Double Knee Replacement: Steve's Story
Steve Gebauer successfully tackled two knee replacements at once, thanks to the expertise and care of Roger Chams, M.D., at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital’s Joint and Spine Center.
"I remember the day after my double knee surgery very well — it was the first time in many years that I woke up without pain.
"What a change for me. I had been struggling with knee problems since I was 10 years old. Playing baseball and football growing up, I hurt the right knee and then the left. Later, it meant that I couldn’t do a lot of activities without pain. I couldn’t play softball with my son and I had to give up umpiring baseball games. I couldn’t go for walks with my wife, or even stand to watch my daughter compete in bowling. I was edgy with my family and had to take pain medication.
"I had knee scope operations that helped some, but the pain was still barely tolerable. I knew it was time to consider a total knee replacement. But like a lot of orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Roger Chams doesn’t usually recommend doing both knees at once. Just one joint replacement is a tough experience that involves months of rehab.
"But I was determined to get my mobility back, and Dr. Chams agreed that I was young enough and committed to working hard to make the operation a success. We collaborated on how to approach the surgeries, and I was out of the hospital and in rehab in two days.
"With my family’s help in the exercise program, I can now use the stairs and I have a 130-degree range of motion. My rehabilitation isn’t over, but I’ve regained mobility four months after surgery. I can even sit in a boat and fish without pain. None of this would have been possible without Dr. Chams and the support of my family."