Barbara Wade, a 76-year-old Reedsport native, had been a commercial fisher and sailor for 30 years when debilitating osteoarthritis pain in both shoulders left her unable to even lift a dish off her counter. Faced with the threat of losing her independence, Barbara decided to seek medical help.

After one doctor told her nothing could be done for her advanced condition, Barbara reached out to an orthopedic expert at Slocum Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, arthroscopic surgeon Dr. Rudolf Hoellrich. Not only was Dr. Hoellrich able to help Barbara reclaim her independence, but his intervention and treatment helped Barbara cross a memorable journey off her bucket list as well.

After careful consideration, Barbara and Dr. Hoellrich decided surgery was the best option to treat her specific ailments. In the summer of 2011, Dr. Hoellrich performed two total shoulder replacements, one on each shoulder, just months apart, effectively ridding Barbara of pain and restoring her active lifestyle.

Today, Barbara is free from the restrictions of debilitating pain and recently sailed to Panama, jumping in and out of 40 boats with no pain. “I never thought I would be able to do these things again,” said Barbara. “And at 76 years old, it’s very exciting.”