Life at Full Speed on Whiskey Island

Tim Poole isn’t your average 69-year-old. As the general manager of Whiskey Island Still & Eatery in Cleveland, he’s the engine behind the bustling waterfront restaurant, often in the eye of the storm during summer weekends when thousands of patrons pour in. “I’m the guy that does everything,” he says. Leading by example, Pool lives out the motto handed down by his father: stand in the center of the tornado and take care of your people.

But for someone who thrives on action, a chronically painful and stiff shoulder was becoming a serious obstacle. After years of pushing through injuries, Tim was at risk of losing the use of an arm that had powered his lifestyle and career. That wasn’t something he was willing to accept.

When Local Options Weren’t Enough

Like many patients, Tim started his search for care close to home in Cleveland. He consulted numerous doctors and scoured YouTube in search of answers. That’s where he stumbled across a device implant used by E. Scott Paxton, MD of University Orthopedics in Rhode Island. Intrigued and impressed, Tim made the leap to reach out—even across state lines.

“Medicine is one of the last industries where people still think you have to stay close to home,” Dr. Paxton said. “But it doesn’t have to be that way.”

The Power of a Conversation

The first step was a simple phone call. Dr. Paxton and Tim discussed his long history of shoulder trouble, the toll it was taking on his active life, and what potential solutions could look like. Dr. Paxton diagnosed significant arthritis and stiffness in the shoulder—issues that were severely limiting Tim’s range of motion and quality of life.

A shoulder replacement was recommended: a metal ball to replace the shoulder’s worn-out ball joint and a plastic socket to restore functionality. Using a bone-preserving implant, Dr. Paxton aimed to deliver what Tim needed most—relief from pain and the freedom to move again.

A Surgeon Who Stays by Your Side

For Tim, it wasn’t just about the procedure. It was about trust. “He looked me in the eye and said, ‘I’ll be right by your side. I do the surgery. I do the closing. I’ll be there in recovery.’ And he did exactly that.”

At The Total Joint Center at The Miriam Hospital in Rhode Island, Tim experienced what he described as VIP-level care from a team of professionals who all seemed genuinely invested in his recovery. From anesthesiologists to nurses, everyone played a role. “Someone was even putting socks on me,” he laughed. “I felt so taken care of.”

The Long Road to Full Mobility—And the Joy of Getting There

Post-surgery, Dr. Paxton revealed the extent of the challenge: the operation had taken an extra hour due to a dense forest of bone spurs and extensive arthritis. But the results were worth it.

“He asked, ‘You worried about vertical?’ then lifted my arm straight up. I was like—‘Oh my God!’”

Tim now has full range of motion in his arm. No more hiding pain or compromising on life. He’s back at Whiskey Island, leading the charge with both arms raised.

Living Life Without Limits

Dr. Paxton is quick to credit Tim for his dedication to recovery. “My part’s the surgery,” he said. “But the rest is on the patient. And Tim went all in.”

For Tim, this isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. “I knew I couldn’t fix this,” he said. “But I knew Dr. Paxton could. I’m not stopping. I’m going to live life until I drop. I’m not hanging anything up—they’ll hang me up first.”

Conclusion
Tim Poole’s journey is a reminder that no matter your age or how far you have to travel, the right care can change everything. With determination, research, and the right medical partner, you can take your life back—one pain-free movement at a time.