'Wasting' no time rehabilitating

If you ever have hip or knee surgery, you will probably need to rely on some type of apparatus that helps you remain mobile until you heal. That could include a ‘walker,’ cane, or crutches.

So when doctors told Phillip Bailey he would need to prepare for what would come after his surgery, he built a 'special' device to get himself on his road to recovery. "I work at Waste Management so I thought I would create a walker from a discarded refuse cart-complete with safety reflectors and rear-view mirrors, that way I could show my fellow employees that I wouldn't be 'wasting' any time getting back to work," he said with a laugh.

Bailey had hip surgery at Battle Creek Health System's Orthopaedic Renewal Center (ORC) several weeks ago. "When the ORC staff told me to be ready for rehab right after surgery, they meant it," he said. "One of the things I liked most, in addition to my special 'walker,' was the interaction with the other ortho patients at the hospital. The whole concept of group rehab and encouragement really helped me get moving. I also appreciated the staff, which went out of their ways to help us. If I ever need another hip or knee surgery, I will go to the ORC. And just in case I do, I will keep this special 'medical device' for just that occasion."