Calista wouldn't say she was a very active person, but even into her 60's she liked to walk and do a little bit of exercise. After a knee meniscus repair she was able to continue her lifestyle for a little longer. But after a bit of time the knee pain returned and started limiting her ability to keep up with her activities.

Like many patients she went to see her doctor who recommended trying more conservative treatments first. Calista went with the cortisone injections and non-opioid pain medication options. That only lasted for a short time and soon she was experiencing her knee pain again with a vengeance.

She was referred to a surgeon by a friend, and immediately felt like she was being treated like just a number instead of a unique patient.

Surgery was the first and only option presented, plus the surgery wasn’t explained in detail. To make matters worse, the surgical process did not involve pre-surgical PT or support and did not provide any extra resources to find out more about the surgery.

"I actually put off having this surgery for a few years from the time I was first told I needed it. The idea of replacing my knee was so incredibly terrifying. I am not a big exercise person and I was very frightened of the recovery and my ability to recover. I had had meniscuses surgery and it had not helped a lot and frankly I was afraid of the pain."

Calista did not feel like she was supported in making a life changing decision on something she knew very little about. Like many, she was trusting her surgeon and their office to guide them through the process. She had concerns about the surgery given her previous health conditions and keeping herself accountable for Physical Therapy after surgery. She tried to look for more resources but was not able to find the correct answers.

Calista was nervous about the recovery process and felt a lack of support, which prevented her from scheduling her total knee replacement surgery for nearly three years. Eventually, the pain became so bad that she had trouble walking and even standing. In a turn of fate, she was referred to the PatientPartner™ program. The day before her surgery, she had a long conversation with Robyn, who also previously had a knee replacement.

She learned about Robin's experience with her own knee replacement and got some inside tips for a smooth recovery. Robin also elaborated more on the information that the surgeon gave based on her first-hand experience. She tells us that "I put off having knee surgery for far too long. I was at a point where I could barely walk because of the constant pain in my knee. I was definitely frightened and did not have the courage until I spoke to a PatientPartner™. It was only after that first conversation with a woman in my age group who had it done that I decided I could do this. Being able to speak to her gave me the confidence to schedule it and I am so happy I did."

After her call, Calista felt a sense of assurance and comfort and was ready for surgery.

A pleasant surprise was in store when Calista arrived at the hospital the day of surgery. It turned out that Robin was also an operating room nurse at the same hospital where Calista was getting her knee replaced!

Today, Calista is pain-free, back to her active lifestyle and feels like she made the right decision.

"I am absolutely indebted to PatientPartner™ and the connection with Robin. I am so happy this is done and I am getting better with every day. I feel myself again, I can walk and enjoy my grandsons in a way I would not be able to if I had not had this procedure and without my PatientPartner™ I might still be waiting, afraid and missing out on enjoying life. I am so grateful!"

PatientPartner™ is proud of meaningful connections the program creates. Calista and Robin's story is a true testament that having a friend throughout the surgical journey truly makes a world of difference.

We connect those who are about to have a joint replacement with patient's who have previously had that surgery so you get to know the surgical journey from the patient's perspective.

Our PatientPartners™ are there to guide you through your surgical journey each and every step of the way.