For more than eight years, Cheryl, 80, lived with ongoing knee pain that gradually wore away at her independence and enjoyment of everyday life. “My condition was really affecting me,” she said. A recommendation led Cheryl to The Woodlands Suite, Private Care at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, where she underwent a complex revision total knee replacement under the care of Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr. Jonathan Stevenson.

When everyday activities become a challenge

Before coming to The Woodlands Suite, Cheryl’s knee pain was having a significant impact on even the simplest daily tasks. “It was affecting everything,” she explained. “I couldn’t stand in the kitchen to cook for very long, I had to sit down in between. It stopped me going out and about. I couldn’t drive. It was awful.”

Life had become centred around managing pain and fatigue, something Cheryl found both physically and emotionally draining.

A place that immediately felt right

From her very first contact with The Woodlands Suite, Cheryl knew she had made the right decision. “I would describe my initial contact with The Woodlands Suite as fantastic,” she said. “Everybody was kind to me. They were superb.” That sense of personal care stayed with her long after her stay. “Even coming back after surgery, people smile, say hello, and remember me from when I was in. That really means something.”

Feeling calm, comfortable and reassured

Despite the scale and complexity of her revision knee surgery, Cheryl says she felt completely at ease throughout her time at The Woodlands Suite.

“I had no worries at all. I was very, very comfortable,” she said. “In fact, I was quite happy to stay. I remember thinking, ‘I don’t want to go home!’" She credits her surgeon, Mr Jonathan Stevenson and anaesthetist, Dr William Tosh, for helping her feel relaxed and reassured on the day of surgery.

Recovery and progress

Cheryl’s recovery has continued to progress well, with follow‑up appointments providing further reassurance. “My recovery journey has been fantastic” she said. “Coming back to see Mr Stevenson, he’s happy with it as well.”

She acknowledges some expected post‑surgical discomfort, “I get the occasional bit of discomfort, but that’s to be expected after such a complex procedure and it’s nothing like the pain I had before.”

Mr Stevenson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, said: “Cheryl had been living with knee pain for far too long. Our focus was on fully understanding her concerns and providing a solution that would genuinely improve her comfort, mobility, and confidence. Seeing how well she has progressed and how positive she feels has been incredibly rewarding.”

Looking forward to the things she loves

With pain no longer dominating her life, Cheryl is looking forward to enjoying everyday moments again, especially time with her family in Spain.

“I’m really looking forward to dancing,” she smiled. “I just love Spanish dancing with my Spanish family.”

She says being able to move more freely has opened doors that once felt firmly closed. “And now,” she added, “I can do all the things I couldn’t do before.”

Reflecting on just how much has changed, Cheryl shared what the journey has meant to those closest to her. “My son said to me, ‘It’s like getting my mom back after eight years.’ That meant everything to me.”

“For someone who’s going through the same challenges I’ve gone through, I would definitely recommend The Woodlands Suite,” she said. “Don’t leave it. Go and phone Mr Stevenson at The Woodlands and get your surgery done there.”