Many jobs make you stand on your feet for a long time, but not many people realize the impact that can have on your knees. As a nurse of 47 years, Donna Austgen knew that fact all too well.
Donna started her nursing career when she was just 19 years old. “I’ve been constantly on my feet for as long as I can remember. It does a number on your knees,” Donna explained.
She always felt a constant, dull pain for as long as she could remember. When it became more intense, she just pushed herself to keep going. “Never let them see you limp, that’s my motto,” she said.
But no one should have to just grin and bear it year after year.
Participating in Her Care
Donna went to different hospitals before finding OrthoIndy, but none of them were able to make her feel better. “They weren’t bad places; they would just look at me and say, ‘There’s nothing more we can do,’” Donna explained. That’s when Donna remembered her daughter used to work at OrthoIndy and had always spoken very highly of the hospital. Being the #1 hospital in the state for total joint replacement two years in a row didn’t hurt either.
Donna made an appointment to see Dr. Patrick Millikan, and from the moment she got there, everything felt completely different. “From minute one, I felt like I was a participant in my care. At other places, they just tell you what they’re going to do, and you don’t have a conversation about it. But at OrthoIndy, we talked things through until I understood what was going on.”
Dr. Millikan told her that her knee pain was because of arthritis, just from the everyday wear and tear over the years, and that a simple total knee replacement would help get rid of the pain. Donna wasn’t worried. “My biggest concern was being alone during covid, but I never felt alone at OrthoIndy. The nurses were kind and checked in on me regularly.”
From Couch to 5K Steps
Six weeks later, Donna was in full recovery. She completed her physical therapy at OrthoIndy’s Center Grove clinic and is training for a 5k later this year. “I went from a very sedentary lifestyle to being able to walk 5,000 steps a day. I can take care of my grandkids. I can garden. It’s changed everything for me.”
“Donna was a fantastic patient, and earned a great result,” Dr. Millikan said, “She and I made a plan for her surgery and recovery, and she stuck to it. She is proof that knee arthritis doesn’t have to stop you from living an active, fulfilling life.”
Donna has nothing but praise for OrthoIndy and Dr. Millikan. “OrthoIndy does a great job with patients to ensure the best outcomes. Your voice is heard, you get to participate in your care, and everyone who works at OrthoIndy has good relationships with people. They care about you as a person.”
Schedule an Appointment
Call us at 317.802.2000 to schedule an appointment or click here to find the right specialist for you.
If your injury or condition is recent, our OrthoIndy Urgent Care locations are ready with immediate orthopedic-only care. For rehabilitation and physical therapy, no referral is needed to see one of our physical therapists.
