Going for the Gold

Peter Fechheimer had one goal in mind.  The 75-year-old swimmer from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee wanted to be able to compete in the Senior Olympics in six weeks.  His physician, Dr. Philip Karpos, told him it was possible, if he was willing to put in the time for rehabilitation.
 
Peter could hardly walk on his left knee.  He had been putting off knee replacement surgery, but realized something needed to be done.  Dr. Karpos, a surgeon with the Joint Replacement Institute at Saint Thomas Health, fixed Peter's knee in the summer of 2013.  With the help of his wife and on the advice of Dr. Karpos, Peter stayed on top of his rehab and was ready to compete for the gold in the Senior Olympics.  Peter had lost a little speed, but still placed and qualified for the National Games in Cleveland, Ohio.  He brought home more hardware from Cleveland.  It was an incredible sense of accomplishment for Peter, who now swims regularly and goes hiking with his dog at a nearby park.  He's back to enjoying life with his new knee.  The only thing now is his left knee.  He's ready to have his left knee replaced, but he's up for the challenge because as he says, the alternative is no good.

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