From Severe Arthritis to Six-Mile Walks: Barb’s Knee Replacement Success Story
Once limited by severe arthritis in both knees, Barb Schemmel’s life has been transformed thanks to two knee replacement surgeries in two years. These procedures not only relieved significant pain but restored her ability to embrace life’s adventures, from family hikes to walking six miles in New York City during a visit to welcome her grandchild.
For years, Schemmel’s knee issues gradually intensified. After tearing her meniscus twice in the last decade, she sought help from Matthew White, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) and UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids. Dr. White delivered the news it wasn’t just the meniscus injury making her uncomfortable. She had severe arthritis, no cartilage and her knees were bone-on-bone. Such a loss of cushion was causing severe pain.
Initially, Schemmel tried knee replacement alternatives, like cortisone injections, which provided only temporary relief. The pain returned within weeks accompanied by the realization a knee replacement was inevitable.
“At the time, I was 67 and thought, ‘I’m too young to be dropped off at the front of the store because I can’t walk far,’” Schemmel says. “I wanted to do things with my adult children and grandkids and that meant I needed knee replacement surgery.”
“As people age, they want to remain active,” Dr. White says. “Patients with arthritis want a better quality of life and, therefore, they’re more aggressive about pursuing joint replacement. It’s a successful surgery with a high patient satisfaction rate. For the best results, seek out surgeons and facilities that do a high volume of joint replacements.”
Same-day Joint Replacement Surgery at UnityPoint Health
In 2022, Schemmel underwent her first knee replacement at UnityPoint Health - Cedar Rapids, where surgeons use the cutting-edge ROSA robotic system. She was confident in both her decision and the expertise of the highly skilled surgical team.
“The ROSA system enhances precision during surgery, ensuring better alignment and balance in the joint,” Dr. White says. “It’s like moving from hand-measured tools to millimeter-precise calculations. The goal is to create a more balanced knee, which leads to better outcomes and potentially longer-lasting results.”
Knee Replacement Recovery Time
Schemmel went home the same day as her surgery. She says physical therapy (PT) played a pivotal role in her recovery. “If you don’t commit to therapy, it’s a tough road,” Barb says. With the guidance of her physical therapist, she rebuilt her strength and mobility. “My PT encouraged me to push myself while reminding me to be patient. Recovery is a process, and you must give yourself grace. A year after surgery, I was walking, hiking and doing things I hadn’t enjoyed in years.”
Inspired by her success, Schemmel scheduled her second knee replacement at UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids a year later.
“The surgical team strives to provide timely and efficient care,” Dr. White says. “Once a patient decides on joint replacement, we aim to avoid long wait times for surgery. Our focus is on restoring quality of life and helping patients return to living fully, free from joint pain.”
Schemmel reports her second knee replacement surgery was as successful as the first.
“Previously, a family hike would leave me icing my knees for days. Now, I can walk uneven trails and keep up with my grandkids without pain,” she says. "Before my surgeries, I would have never been able to do all the walking we did in New York.”
Tip for Others Considering a Knee Replacement
Schemmel acknowledges knee replacement requires effort but emphasizes its benefits.
“It’s worth it if you want to stay active and enhance your quality of life,” she says. “Trust the process, stay dedicated to therapy and give it time.”
“The use of spinal anesthesia, cryotherapy and minimally invasive techniques help make the surgery and recovery more manageable,” Dr. White says. “Modern joint replacement is incredibly successful, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and a return to their usual activity within months. By three months, many are walking comfortably, resuming daily activities and eventually getting back to sports like pickleball or golf.”
Embracing Life After Knee Replacement
Today, Schemmel is thriving, embracing life with a renewed sense of freedom.
“I feel fantastic,” she says. “These surgeries gave me the ability to enjoy life again. Whether hiking, playing with my grandkids or simply walking without pain, I’ve regained so much.”
For anyone facing similar struggles, Schemmel offers hope.
“If you’re suffering and ready to get back to being active, this could be a wonderful solution. Just give yourself time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”