When the Right Care Makes All the Difference

Reclaiming an Active Life After Knee Replacement

Spoiler: this is a happy-ending story—full of hope and gratitude. But it wasn’t always like this for Chad Sage. A basketball injury in his early twenties was the catalyst for arthroscopic surgery that ended up removing Chad’s ACL. For a little more than a decade, his knee was “sloppy.”

Chad is an avid runner and hiker and needed a new ACL, which he received about 15 years ago. Despite deteriorating cartilage, he continued to run and hike until the pain increased and worsened.

“I felt like I was being held back from physical activity I wanted to do—and knew I could do—if it weren’t for my knee pain,” Chad said.

He was told by one doctor that he had the knee of a 70-year-old. Chad, in his late 40s, made up his mind last spring that he would schedule surgery for winter break 2025 to get the much-needed total knee replacement.

By chance, Chad’s wife was scheduled for a surgical procedure last fall with Island Orthopedics Surgeon Dr. Eric Secrist, and Chad accompanied her to the pre-op consultation.

At Chad’s first appointment, Dr. Secrist took 45 minutes explaining not only the procedure in detail, but also all of the research behind it and the recovery process. From that moment on, Chad says his experience was phenomenal.

“I really want to highlight the care I received from the get-go and thank the hardworking staff who usually don’t get accolades, especially nurses Michael and Kara,” Chad said.

The two of them, along with the rest of the surgical staff made his entire experience remarkable. From explaining the instruments on the operating table to the tender and hilarious post-op banter, the nurses bolstered Chad’s recovery journey.

Dr. Secrist was impressed with Chad’s determination and knew he would follow through with post-operative “homework.”

“My main goal was to make sure Chad could continue the active lifestyle he enjoys and deserves, and we talked about that,” Dr. Secrist said. “I want my patients to understand what will happen and go into surgery without fear or anxiety.”

Today, Chad is working hard in his physical therapy and recovering swimmingly. He credits both the Island Orthopedics team and the Island Health Physical Therapy team for pushing him just the right amount. He looks forward to returning to his role as an elementary assistant principal, and eventually getting back to running and hiking. And Dr. Secrist, meanwhile, looks forward to seeing photos of Chad enjoying all of his favorite activities.

Looking Ahead
Island Orthopedics currently offers a full range of sports medicine and surgical services covering both upper and lower extremities. Later this year, the clinic plans to add a spine surgeon, strengthening its orthopedic services and continuing to grow care options for our community.

To schedule an appointment with Island Orthopedics, visit islandhealth.org/ortho or call 360.299.4218.