Patient voices matter: the importance of attentive orthopedic care

At AdventHealth Porter, we prioritize your unique needs, listen to your concerns, and partner with you every step of the way.

The story of Bill Bormes, an accomplished horseman and business manager, highlights how individualized care, genuine listening, and trust between patient and doctor are essential to successful recovery, and the core of our patient care philosophy.

After years of worsening knee pain, Bill made the decision to undergo knee replacement surgery - hoping to regain mobility and reduce his discomfort. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the result. Despite sharing his known allergies to nickel and cobalt with his previous surgical team, these details were overlooked, and the metals were used in his implant.

The consequences were devastating. Bill experienced a severe allergic reaction, which led to painful hives and a stroke. In the months following the surgery, Bill suffered additional strokes and debilitating pain in his leg. Furthermore, his knee implant was not properly fitted and was too loose, leaving Bill unable to walk. He found himself confined to a wheelchair and wearing a full leg brace for almost a year. “It was a total nightmare. I couldn’t use my leg at all,” Bill recalls. “I felt trapped and I didn’t know where to turn.”

Determined to reclaim his life, Bill sought help from Dr. Doug Dennis at AdventHealth Colorado Joint Replacement Porter. From their first meeting, Bill felt genuinely heard and cared for. “He really listens to you,” Bill explains. “He knows that true healing involves trust and understanding between patient and doctor.”

Dr. Dennis validated Bill’s concerns, incorporated his preferences into the treatment plan, and prioritized attentive listening. This personalized, direct and compassionate approach not only restored Bill’s trust in his medical team but also ensured his care was safe and tailored to his needs. Bill explains, “He was committed to helping me navigate a complete physical and emotional recovery.”

On the day of Bill’s surgery, Dr. Dennis performed a revision knee replacement, choosing a titanium implant without glue to ensure Bill would not experience another allergic reaction. The result was nothing short of life-changing. Within six weeks, Bill experienced no discomfort, regained his full range of movement, and was free of complications. Bill adds, “The surgery was flawless. The pain was gone. I could move. I could walk. Dr. Dennis gave me back my life.”

Bill’s experience is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that patient-focused, personalized surgical care can have on an individual’s life. It’s why patients keep coming back to Colorado Joint Replacement for all their orthopedic needs.

This year, Bill returned to Dr. Dennis to replace his other knee. A few months following surgery, Bill is free of pain and regularly walks distances of 3 miles or more. He couldn’t be happier with the results, “Dr. Dennis encouraged me to trust my health team again, and I’m so glad that I did.”