At 54 years old, OrthoIndy knee patient Jill Lacy knew she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life managing chronic joint pain.
Jill had already experienced how life-changing joint replacement could be after a successful hip procedure at OrthoIndy. So, when arthritis in her knee began to impact her mobility and quality of life, she didn’t hesitate to return to the orthopedic experts she trusted.
“I had my hip done a few years back at OrthoIndy, and the results were phenomenal,” Jill said. “So when my left knee started acting up, there was no question where I was going for help.”
Initially referred by her primary care physician, Jill consulted with several specialists before ultimately choosing orthopedic joint replacement surgeon Dr. George Vestermark for her care. Dr. Vestermark had performed her hip replacement a few years prior, and the clarity he provided during consultations with her knee pain helped her feel confident in the path forward.
“Dr. Vestermark didn’t just explain the ‘what’ – he walked me through the entire process and helped me understand the ‘why’ behind every decision,” Jill explained.
Jill had previously discovered that a bone abnormality was the root cause of her hip problems, which had triggered painful arthritis flare-ups. Her knee was also impacted by arthritis, making it difficult for her to walk long distances or climb stairs without pain.
Her goal was clear – she wanted to return to a pain-free life, without being held back by pain.
The transition between her hip and knee surgeries was smooth with each phase of care, from surgery to rehabilitation, clearly mapped out by the OrthoIndy team. “The level of coordination was incredible. Scheduling was a breeze, and the team made sure I was never left wondering what came next,” Jill said.
After Dr. Vestermark performed her knee replacement, Jill underwent structured physical therapy sessions for three months to support her recovery.
“It was hard work, but absolutely necessary – and worth every bit of effort,” said Jill. “OrthoIndy pushed me in the best way possible and never made me feel like I was doing it alone.”
At her six-month follow-up, Jill is thrilled with her progress. She’s walking comfortably, enjoying life again, and already planning for a future right knee replacement to complete her transformation.
Reflecting on her experience, Jill credits the OrthoIndy joint replacement team and Dr. Vestermark for all their hard work.
“From the front desk to the operating room and physical therapy, the team at OrthoIndy was exceptional. They listen, they care, and they deliver results. I’m so glad I didn’t wait until my 60s or 70s to do this. Life is too short to live in pain.”
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