A Second Chance at Life

"I can’t put into words how happy I am not to have pain."

Thirty-two years ago, Jeff Heidland ruptured the ACL in his knee playing high school football for the Bixby Spartans. He had surgery, and his knee worked fine for over three decades. Then early this year while working at his family’s business, Dunning Photo Equipment in Bixby, a machine fell on him and bent his knee completely backwards. “A lump the size of a golf ball – and eventually the size of a pool ball – began to grow under my skin. I was walking stiff-legged and in constant pain,” says Jeff. “I tried everything – medications, supplements, home remedies, hot baths. Nothing worked. I was taking more and more pain meds and sleeping only in 15-minute increments, but I thought I could deal with it.”

On Mother’s Day, Jeff asked his mom what she wanted for her special day. Wanda Dunning’s only wish was for her son to see a doctor about his knee; Jeff had no choice but to get over his pride and seek medical attention. Jeff’s primary care physician told him news he didn’t want to hear: he needed to see a specialist about having surgery. Reluctantly Jeff visited three orthopedic surgeons, one of whom was Dr. Ronald S. LaButti of Central States Orthopedic Specialists. “I had done research on total knee replacement, and it was scary! I asked Dr. LaButti, ‘Can you do this?’ He looked me right in the eyes and said, ‘I can do this.’ So I decided to go for it, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Jeff’s surgery took place on the 15th of May. “I was on crutches for one day and I could walk. Then I started physical therapy.”

The road to recovery is full of baby steps. “It wasn’t easy, but little by little the pain went away. At the end, I couldn’t believe I had waited so long,” says Jeff. “Before the surgery, everything I did was based on how far the parking was and if a lot of walking was required. I was so depressed. I’m a boater, and it’s tough to walk on a boat with a bad knee. I can’t put into words how happy I am not to have pain. Dr. LaButti is like Santa Claus to me. He gave me my life back.”

Jeff and his wife of 19 years, Karen, have been taking advantage of his new pain-free lifestyle. They finished the summer on their boat and recently went to two concerts in a weekend. “At one of the concerts I saw someone I could tell was going through the same pain I went through. I walked up to him and started a conversation, telling him about my experience. Everyone is right when they say, ‘Don’t wait.’ It takes a lot of guts to have a knee replacement, but it’s more than worth it. If someone is looking to change their life, Dr. LaButti is the one to go to. He is confident, experienced and straightforward. I have nothing but gratitude for him.”   

Dr. Ronald LaButti is fellowship trained in joint replacement and reconstruction. If Jeff Heidland’s story sounds familiar to your own, make an appointment with Dr. LaButti by calling (918) 481-2767, or go online to  www.hipandkneedoc.com for more information. 

For more information, contact

Dr. Ronald S. LaButti

Central States Orthopedic Specialists

6585 S. Yale Ave.,

Suite 200, Tulsa

(918) 481-2767

www.hipandkneedoc.com