Eddie couldn’t bend his new knee for years: ‘I’m living proof that there are still possibilities’

After he received a knee prosthesis, Eddie Meulendijks could no longer bend his knee. He seemed to have finished treatment, but once in the Sint Maartenskliniek he could still be helped. That changed his life. “Now I can ride my bike again and take care of my fish.”

The Sint Maartens Clinic specializes in so-called knee and hip revisions, in which an old prosthesis is replaced by a new prosthesis. These operations are very complex, but in many cases they can ensure that the prosthesis complaints disappear after all. Due to their great expertise, the Sint Maartenskliniek can possibly mean even more than its own doctor. This happened to Eddie. After a lot of pain, he can practice his greatest hobby again: taking care of his eighteen Japanese Koi carp.

Do you also have complaints about a prosthesis, or do you know someone who does? And are you curious if something can be done about it, just like with Eddie? Do the self-check beforehand knee prosthesis complaints and for hip prosthesis complaints or read what the Sint Maartenskliniek can do for you.

Eddie with his greatest hobby | Photo: Sint Maartenskliniek

Knee prosthesis complaints

In 2019 Eddie got a knee replacement because his right knee was worn out. After that, the problems quickly started. “In the beginning I had a lot of pain, but after four weeks it got better. There was just another problem: I couldn’t bend my knee anymore.” Eddie’s knee “stuck” at seventy degrees, he says. “While sitting, my leg ‘dangled’ somewhere in the air, straight ahead.”

second opinion

During another operation, Eddie’s knee was completely bent, but without success. “The doctor said there was nothing he could do. Terrible: although I had no pain, I did have a knee that was always stiff.” It seemed like the end of the matter, but there was still one possibility that could turn the tide. The doctor suggested one second opinion in the Sint Maartenskliniek. “I understood that the doctors there specialize in complex knee problems. I would grab anything anyway – if only I could pick up my life again.”

Ample time

His feeling about the Sint Maartenskliniek, and in particular about Dr. Smolders, was immediately good. “She really took the time for me and listened to my story. I was there for half an hour. I found her so human. And more importantly, she took me seriously.” Eddie first had exploratory surgery to see if there might be any scar tissue in the way. That turned out to be the case and during the procedure it is largely removed. “After that operation I was able to bend my knee again for the most part!”

Eddie is overjoyed to be able to ride a bike again | Photo: Sint Maartenskliniek

Move immediately

Unfortunately, Eddie’s knee still remained partly stiff, so doctor Smolders decided to replace his knee prosthesis. The time had come in September 2022, three years after the complaints started. “After the operation I was given medication so that I did not feel any pain. Doctor Smolders immediately wanted me to move my knee. After an hour and a half I already had to sit in a special bending machine, walk and cycle. It worked! It was exciting when the medication stopped after two days: what if I got pain? Fortunately that was not the case. I was so happy!”

Still possibilities

Eddie is doing well now. “My knee is already bending 110 degrees! Daily activities are also going well for me. I’m cycling again and can walk our dog. But the best part is that I can take care of my fish again without any obstacles. My knee is no longer in the way. I am so happy that I ended up in the Sint Maartenskliniek. It really changed my life.”

Knowing more?

Do you have someone in your area who has been walking around with similar complaints for a long time? Then it is certainly worthwhile to see what the Sint Maartenskliniek can do for you. Sometimes a physiotherapist or your own doctor cannot solve it, but there is still a way out. Do the self-check for complaints about a knee prosthesis or a hip prosthesis to see what you can do in your situation.

The clinic has locations in Woerden, Nijmegen and Boxmeer and is therefore easily accessible from every corner of the country. Your GP can help you with a referral. You can read on the website of the Sint Maartenskliniek all about denture complaints and what the possibilities are.

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