Amy’s Journey

My starting point for knee surgery began when pain in both knees became a daily struggle. I could no longer enjoy simple activities with my family and friends, especially anything that involved walking or being on my feet for long periods. When my granddaughter started walking, it truly hit me—I didn’t want to sit on the sidelines and miss out on any part of her life. That moment motivated me to seek care for my knees so I could stay active, present, and fully involved in every step of her journey

I made the visit to Georgia Bone and Joint, where I saw Dr. Riddle for an evaluation. X-rays were taken of both knees, and the diagnosis was a little shocking. Dr. Riddle explained that both of my knees were “riding on rims,” meaning there was virtually no cartilage left and Osteo Arthritis had set in in both knees. He mentioned that we could try injections, but given the severe loss of cartilage, he wasn’t sure they would provide much relief. After reviewing everything, he recommended total knee replacements for both knees as the best option to restore mobility and relieve the pain I had been living with. I had my right knee done first on October 30, 2024, and my second knee done on January 22, 2025.

Both surgeries went great, but my first setback came right out of the gate. After both procedures, I had to stay three additional nights in the hospital because my blood pressure dropped, and the medical team couldn’t get it stable enough for me to go home. As a result, I came out of the hospital behind on physical therapy both times. Once I was home, I found it difficult to shower during the first week and struggled to get a good night’s sleep for nearly four weeks. However, I noticed that about every two weeks, I would turn a new corner—feeling a little stronger, moving a little easier, and becoming more comfortable.

I set my physical therapy goals high for both surgeries because I was determined to finish ahead of the allocated 6–8 weeks. I pushed myself hard and stayed committed every step of the way. I never missed a PT session, faithfully did my exercises at home, and rode the stationary bike that Dr. Riddle prescribed for my therapy. I made it a point to walk frequently—getting up every two hours during the day to walk for at least ten minutes. I elevated and iced my knees consistently and truly put in the work. I’m not going to lie—there were trials, setbacks, and plenty of tears—but I kept pushing through, reminding myself that every bit of effort would be worth it in the end. Even though I started behind after each surgery, I was able to complete physical therapy in just four weeks both times.

I never in my wildest dreams imagined how great life could be or how much I had truly been missing out on. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, I’m now the one who wants to go, walk, and do things. I’m doing activities I used to only dream about—going on cruises, traveling to Mexico to see the Mayan Ruins, exploring small towns, shopping, and even taking the stairs without hesitation. My family jokes that I’ve become the one who always says, “Let’s walk!” Life feels full again, and I’m grateful every day for the strength and freedom I’ve regained.

I will never be able to fully express my thanks and gratitude to Georgia Bone and Joint. The entire office staff is amazing—always kind, helpful, and professional. I could not have asked for a more caring, understanding, and compassionate surgeon than Dr. Riddle, and Taylor is truly the best. The physical therapy team pushed me just enough to make progress without ever overwhelming me; they listened to me, understood my limits, and celebrated my milestones. And Stephanie—what can I say—she is one of the best when it comes to PT! Thanks to Dr. Riddle and his incredible team, I’m so happy with my new knees, my restored mobility, and the renewed joy I’ve found in life.