Oscar Rodriguez

Oscar Rodriguez came to CAMTA from Tulcan, Ecuador.  Tulcan is a small city of roughly 50,000 in northern Ecuador; it is home to the most elaborate topiary garden in the New World.  Oscar found out about CAMTA through his friend, Umberto.  Umberto was a hip replacement patient with CAMTA a few years ago.  

Sussana Gaviria (Translator) and Oscar Rodriguez chat prior to consulting the doctors on clinic day.

The femoral head and hip joint were quite degenerated making mobility difficult and very painful for Oscar.

The femoral head on Oscar's right hip is very degenerated.

At 57 Oscar is a highly energetic grandfather and father of four children (aged 23 to 35).  Before his hip became too painful, he rode his bicycle 60 kilometers to and from his construction job to work 60 kilometers (each way) every day. 

Barb Moreau (left, Administration) offers Oscar some encouragement as he takes his first post-operative steps.  Oscar is supported by Barb Furler (Physiotherapist) in the background and Dr. Alex Gessner (Family Practice Physician).

Oscar was the last case of the day on Wednesday, and when he took his first steps on Thursday morning he was determined walk the hallway and climb the CAMTA stairs.  When he got out of bed, however, the test stairs were already in use.  Rather than being swayd from his plans, Oscar used the standard staircase.  Oscar proceeded to descend and then ascend two full flights of stairs before returning to his room.  A truly remarkable accomplishment!!