From Pain to Play: Johnny's Journey with Knee Replacement Surgery

For Johnny, a lifelong sports enthusiast and former college ice hockey player, staying active has always been a part of his identity. But over the years, increasing knee pain and instability started slowing him down, impacting not only his love for sports but also his ability to keep up with his five grandchildren. Determined to reclaim his active lifestyle, Johnny turned to Dr. Amanda Marshall-Rodriguez at TruOrtho for a solution. In November 2016, he underwent a left knee replacement, followed by a right knee replacement with Dr. Marshall-Rodriguez just one year later.

The Decision to Take Control

After years of managing pain and struggling to play sports comfortably, Johnny reached a point where he could no longer ignore his symptoms. "The pain was becoming too much, and I couldn't move like I used to," he shared. With his knees consistently rated at a 7 out of 10 on the pain scale, Johnny knew it was time to act. After thorough consultations with Dr. Marshall-Rodriguez, he felt confident that knee replacement surgery was the path forward.

Focused and Determined Recovery

Johnny was determined to make his recovery as efficient as possible. "I was laser-focused on a quick recovery and made sure to follow every instruction to the letter," he recalls. His personal goal was to recover within six weeks, and he committed to physical therapy with unwavering dedication. His advice for others considering surgery is clear: "Do your research, trust your surgeon, and DO your physical therapy… and then some more." Dr. Marshall-Rodriguez's support and expert guidance played a crucial role in helping Johnny meet his recovery goals.

Johnny playing for St. Louis University Club Hockey, 1975

Back on the Ice: A Full Circle Moment

Today, Johnny’s journey has come full circle. With both knees strong and pain-free, he’s not only riding his bike, exercising, and playing with his grandchildren, but he’s also back on the ice—where his athletic journey began back in 1961. In 2021, he took to the rink again and has continued playing ice hockey through 2024. Reflecting on his return to the sport, he says with pride, “I tell people, ‘Hey, at 70, I still can skate and play Ice Hockey”.

Words of Encouragement

Johnny’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of expert care and dedication. For those considering similar surgery, he says, "I highly recommend it if you're suffering like I was. Dr. Marshall-Rodriguez is an amazing surgeon. Trust in her and your recovery process—it’s worth every step."

Dr. Amanda Marshall-Rodriguez and her team at TruOrtho are committed to helping patients like Johnny rediscover their passions and lead active lives. If you or a loved one is facing joint pain, consider reaching out to TruOrtho. Dr. Marshall-Rodriguez's expertise and personalized approach to orthopaedic care can make all the difference in your journey to recovery.

Resilience Reclaimed: Phyllis's Surgical Success Story with Dr. Jamie Lynch

Phyliss powers through the rocky terrain, conquering Pike’s Peak

Phyllis Robinson is not just a runner—she’s a marathoner, and an extraordinary one at that. After completing a marathon in every U.S. state and qualifying for the Boston Marathon seven times, Phyllis had her sights set on two major goals: running the Pikes Peak Marathon in September 2023 and completing her 100th marathon in Athens, Greece, later that year. But in August 2023, an unexpected injury threatened everything she had worked for.

While training for Pikes Peak and Athens, Phyllis decided to take on a new challenge: wave-boarding. On August 19, after an ambitious week of training, Phyllis’s day on the water took a turn for the worse. The board went one way, and she went the other, suffering what she describes as “the most excruciating pain I have ever felt in my life.” Despite her injury, Phyllis, ever determined, waited several days to see if her condition would improve. But by Monday morning, it was clear that this was no minor issue.

Phyliss stays determined and strong, taking her first steps with a brace just weeks after surgery.

After reaching out to her friend Dr. Joshi for advice, she was referred to Dr. Jamie Lynch at TruOrtho. “I knew this was serious, but I was hoping for the best,” Phyllis recalls. However, Dr. Lynch’s urgency quickly made it clear just how critical the situation was. After assessing Phyllis, Dr. Lynch diagnosed her with a complete tear of her femoral tendon from the ischial tuberosity (the "sitting bone" of the pelvis). Surgery was not just an option—it was necessary. And it needed to happen immediately in order to restore normal function in the leg.

“Dr. Lynch didn’t really give me an option,” Phyllis shares. “She told me how important it was to have the surgery if I wanted to get back to running.”

Phyliss takes a well-deserved moment to savor her achievement at Pike’s Peak

Support and Strength: A Family Affair

Throughout the recovery process, Phyllis’s daughter, Alyssa, played a vital role in her healing journey. “Alyssa was my rock. She came over every day to help me with daily activities and offered mental and emotional support,” Phyllis shares. “Her presence made all the difference.”

Preparing for Surgery: A Marathoner’s Biggest Challenge

As a healthcare professional and an accomplished athlete, Phyllis understood the gravity of the situation. But nothing prepared her for the emotional weight of realizing she might not meet her running goals. “All my training felt wasted,” she says. “I had been so close to running my 100th marathon in Athens, and now everything was on hold.”

Dr. Lynch cleared her schedule for an immediate surgery on August 25, just days after Phyllis’s diagnosis. The surgery was a success, but the road to recovery was only beginning.

The Mental and Physical Toll of Recovery

For Phyllis, recovery wasn’t just about healing physically—it was about coming to terms with the fact that her marathon goals would have to wait. “I’ve run through so many challenges in life, but this was different,” she says. “Running defines me. It’s my therapy. Not being able to run left me feeling isolated.”

Dr. Lynch understood the significance of running in Phyllis’s life and worked closely with her throughout the rehabilitation process. She collaborated with Phyllis’s running coach, physical therapist, and chiropractor to create a tailored plan that would ensure a safe recovery. “Dr. Lynch was very involved with my entire care team,” Phyllis says. “She knew how important it was for me to get back to running, but she also kept me grounded in reality.”

Though progress was slow, Phyllis remained determined. "The slow recovery was more mentally exhausting than a marathon," she admits. “I wanted to do more, push harder, but Dr. Lynch kept me on track.”

Back on the Run: Reaching New Milestones

Six months after surgery, Dr. Lynch gave Phyllis the green light to start running again. The process was gradual, beginning with intervals of running for one minute and walking for one minute. “It was hard to go so slow, but I trusted the process,” she says. Slowly but surely, Phyllis rebuilt her strength.

In September 2024, just over a year after her injury, Phyllis crossed the finish line at the Pikes Peak Marathon, one of the toughest races in the US. It was a moment of triumph she shared with Dr. Lynch, sending her a photo from the finish line. "I’m not quite where I was before the injury, but I’m running again. And that’s what matters," Phyllis says.

Her ultimate goal? To complete her 100th marathon in Athens, where it all began for her.

Advice for Others: The Importance of Teamwork and Expert Care

Phyllis's journey underscores the importance of personalized care and a strong support. She encourages anyone facing a similar injury not to hesitate: " I highly recommend to anyone that suffers an injury like mine to have the surgery. Dr. Lynch is very thorogh and an amazing surgeon. Most importantly she is compassionate and honestly wants her patients to have the best outcome."

Phyllis's story is a powerful reminder that healing is not just about the surgery itself but about having a dedicated team to support you. Thanks to Dr. Lynch and her team at TruOrtho, Phyllis was able to reclaim her passion for running and return. For anyone in need of expert orthopaedic care, TruOrtho is here to help you on your own journey to recovery, visit TruOrtho to set up an appointment or contact us today at 210-878-4116.

TruOrtho welcomes Dr. Alaina Brelin

TruOrtho is thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team of world-class orthopaedic surgeons—Dr. Alaina Brelin. With her extensive training and experience, Dr. Brelin brings a wealth of knowledge and skill in joint reconstruction, specializing in minimally invasive hip and knee procedures.

Dr. Brelin's journey to TruOrtho is a story of dedication, resilience, and outstanding expertise. After completing her medical education at Northeast Ohio Medical University and her residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Dr. Brelin served as an Orthopaedic Surgeon in the United States Army, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Her time in the military not only honed her surgical skills but also instilled in her a deep commitment to patient care and precision.

What makes Dr. Brelin's addition to TruOrtho particularly exciting is her unique background. Unlike many of her peers, Dr. Brelin did not follow the conventional path of joining a group practice after her military service. Instead, she took on the opportunity to advance her skills and experience in the field of joint reconstruction at Texas Orthopaedic Hospital/Fondren Orthopaedic Group in Houston, TX.

Recognizing her talent, Dr. Amanda Marshall-Rodriguez, founder of TruOrtho, personally mentored Dr. Brelin in advanced minimally invasive techniques for hip and knee replacements. This mentorship has now blossomed into a professional partnership, with Dr. Brelin joining TruOrtho in collaboration with South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital.

We are confident that Dr. Brelin will continue to uphold TruOrtho's tradition of excellence, bringing her own blend of skill, compassion, and dedication to every patient she treats. If you or a loved one is in need of expert orthopaedic care, particularly for hip or knee issues, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brelin today. Together, we're committed to helping you live a pain-free and active life.