Hear What Patients Have To Say / Patient Success Stories
Joyce Thurau
For years, hiking, biking, and walking were part of Joyce Thurau's routine. She can remember how much she enjoyed hiking the Arizona hot springs, but in 2003, she only made it half way up and thought she would not be able to make it back without help. She limped all the way back to the car in severe pain.
At 54-years old, Joyce went from hiking 7 days a week to not being able to walk the grocery store aisles to buy food for her family. Joyce recalls, "I waited until I was crying myself to sleep every night in pain before going to see the doctor."
In 2007, Joyce went to see her doctor. She received the diagnosis that both knees would need to be replaced. She spent many hours on the internet researching total knee replacement and patient success stories.
Like many in her situation, Joyce was a little scared to have total knee replacement surgery. She remembers, "I thought to myself, just get it done and move on." Her main focus was being able to sleep without nightly pain. Her doctor listened to her concerns and answered all of her questions. Joyce had her first knee replacement in July 2007. She felt so much relief that she decided to proceed with the second surgery, which took place in August 2008. "Since I already experienced one replacement, I knew what to expect. Knowing what to expect made it an easier decision to have the second knee replaced," said Joyce.
Both of Joyce's knees were replaced with the Biomet® Vanguard™ Total Knee. The Vanguard™ Complete Knee System provides for a high degree of flexion, which is an important consideration for patients, like Joyce, who desire to continue leading active lifestyles.
Following surgery, and diligently doing her therapy, Joyce felt healthy enough to return to her daily activities. "After a year, it actually feels like a natural part of my body. I am so happy. I can go shopping and walking."
This article is meant solely as a human interest story and is not meant to constitute medical advice.
While the patient in this story is a true joint replacement recipient, her results are not necessarily typical, indicative, or representative of all joint replacement patients. Joint replacements have been used successfully in achieving restored mobility to many patients. However, as with any implanted device, there are factors affecting performance which ultimately result in variable outcomes, including levels of mobility and pain. Some patients still experience pain or other issues. These factors include, but are not limited to, the patient’s pre and post-operative health conditions, weight, activity level, and adherence to instructions regarding the use of the affected joint. Due to these variables, it is not possible to predict specific results or patient satisfaction. For additional information regarding joint replacement, refer to the patient risk information located at the top of this page and talk to your orthopedic surgeon.
The persons named in this article have consented to be named and have given Biomet, Inc. the exclusive right to use their personal and medical information for educational purposes.
This patient was not compensated for their testimonial.
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