"My Life is Great"

Patient Story: Kathy from Marrero, LA 

What was life like before joint replacement?

Before having joint replacement surgery, my hip and shoulder would go out of the socket. I actually had dysplasia in my hip and a genetic defect in the muscle of my shoulder. This would cause severe wear on the bones that was very painful.

What was the moment you knew you needed to move ahead with surgery?

My doctor said when I was in enough pain, I would know I was ready to have joint replacement surgery.

How has joint replacement surgery changed your life?

Now, my life is great. No pain in my hip or shoulder. I can enjoy sports that I was never able to enjoy before surgery.

What information do you have that would help others considering joint replacement surgery?

Advice I would give is that the longer you wait, the worse it will be. Also, physical therapy is vital after surgery because it helps movement in the area of surgery and muscles.