Multidisciplinary approach, surgery gives grandfather gift of time with granddaughter

Jim Breitzman wanted to be an active part of his granddaughter Lainey’s life, but debilitating knee pain and a weight of over 400 pounds made it difficult. With support from the UW Health osteoarthritis program, he lost more than 170 pounds and became eligible for knee replacement surgery in 2024. The multidisciplinary team guided him through diet, exercise and pain management strategies tailored to his goals. Now, pain-free and mobile, Jim cherishes playing with Lainey and is excited to ride a bike again for the first time in years.