Paula Johnson’s story is a testament to resilience, trust, and the incredible impact of expert medical care. At 74, Paula has faced more joint replacements than most people could imagine, but thanks to Dr. Nathan Cafferky at The Steadman Clinic, she is living a pain-free, active life.

A Trusted Connection

Paula has been active in sports since a young age. She was a competitive swimmer and played all types of sports on the beach, including marathons and triathlons. She first met Dr. Cafferky through a personal connection, knowing him and his family personally. Describing him as “a very good, very thorough, and very knowledgeable doctor,” Paula felt an immediate trust in Dr. Cafferky’s surgical expertise and compassionate care. She recalls, "Dr. Cafferky has always been so thorough in his explanations, and I trust him completely. He made me feel at ease even when I was anxious about the surgeries."

The Path to Pain-Free Living

Left Knee Replacement (2020)

After suffering from knee pain for 15 years, Paula’s journey began with her left knee. The pain had become unbearable, hindering her daily activities. As an avid cyclist, runner, both Alpine and Nordic skier, and hiker, her knee pain was severely impacting her ability to stay active. Under Dr. Cafferky’s care, she underwent a successful knee replacement, starting her on the road to recovery. “The relief from the knee pain was incredible,” Paula says. “I could finally wake up in the morning pain-free and do the things I like without any discomfort at all.”

True to form, Paula approached her recovery with determination. She did physical therapy and always did exercises at home between sessions. She also rode a bike trainer to prepare for outdoor riding and walked to get ready for hiking. Paula set and achieved challenging goals for outdoor activities, including:

• 1 week: yoga balancing pose on the “new knee”

• 8 ½ weeks: bike ride from Breckenridge to Frisco and back

• 11 weeks: ride from Breckenridge to the top of Vail Pass and back

• 15 weeks: ride from Breckenridge to Loveland Pass and back

• 20 weeks: hiking her first fourteener

Right Knee Replacement (2021)

A year later, Paula returned to Dr. Cafferky for her right knee replacement. With both knees now pain-free, Paula’s quality of life improved dramatically. She used the same recovery approach as she did for the left knee, adding Alpine skiing to her goals and achievements after 12 weeks.

Hip Replacement (2024)

This year, Paula faced yet another challenge with her right hip. She had been suffering from hip pain since her early 30s due to participating in marathons and triathlons, and finally underwent hip replacement surgery with Dr. Cafferky. Again, Paula’s recovery approach was similar to her knees. On her third day post-surgery, she was already walking 1.25 miles with crutches, which she ditched after 10 days. She managed to get back to riding on the bike path four weeks after her surgery, and two weeks later, she rode all the way to the top of Fremont Pass Recreation Path. “The recovery was tough, but every step forward was worth it as I achieved my goal of recovering in less than two months,” Paula reflected.

Paula is now enjoying her summer biking and hiking and getting ready for the ski season.

A Testament to Excellence in Care

Dr. Cafferky’s compassionate care and thorough explanations made a significant difference for Paula. His ability to convey complex medical information in an understandable way reassured her, helping to ease any of her anxieties. “Dr. Cafferky’s compassion and knowledge made all the difference,” Paula emphasizes. “He’s an extremely talented doctor, and I can’t thank him enough.”

Paula’s story is one of perseverance and the life-changing impact of exceptional orthopedic care. Now pain-free, she continues to walk, cycle, and live her life to the fullest. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, proving that with the right care and determination, a pain-free, active life is possible.

There are no guarantees of outcome. All surgeries involve the risk of major complications. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Only your doctor can determine the appropriate treatment for your situation. The clinical information and opinions, including any inaccuracies expressed in this material by patients or doctor are not necessarily those of Nathan Cafferky, MD and should not be considered as substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor.