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Jane's Story - Knee Replacement Allows Teacher to
Return to Both Her Profession and Passion(s)
Link
http://www.kneereplacement.com/DePuy/docs/Knee/Patient/Stories/JaneL_story.html
As an elementary school teacher in Washington, DC, Jane, 49,
spends a large portion of her day on her feet. Her other
passions, dance and cycling, are also physically demanding.
Between her indoor and outdoor biking workouts and her
teaching Country Western line dancing, those who know Jane
say she has as much energy as some of her students. “I’ve
always been really athletic, even as a child,” said Jane.
Despite Jane’s enthusiasm for a life “in action,” her severe
knee osteoarthritis began to challenge her levels of
activity several years ago.
“I really started to notice it when my knee pain started
tiring me out, even after I took pain medication. I couldn’t
teach dance classes or ride my bike anymore. I knew I had to
do something when even the pain medication wasn’t helping,
and it would get so bad that I felt like crawling on the
floor the day after dance class. In fact, I found myself
using my bike as a clothes hanger instead of getting
outdoors to ride it.”
Over the years, Jane underwent a number of arthroscopic
surgeries in her left knee to correct the wear and tear
osteoarthritis caused. Ultimately, Jane realized that she
could no longer watch her life pass her by anymore, so she
and her surgeon decided it was time for total knee
replacement.
Jane’s knee replacement surgery went very well. Her doctor
chose an implant called a Sigma® Rotating Platform Knee,
which is designed to bend and rotate. This implant is made
exclusively available through DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.
Following surgery, Jane found “my energy level doubled. I
can teach all day and then go dancing at night. I’m back to
riding my bike outside three to four times a week.”
A lifelong student herself, Jane began taking ballet classes
recently. “I consult my doctor and physical therapist on
what positions and moves I may perform. I know I couldn’t
have taken these classes before due to my knee pain.”
When asked what she would share with others who are
considering knee replacement surgery, Jane said, “You must
be an active participant in the decision making process.
Find a doctor who empowers you to do your own research, ask
questions and talk to other patients. It really helps you to
have the right mindset going into surgery and
rehabilitation.”
What a difference a year makes – “A year ago I was unable to
walk two blocks to go to the park to play with my
grandchildren. This year, we went to the park, rode bikes,
went down the slide and played on the swings. It felt good
to be playful 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: 02/22/2008
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