We are pleased to announce that Dr. Brent Damer has been selected as Medical Honoree for the Arthritis Foundation Bone Bash fundraiser on October 12! At this event, community leaders, medical professionals, arthritis patients and more will come together to support the Arthritis Foundation’s mission of boldly pursuing a cure for arthritis while spotlighting several honorees.
To select a medical honoree, we asked our patients to help us identify a surgeon who has made a significant impact in their life by reducing or eliminating their arthritis pain. We were overwhelmed by the hundreds of responses detailing successful results and how they’ve been able to live a pain-free life after treatment. While there was outpouring love for all our surgeons, Dr. Damer received numerous accolades for his expertise, bedside manner and innovation, which is why he’s this year’s honoree.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition and proud to support the Arthritis Foundation,” Dr. Damer said. “When a patient presents with arthritis pain, it’s evident how the pain negatively affects so many aspects of their life. I feel a strong obligation to pursue treatment options that allow a patient to enjoy a pain-free or nearly pain-free life. Partnering with the Arthritis Foundation to help them advance these kinds of life-changing treatments is an important aspect of helping people with arthritis live life to its fullest.”
With over 15 years’ experience in treating arthritis, Dr. Damer is passionate about getting the best outcomes for his patients, which is why he is a huge proponent of utilizing Mako SmartRobotics™ for hip and knee replacement surgeries. Being the first orthopedic practice in the region to utilize Mako robotic technology, today CIO surgeons have access to four robots in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
“With Mako, my patients are able to have a more predictable experience when undergoing joint replacement surgery,” Dr. Damer said. “Before surgery, a CT scan is captured so I can know more about my patient’s unique anatomy and create a personalized surgical plan. While I’m in full control during surgery, the robot guides my cuts to follow precisely what was planned, protecting the patient’s healthy tissue, which tends to lead to less pain and quicker recovery.”
With so many people affected by arthritis, technologies like Mako that make recovery swifter and easier are increasingly important. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 78 million Americans are projected to have osteoarthritis by the year 2040, so there’s a good chance that you or someone you know could be affected. Be encouraged that there are resources to help throughout the journey, and know that from the Arthritis Foundation to doctors at CIO, we are here to help. Below are some of our favorite testimonials from patients who conquered arthritis pain. Thank you to everyone who nominated our surgeons and inspired others who are currently on their journey to becoming pain-free.
“Dr. Damer knew the workings of the Mako assisted robot. Very skillfully done surgery. Very fast recovery. One knee replaced in April. Was line dancing 7 weeks after surgery. No pain, perfect. Second knee done in Sept. Same results, perfect. Have friends that did not use CIO, they are still recovering. One follow-up coming next month and can’t wait to see Dr. Damer to show off. Thank you everybody at CIO.” – Patient Review
“After suffering several years with pain and limited movement, I finally chose to have shoulder replacement surgery. Dr. Baessler was wonderful from the very first visit. Now I am pain-free and shoulder mobility is excellent!” – Patient Review
“Dr. Martin just did a total hip replacement on my left hip. Prior to surgery I had been using a crutch to walk due to the pain. I am still in the healing process, but have not had any pain in my hip. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and cares about his patients.” – Patient Review
“I had multiple different surgeons in multiple states tell me that the arthritis in my ankle was severe enough to need an ankle replacement, but none were willing to do one on a 29 yr old. Dr. Herbst was willing to try removing the hardware and fix the bone spurs. A few years later, I was back in chronic pain. Dr Herbst changed my life. He not only gave me the ankle replacement no other doctor was willing to give me, he was one of the doctors who created the new joint allowing for more young people to be able to get the replacement they need. He gave me my quality of life back.” – Patient Review
“I’m very healthy for my age, but my arthritis in both shoulders was debilitating and very painful. I have a new right shoulder with no pain and currently getting shots in my left shoulder. I plan to get that replaced by the end of the year, I’ve sent Dr. Badman 5 new patients in the last 2 years. Each and every one of them would rate him as one of the best shoulder physicians in the Midwest!” – Patient Review
“Dr. Waterman provided me with several option for my shoulder pain, shared lots of exercises I could do in my home and referred me for some needed Physical Therapy.” – Patient Review
“I’ve had 2 previous joint replacements, but they in no way measured up to Dr. Jaggers.” – Patient Review
“From barely able to walk without pain and much effort to now, at 82 years old, working hours in my wood shop and coming and going like a young man, Dr. Surtani in the last five years performed total knee replacement on both knees.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Salsbury did back-to-back total knee replacements for me this summer. Both knees are pain-free and rock-solid. I can now walk as far as I want and stairs are no trouble. My wife and I are back to traveling in our retirement.” – Patient Review
“I had severe left shoulder damage and Dr. Jerman performed a shoulder implant surgery just 6 weeks ago. I have about 90 percent movement back already, never needed pain meds and absolutely feel it was a fantastic surgery.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Lyon took a completely damaged ankle due to a bad car accident plus a previous surgeon’s missed break diagnosis on that ankle due to the damage and made me whole again!! I’m an avid ultra-runner, so he knew the importance of getting me back to active again. He had to perform two surgeries in order to fix everything. My first surgery with him he cleaned out a ton of post-traumatic arthritis. When it came time for the second surgery, there was minimal arthritis due to his care! He took great care in making sure the arthritis would be a minimum so I could run relatively pain-free for a long time! His balance of keeping me running with prioritizing my overall long-term health was incredible. I can’t thank him and recommend him enough!” – Patient Review
“I had surgery on right thumb. Joint eaten up by arthritis. Excellent surgery. Still recovering but am in so much less pain. Dr. Chen is very compassionate and treats me like he really cares.” – Patient Review
“I was in a wheelchair and thought I was having knee problems on my first appointment with Dr. Cieply. He told me I needed two total hip replacements. He explained everything and replaced both of my hips. He’s an excellent surgeon and a compassionate doctor. And, I’m out of the wheelchair!” – Patient Review
“I had suffered severe back pain for several years. I had tried almost every remedy under the sun until Dr. Tekula finally performed a miraculous back surgery on 2013. 7 1/2-hour surgery and a success. No more pain pills, which I became addicted to, and no more pain. I can truly say she saved my life and my marriage. I cannot thank her enough for what she has done and I am forever grateful for having my life back. Thank you, Dr. Tekula, you are a savior in my book.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Cook and his staff are professionals. The whole experience is top notch, from start to the finish, it runs like a well-oiled machine. They were courteous and made me feel like I was their only patient that day. They even checked up on me the next day to see how I was doing. I highly recommend them.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Camilleri is an amazing surgeon. He helped me when other surgeons were failing to do so. He has a very upbeat attitude, and knows how to make people laugh in stressful situations, and is there to answer any questions you have at any time. I have now been to him with 2 different cases, and he has been amazing with both. I would recommend him to anyone time and time again. He is not only an amazing surgeon, but also an amazing person.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Duncan preformed 3 surgeries on me. 2 neck surgeries and 1 hand carpal tunnel. All of these were very successful and helped me overcome a painful situation.” – Patient Review
“Dr. Chae replaced my left shoulder, was a very good experience and he did a wonderful job could not have been more pleased with the outcome. He very easy to talk to, and very thorough at explaining everything that he was going to do and what to expect. Would highly recommended him.” – Patient Review
“I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 25 years, and the very first joint that I experienced pain in was my left knee. Over the years, I have struggled with the pain to the point in which two years ago I could no longer enjoy walks, pickleball, or traveling with my friends and family. Dr. Kay helped me by giving me a full knee replacement. He was friendly, empathetic, knowledgeable, and shared his own story of having his knees replaced. Within two months of the surgery, I was out walking my four miles a day and playing pickleball. I am so thankful for his expertise. I know at some point I am going to have to have my other knee replaced, and I am confident that Dr. Kay will be able to help me again.” – Patient Review