Nelda Stepp knee replacement: A step worth a thousand miles
The journey of a thousand miles may begin with a single step, but when a single step became painful for avid traveler Nelda Stepp, she knew it was time for medical intervention if she hoped to venture the thousands of miles she wanted.

It began as a persistent nagging in her knee on a recent trip to Europe, but when the discomfort worsened after she returned home, she sought answers.

“I told my husband, ‘My knee hurts a little,’” she recalled, describing the moment she realized something was wrong.

An MRI revealed a fracture in her knee, and a consultation with Dr. Gregory Roberts, an orthopedic surgeon at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, followed.

“Dr. Roberts explained everything in detail,” Stepp said. “He went over the procedure, the recovery, and let me make the decision about whether to do it now or wait. Since travel is so important to us, I’d rather get it done now and be ready to roll shortly.”

With her choice made, Stepp prepared for a total knee replacement. She said was reassured by Dr. Roberts’ attentiveness and depth of knowledge, which brought clarity and calm to a daunting process.

“Dr. Roberts was so thorough in explaining everything that he put my mind at ease. I felt confident going forward with the whole procedure,” she said.

The surgery day arrived, and Stepp found the hospital’s support exceeded her expectations.

Having had surgery at other hospitals, Stepp described her experience at Cookeville Regional as a “world of difference.” From admissions to nursing staff, every person she encountered made her feel cared for.

“They made me feel like I was important, like they valued me as an individual,” she said. “Everyone was invested in my comfort and recovery.”

Following surgery, Stepp embarked on the road to recovery with her husband by her side. Thanks to Cookeville Regional’s Joint Venture Camp, they were well-prepared for the post-surgery journey. Stepp said she learned things such as how to navigate stairs, get in and out of a car and handle other daily tasks.

“The camp was incredibly helpful,” she said. “They went over everything I needed to know.”

After weeks of therapy, Stepp’s efforts paid off. She progressed from using crutches to walking independently and quickly regained her strength and mobility.

“It took a while to get totally back to normal, but that’s where I am now,” she said.

With her knee fully healed, Stepp is back to hiking, exercising, and traveling without hesitation. Her first trip post-surgery was a memorable journey to New Zealand, and next is a Mesa Verde hike.

“I did all the walking up and down hills, all through the city,” she recalled. “It went without a hitch. It was like younger days – pain-free and easy for me to enjoy travel again.”

Reflecting on her experience, Stepp feels she has a new lease on life.

“Hiking has always been my thing, and not being able to do what I love was disheartening,” she said, but post-surgery, Stepp says she is ready to take on new adventures with confidence.

For those considering joint replacement surgery, Stepp wholeheartedly recommends Cookeville Regional Medical Center.

“You couldn’t get better care than we have right here,” she said.

Recognition of Cookeville Regional as one of Healthgrades’ America’s 50 Best Outpatient Orthopedic Hospitals underscores the dedication and expertise of the entire staff, something Stepp experienced firsthand.

She said, “They took great care of me, and the outcome was wonderful.”

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