Patricia was nervous when faced with her second total knee replacement in five years, but the compassionate care she received at UPMC put her at ease.
That same care accelerated her recovery post-surgery, she says.
At the end of May 2024, 74-year-old Patricia was told she needed a total right knee replacement to treat arthritis.
As an avid biker, she hoped her recovery would be fast so that she could get back to what she loves.
From start to finish, the nurses, surgeons, and support staff at UPMC Chautauqua in New York made her experience “impressive,” Patricia says.
“Anyone anticipating surgery, no matter how brave they are, is a bundle of nerves and I was no exception,” she says. “My blood pressure was sky-high before surgery, but the professionalism of the nurse taking care of me was astounding. She did not let on that I had a problem. She was very solicitous and caring.”
‘Amazing’ Bedside Manner and Personalized Care
What impressed Patricia the most, she says, is how attentive the staff was in the moments leading up to her surgery.
Each specialist “reiterated my condition to every single person to whom they signed me off,” she says. “It was so reassuring to me that I wasn't falling through the cracks.”
One nurse even held her hand as she entered surgery.
“They anticipated everything I was going through,” she says. “I never felt like just another knee surgery. They were proactive rather than reactive and that made a big difference because you don't want to be just a number when you’re going into an operation.”
The surgery, performed by Brian Mata, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon who practices at Lakeshore Orthopedics & Sports Medicine – Great Lakes Physician Practice, went well, she says, and her single overnight stay was wonderful.
“I was amazed by the bedside manner,” she says. “The personal one-on-one relationship that every one of the staff members established with me was mind-boggling.
"The night shift staff were very attentive; they came in often to ask if they could get me anything and tell me what to anticipate in the morning," she says. "The dietary staff came into my room, introduced themselves, said they'd be preparing a meal, and asked if I had any requests or preferences.”
At discharge, her entire floor staff visited her to say goodbye and wish her well.
‘UPMC Made Me Feel Comfortable’
Her healing journey was also pleasant.
“The ice cuff they applied right after surgery reduced the swelling and pain tremendously,” she says. “As a result, my recovery was quick, putting me about two weeks ahead of schedule.”
The care she received from the onset of the surgery made a “major difference.”
“I was quickly able to climb stairs, and I live in a three-story house,” she says. “I had previously been quite limited in my everyday routine. I’m also a biker and I was way ahead of schedule in having that motion returned, which was wonderful for my mobility and my mindset.”
“When you feel someone is caring about you as an individual, you respond well,” she continues. “It’s about feeling comfortable where you are. And UPMC made me feel comfortable.”
A Leader in Advanced Orthopaedic Care
UPMC is an established leader in advanced orthopaedic care, offering comprehensive services for the full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions.
Orthopaedic providers treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including traumatic injuries, congenital disorders, and infections.
Specialists also see patients for other conditions, such as arthritis, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, scoliosis, and soft tissue injuries.
We offer expert surgeons specializing in orthopaedics and sports medicine, backed by UPMC’s network of support services.
Patricia's treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.
