Health & Wellness
Richwood resident Terry Sowder has one of those personalities. A beaming smile with an infectious laugh, Terry lights up a room and you instantly know you want to spend time with him. He captures you with his friendliness and genuine charm. But that smile faded last year, as Terry’s left knee pain grew more and more.
An active, on-the-go guy, Terry’s weekly list of activities includes his sales position in the automotive industry which takes him from state-to-state. An avid runner, Terry loves to stretch his legs with a good run. Add to that hiking and walking with his beloved wife, Tami, family time with his three sons and their families (including “the cutest” five grandchildren!), and yes, golfing with his buddies.
But Terry’s knee pain was starting to get in the way of the favorite parts of his life.
“Often my friends ask if I would recommend knee replacement surgery – and I say, yes, just do it! Get it done! I feel better than I have in years! I am so grateful to Drs. Schwartz and Stover, and Memorial Orthopedics & Sports Medicine!”
He had been managing the pain for years with the guidance of Mark Stover, DO, FAOAO, of Memorial Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Initially, the less invasive strategies of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and joint injections were helpful in dealing with his knee issues. But as time wore on, so did his knee.
And Terry found himself having to back out of life. In the early spring of 2023, driving became a challenge. He couldn’t stand in one place for more than 5 minutes or walk for more than 15. Playing with the grandkids was painful. And golf? Well, golf suddenly was no fun at all.
After a conversation with Dr. Stover about next steps and options, he was introduced to Forrest Schwartz, MD, a total hip and knee replacement surgeon at Memorial. An appointment that Terry says, turned that smile around.
“I was so impressed by Dr. Schwartz’s knowledge of my pain and his expertise in joint replacement, I knew I was ready to take on a new knee. My surgery was in November 2023, and frankly, it was so easy. Dr. Schwartz has this incredible bedside manner that is so compassionate and encouraging. In two short weeks, I was back to work. And, of course, doing my physical therapy with Memorial – another amazing team of people!”
Now, spring 2024 has rolled around, and Terry is back to almost 100%. He is working out on the treadmill and stationary bike. He is loving chasing his grandkids and walking with Tami.
And, he is ready to hit the links this spring – and summer – and fall.
There’s that famous Terry smile!
5 Telltale Signs It’s Time for a Knee Replacement
Minor aches and pains can be a normal part of aging, but how do you know when chronic knee pain is something more serious?
How to know when it is time for knee replacement surgery:
- You have chronic knee pain or your pain is bone-on-bone.
- You’re having trouble performing daily tasks.
- You’ve exhausted conservative approaches.
- You experience mobility and instability issues.
- You’re prepared to commit to your recovery.
The verdict: if you’ve answered “yes” to one or more of our 5 telltale signs, it’s time to consider an option that will give you long-term relief: total knee replacement surgery. When it is time for replacement surgery, you should discuss all options and make the decision together with your doctor. Learn more about our Total Joint Replacement Program at Memorial by calling Memorial Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at (937) 578-4200.
