My journey with painful and swollen knees after running, jogging, hiking, aerobics classes, playing…read moreracquetball, and golfing began over fifteen years ago. Still, I stubbornly, or should I say "stupidly," held out for a year before making an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon my PCP referred me to, Dr. Jay Marumoto, at Queens Medical Center. After a physical examination and imaging (X-rays and MRI) tests, it was determined that I was suffering from bilateral knee osteoarthritis and torn meniscuses. After receiving the diagnosis, Dr. Marumoto counseled me about having the surgeries performed on separate dates. Still, I chose to have both knee meniscus repairs done in one visit at the medical center's Same Day Surgery Clinic. At my follow-up, I was recovering quickly with a great range of motion and experienced minimal pain. Still, Dr. Marumoto counseled me about the osteoarthritic progression and said, "See you in about 15 years."
Thirteen years had passed when I requested to see Dr. Marumoto last August, because more pain and stiffness had returned to my right knee. Still, I decided to get knee strengthening physical therapy before our May 2025 trip to Japan and Korea, before deciding on a total knee replacement. The right knee strengthening sessions went well. However, on the second day of our trip, I exacerbated my situation when I tripped on a curb and fell onto my "less affected" left knee and face-planted. Luckily, I didn't need hospitalization or emergency medical attention, so I nursed myself for the rest of our 21-day cruise with affirming thoughts of scheduling a knee replacement on my right knee after returning home from our trip.
When I confirmed my desire for the total knee replacement, Dr. Marumoto suggested that instead of having the surgery done at the hospital where there is more potential for nosocomial infection, he recommended performing the Outpatient surgical procedure at Minimally Invasive Surgery of Hawai'i (MIS). MIS is located on the 6th Floor in the Hale Pawa'a Building at the corner of South Beretania and Ke'eaumoku Streets.
My husband accompanied me to my 8 am check-in, where we met the friendly and cheerful receptionist, Nadine. I like the electronic check-in process and completed it within a few seconds before sitting with Nadine to confirm my identification, medical insurance coverage, HIPAA protections, and estate plans. The waiting room was chilly, but I didn't mind since I brought a light sweater and wore warm, comfortable clothes. As the morning sun brightened and warmed the clean waiting room, I cuddled in a corner and caught up on reading e-mails.
Soon, John, a smiling and welcoming nurse dressed in bright red scrubs, called me to enter the pre-operative holding unit/recovery room, where he took my vitals. Another nurse, Ameika (sp?), confirmed my name, birthday, surgeon's name, and scheduled procedure while settling me into a holding area with a warm and comfy bed. Ameika set me up with IV fluids and let me relax in bed with privacy drapes drawn. I also met with the OR nurse, Jackson, and the anesthesiologist, Dr. Louis Chun. Before discussing any information, each person confirmed my name, birthday, and surgical procedure. Of course, Dr. Marumoto popped in for a few moments to greet me and, I guess, to check on my state of mind since I was excited to get this procedure done.
I last remembered being transported into the surgical suite. After a restful sleep, I awoke hungry and thirsty in the recovery room. Ameika informed me that they had contacted my husband to pick me up, and she got me ready to be wheeled downstairs to the porte cochère. Before leaving the recovery room, she provided me with an Ice Man Clear Cold Therapy Unit, although I had prepared reusable ice packs or wraps at home because we don't keep ice cubes.
Thanks to the comfortable, clean, well-staffed, and knowledgeable medical and nursing staff, I'm on my way to a positive outcome. Also, because I had such a wonderful experience, I'm looking forward to having my other knee replaced next year, after another planned trip abroad.