Back on the Bike Again: Stacey's Bilateral Knee Replacement

Stacey valiantly battled arthritis in both knees for 20 years. Despite the worsening condition, she remained determined and explored non-invasive options like injections and aspirations, all in a bid to alleviate her pain.

Her previous doctor advised her to wait as long as possible, prompting Stacey to persist with her regular activities and endure the discomfort. Despite relentless pain, Stacey refused to let her limitations define her. She pushed through and continued doing the activities she loved.

During a hike in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, she realized her strength was dwindling and even simple tasks were becoming challenging. She could no longer fully enjoy the activities that once brought her joy — because they now came with pain. Everything changed one summer during a peaceful bike ride along the lake. As she slowed down and came to a stop, her legs unexpectedly gave way, causing her to tumble over. It was a profound turning point — one that compelled Stacey to revisit her doctor and begin a thorough research journey to find the right surgeon.

Finding the Right Surgeon

Determined to take control of her health, Stacey began researching minimally invasive surgeons and came across Midwest Orthopaedics. She scheduled an appointment with Dr. Karas, and from the first consultation, she knew she was in good hands.

Before surgery, Stacey felt well-prepared. She mentioned that the preoperative teaching video was both helpful and informative. Stacey shared, “I loved the texts that the Karas Team sent out before surgery. It was so nice to have that confirmation and encouragement. They were extremely sweet and helpful.”

The messages she referred to included reminders about medications, clearances, post-surgery encouragement, and other essential information to keep patients on track for a successful recovery.

Setting Goals and Achieving the Unexpected

Leading up to her surgeries, Stacey set two personal goals: to return to work just two weeks after surgery and to turn her garden over before summer. She approached her recovery with patience, understanding that progress takes time — but she was astonished by how quickly she began achieving milestones.

Just five weeks post-operation, Stacey found herself tending to her garden with newfound ease. The absence of pain and the ability to move freely filled her with indescribable joy. Even more impressive, she was able to ride her bike just two weeks after surgery, feeling the wind against her face as she pedaled with freedom and confidence.

Perhaps her proudest achievement was returning to work — initially with a cane, but soon realizing she no longer needed it. Her recovery surpassed her expectations, showcasing the remarkable resilience of the human body and the strength of her determination.

A Message of Hope

Through sharing her story, Stacey hopes to inspire and uplift others, reminding them that they are not alone and that healing — both physical and emotional — is possible. Every setback can be a stepping stone toward a brighter future, and there is always hope, even in the face of adversity.