“Life now is dramatically different.”

Amanda’s Story

What was life like before joint replacement? 
Life prior to my double knee replacement was horribly painful. I couldn’t walk a tenth of a mile without having to stop because my knees hurt so bad. My back also hurt because of how I was walking. When shopping with friends, I had to take frequent breaks to sit down. My work suffered; my home life suffered. I couldn’t sleep at night because the pain was so bad. My knees would swell and have so much fluid that it hurt to sit in my desk chair. I couldn’t work out any longer because it was excruciating, which caused me to gain weight, making my knees hurt even worse. I tried steroid injections, Synvisc injections and pain management, but nothing helped. I was only 48 years old.

What was the turning point for you?
My ah-ha moment was gradual, but after the cortisone and Synvisc injections failed, I knew I had to do something or I would never have any quality of life.

What is life like now?
Life now is dramatically different. After surgery, I was only out of work one month. I did my physical therapy at home and in the clinic. I am now active, starting to lose weight and working two jobs. I can't remember the last time I squatted down before surgery, but now I can, and stairs are no problem. I have never felt better, and I love my life.

What advice do you have for others considering joint replacement?
Just talk to your doctor. This was truly the best thing I have ever done for myself. Now, a year later, I feel better at 49 than I did at 40. I’m certainly more active.