“I average 8,000 steps a day without pain.”

Carolyn’s Story

What was life like before joint replacement?
Life before my surgery was painful. After walking more than a few blocks, I would have to rest. My knee would pop and swell after exercise. I was feeling pain every day and hated it.

What was the turning point for you?
My grandchildren’s births were my turning point. Not being able to get up from the ground after playing with them was disappointing to me. I knew as they grew I would have to be more mobile to keep up with them.

What is life like now? 
Surgery was amazing. I was up walking the same day and home from the hospital the next. I dedicated the two weeks I was off work to physical therapy, resting and recovery. I continued physical therapy for another month before my doctor said that I was perfect. I went back to the gym at three weeks and now I swim, walk and bike regularly. I average 8,000 steps a day without pain.

What advice would you give others considering joint replacement?
The best thing for my recovery was participating in physical therapy. It was important to keep my knee exercised and active.  I also learned that my knee let me know when I overdid it by swelling up. Elevation and ice are still my friends. Give yourself time. Slowly start doing the things you loved doing before surgery. It was worth it in the end for me.