no longer perform everyday tasks such as walking more than a few steps at a time, driving and bending down to plant and work in my garden.
My rheumatologist prescribed a variety of medications and physical therapy but they did little to ease the pain. On a family vacation to Marco Island, Fla., I reached my tipping point. I was in so much agony that I could not walk to the beach with my family. Knowing that there was virtually no chance that I would be able to actively participate in my granddaughter’s upcoming wedding, I decided to take action. My rheumatologist recommended a consultation to discuss knee replacement surgery with a local orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Ritesh Shah, of Illinois Bone & Joint Institute.
Dr. Shah reviewed a recently taken MRI and determined that my knee was bone on bone, making me a perfect candidate for a knee replacement.
I received my knee in May 2013 at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. While knee replacements have been around for years, the technology continues to improve and fortunately, Dr. Shah uses one of the newest on the market, the EVOLUTION® Medial-Pivot Knee System. I was thrilled to learn about the next generation in artificial knees and have access to it. This meant a less-invasive surgery: smaller incisions and reduced soft-tissue damage along with a greater range of motion compared to older-generation knees.
When I woke up after surgery, I felt like a new person. Within hours, my arthritis pain was gone and I could stand up. Three days in the hospital were followed by a few weeks of physical therapy. Within a week I was able to walk with a cane and I regained full use of my right knee in a month.
My knee problems use to completely consume and hinder my life, however now I don’t give it a second thought. I have gone back to living my life and cannot wait to dance at my granddaughter’s wedding this fall.
