Patient stories - Judith Seitz

After polio and years of knee pain, woman finds relief

After contracting polio at age 5, Judith Seitz of Sartell, now 71, had lived her whole life with legs that were significantly different lengths. “For years I walked unevenly and limped. It put tremendous pressure on my knees. I am a nurse as well, so many years in a profession where you’re on your feet didn’t help,” Judith said.

This uneven wear caused years of pain. She had her right knee replaced approximately ten years ago by orthopedic surgeon Kim Schaap, MD, at St. Cloud Hospital. It was only a matter of time before the left knee needed replacement.

“I knew I needed to get my left knee replaced but I didn’t know how it would work. As a result of polio, I had no muscle, just a boney knee,” Judith said. Judith decided to give it a try and had her surgery in April 2013. “It made a huge difference for me. I have more stamina, sleep better, can climb stairs…I just do anything I want,” she said. “I used a cane or walker for ten years and now I don’t use either.”

“This surgery was a life-saving thing for me,” says Judith. In comparing the surgeries, Judith said she experienced less pain, no sutures and only wishes she would have done it sooner. Today she enjoys biking, walking the family dogs and swimming 50 laps three to four times a week.

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