At Slocum Orthopedics, we understand that staying active is not just about movement, it is about identity, purpose, and joy. For Bill Divens, a 72-year-old fishing guide, former chemist, and lifelong DIYer, wrist pain had begun to take all of that away.

A retired PhD chemist and former Silicon Valley manager, Bill now spends his days rowing drift boats, guiding fishing trips, and working on his home in Gold Beach, Oregon. But decades of physical labor, combined with a family history of arthritis, had taken a serious toll. “I could barely use a can opener, and I was in level 6 pain after filleting a few salmon. For someone like me, that’s not a life I could live.”

A Frustrating Start and a New Direction

After a disappointing consultation closer to home, where he was told to wear braces, take NSAIDs, and slow down, Bill began looking for options that aligned with his active lifestyle. That search led him to Dr. Jason Tavakolian here at Slocum. “That first visit with Dr. Tavakolian was night and day. He didn’t tell me to stop doing what I love. He listened.” Dr. Tavakolian reviewed the full range of surgical options with Bill, including joint replacement and total wrist fusion. Each came with limitations that did not fit Bill’s goals. When Bill asked about wrist denervation, Dr. Tavakolian gave an honest, balanced answer.

“He told me it was a straightforward procedure, but not a guaranteed solution, and that he wouldn’t try to sell me on it.” Together, they agreed that wrist denervation, a minimally invasive surgery that interrupts pain signals from arthritic joints, was the right path forward. To minimize travel, since Bill faced a nine-hour round trip, both wrists were treated in a single procedure.

Just two months after surgery, Bill is back to doing what he loves. “I’ve got about 20 percent of the pain I used to have. I can row my drift boat, swing a hammer, and prep a full catch of salmon. With NSAIDs, the pain is basically gone.” Recovery was smooth, and follow-up care was handled through telehealth, allowing Bill to avoid another long trip. “That level of thoughtfulness made a huge difference. It was a five-star experience.”

While wrist denervation specifically may not be right for every patient, it was the ideal fit for Bill. It helped him stay active, independent, and on the water. “My experience with Dr. Tavakolian and Slocum was an amazing five star experience.”

Keeping You Moving, Your Way

At Slocum, we believe every patient deserves care that is tailored to their goals. For some, that means getting back on the trail. For others, it means getting back to the river.

If joint pain is keeping you from the life you love, our team is here to help you explore the right options and return to the activities that matter most.