Rediscovering Mobility: Wendy Jones's Journey to Pain-Free Living
16 weeks post-op Wendy hiked part of the Na Pali Coast trail in Kauai
Wendy Jones, now almost 60, first encountered knee problems when she was just 35 years old, developing arthritis that significantly impacted her daily life. “I started to have limitations that really affected my ability to be active,” she recalled. After enduring years of pain, she underwent a partial knee replacement in 2014. However, the relief was temporary, and she continued to struggle with severe limitations, including difficulty walking up and down stairs, and pain while doing even basic exercises. “For the last nine years, I could only walk on flat surfaces,” Wendy shared. Despite multiple injections and physical therapy, her pain did not improve.
A Pivotal Turning Point
Wendy’s journey took a pivotal turn when a hip issue led her to The Steadman Clinic, where she met Dr. Nathan Cafferky. “I had heard amazing things about him and his team,” she explained, noting that a friend’s successful surgery with Dr. Cafferky influenced her decision. Once at the clinic, Wendy felt immediately at ease and confident in the care she would receive. After extensive discussions about her knee components and surgical options, Wendy decided to proceed with revision knee surgery to a total joint replacement on May 13, 2024. “They set the bar for my recovery. They outlined exactly where they wanted me to be,” she noted, highlighting the comprehensive approach of Team Cafferky.
Post-surgery, Wendy faced challenges but was determined. “The first few weeks were tough,” she admitted. Dealing with reaching the intended range of motion, she needed oral steroids to aid her recovery, which Dr. Cafferky quickly addressed. She has returned to riding her mountain bike, yoga, walking daily, can get up and down off of the floor with ease, and even hiked part of the Na Pali Coast trail in Kauai just 16 weeks after her operation. “This was a bucket list experience for me, and I did it virtually pain-free,” she stated proudly.
Support from The Steadman Clinic Team
The support she received throughout her recovery was invaluable. From the moment she woke up at the Dillon Surgery Center, Wendy was surrounded by familiar faces. “I remembered the same people from before and after. They were so attentive,” she recalled, mentioning how the staff accommodated her needs immediately post-surgery.
Physical therapy was a large part of Wendy’s recovery. Her surgery was on a Monday, and her first physical therapy appointment was just 48 hours later. “Those first few weeks post surgery were tough, but I had a solid support from Team Cafferky. All my phone calls and emails were answered promptly,” she remarked, reflecting on the excellent communication she experienced.
A New Chapter of Pain-Free Living
Now, Wendy enjoys life without the pain that had once dominated her daily activities. “I can walk down stairs like I used to in my 20’s,” she said, just having completed a workout on the treadmill. “Dr. Cafferky truly cares about me and my results,” she concluded, grateful for the transformation in her life thanks to the exceptional care at The Steadman Clinic.
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.
