Padmini's Story

Padmini, 77, is an active member of the senior association in Roosevelt Island, New York. She also spends a lot of time consulting on the advisory and auxiliary board of the local hospital.

“I don’t like to sit still. I take dance classes, I love to read and I exercise at least 5 days a week.”

Several years ago, Padmini was in a lot of pain due to severe knee osteoarthritis. “I couldn’t walk more than a couple of yards. I was scared because I didn’t feel old, but my quality of life had gone downhill.”

She consulted numerous orthopaedic surgeons. At first, she underwent arthroscopic surgery to correct the wear and tear caused by osteoarthritis.  When the pain returned, she tried physical therapy several days a week to strengthen the muscles in her knees. Later Padmini even tried acupuncture, but as she came to the realization that she could no longer watch her once active life pass her by, she and her surgeon decided it was time for total knee replacement.

In Padmini’s case, both knees were going to be replaced at the same time. Her orthopaedic surgeon made it clear that the procedure is a major one and encouraged her to learn as much as possible to prepare herself so that she would know what to expect.

Her surgery went well. Her doctor chose a special implant called a Sigma® Rotating Platform Knee, which is suited to her specific needs and lifestyle. This implant is available only from DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.

During recovery, Padmini worked very hard at rehabilitation. “I walked with a walker at first. Four weeks later, I worked up to being able to walk with a cane. I also walked in a pool to gain back my strength.”

Eventually, she returned to taking long walks on her treadmill: “I walk at least 3 miles every other day. I also use the elliptical machine and the stationary bike.”

Padmini’s friends and neighbors noticed a difference immediately. “I live in a close-knit community, and people started seeing me taking walks again throughout the neighborhood. I no longer limped. I stopped having to drag one leg at a time and then the other.”

Unlike last New Year’s Eve, this year, Padmini was able to join in on the dancing. “My friends say I have pretty good moves for a lady of my age.” Acquaintances who have severe knee pain receive encouragement from Padmini: “I tell them to talk to an orthopaedic surgeon. There are treatment options. They don’t have to give up their lives bit-by-bit each day—after all, look at me. If I could do it all over again, I would have done this years ago.”

Has your life been touched by joint replacement surgery? Please take a few minutes now to share your story.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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: 06/11/2009