Teresa Fowler began having trouble with her knees about 10 years ago. An active person, she loved walking, hiking, gardening and biking.
When she visited with her orthopedist, she was told she was too young for knee replacement and that the only option was to modify her lifestyle.
"I'm an energetic music teacher who is up and around my classroom all day long," says Teresa. "Although I tried to maintain my activity, I got to a point in July 2023 where I knew I wouldn't even be able to do my job if I didn't get something done.
After a lot of research, Teresa gave Shelbourne Knee Center a call. She was impressed by the success rate that she read about online and the positive patient reviews.
"I met with Dr. Benner and learned that I was a candidate for having both knees replaced," says Teresa. "He didn't see any reason I should have to live in pain just because I was younger than the normal knee replacement patient. I felt heard and understood and was so grateful to have a next step."
Preparing for Surgery
Prior to surgery, Teresa started physical therapy and did it faithfully. She saw some improvement and thought maybe she could put off the surgery. "But as I got busier, my pain increased, so I scheduled my first knee replacement for December 2023."
Understandably, Teresa was nervous, but the surgery-prep team did a great job helping her relax and settle in. "When I woke from surgery, the pain was intense, but the team was on top of it. I am so thankful for their knowledge and understanding."
A few hours after her surgery, Teresa learned that her mother-in-law, who lived several hours away, was not doing well. Doctors had called in her family. With hopes that he would make it in time to see her, Teresa's husband left the hospital knowing her daughters would arrive shortly.
"Before my girls arrived, I got a call from my husband letting me know that his mom had passed away," says Teresa. "My daughters arrived a little later. When I shared the sad news with them, they crawled into the hospital bed as best as they could and we cried together. This is how Dr. Benner found me when he came to check on me. He and his team were so compassionate and kind, checking on me physically and also making sure we had what we needed as we processed our loss."
Teresa's says care team, including Dr. Benner, her physical therapist Alana Gillenwater, PT, DPT, and the nurses who took care of her in the hospital, were all very encouraging. "I went home with detailed instructions and followed them to the letter," says Teresa. "My family was incredible during my rehab time, serving as cheerleaders, coaches and caregivers all wrapped into one. I did my at-home exercises and continued with regular physical therapy checkups. Alana knew I wanted to be hiking, biking, actively teaching and gardening again, and set up a plan to get me there."
Ready for a Second Surgery
The first knee replacement brought so much relief that Teresa wanted to have the second done as soon as possible. She met all of her six-month goals by month five, and she was able to schedule her second knee replacement for June 2024.
While her biggest hurdle with the first knee replacement was building back strength, the biggest obstacle with the second knee replacement was range of motion. "My care team was on top of it, adapting my rehab to get me over the hurdles. I felt stronger earlier with my second knee. I think my entire body was better off, due to the rehab regimen given to me."
Teresa worked with her physical therapist through the summer and was able to return to her classroom at the beginning of the school year; just eight weeks postop.
Adventures Ahead!
Today, Teresa feels like a new woman. She is walking, lifting weights, biking and teaching like she did several years ago. Her energy levels are high, her mind is clear and her outlook is positive.
"Being pain free is such a blessing," she says. "I can move around my classroom easily and move with my students. I can zoom around the school building quickly. I am so excited for this summer. My husband and I are traveling abroad, something I could not have done without these two surgeries and the work we did for rehab."
Teresa says she highly recommends Shelbourne Knee Center to anyone she talks to who is dealing with knee pain. "I couldn’t be more pleased," she says. "I’m in my mid-50s and feel better than I have in years. I've got my life back and there are a lot of adventures ahead!"