Sheila’s Knee Replacement: “I Finally Have My Life Back”

As a former college athlete, Sheila McGill knew what it was like to push through pain. But when knee pain from old injuries was stopping her from doing the things she loved, like playing basketball with her kids, she knew it was time for replacement. She met with Matthew Grothaus, MD, at ProMedica Physicians Orthopaedic Surgery Center.

Read Sheila’s words, below.

Getting My Life Back with Knee Replacement

My knee was an absolute train wreck prior to my surgery. I had probably let it go way too long. I used and abused my knees when I was younger.

I started playing basketball ball in third grade and never stopped playing competitively until I graduated college. I had a partial tear in my ACL when I was in high school from an injury I received playing on a Jr. Olympics basketball team one summer. I wore a knee brace to complete my high school career. I continued to wear a knee brace to play through all four years of college.

Thirty years after college there was no doubt I needed something done. The pain was excruciating to say the least. There was nothing I could do or take to even dull the pain. The time had come for me to do the only thing I could do if I ever wanted to play basketball in our driveway with our two boys. 

Ready for Replacement

Dr. Grothaus was nothing but spectacular when it was once again time to go see him. Yes, I said again because nine years prior to this I had my other knee replaced by him. I knew when it was time to have this one done that Dr. Grothaus is the ONLY one I would trust to do it.

He knew that when he saw me in his office, I wasn’t there to waste his time. He knew that the pain had gotten to be more than I could tolerate. My pain tolerance is extremely high so when I complain about something it’s no joke. Dr. Grothaus knew how important it was for me to be actively involved in my boys’ lives. Being a boy mom is not a walk in the park. There’s tons of adventures and I want to be included in all of it. 

I tried the shots, which did NOTHING to relieve pain. Then on to physical therapy. We all knew we were just doing what we had to do to get to the replacement step.

I almost waited too long. I kept putting it off because I wasn’t sure what the best time of year was for me to get it done. I coached my youngest son’s basketball team. I was not about to give that up.

Finally, I decided there was never going be a perfect time. I made the phone call and Dr. Grothaus made it all happen in May 2024.

The experience I had the day of my surgery was TOP NOTCH from the time I went back to pre-op to the time they released me to come home. EVERYONE was very compassionate and caring. They treated my mom and husband like their own family while they sat and waited for me all day.

Recovery After Knee Replacement

Recovery after surgery wasn’t bad at all. I knew what to expect so I think that helped. I went to my therapy and worked hard and pushed through any discomfort so I could get on the other side of things.

As time went on things kept getting better and better. I told my husband I was going walk in the Ali Held Herman Memorial Run/Walk. Ali was a very dear friend of ours that we lost unexpectedly on March 26, 2021. He wasn’t sure that it was a good idea, but after telling him that I was doing it, he told me to take it easy and stop if my knee started to hurt. Ten weeks after surgery, I participated in the walk.

I walked the entire 3.26 miles in under an hour. No formal training was done, just the drive to push through and complete this event I had wanted to do for the past two years. I walked it with absolutely NO pain or discomfort. It felt AMAZING. I called my husband when I was done and all I could do was cry and say I finally have my life back. The next thing I did was text Dr. Grothaus and tell him what I had just done. I thanked him from the bottom of my heart for giving me my life back. Without him and his team this would have never happened for me. 

Not only did Dr. Grothaus have to do a total knee replacement, but he also had to straighten my leg because it had gone knock knee from me letting it go so long. So, with all that I went through, it made completing Ali’s walk even more of an accomplishment for me.

I can actually climb up and down a step ladder to paint windows for my boys’ football teams. I can get on my hands and knees and wet mop the bathroom floor. I can finally get comfortable lying in bed at night. I can get in and out of my tractor at work without worrying about my knee locking or giving out. I can enjoy the adventures we go on when we take family vacations. I can live again!

A Word for Those Considering Replacement

What would I tell someone who may be hesitating to get a joint replacement? I would ask what are you afraid of? Are you afraid to be pain free? Are you afraid to get your quality of life back? Do not wait! The longer you wait the more damage you are doing. And not just to the joint that is the issue, but to other parts of your body as well. You are only going to make things worse by waiting.

As long as Dr. Grothaus and his team is taking care of you, there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for you to worry about!!! You do what he tells you to do before and after the procedure and you will be living your best life.

I cannot say enough good about Dr. Grothaus. The man is a blessing to me and my family and his team is second to none.

Matthew Grothaus, MD
Dr. Grothaus is an orthopaedic surgeon with ProMedica Physicians. View his profile.