Robert "Bob" Neesen 2016
If you couldn’t walk for almost two years, you might feel pretty helpless. Bob Neesen “never wanted to feel that way” about his situation. In April of 2013, Bob needed a total knee replacement surgery on each leg. Following the first knee replacement surgery, his doctors discovered an infection which ultimately postponed his second knee surgery. This was difficult for Bob. “I would see people on TV walking like it was nothing, it made me jealous as hell!” Bob finally had both knees operated on and he was ready to start his rehabilitation journey at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. First, Bob began tackling the challenge of standing. Once standing was accomplished, he moved on to walking. He recalls many inventive gadgets including a “tree-stand deal”, which was used to increase strength in his legs. With a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and all the recent changes to his body, Bob knew his house needed changes too. Bob and his dog, Duke, went to work! They worked on widening doorways and making other tools to make life easier. Bob recalls a contraption which allowed him to stay in his wheelchair inside yet still let Duke in and out of the backyard. You can see that Bob, and Duke, are a smart, creative pair. Today, Bob is back to “hunting, fishing, and goofing off!” He and Duke also enjoy walking outside and gardening. Bob also enjoys using the walking track and stationary bikes at Wimmer Wellness Center. Bob lives life to the fullest and hopes others will remember that “there is always someone who has it worse, just depends on how you deal with it!”
Bob has many people to thank for their help during his rehabilitation. Bob is amazed by his daughter, Kelly, and granddaughter Shelby. “They had busy lives of their own, but they still helped me keep everything going”. He is grateful for all the friends and neighbors who helped him get to his outpatient therapies at Wimmer Rehabilitation. Bob is also extremely thankful for the staff at St. Francis. “When I needed something, you were always there. You made this more than your job; you made this a friendship!” These ‘friends’ appreciate Bob’s ability to make us think creatively and his willingness to try anything set in front of him.
