From Two Walking Sticks to Finding My Stride Again: A Patient’s Knee Replacement Journey

One patient’s personal experience of bilateral total knee replacement surgery with Dr PJ Smith — and the determination, preparation and support that helped him regain his mobility.

For someone who has spent much of his life involved in competitive sport, the prospect of losing the ability to walk, train or remain active can be devastating.

At 48, one of Dr PJ Smith’s patients found himself facing exactly that reality. What began as increasing knee pain progressed to a point where everyday activities became almost impossible. Following extensive research and consultations, he underwent bilateral total knee replacement surgery.

Now, just over a year later, he shares his experience in his own words — from the uncertainty before surgery to the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, and the remarkable difference it has made to his quality of life. Read more on From Two Walking Sticks to Finding My Stride Again: A Patient’s Knee Replacement Journey.

When Everyday Movement Became a Challenge

“I have been a competitive athlete for a number of years and following a motorbike crash I had numerous issues with my back. This masked issues I was having with my knees.”

Following corrective back surgery, the pain in his knees became increasingly apparent. As the pain intensified, his mobility deteriorated rapidly.

“Within 6 months I could no longer train in jiu-jitsu as I had previously and walking became increasingly difficult to the extent that I could not walk anywhere without 2 walking sticks.”

Tasks and walks that once took ten minutes were now taking nearly an hour. The possibility of needing a mobility scooter was becoming a reality.

Despite being prescribed painkillers, nerve blockers, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants, the pain remained debilitating.

“I still could not take a step without it feeling like a hammer was hitting the inside of my knee.”

At just 48 years old, he was confronting the possibility of losing not only his independence but also something that had always been central to his identity.

“Sports, keeping fit and competitive sports had been a part of my entire life and ultimately a part of my identity.”

Finding the Right Surgeon and the Right Approach

Determined to explore his options, he and his wife began researching total knee replacements, different implant technologies and surgical approaches.

His goal was not simply to relieve the pain. He wanted to understand what might be possible in terms of mobility, flexibility and returning to an active lifestyle.

“The struggle was finding a consultant that would view me as an individual and would look at what was the best procedure for me as an individual.”

He had researched newer implant technologies and had specific ambitions for his recovery, including a goal of achieving 155 degrees of knee flexion.

After considering surgeons and hospitals in several countries, he chose Dr PJ Smith.

“I chose Dr Smith as he was truly inspiring in our communications. Not once did he say that what I wanted was not possible.”

What stood out to him was Dr Smith’s willingness to listen and explore the options.

“When I suggested the implants that I had researched, he did not just agree he sought to understand my needs and found a superior model that gave me a better option.”

For this patient, feeling heard and treated as an individual was an important part of his decision to proceed.

Preparing for More Than Just Surgery

Although excited about the possibility of relief from his pain, he was also deeply apprehensive about the recovery ahead.

He had read numerous accounts from patients describing intense postoperative pain, difficult rehabilitation and outcomes that had not met their expectations.

“This naturally left me with a large amount of fear, anxiety and apprehension.”

With the help of his wife, who works in medical research, he spent considerable time exploring the experiences of other patients and the factors that might influence recovery.

He became particularly focused on the importance of physical preparation, psychological readiness and rehabilitation.

“Most people concentrate so much on the fact that they hope to be all better after the surgery they do not take into account that you have to prepare your body and mind for the surgery and for the recovery.”

Before surgery, he focused on what he could control — eating well, staying hydrated and improving his upper-body strength and mobility as much as his knees allowed.

He also worked on preparing himself mentally for what he expected to be a difficult journey.

“If I truly wanted to be able to recover to the best I had to be prepared that this was not going to be a surgery where I would wake up and everything would be ok. This was only going to be the start.”

The Reality of Recovery

Despite all his preparation, the first days following surgery were a shock.

“Even with all of my preparation I was still taken aback when I was asked to start moving on the day of the operation. It really was the most intense pain that I had ever felt.”

He describes the experience as one of the most physically and mentally challenging periods of his life.

“It was tough, it was challenging and every day I wanted to give up, to not move, to not keep my legs straight, to not take another step.”

But he remained determined to follow the rehabilitation programme set out by his physiotherapists.

“The progression did not seem like progression and I had to keep reminding myself where I had come from each day compared to the day before.”

Small decisions became important milestones. Walking to the bathroom rather than relying on assistance, completing prescribed exercises and gradually building his mobility all became part of his daily routine.

“Each step, each element of pain was a step closer to mobility and being pain free but this was not going to be a sprint, this was a marathon.”

His progress was encouraging. Within one week, he was walking with a single crutch, and within two weeks he was walking without crutches.

Yet recovery was far from over.

“Let me be honest though, every day was still tough and seemed as tough as the day before.”

He learned that commitment to rehabilitation also meant recognising his limitations and allowing his body time to recover.

Learning That Recovery Takes Time

One of the hardest challenges was adjusting his own expectations.

He had hoped to achieve full knee flexion and return to his previous activities within six months, even though he had been advised that recovery could take considerably longer.

When he did not reach those goals as quickly as he had hoped, the disappointment was significant.

“I was in tears and felt vulnerable when I still couldn’t get full flexion or kneel after 6 months. I hated myself, thought of myself as weak or that I had obviously not done enough or not done the right rehab.”

Looking back, he has a different perspective.

“Truth is my recovery has been great.”

Just over a year after surgery, he continues to experience improvements. He has begun jogging in short bursts, is regaining strength and has achieved 151 degrees of knee flexion.

“I certainly am not running marathons but I can do small bursts.”

He recognises that muscle loss before surgery and the time required for the body to heal have both influenced his recovery.

“The truth is, your body needs time.”

The Importance of Having the Right People Around You

Throughout his journey, he credits his family, friends and medical team with providing essential encouragement and support.

“I was so lucky to have an amazing support circle from family, extended family and friends. This is so important as they all helped me and pushed me when I wanted to give up.”

He also learned the importance of helping loved ones understand the rehabilitation process — knowing when encouragement was needed and when it was time to rest.

His appreciation extends to everyone involved in his care, from Dr Smith and the hospital staff to the nurses, physiotherapists and the practice team.

“Choosing the correct medical team is an absolute essential. I would not have had the success I have had if it was not for the amazing team I had.”

He offers particular thanks to Stefanie, Dr Smith’s practice assistant, for helping him navigate the practical arrangements surrounding his surgery.

“When you are facing such a surgery the last thing you want to think about is the paperwork, the payments and the co-ordination.”

“Stefanie went well above and beyond what I could have ever expected and I will always be eternally grateful to her.”

His advice to others is to give the same consideration to the wider care and rehabilitation team as they do to choosing their surgeon.

Was It Worth It?

For this patient, the answer is clear.

“It was worth every effort. Whilst I thought I would be further along sooner in the journey I have still made great progress and have such improved mobility and quality of life than I did before.”

While he has not yet returned to all the activities he hopes to enjoy, he can see a future that once seemed impossible.

“I am just over a year in and still improving everyday, but now I can see that there is a normal active and maybe even competitive sports life ahead in the near future.”

Perhaps the most meaningful part of his story is not simply how far he can now bend his knees or how far he can walk, but the confidence that he is regaining in his own future.

His closing reflection captures that sense of determination and hope:

“Every bit of pain, every difficult step, every setback and every effort has got me to where I am.”

“It is already good but I can see it will be great.”

A Personal Journey, A Personal Recovery

Every patient’s circumstances, surgical requirements and recovery experience are different. This account reflects one individual’s experience of bilateral total knee replacement and the role that preparation, specialist care, rehabilitation and personal determination played in his journey.

If knee pain is affecting your mobility, independence or quality of life, an individual assessment with an orthopaedic specialist can help you understand the treatment options appropriate to your circumstances.

This story is shared as a personal patient experience and is not intended to suggest that all patients will experience the same recovery, range of movement or outcome. Rehabilitation and pain management should follow the advice of the treating medical team.