At AdventHealth Porter, patient-centered care is emphasized through attentive listening and individualized treatment plans. The experience of Bill Bormes, a horseman and business manager, illustrates the importance of this approach in orthopedic care.
Bormes suffered from worsening knee pain for years before deciding to undergo knee replacement surgery. Despite informing his previous surgical team about his allergies to nickel and cobalt, these metals were used in his implant. This oversight resulted in a severe allergic reaction that caused painful hives and led to a stroke. In the months after surgery, Bormes experienced additional strokes and ongoing leg pain. His knee implant was also improperly fitted, leaving him unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair with a full leg brace for nearly a year.
“It was a total nightmare. I couldn’t use my leg at all,” Bormes said. “I felt trapped and I didn’t know where to turn.”
Seeking better outcomes, Bormes turned to Dr. Doug Dennis at AdventHealth Colorado Joint Replacement Porter. From their first meeting, Bormes felt listened to and cared for by Dr. Dennis.
“He really listens to you,” Bormes said. “He knows that true healing involves trust and understanding between patient and doctor.”
Dr. Dennis addressed Bormes’s concerns by developing a treatment plan based on his needs and preferences.
“He was committed to helping me navigate a complete physical and emotional recovery,” Bormes said.
During revision surgery, Dr. Dennis used a titanium implant without glue to avoid triggering another allergic reaction. Six weeks after the procedure, Bormes reported no discomfort or complications, regained full movement in his knee, and could walk again.
“The surgery was flawless. The pain was gone. I could move. I could walk. Dr. Dennis gave me back my life,” he said.
Bormes later returned for replacement of his other knee with similar positive results: “Dr. Dennis encouraged me to trust my health team again, and I’m so glad that I did.”
AdventHealth Orlando is located in Orlando, Florida, has been operating since 1908, serves as both a pediatric facility and training hospital under the leadership of president Terry Shaw.
