In April 2011, Sue twisted her knee during a tennis game. It was determined that she had a significant grade of arthritis and bone was rubbing on bone in her knee. “The pain was terrible. I had to go up stairs one step at a time, and I certainly could not play tennis.
Following an arthroscopy, it did not improve and a knee replacement was recommended in October 2012. “I felt a little nervous going into surgery but had utmost confidence in my surgeon.” During her hospital stay, Sue was encouraged to get up and start moving around with the aid of crutches and commence her exercises. After leaving hospital, Sue stayed in a rehabilitation facility where she participated in physiotherapy, hydrotherapy (exercises in the pool) and gym work. “I was visiting a physiotherapist even before the surgery. Exercise is so important before and after. I think it makes a really big difference to your recovery.”
Sue is a retired mathematics teacher but remains very active by mentoring student teachers at a Sydney University. As a fan of opera, Sue used to have to take each step slowly one at a time at the Sydney Opera House, but can now easily climb the stairs. “I’m back doing everything now, even a little tennis.” Following consultation with her surgeon and physiotherapist, it was agreed that a doubles game of tennis where Sue doesn’t run for the ball would be acceptable. “Everything just seems to be getting better and better now”.
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