Disclaimer
The statements provided represent the experiences of the particular individuals making them and are not intended to be a recommendation, referral, or prescription for any device or procedure. Stryker Orthopaedics does not warrant that any of the statements are accurate, complete, or will apply to any particular individual’s circumstances. If you are thinking of joint replacement surgery, you should consult your own physician. Stryker Orthopaedics shall in no event be liable to you or anyone else for any decisions made or actions taken by you in reliance on any statement provided herein.
The life of any joint replacement will depend on your weight, age, activity level, and other factors. Individual results may vary. Only an orthopedic surgeon can decide if hip replacement surgery is right for you. Hip replacement surgery may be associated with serious complications including but not limited to component breakage, corrosion; wear or loosening; bone fracture or bone loss; infection; nerve damage; blood clots in the legs and/or lungs; and hip pain or stiffness. Complications may require medical intervention including additional surgery, and in rare cases, may lead to death. For more information, consult your doctor.
Hip Replacement Stories
“It is unbelievable to think that I am pain-free after all those years.”
“By the time I was 22, my left hip was filled with arthritis. Sports were out of the question, even simple things like jogging and golfing. In the meantime, I put up with the pain and led a boring lifestyle. Eventually my right hip, which I favored because my left hip was so bad, began hurting too. I finally made an appointment with a Stryker Orthopaedic specialist. It’s been 15 months since my two total hip replacements, and my life has improved tremendously. I no longer take painkillers. I’m able to do more things. I play golf. I walk more. I recently started horseback riding. And the best thing is, I’m pain-free.” Results not typical and may vary by individual. Not all patients will reach the same activity level. – Stryker hip replacement patient
“I decided it was time when my daughter started to walk, and I couldn’t play with her.”
“I was diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis about 14 years ago. I couldn’t walk far. I couldn’t climb steps very well. I certainly couldn’t ride a bike. You name a daily activity you take for granted, I couldn’t do it. Finally, the pain got so bad, I decided to have my hips replaced when my daughter started to walk, and I couldn’t play with her. I couldn’t even pick her up. So I had both hips replaced within a week of each other. If you’re thinking about hip replacement, find a good surgeon, educate yourself, and make your own decision. You’ll know when it’s the right time.” – Stryker hip replacement patient
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done.”
“I’m a nurse working 12-hour shifts, and I’m on my feet constantly. I developed pain in my right hip, so I started taking medication. But it wasn’t getting better. The pain was so bad that even routine things like getting out of bed, going to work, and buying groceries were difficult. My doctor said I had arthritis that destroyed my hip. We decided there was no other option: I had to have my hip replaced. He gave me information about the new ceramic technology from Stryker. After reading it, I was even more willing to have the surgery. And it was the best thing I’ve ever done. My life is back to normal. I don’t even remember the pain anymore, which is wonderful.”- Stryker hip replacement patient
“When you no longer get enjoyment out of most anything, it’s pretty much time.”
“I played high-level ice hockey for six years, and was involved in competitive sports for 24 years. My pain started in the lower back, then after a little bit of discovery, my hips were identified as the source. The process of deciding to have my hip replaced is one I now look back on and feel pretty comfortable with. I did quite a bit of research. You know, finding the right doctor. Finding the right hospital and care. Also being proactive and having your care thought through both before and after your surgery seemed to be an advantage. And picking the right parts. I felt very confident going with the Stryker ceramic-on-ceramic hip because of its long term benefits, its wear benefits, and also its function. I am truly thankful to have my life back.”- Stryker hip replacement patient
“My doctor, the technology — they gave me the freedom to be myself again.”
“My hip pain was undiagnosed for awhile. I was in pain no matter what I did. I have three children who are active in sports year-round — which means I need to stay active, too. Just a day on my feet was exhausting, but what was worse was the inability to sleep. Ultimately, the pain became so great, no kind of painkiller could help. So, I interviewed a number of surgeons until I found my Stryker Orthopaedic specialist, who had done hundreds of these surgeries. As soon as I woke up, I knew I made the right decision. It really was instantaneous that the pain relief was so significant. My doctor, the technology, the experience — they were all integral to making a good decision. It’s made a big difference in my life, and to the people around me as well.”- Stryker hip replacement patient
Knee Replacement Stories
“There’s a point where your life just becomes miserable if you don’t get it replaced.”
“My dad was always a real outdoorsman just like his father was. So he raised my brother and me the same way, active in a lot of sports — fishing, cycling, camping. I was always pushing the edge, which took its toll on my knees over the years. The pain got so intense I couldn’t do any of the activities I’ve always thrived on — and for me that’s not living anymore. So, I did a lot of research. I interviewed several surgeons, looked at the different knee designs, and you know, I was quite impressed with the Stryker knee. I had the knee replacement, and the moment I woke up from surgery. I noticed that the arthritis pain I’d been suffering all these years was gone” – Stryker knee replacement patient
“I shouldn’t have waited … I feel 20 years younger.”
“I’m a nurse and I’m on my feet 10 hours a day. Fifteen years ago, I had arthroscopic surgery on my knee. Arthritis set in, the joint deteriorated, and the pain grew worse. Coming home to elevate and ice my leg was more important than sitting at dinner with my family. I felt like an old woman. My doctor recommended total knee replacement, but I was afraid. Then I heard about minimally invasive surgery, and I decided to go for it. I was amazed that everything went so fast. I had such a quick recovery. My therapist said I was too fast for a walker — the day after surgery! Nine days later, I walked into my doctor’s office without even a cane. Stryker total knee replacement has totally improved my quality of life.” – Stryker knee replacement patient
“I would say my quality of life is now 200%, versus 25% before the surgery.”
“I’m a mother of five. Grandmother of two. I have an active life, which has gotten even better since I had my knee replacement. Before the surgery, my activity was very limited. I was in severe pain for a good two years before I came to the conclusion a total knee replacement was the only way to go. My bicycle riding came to an end, my bowling, even cleaning around the house and playing with the children or dancing with my grandchildren. But now, oh wow! The pain factor is gone. I’m looking younger, I’m feeling younger, and I’ve lost a total of 71 pounds because I’m much more mobile. I can scrub floors, I can climb a stepladder, I can bend and stoop, I can get in and out of the car. What can’t I do? This is a quality of life procedure. It’s gonna get you out of bed, keep you off the crutches, and out of the wheelchair.””Thank you for the great job you did on replacing both my knees…I am glad I had the operation. Thank you…for helping me get back to a normal life.”
“Just a note to thank you for the expert care you gave our Dad. You were a blessing to our family during his stay in Chippenham Hospital. I’ll never forget that.”
“Never a day goes by that I don’t think of you and the relief from pain you gave me.”
“Thank you for the great work you performed on my hip replacement surgery.” – Stryker knee replacement patient