A New Lease on Life After Double Knee Replacement Surgery

Living with chronic knee pain

For years, knee pain slowly took over Ella Bryant’s daily life. What began as wear and tear over time gradually worsened, making everyday activities more difficult and uncomfortable.

“I started off getting the injections,” Bryant said. “By April of 2024, I said I had enough because it didn’t last as long anymore.”

As her pain progressed, walking became increasingly challenging and her quality of life declined. Bryant knew she needed to explore a more lasting solution.

Deciding on knee surgery

After careful discussions with Julie Shaner, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon and director of adult reconstructive orthopaedic surgery at UF Health Jacksonville, Bryant decided to proceed with knee replacement surgery.

Bryant initially planned to replace her right knee first, believing it was the more problematic. However, everything changed one morning in August 2024.

“I woke up one Friday and could not walk,” Bryant said. “My left knee was so sore.”

With her mobility suddenly limited, Bryant and her care team adjusted the plan. She proceeded with surgery on her left knee first, followed by total knee replacement on her right knee just two months later.

“I was grateful I was healthy enough to have both surgeries so close together,” Bryant said.

A determined path through physical rehabilitation

Bryant credits Dr. Shaner for listening to her concerns, explaining each step of the process and being available when she needed reassurance.

“There were days I was overwhelmed and emotional,” Bryant said. “But I could call, ask questions and feel heard. That made a difference.”

She also felt supported by her nurses and rehabilitation staff, who encouraged her throughout her recovery, including a structured plan that began immediately after she returned home. Home physical therapy started the same day she was discharged, followed by outpatient therapy focused on rebuilding strength, balance and confidence.

“My therapist pushed me hard,” Bryant said. “Some days I cried, but he got me through it. I was determined to walk again.”

Rehabilitation became both a physical and mental journey. Knowing she had limited time during each session, Bryant pushed herself to make the most of every visit. She continued therapy in everyday ways, using activities like grocery shopping to stay active and make progress.

Rediscovering independence and looking ahead with confidence

Today, Bryant is walking independently and steadily regaining strength. Simple moments that once caused pain, such as standing, walking through stores, or spending time outside, now feel possible again.

“I walk like a toddler sometimes,” she said with a laugh. “But everyone tells me I look good, and I feel good.”

Before surgery, activities like visiting the beach were difficult. Bryant used to walk down carefully to the shoreline, only to sit and rest because of knee pain.

“When I walked down toward the ocean, my knee pain would catch up with me,” Bryant said. “Once I got there, I usually needed to sit down.”

At the time of her interview, Bryant had not yet returned to the beach. Since then, she has made meaningful progress. She was recently featured in UF Health Jacksonville’s orthopaedics and total joint campaign, where she and a friend took a stroll along Jacksonville Beach — something she once thought might not be possible again.

For Bryant, the moment symbolized how far she had come.

“I didn’t just get new knees,” she said. “I got a new lease on life.”

She hopes her journey encourages others living with chronic knee pain to explore their options and know that with expert surgical care and a supportive rehabilitation team, recovery is possible.

View Ella Bryant’s commercial debut here.

UF Health Jacksonville orthopaedics experts are here for you when you need partial or total knee, hip or ankle replacements, or revision surgeries. Visit UFHealthJax.org/motion to learn more or call 904.383.1010 to schedule an appointment.