“Delaying will just prolong your pain.”

Timothy’s Story

What was life like before joint replacement? 
My knee had gotten so bad that I could barely walk with a cane. I could not participate in sports, exercise or perform most normal daily activities. When my knee started giving me difficulty, my doctor told me I would need a replacement in five to seven years.  Unfortunately, it got worse much faster than that, but I still put off having surgery.  

What was the turning point for you?
About three years after my first visit to the doctor, the pain got so bad that any activity, even walking, was so difficult I agreed to go ahead with the replacement surgery.

What is life like now?
One year after knee replacement, I am fully active again. I completed rehab, but I continue to do most of the exercises. I go on a walk five to seven days a week and enjoy being able to do it. I also workout on a weight machine and do aerobics three to five days a week.

What advice do you have for others considering joint replacement?
Talk to your doctor about joint replacement and schedule it as soon as possible—delaying will just prolong your pain.