Yvonne Angerer

Yvonne Angerer of Jefferson City, Mo., has had both knees replaced -- her right one by another surgeon in 2003, and her left one by Dr. Bal in 2007. She told us her story:

"My name is Yvonne Angerer, age 71, and I have enjoyed an active life and endless energy. I retired at 65. My husband and I love gardening, traveling and being with our family and two very young and dear grandsons.

"I want to share my experience of having Dr. Bal and his team replace my knee on January 24, 2007. Like most any patient about to undergo major surgery, I was a bit apprehensive about the whole process. I had a previous knee replacement by another surgeon with severe complications. It was a difficult battle to overcome a streptococcus bone infection and then having the knee again replaced – this took a year to fully recover. After that year I dealt with the other knee becoming very painful when using steps. Instead of an active life, I cautiously chose activities because of the pain.

"It took me two more years to choose to have another knee surgery – I was terrified of getting another infection. I was going to get three consults with Orthopaedic surgeons. However, from the moment that I arrived for a consultation with Dr. Bal, I knew then that I wanted him to replace my knee and the other consults were unnecessary. He explained the new approach to knee surgery – he uses the new gender-specific knee replacement and does not cut through the muscles. My leg looks normal with a small incision line, and I have not lost any nerve sensation. The knee he replaced feels better than my other leg. This makes life beautiful, gardening and traveling again most enjoyable. This has really rejuvenated my life and my family's. I didn’t realize how much not being able to do steps, walking not always easy and being tired so much had really depressed me. This is all in the past now.

"He and his staff treated me so very thoughtfully and courteously that I was immediately put at ease. I felt I had made one of the best decisions in my life. His staff is one of the finest I have experienced with previous surgeries. I was expertly attended to, but more importantly, I felt that each individual cared about me and their role in the surgery.

"Dr. Bal is fantastic and the only doctor I know who encourages you to e-mail him when you have questions. Questions were immediately answered. I truly appreciated this accommodation.

"I was simply delighted to be feeling so well after major surgery – walking unaided in two weeks post-surgery and being able to do steps without pain. I stopped in-home care early, as I was doing so well. In only two months I came from zero to 100% full use of my new knee replacement. I know that I would not be feeling so well but for Dr. Bal and his staff's expertise – they are a most effective and professional team. In my experience with health care, he and his team are unequaled.

"I would like to stress that your health and recovery doesn’t stop when you have the best doctor for your surgery. It is my experience that a commitment to PT exercises and other exercising continues after you are walking well. Water aerobics has been my favorite exercise for years – so easy on the joints.

"I thank Dr. Bal for returning me to better health – and to a better life! I now have a new beginning to an active life. I feel privileged to have been and to continue to be in his care. My life has been blessed by his skills. He can count on my being his unofficial goodwill ambassador. I would be pleased to speak to anyone who is hesitant about knee replacement surgery."

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