My Comeback Story: Lynn F.

I have always lived an active lifestyle, inspired by my parents who always modeled the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. As the daughter of a Clemson Tiger quarterback, I was throwing a spiral at 7 years old and was always playing volleyball, basketball, tennis and in the 80's participating in those crazy step classes. A combination of an active lifestyle and the all-important genetic factors, led me on a path to joints with little to no cartilage in 5 of my largest joints. Over the last 6 years, I have replaced two shoulders, two knees and one hip.
Most recently, I was a patient of Dr. Gladnick who successfully replaced my two knees and my left hip. It has been life-changing. Before my knee replacements, I could literally not get out of a chair without armrests to push myself up. In one embarrassing situation, I was up on stage to receive an award on behalf of my company and realized that the chair I would be sitting in did not have arms, so I spent the entire event worrying about how I was going to get out of the chair to walk over to the podium instead of enjoying the moment. The next day I made an appointment to get an evaluation on my knees and make a plan. I first met with an amazing physical therapist at the Carrell Clinic, Terry Perez. She listened to my concerns, took me through some strength tests and told it to me straight.......'What are your goals?'. I answered that I want to get out of a chair, I want to hike, I want to play tennis but isn't it too drastic to get replacements when I'm not in pain and can walk just fine. She responded....'Is walking the goal'. All of a sudden, it hit me....No, I want more. Dr. Gladnick and his team made a plan that included replacing both knees separately at 12 weeks apart, followed by intense physical therapy with Terry. A year after surgery, I am now playing tennis and getting to balls I couldn't get to 10-15 years ago. I easily get out of chairs and no longer focus on how many steps to the car, will there be stairs, or missing out on hiking with friends.
I am so incredibly thankful for the care I received at the Carrell Clinic, and we haven't even talked about my incredible shoulder replacements with Dr. Moen! Another story for another time.....