Louise Freestone’s Unicompartmental Knee Replacement

My name is Louise Freestone, and I’ve lived in the Cayman Islands for the last seven and a half years. I’m originally from the UK, I work as a lawyer, and I have one daughter. For nearly two decades, I’ve struggled with ongoing knee pain that progressively reduced my quality of life.

I was an active runner in my teens and 20s, but over the years the pain in my knees worsened. I tried everything — kickboxing, HIIT, CrossFit — but slowly I had to give up almost all forms of exercise. By the last two to three years, even day-to-day activities had become difficult. A simple trip to the supermarket would leave me limping in pain, and something as easy and joyful as walking on the beach became nearly impossible. Even getting from the car to the sand was a struggle.

When I met Professor Wilson and Dr. Clay, we reviewed my long history of knee problems, completed X-rays and MRIs, and finally had a clear plan. I was diagnosed as a candidate for a unicompartmental knee replacement on my right knee, with the possibility of needing one on the left in the future. Unfortunately, due to COVID delays, I had to wait almost a year before the surgery could take place.

Throughout the process, Novo Clinic was exceptional. They arranged all my imaging, handled the insurance pre-clearance, coordinated Zoom consultations while the doctors were still in the UK, and helped prepare everything for my surgery once they arrived on-island. Their team was also present during my hospital stay, supporting both me and the surgical team.

I had my surgery just under two weeks ago and was weightbearing the same day. I went home the following day and began physiotherapy a week later. While there was swelling initially, it has improved significantly, and the pain and inflammation have been very well managed with the right medication. I’m now walking comfortably with crutches and progressing every day.

The experience at Doctor’s Hospital was excellent. The nurses were incredibly kind, and the care I received was superb from start to finish.

It has been an incredibly positive journey, and I am beyond grateful. For the first time in many years, I can genuinely look forward to getting back on my road bike and returning to the activities I love — hopefully within just a few months.