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Horse breeder and show jumper Paula Johnson, 63, from Liss in Hampshire, feared her horse-riding days were over when she faced crippling knee pain. But then, she turned to her GP for help and had a total knee replacement at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton, 18 months ago. Here, Paula shares her experience.
“Looking back, I wish I’d had my knee surgery years ago. I’m incredibly grateful to my consultants Mr Andrew Flood and Mr Graham Hill, and the team. If talking about my experience helps just one person, I’ll be happy.”
Paula Johnson, knee replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton
“I had a horse-riding accident 29 years ago which injured my right knee, damaging my ACL. At the time, I never had an MRI or proper diagnosis, so over the years I ended up having five operations, including several arthroscopies, to try and clean up the joint. Working every day with horses at our breeding farm and being on my feet for long hours wore the cartilage away completely.
“By November 2023, I could barely walk, couldn’t ride, and the pain was threatening my livelihood. I work seven days a week full time breeding, birthing and raising horses and training them for competition careers to be sold to clients for their chosen sport like show jumping or dressage.
“Concerned about my limited knee mobility and pain, I went to see my GP who referred me to a physio. After an assessment, they said the only solution was a knee replacement as my knee cartilage was non-existent. They recommended Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton, as the best place locally to have the surgery. I felt so lucky to be booked in for my NHS operation just three months later.
“I was terrified that surgery would stop me working or riding, but it’s done the opposite – it’s given me a new lease of life. I met Orthopaedic consultant Mr Andrew Flood, at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton for a consultation and he was absolutely fantastic. I was booked in for surgery in February 2024. I’ve had a lot of operations over the years, but this was like no other – everything ran like clockwork, and all the staff were exceptional, especially Mr Graham Hill my surgeon. I stayed one night in hospital, and was given physiotherapy by the team during my recovery period.
“I was determined to be back riding again as soon as possible. I did all my physio religiously, and was back on a horse within two months, and back in the show jumping ring after two and a half months…I felt brilliant. Before surgery, every jump came with pain and fear of landing, but now, I don’t think about my knee at all. “
Paula Johnson, knee replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton
“I’m quite stubborn and love my horses, so I was determined to be riding again as soon as possible. I did all my physio religiously, and was back on a horse within two months, and back in the show jumping ring after two and a half months. My husband was a bit concerned at the time, but I felt brilliant. Before surgery, every jump came with pain and fear of landing, but now, I don’t think about my knee at all.
“Riding has been great for my recovery as it keeps me active, stretches the muscles around my knee, and distracts me from thinking about it. Part of our business is showing horses for sale, which means being on our feet for five or six days at a time. My new knee handles it easily. I’m really enjoying my show jumping competitions since surgery, I’ve got a new found confidence which was lacking before due to the pain. My career is very full on and I have an active life 365 days a year. I still can’t believe I have been able to get back to this level of work and competitive competition so quickly.
“Other aspects of my life have improved immensely since surgery too. I can now walk the dogs for miles without constantly looking for somewhere to sit down.
“Even holidays are better. Before, I dreaded flights because my knee would seize up, and I’d worry about slipping by the pool. It was a living nightmare. Now I can enjoy every moment and relax more.
“An added bonus is that since surgery, I’ve lost two stone because I can be more active. I honestly feel better than ever.
“For me, I think having knee surgery is the fear of the unknown, but looking back, I wish I’d done it years ago. I’m incredibly grateful to my consultants Mr Andrew Flood and Mr Graham Hill, and the team. If talking about my experience helps just one person, I’ll be happy.”
