Following Knee Surgery, Nancy Doesn’t Feel Anchored to One Spot Anymore

Nancy, 60, has a life most would envy: she lives right on the beach in Florida. Each evening after she gets home from her work with a shipwreck recovery company, Nancy and her husband, Ron, walk for “miles and miles up and down the beach. We live in paradise.”

For many years, Nancy felt she had given up enjoying her personal paradise due to severe knee osteoarthritis. “It happened very slowly, but I stopped doing all the things I love. First, I couldn’t go as far on my walks. Then while on vacation, I couldn’t dance with my husband. Eventually I didn’t feel comfortable walking anywhere and even just going up or down stairs was an ordeal.”

Ultimately, Nancy’s severe knee pain impacted her ability to do her job. “In the course of my workday, I walk a lot, but I was in so much pain that I couldn’t do it. My dream was to climb aboard our research vessel at work – and I couldn’t do that either. That’s when I knew it was time to do something.”

Nancy consulted her orthopaedic surgeon about her treatment options. “He said my x-rays told the whole story. Both of my knees were bone-on-bone. We agreed that the time had come for surgery.”

In Nancy’s case, both knees were going to be replaced at the same time. The doctor explained that replacing both knees at once is major surgery and encouraged Nancy to learn as much as possible about it.  Nancy researched information online so that by the time she underwent surgery, she had learned a lot of information in addition to what her doctor provided her. 

Nancy received the Sigma^® Knee from DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. The Sigma Knee suited Nancy’s lifestyle and activity levels, and is only available from DePuy.

Nancy worked very hard at rehabilitation. “I know that you get out of physical therapy what you put into it. I wanted to get my range of motion back in my knees, so I knew I had to follow my program. It was worth it.”

Following surgery, Nancy returned to taking walks on the beach with her husband. She was able to realize her dream and climb aboard the research vessel at work. She realized: “I’m not anchored to one spot anymore. I feel so comfortable in my body again.”

Nancy and her husband also started traveling again. “Our first trip with my new knee replacements was three weeks in Turkey. I was able to climb the ruins of ancient civilizations.  Standing at the top of a long flight of rock steps, I looked out over the incredible scenery below. It was amazing. I couldn’t believe that I finally could make this trip.  I am so grateful to have my life back again.”

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can determine whether an orthopaedic implant is an appropriate course of treatment. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. The performance of the new joint depends on weight, activity level, age and other factors.

Last Updated: 03/31/2008