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.

Transformative Triumph: Christina's Path to Total Right Knee Replacement

At TruOrtho, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional care and transformative experiences for our patients. Christina Davis's journey is a testament to our commitment to quality and compassion. After suffering from knee pain for over four decades, Christina underwent a total right knee replacement with Dr. Amanda Marshall-Rodriguez. Here’s her inspiring story.

The Decision to Undergo Surgery

Christina's knee troubles began at 18 after surgery for chondromalacia of the right patella. Despite the surgery, her knee never fully recovered, leading her to avoid sports and other activities for most of her life. Persistent inflammation and pain limited her mobility, despite years of physical therapy. In 2018, a severe meniscus tear exacerbated her condition. By 2023, the pain had become unbearable, prompting Christina to explore surgical options.

After researching various surgeons, Christina decided on Dr. Amanda Marshall-Rodriguez at TruOrtho. "During my first appointment with her, I knew I was right," Christina shared. Dr. Marshall-Rodriguez's thorough review of her medical history, comprehensive examination, and clear communication instilled confidence.

Preparing for Surgery

Dr. Marshall-Rodriguez and the TruOrtho team ensured Christina was well-prepared for her surgery. Christina appreciated the detailed consultations and preoperative care, which included new X-rays, physical examinations, and measurements. The team scheduled her surgery and provided a clear financial estimate, easing her concerns.

The Surgery and Immediate Recovery

Christina's surgery was a success. "My surgery was Monday morning, I left the hospital at noon on Tuesday with a cane," she recalled. The support from the TruOrtho team and her caregiver, Sara, was invaluable during the initial recovery phase. Sara, a dear friend, helped Christina navigate the first few days post-surgery. Christina's quick return to her daily activities, including visits to the local senior center, was crucial for her physical and mental well-being.

The Recovery Journey

Recovery brought its challenges, including pain and the need for assistance, but Christina remained positive. She highlighted the importance of staying active, engaging with her community, and following her physical therapy regimen. "I feel like I have my very own Justice League team," she said, expressing gratitude to Dr. Marshall-Rodriguez, the TruOrtho team, and her physical therapist, Dr. Anthony Pavlich at Airrosti.

Christina’s brother, Ben, played a vital role in her recovery. He organized her home for optimal recovery, setting up extension cords and power strips to safely charge her devices and medical equipment. He even taped down the cords to prevent tripping and ensured everything was within easy reach.

Life After Surgery

Christina's life has significantly improved since the surgery. "I now know that my knee will be so much better than it has been since I was 18," she said. At just under four weeks post-surgery, Christina was already riding a recumbent bike at the gym, an activity she was previously told she would never be able to do. She looks forward to playing pickleball, a new possibility thanks to her successful surgery.

Words of Wisdom

Christina's advice to others considering knee replacement is straightforward: "Don't put knee replacement off. There is no fear here. None." She emphasizes the importance of early intervention to improve quality of life and overall health.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Christina shared several practical tips for others undergoing knee replacement surgery:

1. Prepare at Home: Have all prescriptions filled in advance and organize medications clearly. Use a weekly pill organizer and label medications with both their generic and brand names.

2. Healthy Eating: Stock up on healthy frozen meals and snacks to make post-surgery life easier. "Meal Simple" meals from HEB were particularly helpful for Christina.

3. Ice Hydration Unit: Use small frozen water bottles to keep your ice hydration unit effective. Prepare multiple sets of bottles to easily switch out melted ones.

4. CPM Machine: Utilize the Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine to aid recovery. Start at 90 degrees and gradually increase to 120 degrees before sleep.

5. Stay Active: Get out of the house and engage with your community to maintain physical and mental health. Visits to the senior center helped Christina stay positive.

6. Do the Exercises: Follow your physical therapist’s exercises to gain strength and mobility. Consistency is key to a successful recovery.

7. Use a Grabber: A grabber tool can be very helpful for picking up items from the floor without straining your knee.

8. Organize Your Space: Ensure all necessary items are within easy reach, and keep cords safely out of walking paths to prevent tripping.

9. Manage Pain: Understand that recovery pain is different from pre-surgery pain. It's a sign of healing. Stay on top of your pain management plan as prescribed.

10. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or neighbors. Emotional support is crucial during recovery.

Final Thoughts

Christina’s journey underscores the transformative power of expert care and patient dedication. Her story inspires others to take proactive steps toward better health and reminds us of the profound impact of a caring medical team. At TruOrtho, we celebrate Christina's achievements and remain committed to supporting all our patients on their path to recovery.

If you are experiencing similar issues and are considering knee replacement surgery or any other orthopedic procedure, we encourage you to contact TruOrtho. Our dedicated team is here to provide the best possible care and help you regain your quality of life.