arthroscopic surgery like ACL or an MCL, you and your healthcare team are partners in your recovery plan. Your instructions can include restricting certain activities. If you are an active person, avoiding strenuous tasks and overwork can be tough. It can even feel like dropping the ball during an already difficult time. While the temptation to push yourself is understandable, keep in mind that rest and limited exercise are part of your doctor’s instructions and essential for healing. The more you commit to your plan, the more quickly you can resume your normal life.

You may also work closely with a physical therapist. Physical therapy is crucial to regaining your strength and flexibility after surgery. Depending on the type of surgery and rehabilitation, you will meet regularly with your therapist, as well as exercise at home. You may have days when you will be tempted to ease up on the regimen because of fatigue, pain, or a busy schedule. Doing so without medical advice can delay your recovery. Instead, speak with your doctor or physical therapist about any concerns.

When managing a lengthy recovery, good planning can keep you on track. Map out the goals of each rehabilitation step with your surgeon or physical therapist. Understanding recovery milestones will enable you to see your progress and stay motivated. To help you stick with your schedule, consider asking a friend or relative to be your accountability partner.

It is also important to plan for your needs after surgery. Many common activities such as driving will likely be off limits for several weeks, and your home setting may need to be modified. Orthopedic experts recommend that if you do not have help at home, arrange for assistance prior to surgery so that you can focus on healing afterward.

To learn more about joint surgery, contact the trusted Wisconsin orthopedic surgeons at the Kennedy Center today by calling 920-223-0123 or toll free at 800-322-2141. Orthopedic specialists can advise you on options and what to expect with treatment and recovery. With commitment and planning, you can master your healing and achieve your fullest quality of life.

Posted in Health Tips, Knee Surgery, Recovery, Shoulder Surgery | Leave a comment

Exciting News at the Kennedy Center: Welcome Dr. Schaufelberger!

Posted on November 14, 2012 by adminRmm

Our medical director Dr. McLaughlin is excited to announce the addition of Kenneth Schaufelberger, MD as the newest member of the Kennedy Center at Mercy medical team.

As one of the only Fellowship-trained hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeons working in the Oshkosh area, Dr. Schaufelberger truly complements the range of orthopedic services offered at the Kennedy Center.

The Kennedy Center, home of some of the most dedicated orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin, continues to lead the region in the highest quality surgeons and staff available. We have board certified and fellowship-trained surgeons in hip and knee replacement, orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and now hand, wrist, and upper extremity care including full or partial shoulder replacement surgery.

Dr. Schaufelberger graduated from the University of Wisconsin Medical School, in Madison, where he also completed his internship and residency in general and orthopedic surgery in 2005.

Since 2006, Dr. Schaufelberger has been an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He was awarded the Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Professor of the Year Award in 2009 for his work. In addition, Dr. Schaufelberger has been a practicing surgeon in the Fox Cities area since 2007.

Aside from his medical work, Dr. Schaufelberger also enjoys hunting, fishing, football, softball, weight lifting, carpentry and automobile restoration.

On behalf of everyone at the Kennedy Center, we welcome Dr. Schaufelberger and the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder expertise that he will bring to our team of experienced surgeons.

Posted in Fitness and Sports Medicine, Knee Surgery, Recovery, Shoulder Surgery | Leave a comment

Harvesting Health: Why Wisconsin Farmers Should Not Postpone Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery

Posted on September 27, 2012 by adminRmm

If you’re a farmer, you may find yourself breathing a sigh of relief around this time of the year. The season of intense physical chores such as haying, plowing and harvesting is nearly over. This may bring a temporary lessening of the intense pain associated with arthritic joints. You may think that pain is just a necessary part of hard work, but your joints can only tolerate so much damage before the problem changes your life. If degenerative joint disease goes untreated, it may eventually rob you of your ability to work, your mobility and your enjoyment of life.

A 2010 study on the relationship between occupation and osteoarthritis (OA) revealed that farmers are statistically more likely to need both hip and knee replacement surgery than the general population. Unfortunately, many farmers suffer far too long before seeking help, and even those who don’t wait may be reluctant to agree to surgery.

A tough and stoic breed, farmers often think that the symptoms they are experiencing are perfectly normal. Some minor aches and pains are to be expected as you age, but if you experience severe, chronic symptoms that prevent you from performing everyday activities or keep you awake at night, these are not typical signs of aging. The thought of surgery and a long recovery is frightening if your family depends on you for income. However, when your financial situation ties into your physical ability to work, restoring your health is a more practical decision than putting it off and making your life harder. Taking time to rehabilitate and recover can mean more productivity in the long run.

Being overweight is often a reason that people don’t seek medical help. The idea that a doctor might scold you for gaining weight or blame your condition solely on your size can be enough to scare any self-conscious surgery candidate away. While a higher body weight often contributes to joint problems, the typical farmer’s lifestyle is even more conducive to joint damage. At the Kennedy Center, we understand that people come in all shapes, sizes and occupations, and we welcome the opportunity to help you live a healthier, more pain-free life. Our supportive doctors and nurses will help you through your hip or knee surgery, treating you with compassion while providing excellent care. You are not alone. Don’t let self-consciousness sabotage your chances of enjoying a fully functional, healthy and pain-free life.

At the Kennedy Center for the Hip and Knee in Wisconsin, orthopaedic surgeons have performed total and partial hip and knee replacement, ACL surgery, and many other procedures for more than 25 years. Joint replacement surgery does require some down time, but after a period of recovery, therapeutic exercise and well-deserved rest, you may find that nothing can slow you down.

Posted in Health Tips, Knee Surgery | Leave a comment

The Kennedy Center’s Dr. Jeff McLaughlin Climbs the Matterhorn in August

Posted on September 21, 2012 by adminRmm

Over the past couple of years, Jeffrey McLaughlin, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, has twice attempted to scale the steep face of the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. He turned back both times because of thunder, lightning and ice storms. In early August this year, Dr. McLaughlin and a guide successfully climbed to the 14,700 ft. summit, accompanied by stiff winds and temperatures hovering at 15 degrees F.

When asked how he trained for the climb, Dr. McLaughlin answered, “My wife and I have been climbing for the past three years. We train by hiking with 40 pound vests on to strengthen our legs and increase endurance. And I do wall climbing at the “Y” every week to help with upper body strength.”

Dr. McLaughlin describes his 2012 alpine adventure as “one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done. We stayed in Chamonix in the French Alps and climbed three different mountains in order to get acclimated to the altitude. One day my guide and I traveled to Turin, Italy to climb the Grande Paradiso. As I was traversing a two mile glacier, a snow bridge gave way and I fell into a 150 foot crevasse.” He jokes about “clawing” his way up the ice wall using only crampons (climbing cleats) and an ice axe while being suspended by a thin nylon rope. Joking aside, Dr. McLaughlin felt it safer not tell his wife or 3 year old son about this adventure until after his successful summit of the Matterhorn several days later.

Future climbing plans include climbing the Eiger, a mountaineering challenge in the Bernese Alps; El Capitan, a sheer rock face located in Yosemite Park; and someday, the holy grail of all mountain climbers, Mt. Everest in the Himalayas.

Asked why he pursues such a perilous sport, Dr. McLaughlin responded, “I feel that it is essential to constantly challenge oneself. I choose endeavors that are barely within my reach yet so difficult they scare me witless.”

As the leader in Wisconsin orthopedics, The Kennedy Center for the Hip & Knee and Sports Medicine is justly proud of Dr. McLaughlin’s tremendous achievement in his outdoor endeavors. We’ll keep you up-to-date on Dr. McLaughlin’s future pursuits.

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Swimming: The Ideal Exercise for Arthritis Sufferers

Posted on July 26, 2012 by adminRmm

When you think of swimming, you probably picture summer days at the pool or lake. Swimming is more than just a fun summer activity, however. It can also be a natural way to strengthen your muscles and improve your health.

Exercise is necessary for anyone with arthritis, a recent ACL surgery, or a hip or knee replacement. Regular exercise helps keep weight down, reducing strain on the joints and ligaments. People who have had knee replacement surgery, ligament or joint injuries, or who suffer from arthritis, may have initial trouble with high-impact exercises. Swimming provides a chance to burn calories with minimal stress on your joints.

Swimming is a whole-body workout. Not only do you use your arms and legs, but your core muscles are constantly working to keep you afloat. At the same time, the water helps support your weight to lessen the impact of exercise on your body. Walking, aerobics, biking and running all involve repeated impact to the joints, which can cause more pain. For many people with arthritis, swimming and other low impact workouts are excellent ways to continue exercising without contributing to joint pain.

Swimming not only helps you get in shape, but it also improves joint mobility and range of motion. As you swim, you strengthen the muscles and tissue surrounding the bones and joints. As a result, you will have greater bone strength and improve balance and stability, reducing the chances that you will cause further damage to your joints.

Emily Kellogg, a recent surgical knee patient at the Kennedy Center, enthusiastically endorses swimming as wonderful, pain-free exercise: “I have arthritis in both knees and walking on hard surfaces like sidewalks had become too painful. Since I’ve begun swimming four to five times a week, my whole body feels better, not just my knees. My back, hips and shoulders feel stronger and the muscles are more relaxed. An added benefit is that I’m sleeping much better, too.” For many arthritis sufferers, swimming in a pool heated to at least 83 degrees helps reduce pain and stiffness. If you’re not a swimmer, you can still take advantage of the low-impact benefits of water by walking or jogging in the shallow end of the pool.

Doctors at the Kennedy Center advocate swimming as a great way to relieve your arthritis pain while burning calories. And the best thing about swimming is that being in the water is just plain fun, helping you reduce mental as well as physical stress.

Posted in Fitness and Sports Medicine, Health Tips, Recovery | Leave a comment

Back to Basics: The Importance of Stretching Before Golfing

Posted on June 11, 2012 by adminRmm

Taking the time to stretch before a golf game is recommended by Kennedy Center doctors specializing in shoulder replacement surgery and other orthopedic procedures. As we age, our joints and muscles can gradually lose flexibility. These mobility barriers can lead to injury if we don’t keep them in mind during regular workout routines and sports activities.

The best way to battle stiffness and tightness in the shoulders is to stretch and warm up before swinging a golf club. Many shoulder injuries result from strain or irritation of the shoulders when a golfer performs the “turning in and out” motion of the golf swing without properly stretching.

Darin Leetun, MD and Davis Tsai, MD recommend to patients with a golfing passion to perform simple shoulder stretches just before any golf outing. These exercises serve dual purposes—warming up the muscles and strengthening the muscles—which aid in minimizing shoulder injuries. Examples of simple stretches include rotating the shoulders forward in unison for several repetitions, rotating the shoulders backward in unison for several repetitions, using a golf club to stretch the arms over the head, and stretching each arm across the midline.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), an injury that can affect shoulders is a tear in the rotator cuff. This large tendon actually consists of four muscles that create a cuff around the top of the humerus bone, or the upper arm. The AAOS notes that the rotator cuff assists the arm in lifting and rotating motions while stabilizing the ball of the shoulder. If you have shoulder pain, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation. A torn rotator cuff is an example of an injury that requires treatment by an orthopedic specialist.

Golfers too often hit the course and start swinging without any warm-up routine, which results in shoulder injuries. An ounce of prevention is in order. Dr. Leetun advises that if golfers would spend just five minutes doing basic shoulder stretches, many injuries could be prevented. If you have recently suffered a sport-related injury or would like to find out more about preventative methods from Wisconsin orthopedic doctors, contact the Kennedy Center today at 920-223-0123 or toll free at 800-322-2141.

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Shoulder-Saving Surgeries: Important Things to Know

Posted on May 10, 2012 by adminRmm

As with the rest of the body, injuries and deformities of the shoulder girdle are preferably remedied with time, pain management, rehabilitation, and orthotics. However, when surgery is necessary, patients will benefit from knowing the facts in order to understand which option best meets their individual needs. The following procedures, from arthroscopic to total shoulder replacement surgery, offer ample choices for patients who require shoulder surgery.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic shoulder repair involves small, clean incisions to target bone spurs, minor tears, impingement, and other ailments of the shoulder. Surgeons use tiny cameras called arthroscopes to guide them through the procedure using the smallest incisions possible. If there is tendon damage, surgeons can accurately isolate and repair the problem, much like with ACL surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is generally considered the least invasive shoulder treatment option but may not be the best choice for all patients.

Rotator Cuff Repair

When any of the four muscles that comprise the rotator cuff become severely damaged, rotator repair should be considered. This procedure involves a slightly larger incision than with arthroscopic surgery, although still less than three inches, to clean and repair the shoulder. First, surgeons will clear out chipped bone and tendon to make room. If there is severe impingement, surgeons will then alleviate pressure on the rotator cuff tendon by shaving down bone. Finally, torn muscle will be sewn together and re-attached to its respective bone.

Total Shoulder Replacement

Undoubtedly the most involved procedure for joint repair, total shoulder replacement targets and replaces the articulating components of the shoulder joint. This is performed much like knee surgery and other joint replacement procedures. In shoulder replacement, surgeons replace either the “ball” (upper humerus), the “socket” (glenoid), or both with prostheses. This procedure most often precedes major injuries and tears to the glenoid or humerus, degenerative bone diseases, extreme rotator cuff tears, and severe fractures. As with any surgery, physical therapy and careful monitoring should follow to promote quicker recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

If you think you’re a good candidate for shoulder, knee or hip surgery, consider a Wisconsin orthopedic surgeon at The Kennedy Center for the Hip and Knee in Oshkosh. Our doctors are board certified with the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and are members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

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Taking on a New Fitness Challenge in 2012? Follow these Safety Tips

Posted on April 18, 2012 by adminRmm

orthopedic knee surgeon, knee and hip replacement, arthroscopic shoulder repair, acl surgery Are you beginning a new exercise routine or getting back to the gym after a hiatus in order to keep a New Year’s resolution? Be sure to follow these safety tips for a healthy, productive and safe workout!

No matter what you do for fitness, you should always be sure that you have the right gear. This includes wearing the right clothes and shoes, too. You should choose shoes that are not only relevant to the activity you are about to undertake, but you should also choose shoes that are appropriate for your particular gait. Loose-fitting, moisture-wicking or sweat-absorbing clothes should be chosen, as these fabrics will help keep you dry and cool while working out. The appropriate protective gear should always be worn for certain fitness activities, especially outdoor activities. Wearing protective pads and a helmet can often spare you from serious injury, which can prevent the need for a surprise visit to an orthopedic doctor.

You should always be cautious if you are experiencing excessive levels of discomfort or pain. Although muscles and joints can get sore and stiff after working out, experiencing pain during an exercise routine can indicate that something is wrong. Dizziness, chest pressure, nausea, cold sweats, muscle cramps and sharp muscle and joint pains are all indicators of trouble. If you are exercising and notice some of these warning signs, you should never abruptly stop exercising, as this may lead to fainting. Instead, you should attempt to slow your heart rate by lowering the intensity of the workout before stopping completely.

You should always check with a doctor or other healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you suffer from a chronic medical condition. Anyone who has undergone knee surgery will want to take extra precautions, including consulting a Kennedy Center orthopedic surgeon in Wisconsin for exercise advice. It is also a good idea to start slowly with a new exercise plan and gradually build upon it. If your body isn’t used to high levels of stress and exertion, then you might suffer severe injuries and medical problems.

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Proper Methods for At-Home Recovery After Knee Surgery

Posted on March 13, 2012 by adminRmm

A torn anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, can cause swelling of the knee and severe pain, making it nearly impossible to walk. In the past, surgeons would make a large incision to conduct knee ligament surgery. Now, most of these procedures are done as an arthroscopic surgery using tiny incisions around the knee. The recovery period is much shorter with this method and patients are often released from the hospital a few hours after surgery.

Once home, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions. Patients are given details on wound care, pain relief, icing, elevation and leg movement. Skipping the early post-operative stretches can greatly increase the time it takes for the knee to return to normal function. Plan to be on crutches for about two weeks as the leg regains strength. Some doctors prefer that patients wear a leg brace or immobilizer for a short time after the surgery.

Experts have found that the best way to shorten your recovery time is to work on extending your leg as soon as possible after surgery. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery, even before the leg can bear weight. Several times a day, practice contracting your thigh muscles, lifting your leg, and flexing and rotating your ankle. You may need several appointments with a physical therapist during the first 12 weeks to monitor your progress and direct your recovery.

It’s normal to be in some pain or discomfort and have fluid around the knee after surgery. The nurses will give you a list of signs that could point to a problem, including increased redness or swelling, bleeding or excessive or increasing pain. Be sure to call your doctor if you have any questions about your condition.

Don’t let knee or hip pain keep you from enjoying your life. A Kennedy Center orthopedic specialist in Wisconsin can evaluate your symptoms and advise you on options for knee ligament surgery or partial knee replacement. Modern surgical techniques make it easier than ever to recover from hip and knee replacement surgeries.

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