Gary underwent bilateral total knee replacement using continuous nerve block technology for pain management. During his surgery and recovery, Gary had two key motivators: The first was his wife; the second was golf.

He’d spent 33 years working an active job in Jefferson when his knees finally forced him into retirement. After that, Gary continued to drive truck for another ten years. “I was getting to the point where I couldn’t get into my truck,” Gary says. “Once I got into the seat, I’d have to reach over with both hands and pull my left leg in.”

There were also daily frustrations. Gary had to go down stairs backward, or cling to a railing with both hands. He couldn’t bend his knees. The pain increased depending on the weather. “Sleeping was a son-of-a-gun,” Gary recalls. “And if I sat for a couple hours, playing cards, I had to shuffle around when I got back up like I was 110 years old.”

Gary knew he’d reached a point where surgery was the right option. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Rhodes determined that Gary was a good candidate for a bilateral replacement – meaning both knees would be replaced at the same time.

Gary was impressed with the preparation he received from Dr. Rhodes, with the Watertown Regional Medical Center, and with Brittany Pollentier, the Physical Therapist who guided his rehabilitation. “Brittany was just an angel,” says Gary. “She really took care of me.”

Gary has advice for others considering joint replacement. Expect to be frustrated at times during the recovery process. And do your exercises. “And if you’ve got a partner who’s willing to help you, that makes a big difference,” says Gary. “I was fortunate.”

Gary and his wife Judy, who is a Registered Nurse, have been married 44 years. He credits her with helping his recovery and keeping him moving.

Gary’s other big motivator was golf. He wanted to be ready to golf when spring arrived! 

Just three months after his surgery, Gary and seven friends made a trip to Tennessee. He golfed 36 holes a day for five straight days and never took any pain medication. “I feel fantastic,” says Gary. “I would do it over in a heartbeat, and I would do both knees at one time again too.”