For 15 years, Linda suffered from arthritis and debilitating knee pain. She knew that someday she would need both knees replaced.  Climbing stairs, bending at the knees or doing any type of physical activity was becoming nearly impossible.  Linda found herself spending a lot of time on the couch. At age 57, that wasn’t where she wanted to be. So, she made an appointment with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin O’Halloran.

“I knew the second he walked in that he would be the surgeon replacing my knees,” Linda says.  “He was confident in what he said and his demeanor was compassionate. He made me feel comfortable. And most importantly, he told me that this would be the beginning of a new journey.” 

In April, Linda successfully had both knees replaced.  The entire experience was amazing, she says, from the doctor and nurses to the dietary staff. 

“Everyone treated me like a person and not just a patient,” Linda recalls. “I truly believe that helped to speed my recovery. I don’t have a big circle of people surrounding me and the support was amazing.”

After a week in the hospital, Linda moved on to physical therapy, where she worked with Patrice Walter. “I can remember the first time that Patrice said I was going to bend at the knees and stand back up,” says Linda. “I was skeptical, but went along.  As I followed the instruction, the feeling of bending my knee was incredible; I put my head down and began to cry.  I could bend at the knees and it didn’t hurt! That is when I truly understood this is the beginning of a new journey.”

Today, Linda has completely recovered.  She purchased a new bike and is riding for the first time in 30 years.  “I don’t think Dr. O’Halloran understands that what he does is life transforming,” she beams. “And he does it in a way that supports your emotional needs as well.”