The time has come… history teacher Mr. Shawn Sowders officially got his new, long awaited knee replacement! He tried to hold it off as long as possible, but he knew the procedure had to be done. The recovery process was described as boring, painful, and overall terrible, but Sowders is back and better than ever!
Sowders first discovered he was going to eventually need a knee replacement at a doctor’s appointment in 2018. Opting to delay his surgery, Sowders finally knew it was time in October 2023. He knew he would hate the surgery and recovery process, but he did what was best for him. “It was the right decision,” Sowders admitted.
When the time came in December 2023, Sowders visited the hospital for the last time with his own, original knee. His doctors estimated the surgery, including pre-op and post-op, to be around six hours long. Many would think Sowders would take up most of his time in post-op, but he said that as soon as he woke up from being under anesthesia, he told his nurse that he was ready to go.
Sowders was told by his doctors that he should be fully recovered in six weeks. This was not the case for him, unfortunately. He described the first two weeks after the surgery to be horrible, and the most pain he has ever been in.
“I was bored to tears. I would rather deal with you… not really.” Sowders jokingly told me.
He then stated that the next three to four weeks were only painful because of his physical therapy appointments. He came back on week four, which was two weeks earlier than he was supposed to. During school, he would walk around with a cane, until he decided he didn’t want to anymore. Would he be better off if he properly recovered and followed his instructions given by his doctors? Probably, but regardless, everyone is extremely happy to have Mr. Sowders back!
“I have a way better quality of life,” he shared.
Just like the hero of his favorite movie, Sowders may not have done what made the most sense, but he wound up happier, and we’re all happy to see him around walking the halls again!
