Grant Regional | aspire to live well | Winter 2022

would be the toughest part,” Josh ex- plains. “But actually, it was the recovery. Staying off my feet all summer long and being away from work was the hardest thing in the world for me. My restrictions included being off work for months, no weight-bearing activities and to get around with crutches. But Dr. Binsfeld suggested right away I contact Grant County Health Department for a knee scooter. That was the best advice ever! “From there I was referred for physi- cal therapy in the Rehab department at Grant Regional. I felt like I was learning to walk all over again. When the cast came off, I could barely stand on one foot. I had already lost so much muscle in my right leg in just those six to eight weeks following surgery. I couldn’t believe how weak I was from being inactive. It took its toll on me physically, but I’ll admit it was extremely difficult for me emotionally too. I really got down thinking about all the things I was missing out on doing, and it’s frustrating when you can’t do what you normally do. Usually, my family camps and are very busy all summer long. We tried to still do a few trips, and one trip in particular to Yogi Bear campground, I tried to go back to normal and put my foot in the pool with a ‘waterproof’ bag. Let’s just say it didn’t go well and my wife was not happy with my attempt to stay cool with the kids. Lesson learned—you can’t trust a waterproof swim bag.” Physical therapy was not easy, but Josh saw it as very necessary to get back to normal. He says he was lucky to work with Amy Roach, PT, and Tonya Schlueter, PTA, who encouraged him at each visit to work on his strength and flexibility and to stay positive even when it wasn’t easy. “After six weeks of therapy, I was released to go back to work with light- duty restrictions—no ladders, no roofs and no climbing,” Josh says with a smile. “That takes all the fun out of my job!” Now, more than eight months after his injury, Josh says, “I am still not 100%, but with home exercise to increase range of motion and strength, I’m working my way back. I am very grateful to my family, friends and co-workers for all their help and support during my recovery. And I’m especially grateful to Grant Regional and their excellent staff for the amazing care I received. I describe my care as a 5 out of 5!” Josh recalls experiencing the same excellent care in 2019 when he was hospitalized for five days for an illness. “I hadn’t been in the new expansion prior to my hospital stay, and I couldn’t get over how nice it was,” he says. “We are very lucky to have this top-notch fa- cility in our area. I’m grateful we have a hospital so close to where we live, and I’m confident we will receive the same amazing care in the future if anyone in my family should ever need it.” Josh’s daughter, Charlie, entered a drawing in Grant Regional’s color- ing contest in November 2021 for National Rural Health Day. She appreciated how Grant Regional took excellent care of her dad! Nate Stocco, PA-C Brad Binsfeld, DO 5 WINTER 2022