Words of wisdom fell on deaf ears

“For years my doctor told me to get the weight off and I just didn’t listen.  I figured a pill could take care of whatever was wrong,” says Denise Rewitz. “Today, 80 pounds less, I wish I would have listened.”

Osteoarthritis and years of carrying extra weight added up to a total knee replacement for Denise.  As a result of a surgery complication, additional recovery time was needed for a femur fracture to heal.

“I was really depressed.  I lost so much independence and had to rely on my family for the simplest tasks.  Plus, I just kept blaming myself for not taking better care of my health.”

Denise ended up DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) where she says therapists brought her back from the dark side, mentally and physically.  “They’re always so positive and inspiring, they really changed my attitude, plus they got me up out of my wheelchair and moving.” 

A few months later, osteoarthritis caused Denise to have a total hip replacement.  She knew there was only one place to rehab, RIM.

“Before my hip surgery, I had an ah-ha moment.  I needed a dramatic lifestyle change if I was going to enjoy the rest of my life.”  Today, she’s completely changed her diet and works out five or six days a week.  At 62 years old, she’s thinner and healthier than she’s been in years.

“I always blamed my weight on getting older. Without the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s intervention, I would never have made these lifestyle changes.  I can’t thank them enough, especially since we have a grandchild on the way.  Now, I’ll be able to keep up and enjoy my time as a grandmother.