Being active is just part of Tom Hammerquist’s everyday routine as
full time banker and co-owner of
allDimensions Fitness Center with his wife, Barb. An avid cyclist, he doesn’t like to let anything
slow him down.
Tom thought that his right hip was possibly deteriorating because of some
chronic hip pain and information from an MRI on his lower back from a
few years ago. He knew he needed to find a good orthopedic surgeon to
address the problem. Having had surgery out of town in the past, Tom knew
that he wanted to find a good local doctor and simplify the process.
“I did a little bit of inquiring around about who would be the right
person for the job,” Tom said.
Through some friends, Tom heard good reviews about
Dr. Stanford Israelsen, an orthopedic surgeon at
Powder River Orthopedics and Spine (PROS), a Campbell County Medical Group
clinic.
“I felt very confident I was in good hands,” Tom said. “It
was nice to know he was a sports-minded individual.”
In November 2017, Tom had a total hip replacement and started the recovery
process, which included physical therapy and a slow return to his exercise
routine. Today, Tom says he’s pain free and as active as ever, including
several competitive finishes in regional bike races.
Being in good physical shape prior to surgery is something that Dr. Israelsen
said helped to move Tom’s recovery along quickly.
“Tom has done exceptionally well,” Dr. Israelsen said. “What
helped him was coming into surgery in such good shape. He’s faster
than me on a bike, so I’d say recovery is going well.”
Deciding to have surgery is never an easy process, but Tom says he’s
more than pleased with his outcome and Dr. Israelsen’s abilities,
as well as his kindness toward his patients.
“I was really impressed with how personable he was,” Tom said.
“I was just really impressed with his bedside manner and his friendliness.”
And Tom is quick to share with others how great it is that there’s
such a quality surgeon like Dr. Israelsen in Gillette, Wyoming, making
it easy and convenient to have surgery right there in the community instead
of traveling elsewhere.
“We’ve got as good a surgeon here as anywhere,” Tom said.
“It’s nice to know if I had any problems after surgery I could
get help immediately from the people who worked on me.”
Expert Orthopedic & Spine Care In Gillette, Wyoming
Dr. Stanford Israelsen is a board-certified physician at
Powder River Orthopedics and Spine. The physicians at PROS take an innovative and comprehensive approach
to the treatment of acute and chronic orthopedic pain. Have your surgery
in our modern
operating rooms at
Campbell County Memorial Hospital or
Powder River Surgery Center.
See the PROS for:
- Foot and ankle surgery
- General orthopedic surgery
- Joint replacement surgery, including hip and knee
- Shoulder, elbow, and hand surgery
- Spine surgery, including minimally invasive procedures
- Sports medicine
For a consultation, call 307.686.1413 or visit
www.cchwyo.org/PROS.
Article written by Kim Phagan-Hansel, Wyoming freelance writer