Mrs. Amporn Boonkerd
 

New Knee, New Life: How Revision Knee Replacement Surgery Helped Her Walk Again 

As the daughters and primary caregivers of 82-year-old patient Amporn Boonkerd, Pook and Ple shared their mother’s journey of undergoing a revision total knee replacement. Their story offers valuable insight and encouragement to others who may be hesitant or worried about undergoing revision knee surgery. 

The Turning Point: Deciding on a Second Knee Surgery 

Amporn previously underwent a partial knee replacement on her right leg. The surgery was successful, and she resumed her normal lifestyle — for a while. 

However, over the following 3–4 years, she began to experience hip pain due to her unequal hip alignment. She also had lumbar spinal stenosis. With uneven legs, she was experiencing chronic knee pain, requiring her to take pain medication for two whole years. Her pain progressively worsened to the point where she was unable to leave the house and enjoy her favorite activities. 

Trusting in the Expertise of the Medical Team 

Initially, both Amporn and her family were reluctant to proceed with another surgery. She had previously undergone a total knee replacement on her left leg at a public hospital, which required a lengthy six-month recovery. Moreover, the upcoming revision surgery on the right leg was expected to be more complex and challenging than her first. 

However, after consulting with Dr. Charlee Sumettavanich, an orthopedic surgeon at Bumrungrad, the family gained reassurance. Dr. Charlee provided clear, honest information and assured them by saying, 

"Don’t worry. I’ve performed thousands of knee surgeries. This case is not any more difficult than others I’ve seen. Just focus on preparing for surgery — leave the rest to me." 

Additionally, Asst. Prof. Dr. Supakanya Wongrakpanich, a geriatric specialist, evaluated Amporn’s preoperative physical readiness, further boosting the family’s confidence to proceed. 

A Faster, Smoother Recovery 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Amporn’s experience was her swift recovery and minimal side effects — vastly different from her earlier surgery on her left knee. 

After surgery, she experienced almost no nausea or vomiting and reported little to no pain, thanks to a peripheral nerve block that provided continuous pain control. Three days after surgery, the device was removed, yet she still did not require additional pain medication. 

Just one day after surgery, Dr. Tulpong Ampool, Dr. Charlee’s surgical assistant, encouraged her to stand up. Pook noted, "Her recovery was incredibly fast. We believe the outcome was due to both the surgeon’s skill and the continuous pain management. Even after removing the device, she was able to walk without pain." 

Amporn stayed in the hospital for only five nights, including the day of the surgery, before being discharged. 

The Role of Holistic Postoperative Care 

The family and physiotherapy team played an essential role in her recovery. During her hospital stay, her children took turns providing 24-hour care. After discharge, instead of returning home, she stayed temporarily at a condominium near the hospital for easier access to physiotherapy. 

The family also recorded video clips of the physiotherapy sessions to ensure correct exercises could be repeated at home. 

Pook shared, "The physiotherapists were critical to her fast recovery. The team at Bumrungrad was experienced and did their job very well, and knew how to motivate and how much the patient handle. Their guidance was spot-on." Ple added, "They were also very kind and patient." 

During a follow-up appointment, Dr. Buntita Chaiyakul, a specialist in rehabilitation medicine, praised her excellent progress. 

New Life, New Joy 

Today, despite having multiple chronic conditions, Amporn has regained her independence and is living her life fully again. One of her biggest achievements was traveling to China to visit relatives — a trip she thought would be impossible before surgery. 

Pook shared, "In April, Mom visited family in China. She could walk and carry her belongings by herself. Life is completely different now. She can stand, walk, enjoy daily life, and even travel — something she had stopped doing altogether before the surgery." 

Words of Encouragement for Others Considering Revision Knee Surgery 

Pook emphasized three key points: Modern technology has improved significantly, making complications and pain less severe than in the past. Choosing an experienced surgeon — especially for revision surgery, which is more complex than first-time procedures — is essential. 

Don’t delay the decision. “Our mother had undergone several surgeries and didn’t want to go through it again. But her condition was affecting her daily life. Don’t hesitate to consult with a specialist. Making the right decision can drastically improve your quality of life,” she said. 

As Amporn herself put it: "If I had known it would be this good, I would’ve done it years ago. I shouldn’t have endured the pain for so long."