Colleen’s journey began in 2016 when she started experiencing foot pain. As an avid runner who had completed 13 half marathons, a full marathon and countless 5Ks, the gradual decline in her physical abilities felt devastating. Her foot issues led to complications in her legs and knees, prompting her to seek help from multiple doctors and physical therapists. Despite her efforts, she struggled to find effective solutions until she discovered Central Indiana Orthopedics in early 2022.
Under the care of Dr. Jonathan Chae, Colleen initially received cortisone shots in her knees, which at first felt like a miracle, but quickly became ineffective. As her knee pain worsened, it became evident that she needed a more permanent solution to her pain, especially since x-rays and MRI showed bone-on-bone arthritis. Dr. Chae recommended a knee replacement, a surgery he didn’t perform, and recommended Dr. Jamie Kay as a surgeon Colleen should consider.
As an English professor, Colleen jokes that she liked how Dr. Chae’s and Dr. Kay’s names rhymed, but it wasn’t enough to base her decision on. 😉 “I wanted to ensure I had a good doctor for such an important surgery, so I began to do extensive research online and narrowed my choices down to two surgeons to have consultations with – one being Dr. Kay,” Colleen said.
Ultimately, Dr. Kay was easily the better choice for Colleen. “He took the time to answer all my questions without making me feel rushed,” she said. “The fact that he had undergone knee replacements himself meant he truly understood my pain, and I felt reassured by the videos he shared about his recovery journey.”
Colleen’s first knee replacement surgery took place in March 2024, followed by the second knee replacement just four weeks later. To her surprise, the recovery process with the first knee was a breeze compared to what she had anticipated. “The team did a great job with my wound, scarring was minimal and my knee was strong and responsive,” Colleen said. “But the second surgery was harder, perhaps because the first knee hadn’t healed completely, but I’m still glad I had the surgeries so close together.”
Now, several months after her surgeries, Colleen feels stronger and can climb stairs without pain. “Dr. Kay told me it would be about a year before my knees felt normal enough that I wouldn’t think about them, and I’m banking on that,” Colleen said. “I’m exploring ways to embrace my love for movement and trying to find a new go-to exercise, likely biking, to replace running when my knees are fully recovered.”
Colleen’s journey wasn’t just about physical healing, it was deeply emotional as well. “Running was part of my identity, so it was hard to accept that I’d never run again,” she said. However, through this process, she found peace in the understanding that her true identity is rooted in her faith, rather than her physical abilities. “I realized my identity should be in Christ, not in something as unsure as my physical abilities,” Colleen said.
Colleen wholeheartedly recommends Central Indiana Orthopedics to anyone seeking orthopedic care. “CIO has been my go-to for knee replacements, two rotator cuff tear repairs and more,” she said. “Living in Marion, CIO locations are convenient, and I’ve had great experiences with the doctors I’ve worked with.”
Colleen’s inspiring journey highlights the importance of finding the right orthopedic care. If you’re facing similar challenges or seeking guidance on your own path to recovery, learn more about our services at ciocenter.com/services, or schedule an appointment by calling 800-622-6575.