Sandee Darden – Total Ankle Replacement, tendon repairs and lengthening

I just returned from my one year follow-up appointment, what a difference a year makes! My case was complex, and the patient (me) high-maintenance…and Dr. Joel Stewart took it all on! Dr. Stewart thoroughly examined me and my ankle and laid my options out in a practical and precise manner…he listened to what I wanted in terms of outcome and really helped me to make some difficult decisions. He tailored the operation according to my specific needs…I felt like he was not making me fit into an assembly line replacement factory. For instance, when I was very anxious about the ankle incision opening post-op, he told me he could use stitches, which worked beautifully for both of us! He was very thorough and knowledgeable and never talked “down” to me, I was relieved by his confidence!

The end result was way more successful than I ever could have hoped. I am walking and travelling without a limp or pain, and doing yoga and water aerobics again! If you want a surgeon who is super knowledgeable and will really listen to you before, during and after your journey, Dr. Stewart is your guy. BTW, Thanks!

Sandee Darden (the patient AND the artist)