Published on April 16, 2018

Cherrie Routon – Keeping Up With the Grandkids After Joint Replacement Surgery

Over the years, Cherrie Routon endured two arthroscopic surgeries and several injection therapies on her left knee, only receiving temporary relief for her osteoarthritis. She reached the point in her life when climbing stairs, walking and standing became painful. That’s when Routon decided she had to do something.  

In 2016, she met with Charles Young, M.D. an orthopedic surgeon at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, who recommended knee replacement surgery to help improve her mobility and quality of life.

“As a retired nurse, I had a million questions for Dr. Young,” says Routon, 70, who said she watched a YouTube video on knee replacement surgery to better understand the procedure and its risks. “He was very reassuring and gave me the information I needed to know.”

Three weeks later, Routon, a former runner, underwent total knee replacement surgery. This was followed by in-home physical therapy twice a week initially, then therapy sessions at Henry Mayo for 18 weeks.  

“I can’t speak highly enough of Henry Mayo’s joint replacement program,” she says. Routon appreciated attending a pre-surgery class, receiving a guidebook that explained everything to patients, and working with a dedicated nurse who guides patients before and after surgery. “They really prepare you for surgery and what to expect -- it was very organized.”

Today, the Newhall resident is able to go up and down stairs with ease and enjoys walking.  Routon is even able to spend the day at an amusement park, allowing her to keep up with her four grandchildren. She can now also stand on her feet all day in her kitchen to make home canning recipes with her husband, David Hanenberger. 

“I made the decision to have the surgery before it was completely debilitating, and I’m so glad I did,” Routon says.