Washing your hair, putting on deodorant—it’s easy to take these
everyday tasks for granted. Sue Edwards had pain in her shoulder all the
time, and it was impacting her ability to travel, one of her favorite
activities. She also had a new grandson on the way and wanted to be able
to hold him. As a registered nurse, she was very reluctant to have shoulder
replacement surgery because she knew the complexity of the surgery and
the lengthy rehab needed afterward.
Sue went to see
Dr. Monica Morman at Campbell County Medical Group
Orthopaedic Specialists, who told her that she needed surgery, but it would be scheduled only
when she was ready.
“Dr. Morman understood that I had a right to be scared,” said
Sue. “You hear about the experiences of others and read stories
online. It’s a big decision and she made me feel like I was in control.”
“Having just been on the other side of the knife myself as a surgical
patient, I can certainly relate to the anxiety of facing surgery,”
said Dr. Morman.
Sue knew she wanted Dr. Morman to perform the
surgery at
Campbell County Memorial Hospital, and afterward spent only two nights in the hospital. She praised the
nursing staff for their care and explaining what was going to happen for
her every step of the way.
As a single person with no caregiver at home, it was especially important
for Sue to prepare for her surgery and recovery by making sure she had
tools to help herself, like clothing that was easy to put on and take off.
“You can’t believe how hard it is to pull on your pants with
only one hand,” she said.
Sue wore a sling for six weeks after surgery, and five months after the
surgery was still going to weekly physical therapy appointments at Campbell
County Health
Rehabilitation Services with therapist
Kristi Wilde. With regular therapy, Sue’s range of motion has improved considerably,
and she now has very little pain.
Sue has lived in Gillette since 1980 and has worked as a school nurse and at
Campbell County Public Health. She continues to work two days per week with participants in the WIC
(Women, Infants and Children) program at Public Health.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to have the surgery,” said
Sue. “Dr. Morman is so caring and approachable, and I loved having
people I knew taking care of me in my hometown. When I’m ready,
Dr. Morman will repair my other shoulder, too.”
“It’s so important to involve patients in the evaluation and
decision process,” said Dr. Morman. "Together we can find the
best treatment option for their unique situation."
Monica Morman, MD, FAAOS, CAQSH, is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, specializing
in hand, arm and shoulder surgeries at CCMG
Orthopaedic Specialists. She treats several conditions of the upper extremities including carpal
tunnel, shoulder and elbow replacements, arm fractures, adhesive capsulitis
and more.
Candace (Candy) Winters, PA-C, is the physician assistant in her practice. Learn more at
www.cchwyo.org/ortho.
You have a choice when it comes to your therapy. CCH’s comprehensive
team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists; orthotics and prosthetics
specialists; and functional and athletic health professionals is the most
comprehensive in the region, treating patients in their homes, in the
hospital and in our outpatient rehab facilities. Call CCH
Rehabilitation Services at 307.688.8000 to talk with our professional staff to see if you could
benefit from one of our rehabilitation therapies. Learn more at
www.cchwyo.org/rehab.