A Second Shot at Restored Shoulders | John’s Story

After 38 years working in carpentry and construction, and several years as a Physical Education Instructor at Michigan Technological University, John DePuydt looked forward to dedicating the next chapter in his life to his favorite outdoor activities. After going through the loss of his wife and Michigan Tech Athletics Hall of Famer – Cheryl DePuydt, founder of Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, Cheerleading, and the MTU Skating Academy – to cancer in 2005, John felt happiest in the great outdoors.

Then, in May 2020, John tore his left rotator cuff and the pain once again kept him from his usual seasonal pastimes.

“I was unable to shoot, hunt, or fish the previous summer and fall. A whole season lost! It was terrible.”

-John DePuydt

At UP Health System – Portage, John began physical therapy to regain strength, but due to the extent of the damage and John’s prior surgery, this time he needed more intervention. He was referred to the team of orthopedic specialists at UP Health System – Portage. Dr. Aaron Leininger recommended a full reverse shoulder replacement for John’s left shoulder. A few weeks before surgery, while lifting a heavy box at the transfer station, John’s right shoulder gave way. After another trip to see Dr. Leininger and more physical therapy sessions, Dr. Leininger recommended the same surgery for both shoulders.

John was now facing a double full reverse shoulder replacement (also known as a full bilateral reverse shoulder surgery).

While in recovery after the first surgery, a longtime family friend, Barbara Roth, was in town and invited John to go fishing —something their families had always done together for many years. Barbara was living in LA and planning for her retirement when she decided to return to the Copper Country in October 2020 to see the fall colors, visit family, and catch up with old friends. Barbara and John hit it off and soon they were married —four days before John’s right full reverse shoulder replacement.

After enduring two shoulder surgeries, John was recovering better than he — or even his doctors — expected.

“I would attribute without a doubt my successful care and recovery to my orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Leininger.”

John aspired to return to his favorite outdoor activities, so he carefully followed the recommendations from his physical therapist, Katie Johnson, PT, DPT, MTC, at UP Health System – Portage.

“I originally was expected to have limited range of motion in my arms. I exceeded this expectation, and I’m now able to reach fully over my head and even behind my back with both arms,” said John. “One of the most important factors was the exercise program that Katie gave me to do at home. I faithfully did my exercises, which helped lead to a quicker recovery.” Now with two repaired shoulder joints, John is back to doing everything he loves with his wife Barb by his side.

The orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists at UP Health System – Portage are dedicated to helping patients recover and improve their quality of life with a comprehensive rehabilitative approach. As John has demonstrated, a successful recovery can happen when the patient is an active participant in their care. To learn more about the orthopedic program at UP Health System – Portage, visit www.PortageHealth.org/our-services/orthopedics.