Patient Story: I Chose to Live Now

Laura was 42 years old and playing tennis when she noticed that knee pain was beginning to limit her movement and impact her performance. Her knee would swell after every game, and eventually, she started wearing a brace. 

 Shortly after, Laura was diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease that results in the cartilage gradually wearing away. 

As the years went by, the pain and instability worsened and began to take a toll on Laura's quality of life.

"Multiple doctors in Kansas City told me I needed a total knee replacement, but they thought I wouldn't like it because, at 52, they said I was too young and should hold off as long as possible."

Laura was forced to give up many of the activities she loved most.

"In addition to the basic tasks that were becoming so difficult, like stairs, laundry, or simply getting out of the car, there were many activities that I had to stop doing, such as walking and hiking. I didn't have the mobility I needed to live a positive quality of life."

Although Laura lives in Kansas, a series of events led to her decision to travel to Vail, Colorado, for her knee replacement surgery. 

Cycling was one of the activities Laura could still do — without too much pain — if she kept her watts and cadence low. The previous winter, she signed up to participate in the Copper Triangle cycling event and took advantage of a trip to Boulder to practice riding in the mountains. On the top of Vail Pass, she just happened to meet a fellow cyclist that had undergone a total knee replacement using robotic-assisted surgery just three months prior. 

Laura was inspired. 

"For me, the choice for surgery boiled down to one question: do I want to live well now or wait around until some undetermined time? I chose to live NOW, knowing that there is no guarantee for tomorrow. I couldn't imagine just being a spectator while others were being active."

She soon began her search for the best orthopaedic surgeon in the Rockies that would understand her passion and drive to get back to the activities she loved. She also prioritized finding a specialist in robotic-assisted surgery, which led her to Dr. Nathan Cafferky at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (now at The Steadman Clinic).

 "When I found Dr. Cafferky, he understood my philosophy of wanting to do the things I love NOW and not just sit around waiting for time to pass in order to be ‘old enough.’"

Laura traveled to Vail in September 2021 and underwent a robotic-assisted total knee replacement with Dr. Cafferky and his team. 

"Within five days of surgery, I was balancing on the leg with my new knee and simply in awe of its strength."

Laura worked hard at physical therapy and soon found herself dipping her toes back into the sports she loves. 

"After just a couple of months, I returned to spin classes. I was even able to hike a mile of Gold Hill in Frisco and noticed that going down wasn't painful anymore. I also had no fear of falling because the knee was so stable and strong."

It’s been just over a year since Laura had her knee replacement surgery. She’s regained her mobility and returned to her active lifestyle.

"In the past year, I have accomplished all of my goals for post-surgery and even exceeded some of them!"

She can now go up and down stairs without pain or a fear of falling, get in and out of her car easily, and she can descend a hiking trail at a normal speed without pain. Laura's also been able to hike, snowshoe, do squats with weights, and stand up while cycling for extra power.

Laura pointed out a few things she can do again that you might not think about, such as doing the "Clap Your Hands" wedding dance and squatting to pee in the woods. As a big camper, this was a real milestone for her! 

"So many doors have been opened because of my total knee replacement. Although these may not be big things, they have improved my quality and outlook on life in more ways than I could have imagined."

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your experience and trusting Team Cafferky with your orthopaedic care.

Question About Knee Replacements? Contact Team Cafferky Today!

Deciding to have a total knee replacement is a big decision, but it's also one that can dramatically improve your quality of life. 

Dr. Cafferky is renowned for his expertise in robotic-assisted knee replacements and for providing patients with the highest levels of care and compassion. 

Contact Team Cafferky today if you have questions or would like to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation. Call (970) 476-1100 or request an appointment online.