Pain Takes a Hike after Knee Replacement
Mark Schuelke
Aug, 2019
Physicians: Joseph Farber, MD
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After years of wear and tear on his joints, Mark Schuelke, 55, was knee-deep in pain. Mark played sports throughout his life, including baseball and football and more recently ice hockey. In addition to a physically demanding job, it began to take a toll on his body, resulting in arthritis and chronic pain in both knees.
“The pain was slowing me down,” said Mark. “It affected my quality of life. I had trouble getting in and out of my truck at work and couldn’t enjoy playing sports or hiking as much.”
When the pain continued to worsen, Mark connected with orthopedic surgeon Joseph Farber, MD, who began to oversee his treatment.
“Dr. Farber tried non-surgical options first,” said Mark. “Physical therapy and cortisone shots helped for a while, but they became less effective over time.”
After an annual hiking trip with friends, an experience Mark usually enjoyed, it was clear that something had changed.
“We’ve taken several hiking trips up north, but this time it was pretty brutal because of my knees,” said Mark. “At that point, I knew I needed my knees replaced.”
A Thorough and Supportive Team
With a relationship already built with Dr. Farber, Mark began preparing for knee replacement surgery. Although both joints needed attention, Mark’s right knee was the worse of the two and the first to be replaced.
“Everything was covered in very specific detail leading up to surgery,” said Mark. “I knew what would happen and what they expected of me. Nothing was left out. I only remember having to ask one or two questions.”
A damaged knee joint occurs when the spongy cushion or cartilage that lines the joint wears away and the bones no longer move smoothly against each other, which often causes pain. During knee replacement surgery, parts of the bone that make up the knee joint are removed and replaced with metal and plastic parts to create a new joint.
After surgery, Mark underwent physical therapy in his home for two weeks before transitioning to outpatient physical therapy.
“Everyone on my care team was awesome,” said Mark. “They were very knowledgeable and knew how to push me to get the most out of each therapy session.”
Words of Wisdom
Following his right knee replacement, Mark underwent a successful left knee replacement the following year. Since that time, he has felt a significant improvement in his daily activities.
“I’m very happy with my experience,” said Mark. “My job is much easier, I can walk longer distances, I can ride my bike again, and I can be more active with my grandchildren. My overall quality of life is much better.”
He and his friends are also talking about another hiking trip in the future, and Mark is confident that next time knee pain won’t slow him down.
Mark added that the support of his wife and daughters was important for his success and offered a final piece advice for anyone who undergoes a knee replacement.
“I’ve heard stories from people who expect to have the surgery without putting in the effort afterward,” said Mark. “But I tell everybody to do what the doctors tell you and you will have the best chance for success!”
Watch more of Mark's story in the video below: