After nearly two decades of chronic pain, pain management, and reliance on medication, Lisa found life-changing relief through a minimally invasive peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) and today, medication is no longer part of her daily life.

For much of her adult life, Lisa lived with chronic knee pain that steadily took a toll on her mobility, independence, and quality of life. In her 20s, she learned she had significant cartilage loss in both knees. Hoping to delay a partial or total knee replacement at such a young age, she underwent a tibial osteotomy on both legs. But lasting relief never came.

Instead, the years that followed were marked by persistent pain, limited mobility, and an increasing dependence on prescription medication. By her 50s, Lisa needed her first total knee replacement. As a realtor and associate broker whose work required constant movement—from walking properties to climbing stairs—she pushed through the pain as best she could. Still, everyday life was becoming harder to manage. 

Lisa longed to once again go on hikes and get back to the gym to lift weights. The pain was not only physically exhausting, but emotionally draining as well. Instead, the pain had become a constant presence; physically exhausting, emotionally draining, and increasingly discouraging.

A few years after her first knee replacement, Lisa needed a second total knee replacement on her other knee. Although the surgery initially helped, the relief did not last. Before long, persistent discomfort and limited mobility once again made even routine activities a challenge.

Repeat X-rays showed she did not need revision surgery, but that only deepened her frustration. She was still hurting, still relying on pain medication, and still searching for answers. 

The medications left her feeling foggy and unsteady, and after so many years of procedures, appointments, and pain management, it began to feel as though this was simply the way life would be. At one point, one of her doctors compared her to “an old man on the porch complaining of war wounds.” 

Everything changed when Lisa was referred to Dr. Yehuda “Yudi” Kerbel, with Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Associates (OSRA) at Redeemer Health. For the first time in a long time, she felt heard. 

Dr. Kerbel really listened and took the time to understand what Lisa had been living with. He introduced her to a treatment option no one had previously offered: a peripheral nerve stimulator.

For patients who continue to struggle with chronic pain even after knee replacement, especially those who feel they have run out of options, PNS can offer a different path forward. The minimally invasive treatment works by targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, helping reduce pain without the need for more major surgery.

After a successful lidocaine injection test, Lisa underwent a trial PNS implant, as an outpatient procedure. It took only 5 to 10 minutes, required no post-op downtime, and provided immediate relief. After years of pain and long-term reliance on medication, the results were almost hard to believe. Lisa knew right away she wanted to move forward with the permanent implant.

Just 10 days later, she received the permanent PNS, also as an outpatient procedure, which took about 10 to 15 minutes. Once it was in place, she again experienced immediate relief, with no post-op recovery limitations.

Today, Lisa no longer needs pain medication. After nearly two decades of pain management, she is off her pain meds completely. She has returned to the gym and is once again lifting 225 to 250 pounds on the leg press machines. She and her husband are back to hiking, with plans to visit every waterfall in a Pennsylvania hiking guidebook she recently purchased.

For Lisa, the treatment did more than ease her pain. It gave her a life that was no longer centered around pain, medication, and limitations. It gave her restored movement, clarity, confidence, and hope.

After experiencing such meaningful relief, Lisa is now continuing her care with PNS therapy to help manage diabetic neuropathy in her feet. After getting PNS on both ankles, her neuropathic pain is now gone as well. 

Lisa says the treatment has completely changed her life. And for others living with chronic pain after knee replacement, especially those who have been told there are no good options left, her story is a powerful reminder that healing may still be possible.

Dr. Yehuda (Yudi) Kerbel is with Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Associates (OSRA) at Redeemer Health. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call 215-745-4050 or visit redeemerhealth.org/advanced-orthopedic-care.

Holy Redeemer Hospital has been named a center of excellence by GO2 for Lung Cancer (GO2) for its ongoing commitment to providing its community with cancer screenings and patient-centered, evidence-based lung cancer care. 

According to GO2, centers of excellence are committed to the principles of patient-centered communication and decision making across the entire care pathway. They demonstrate access to standard cancer services within medical, radiation, and surgical oncology, and pathology. They follow practice standards based on evidence, expert consensus, and clinical guidelines, and they engage team-based mechanisms for multidisciplinary input to guide care and treatment recommendations and inform shared decision making.

Learn more about lung cancer care and other services available at Redeemer Health Cancer Center here.

- by Sheena Jain, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health Cancer Center 

Cancer survivorship is a testament to human strength, resilience, and hope. It’s not just about living with courage through cancer, but about celebrating life every step of the way. 

Every survivor’s story is unique, showcasing extraordinary strength and hope. This blog honors the journeys of survivors, celebrates milestones, and acknowledges the supportive communities that uplift them along the way. 

How Survivors Celebrate Their Journey

Survivors find heartfelt ways to mark their journeys, from remission anniversaries to small, everyday joys like sharing a meal or watching a sunrise. Many join awareness events, engage in art, or simply savor moments of gratitude and reflection. These traditions symbolize celebration and inspire hope, strength, and beauty.

The Role of Loved Ones in Survivorship

Friends and family play an important role in a survivor’s life. Whether offering a hug, lending an ear, or helping with daily tasks, their care and support create a foundation of strength and reassurance. Small acts of love can make a big difference. 

Finding Joy in Celebration 

Celebrations, big or small, offer survivors a chance to reflect and connect. Through shared stories, laughter, and milestones, these moments honor the challenges overcome and inspire hope for the future.  

Whether a Survivor, Loved One or Supporter—Join the Celebration

Survivorship shows how strong and resilient people can be, not just in June when it’s celebrated, but every day. By sharing stories and challenges, we build a supportive community filled with strength and hope. Together, we can create a united community rooted in strength and hope that lasts a lifetime. 

What does survivorship mean to you? Every story matters—share yours and join the conversation!

Expert Cancer Care, Close to Home

Redeemer Health takes a multi-disciplinary disease-site specific approach to cancer care, where experts work together to provide each patient with personalized care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery and beyond. To learn more, call 215-938-3555 or visit redeemerhealth.org/cancer-care. 

About the Author 

As Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health Cancer Center, Dr. Sheena Jain works closely with a team of radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, and other professionals to provide personalized, compassionate care and support to patients. Dr. Jain earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed residency training in radiation oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She is board certified in radiation oncology.

Meadowbrook, PA, June 16, 2026 — Arielle Fields, MD, joined Redeemer Health Primary Care at Warminster, a Redeemer Health physician practice providing comprehensive, patient-centered family medicine.

Dr. Fields provides preventive care and wellness services, chronic disease management, specialist referrals, geriatric care, and hospital-to-home transition care. Her work emphasizes preventive health management and care coordination to help improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Fields earned a medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine and completed a residency in internal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. She has also pursued additional coursework through Johns Hopkins University focused on the role of AI in health care.

"Primary care is about building long-term relationships and helping patients make informed decisions about their health at every stage of life," said Dr. Fields. "I want patients to feel informed, supported, and empowered in their care. By focusing on individualized treatment plans and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, my goal is to help people manage complex conditions and live healthier lives."

To learn more about Dr. Fields, visit her physician directory profile here. Call 215-357-4066 to make an appointment at Redeemer Health Primary Care at Warminster.

Huntingdon Valley, PA, June 2026 – George Washington High School (GWHS) 2026 graduates hosted one of their own alumni to deliver their commencement address on Wednesday. Redeemer Health hematologist and oncologist Dr. Michael Rachshtut reminded the grads that their future is determined by what they do with the opportunities in front of them.

Watch the video now.

“As an immigrant student sitting in these classrooms, I did not have special connections,” he said. “What I had were teachers who cared, opportunities to learn, and the belief that if I worked hard enough, doors would open. And they did.”

When GWHS received $10,000 in funding for their “Unity Project: Kindness in Action,” they got an unexpected surprise when they crossed paths with Dr. Rachshtut (aka, Dr. Mickey). The Unity Project supplied “joy boxes” to patients in chemotherapy and radiation therapy at Holy Redeemer Hospital, and Dr. Mickey introduced himself to the GWHS ambassadors. Dr. Mickey, as it turns out, had a lot to reflect on dating back to his days at the school. When his family migrated to Philadelphia during his sophomore year, he spoke no English and started his tenure at GWHS learning English as a second language. By the time he graduated with the class of 1993, he was fluent in English, he overcame a speech impediment that plagued his younger years, and he was accepted to college. 

Now the chief of hematology and oncology at Redeemer Health Cancer Center, and a father of three, Dr. Rachshtut still makes his home in Huntingdon Valley, a stone’s throw from GWHS. 

“Years ago, George Washington High School invested in me,” he shared with the graduates. “Today, George Washington students are investing in others. That is what community looks like.” He acknowledged the importance of the Unity Project, as it reflects character, service and compassion.

About Redeemer Health Cancer Center: Redeemer Health Cancer Center offers expert treatments and renewed hope, close to home. Accredited by the Commission on Cancer, we provide innovative care and access to clinical trials, keeping you at the forefront of cancer research. Each treatment plan is carefully tailored by specialists, guided by a dedicated nurse navigator, and delivered by experienced physicians. With free parking just steps away, expert care is more accessible and compassionate than ever. At Redeemer Health, you’re embraced by a team dedicated to your health, your journey, and your hope.

Your Trusted Partners in Women's Health Care 

At Redeemer Health, we understand that every woman’s health journey is unique and deeply personal.

Our CarePath nurse navigators are here to support you through every phase of your women's health journey. From understanding test results and coordinating follow-up care to supporting with breastfeeding, childbirth, and newborn care—our compassionate team is here to guide you with experience and heart.

Redeemer Health's CarePath Nurse Navigators are dedicated to making your health journey easier and more manageable. 

How We Support You:

• Help you understand test results, diagnoses, and next steps
• Coordinate referrals and follow-up care
• Assist with transportation or insurance needs
• Provide breastfeeding, childbirth, and newborn support
• Connect you with mental health or substance use resources
• Offer follow-up care after emergency or triage visits

Wherever you are on your path, our Nurse Navigators walk alongside you, offering the reassurance and support you need to confidently make decisions about your care.

Learn more about our CarePath Nurse Navigators now.