Celebrating Dr. Jamie Lynch – A 2024 Women Leader in Medicine

Dr. Jamie Lynch with her PA, Raynelle, after receiving the 2024 Women Leader in Medicine award.

At TruOrtho, we're thrilled to share that our very own Dr. Jamie Lynch has been honored as a 2024 Women Leader in Medicine by the Bexar County Medical Society (BCMS)! This prestigious award is a testament to Dr. Lynch’s unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and impactful contributions to the field of medicine.

Dr. Lynch, a highly respected orthopaedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and sports medicine, has continually demonstrated her passion for providing exceptional care to her patients. Her commitment to improving the lives of her patients and advancing medical knowledge is truly inspiring, making her a standout leader in our community.

The recognition from BCMS is not just an award; it’s a reflection of Dr. Lynch’s relentless pursuit of excellence and her genuine compassion for those she serves. As a role model and mentor to many, Dr. Lynch embodies what it means to be a true leader in medicine, breaking barriers and setting new standards for quality care.

We had the pleasure of capturing a few special moments of Dr. Lynch accepting her award, surrounded by colleagues, friends, and supporters who have witnessed her remarkable journey.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lynch on this well-deserved honor! We are incredibly proud to have such a talented and compassionate surgeon as part of the TruOrtho family.

If you'd like to learn more about Dr. Lynch’s journey or schedule an appointment, visit www.tru-ortho.com today.

Transformative Triumph: Christina's Path to Total Right Knee Replacement

At TruOrtho, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional care and transformative experiences for our patients. Christina Davis's journey is a testament to our commitment to quality and compassion. After suffering from knee pain for over four decades, Christina underwent a total right knee replacement with Dr. Amanda Marshall-Rodriguez. Here’s her inspiring story.

The Decision to Undergo Surgery

Christina's knee troubles began at 18 after surgery for chondromalacia of the right patella. Despite the surgery, her knee never fully recovered, leading her to avoid sports and other activities for most of her life. Persistent inflammation and pain limited her mobility, despite years of physical therapy. In 2018, a severe meniscus tear exacerbated her condition. By 2023, the pain had become unbearable, prompting Christina to explore surgical options.

After researching various surgeons, Christina decided on Dr. Amanda Marshall-Rodriguez at TruOrtho. "During my first appointment with her, I knew I was right," Christina shared. Dr. Marshall-Rodriguez's thorough review of her medical history, comprehensive examination, and clear communication instilled confidence.

Preparing for Surgery

Dr. Marshall-Rodriguez and the TruOrtho team ensured Christina was well-prepared for her surgery. Christina appreciated the detailed consultations and preoperative care, which included new X-rays, physical examinations, and measurements. The team scheduled her surgery and provided a clear financial estimate, easing her concerns.

The Surgery and Immediate Recovery

Christina's surgery was a success. "My surgery was Monday morning, I left the hospital at noon on Tuesday with a cane," she recalled. The support from the TruOrtho team and her caregiver, Sara, was invaluable during the initial recovery phase. Sara, a dear friend, helped Christina navigate the first few days post-surgery. Christina's quick return to her daily activities, including visits to the local senior center, was crucial for her physical and mental well-being.

The Recovery Journey

Recovery brought its challenges, including pain and the need for assistance, but Christina remained positive. She highlighted the importance of staying active, engaging with her community, and following her physical therapy regimen. "I feel like I have my very own Justice League team," she said, expressing gratitude to Dr. Marshall-Rodriguez, the TruOrtho team, and her physical therapist, Dr. Anthony Pavlich at Airrosti.

Christina’s brother, Ben, played a vital role in her recovery. He organized her home for optimal recovery, setting up extension cords and power strips to safely charge her devices and medical equipment. He even taped down the cords to prevent tripping and ensured everything was within easy reach.

Life After Surgery

Christina's life has significantly improved since the surgery. "I now know that my knee will be so much better than it has been since I was 18," she said. At just under four weeks post-surgery, Christina was already riding a recumbent bike at the gym, an activity she was previously told she would never be able to do. She looks forward to playing pickleball, a new possibility thanks to her successful surgery.

Words of Wisdom

Christina's advice to others considering knee replacement is straightforward: "Don't put knee replacement off. There is no fear here. None." She emphasizes the importance of early intervention to improve quality of life and overall health.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Christina shared several practical tips for others undergoing knee replacement surgery:

1. Prepare at Home: Have all prescriptions filled in advance and organize medications clearly. Use a weekly pill organizer and label medications with both their generic and brand names.

2. Healthy Eating: Stock up on healthy frozen meals and snacks to make post-surgery life easier. "Meal Simple" meals from HEB were particularly helpful for Christina.

3. Ice Hydration Unit: Use small frozen water bottles to keep your ice hydration unit effective. Prepare multiple sets of bottles to easily switch out melted ones.

4. CPM Machine: Utilize the Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine to aid recovery. Start at 90 degrees and gradually increase to 120 degrees before sleep.

5. Stay Active: Get out of the house and engage with your community to maintain physical and mental health. Visits to the senior center helped Christina stay positive.

6. Do the Exercises: Follow your physical therapist’s exercises to gain strength and mobility. Consistency is key to a successful recovery.

7. Use a Grabber: A grabber tool can be very helpful for picking up items from the floor without straining your knee.

8. Organize Your Space: Ensure all necessary items are within easy reach, and keep cords safely out of walking paths to prevent tripping.

9. Manage Pain: Understand that recovery pain is different from pre-surgery pain. It's a sign of healing. Stay on top of your pain management plan as prescribed.

10. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or neighbors. Emotional support is crucial during recovery.

Final Thoughts

Christina’s journey underscores the transformative power of expert care and patient dedication. Her story inspires others to take proactive steps toward better health and reminds us of the profound impact of a caring medical team. At TruOrtho, we celebrate Christina's achievements and remain committed to supporting all our patients on their path to recovery.

If you are experiencing similar issues and are considering knee replacement surgery or any other orthopedic procedure, we encourage you to contact TruOrtho. Our dedicated team is here to provide the best possible care and help you regain your quality of life.

From Pain to Power: Rhonda's Shoulder Surgery Success Story

Meet Rhonda, a resilient individual who refused to let shoulder issues hold her back. In this inspiring journey, Rhonda shares her experience with Dr. Jamie L. Lynch at TruOrtho, detailing the challenges she faced, the decisions that led her to shoulder surgery, and the remarkable transformation she underwent post-procedure.

Which procedure did you undergo, and who was your attending physician?

The incredible Dr. Lynch was my doctor, we did a right shoulder generalized multi directional instability with secondary impingement syndrome, biceps tendinosis, scapular dyskinesis” if you want the specific terms, but for the rest of us she took a Bovine Achilles Tendon and used it to reinforce the part that was fraying. I believe it has since dissolved…she also corrected my labrum which was just hanging there, provided zero support, moved my bicep tendon, and cleaned up bone spurs.

What factors led to your decision to undergo surgery?

Since high school, I’d been told I have incredible weak shoulders, they said no muscle was there to hold them in place. So I navigated that through school, then many years later when I started trying to work out again I realized how loose my shoulders were. I could do the rower perfectly fine and often placed in the top 3 of my gym, however anything overhead, like snatches, butterflys, or weight bearing like burpees, I would have to be extremely cautious to not cause pain or the joint to slip.

I played softball on a rec team at work and swung the bat and felt my shoulder slip, which did happen from time to time, but I could always roll it back into place and carry on with a bit of pain. So as it continued to get worse, and I was working out more I went to a doctor in town who said the tear was so small there was nothing to be done. It has been explained that it was more like fraying/thinning of the labrum more than an actual tear. So we did a shot and he told me to keep doing what I’m doing.

Well, 6 months later the shot wore off and I went back and he said we could do another shot and PT (physical therapy) but still there was nothing to be done and suggested maybe it was time to stop working out…. I was 33-34 yrs old.

I thought that advice was ridiculous so I talked to my coach and she recommended Dr. Lynch. Dr Lynch listened to me and my concerns. We did about 9 months of PT with two different facilities, and then we agreed we weren’t seeing the process we’d hope for so the next step was surgery. 

Could you share your experience leading up to the procedure, including consultations and preparations?

Dr. Lynch was very clear that she would want to do everything possible first before turning to surgery, which as a mom of 2, I appreciated. I started first with a great PT, Hunter at Foundations. He was great also listened and was very attentive. After a while Dr. Lynch switched me to see Emily at Apex, said she is the best shoulder PT around, and she really was incredible. We did see great progress…but still not what we wanted. 

Leading up to the surgery, Dr. Lynch was clear on recovery and her plan. She said she had 4 potential options, and would decide when she got in there to see the damage what was best needed. She did all 4! I was so nervous she would get in there and still not see much if any damage, so the fact she was able to make so many adjustments meant so much to me! 

What was your pain level and mobility like before the surgery?

I wasn’t in constant pain, however sleeping was very rough, about once an hour I would wake up with my arms above my head unable to bring my right down, so my left hand would grab my right wrist to bring it down to my waist and on and on this went every night. I did many modified exercises at the gym as to not further injure it, but certain movements would give me a jolt of pain.

Can you describe your recovery journey, highlighting any challenges or significant milestones?

Rhonda showcases her recovery journey.

Recovery was rough, I can’t lie. The first 48 hours I wasn’t sure if the pain was worth it, but from then on it got better and better. Even though Dr. Lynch explained a 6 month recovery very clearly, around month 3 and 4, I came to her incredibly frustrated and pretty low. She would listen to me and tell me to trust the process. She modified some of the initial plans like the time of wearing the sling was cut down by about 3 weeks she was insistent that I move my arm. Because of my age, and hopes of getting back to the gym, we needed to loosen up my shoulder, so through lots of PT and time once I hit that 6 month mark I really did feel like a new person. She was right! 

How has your life improved since the surgery? Are there activities you can now enjoy that were once challenging due to pain or limited mobility?

I can do so much! Sometimes I get concerned I cannot do something, but it’s just a mindset and relearning. I was just used to be so cautious for so long, I’ve learned to trust my shoulder again. Next weekend I’m competing in a Hyrox competition in Houston! 

What advice or words of encouragement would you offer to others considering similar procedures?

Trust your body, and advocate for yourself. Talk to your doctor and make sure their goals are aligned with yours and realistic. When going through the recovery- it sucks. Just embrace the suck. Know that it WILL pass, and it WILL get better. You’ll be AMAZED at all you can do. 

Rhonda with her friend and teammate, Veronica at the Hyrox competition.

Rhonda's story is a testament to the transformative power of orthopaedic surgery and the unwavering support of compassionate healthcare professionals like Dr. Lynch at TruOrtho. As Rhonda continues to thrive and pursue her passions, her journey inspires us to overcome obstacles and embrace the limitless potential within us.

If you're experiencing similar challenges or discomfort, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 210-878-4116. Our team is here to provide personalized care and support, guiding you towards a path of recovery and renewed vitality. Take the first step towards a pain-free -life today by contacting TruOrtho.