A New Chapter Without Pain: Becky’s Journey Through Double Knee

For years, Becky Pea-Stenger of Vincennes lived with constant knee pain. Arthritis runs in her family, and over time the discomfort gradually became part of her daily routine. But by late 2025, the pain had progressed to the point where even simple activities were becoming difficult.

“I had knee problems for several years,” Becky said. “But the last month before surgery, my pain was probably a seven or an eight on the pain scale every single day.”

Becky had managed her symptoms for nearly four years with steroid injections, which initially provided relief. Over time, however, their effectiveness began to fade.

“At first the shots would work for about six months,” she explained. “Then it went down to three months. By September of 2025, they just weren’t working anymore. That’s when I knew it was time to make a decision.”

Determined to find a long-term solution, Becky met with orthopedic surgeon David Miller at Good Samaritan. After discussing her options, Becky chose to undergo bilateral knee replacement surgery, replacing both knees at the same time.

“I wanted to stay local,” she said. “Good Samaritan is our community hospital, and I had heard great things about Dr. Miller. I felt confident moving forward.”

Although any surgery can bring some nerves, Becky says she mostly felt ready and hopeful.

“I wasn’t scared,” she said. “I was anxious, but also excited. I knew I had been in pain for so long, and I kept thinking that a couple months from now I’d look back and be glad I did it.”

Her surgery took place shortly after Christmas, allowing her time to focus on recovery during the slower winter months.

From the moment she arrived at the hospital, Becky felt supported by the care team.

“When I walked into Good Samaritan that day, it was comforting to see familiar faces,” she said. “That’s one of the things about having surgery close to home. You see people you know, and it makes you feel at ease.”

One of the biggest surprises came shortly after the procedure.

“I didn’t realize I would be getting out of bed just a few hours after surgery,” Becky said. “They told me we were going to get up, and I thought, ‘No way.’ But we did—and it really helped start the recovery process.”

During her hospital stay, Becky gained a deep appreciation for the nurses and staff who cared for her.

“They were incredible,” she said. “From the moment they walked in the room until the moment they left, they were busy helping so many patients. They did it all with kindness and a smile.”

Recovery at home required patience and determination, but Becky was grateful to have strong support from her husband.

“He was with me 24 hours a day for the first two weeks,” she said. “Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I couldn’t have done it without him.”

Each day brought small but meaningful milestones—standing up more easily, moving a little farther, and slowly regaining independence.

“You start setting little goals,” she said. “What can I do today that I couldn’t do yesterday?”

Today, Becky says the difference between life before and after surgery is remarkable.

“Before surgery, I was living with constant pain,” she said. “After surgery, I don’t even remember having a day where my pain was higher than a two.”

She recently returned to work and is continuing to rebuild her strength. While she still experiences some swelling after long days on her feet, it is nothing compared to the pain she once lived with.

“It’s a new era for me,” Becky said. “Every day I walk into work now, I have a smile on my face.”

Perhaps the most meaningful change is the freedom she feels looking ahead—especially after welcoming a new grandchild.

“I just had a grandbaby,” she said. “I’m excited to think I’ll be able to get down on the floor and play and then get back up again. That’s something I couldn’t do before.”

For Becky, the decision to have knee replacement surgery was life-changing.

“This has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said. “If someone is living in pain like I was, I would tell them to talk with their doctor and consider it. Life is too short to spend it hurting every day.”

Her positive experience has already inspired others. In fact, just days after returning to work, someone called asking about her surgery.

“They said, ‘That lady who had her knee surgery—who was her doctor?’” Becky said with a smile. “I told them Dr. Miller at Good Samaritan, and I said, ‘You’ll love him.’”

For Becky, the journey hasn’t just been about healing—it’s been about getting her life back.