Michele Rickles

My husband and I own a small horse property, with our barn just behind our house. We have four adopted horses, an adopted dog, and two adopted cats. Caring for them is a large part of my daily life.

In December 2024, I suffered a full root meniscus tear. By April 2025, my knee had become so unstable that I was involuntarily collapsing. The persistent pain, swelling, and instability dramatically affected my daily life including largely my ability to care for myself, let alone my animals, and I was forced to rely on others to help take care of my horses.

In May 2025, I underwent meniscus repair, though not at HSS. Post-operatively, I spent much of the summer recovering in a full brace and on crutches. When it was finally time to begin weight-bearing again, the pain and swelling returned.

That fall, I went to HSS and consulted with Dr. Mayman. After reviewing my situation, we discussed the need for a left total knee replacement. Dr. Mayman performed the surgery at HSS, and I went home the very same day.

Post-operatively, I experienced relief from the chronic pain I had been living with for more than a year - pain that had been present every time I stood or walked. Within ten days, I was walking out to see my horses. My knee felt so good that, for the first time in over a year, I wasn’t thinking about the constant pain or instability - I was simply enjoying the moment.

Just over two weeks later, I was able to feed and groom my horses again. I am beyond grateful to finally be on the other side of this journey and to be able to do what I love once more. I feel incredibly optimistic about the future with my new knee, and I know it won’t be long before I’m back in the saddle.