Shoulder Replacement Helps Cedar Hill Woman Get Back in the Garden

Pat Everett, 78, of Cedar Hill, Missouri, enjoys an active lifestyle, spending her time gardening and painting, among many other activities. However, last summer, her shoulder pain and the weakness in her right arm became so bad that she could no longer do the things she loved.

“It was severe pain — off the charts,” says Pat. “I was painting and couldn’t even reach over to put my paint brushes in the water. I knew something was wrong and I had to do something.”

Pat visited her orthopedic doctor at BJC Medical Group Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in August. He thought she would likely need a shoulder replacement and referred her to Patrick Moen, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder replacement and elbow surgery, who would be joining their practice in November. In the meantime, her doctor administered an injection to temporarily relieve her pain.

“Pat had rotator cuff surgery previously to address a degenerative rotator cuff caused by wear and tear over the years. Unfortunately, it didn’t heal, and she had exhausted her nonoperative options including injections and physical therapy,” says Dr. Moen. “She wanted to get back to her previous functioning level, and we made the decision as a team, which included Pat, that the best way to attain that would be to undergo a reverse shoulder arthroplasty — a shoulder replacement.”

Pat underwent shoulder replacement surgery on Dec. 21, 2022. Surgery went well, and she stayed overnight in the hospital with very minimal pain.

“I have never been treated so well,” says Pat. “From the time I walked in pre-surgery, everyone was super nice and friendly. The nurses were absolutely fantastic. I have to brag about the whole staff on the orthopedic floor. They were absolutely great.”

After returning home, Pat eased back into activity with at-home physical therapy. Now, she’s back outside in the garden with her husband, Troy.

“Last summer, I absolutely couldn’t do a thing because I couldn’t raise my arm up. This summer, I’ve spent days cleaning flower beds, planting flowers, raking mulch … I’m back outside doing everything I wanted to do,” says Pat.

She adds, “I’ve recommended Christian Hospital to many people. The orthopedic group is fantastic. The hospital is fantastic. I found a good doctor who happened to come to Christian Hospital just when I needed him. He did a fantastic job, and I’m very pleased.”

Beyond shoulder replacements, the orthopedic team at Christian Hospital is experienced in treating the whole array of complex shoulder and elbow issues, including rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocation and trauma, elbow dislocation and trauma and chronic sports injuries involving the shoulder and elbow. Their approach begins with nonoperative management, from corticosteroid injections to physical therapy at Northwest HealthCare’s Graham Medical Center. When these options fail to provide sufficient pain relief, surgery is then considered.

“Not everyone requires surgery to feel better, but if surgery is necessary, we can perform whatever surgery that may be,” says Dr. Moen. “Our personable and experienced providers have a very proficient, patient-centered approach so that we can provide the community with the best orthopedic care.”

To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists, call 314-747-WELL.