A few years ago, Randy Hird was suffering from severe back pain and sought help from his doctor in Illinois. Recognizing the seriousness of Randy’s condition, his doctor referred him to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick Millikan at OrthoIndy. That referral not only provided Randy with relief but also introduced him and his wife, Chris, to a team that would later play a pivotal role in her own journey to pain relief.
Chris struggled with degenerative knee pain for years, relying on periodic injections for temporary relief. In 2023, it became clear that she needed more help, and she knew exactly where to turn. “The experience my husband had with Dr. Millikan was exceptional,” said Chris. “The OrthoIndy team got him in faster than any provider we could find in Illinois. That kind of efficiency and care made a lasting impression on us.”
Confident in the compassionate and efficient care her husband received, Chris trusted Dr. Millikan and OrthoIndy to guide her on her own path to recovery.
A Clear Path to Knee Replacement
After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Millikan confirmed what Chris already suspected – she needed two total knee replacements. The plan began with her left knee in December 2023, followed by her right knee in September 2024. Although the procedures seemed a bit daunting at first, Dr. Millikan explained every step of the process and answered any questions she had.
At this point, Chris was determined to reclaim her active lifestyle.
“I wanted to be pain-free, climb stairs with ease, get down on the floor to play with my grandkids, and even go waterskiing again,” said Chris. “Waterskiing has been a passion of mine for over 40 years, and I couldn’t wait to get back to it!”
Recovery and Results
After each surgery with Dr. Millikan, Chris committed to an intensive rehabilitation plan. For the first three months post-op, she went to physical therapy three times a week. From there, she progressed to riding an exercise bike and walking more regularly. By the time she underwent her second knee replacement, she was already a seasoned pro at recovery.
Her dedication, combined with Dr. Millikan’s expertise, led to remarkable results. “I’m doing really well,” she said. “My physical therapists were surprised at how quickly I recovered and mentioned that Dr. Millikan’s patients tend to have faster recovery times.”
Reflecting on her journey, Chris describes her experience with OrthoIndy and Dr. Millikan as flawless. “Dr. Millikan kept his promises and always worked around my schedule,” she said. “There were hardly any wait times, and the whole process was very efficient.”
Chris’ enthusiasm for her recovery even led her to push harder in rehab than her physical therapists recommended. “I feel so good that I just wanted to push myself,” she admitted with a laugh. “They had to hold me back at times! But, what was best for my therapy was just taking it one day at a time.”
Looking Ahead
With her second knee well on its way to full recovery, Chris is eagerly planning for the upcoming summer, when she’ll finally return to the water for her first post-surgery waterskiing adventure. Thanks to OrthoIndy and the exceptional care of Dr. Millikan, she’s ready to embrace a future free of pain and full of possibilities.
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Considering joint replacement surgery? Trust the orthopedic specialists at OrthoIndy to provide personalized care and guide you back to the life you love. Learn more about your options and start your journey to recovery today at orthoindy.com.
