Robert’s Story

In His Own Words

Life Before Surgery

Robert Capaul, who goes by Bob, lives in Alma Center, Wisconsin. At the time of his interview, he had spent 36 years designing fire protection sprinkler systems. Outside work, he enjoys four-wheeling and going to concerts with his wife. Dr. Stewart also describes Robert as an active person who enjoys riding motorcycles.

He describes growing up active and playing sports. As hip and knee pain increased, walking became difficult. Stairs and walking downhill put especially uncomfortable pressure on his knees.

When an outing involved a long walk, Robert often stayed home. His wife sometimes attended concerts with friends because the pain kept him from joining her.

The Surgery & Recovery

Robert says Dr. Stewart replaced his left hip first, followed by his right hip, right knee, and left knee. Hip replacement is also called hip arthroplasty. Dr. Stewart describes severe osteoarthritis in Robert’s knee and says Robert waited a long time before choosing knee replacement. By that point, stairs, getting in and out of a car, and walking even short distances had become difficult.

Robert’s experience also included complications. He recalls infections after his first hip replacement and additional operations on that hip. He says Dr. Stewart stayed alongside him throughout that process. Robert reports no similar issues with his other joint replacements.

Discussing Robert’s knee replacement, Dr. Stewart explains that he used a cementless implant designed for bone to grow into it. His knee procedure used robotic assistance. Dr. Stewart describes how robotic technology helped achieve a precise fit and explains why he felt this approach suited Robert’s activity level and individual needs.

His experience with recovery

Robert says his knee pain improved after about two weeks. He continued physical therapy afterward and emphasizes how important it was to keep doing his exercises as he recovered.

Life After Surgery

Robert says the joint pressure he used to feel is gone and he can walk considerable distances without knee or hip pain. He describes attending a concert in the Twin Cities with his wife and walking a long way without being bothered by his joints.

Four-wheeling is more comfortable, too. Robert says he can get out of the vehicle without pain and get out of his truck without having to lift his leg with his hands. These everyday changes have made it easier for him to go out and enjoy activities again.

Dr. Stewart says he was honored to care for Robert and reflects that Robert has become a friend through their years together and multiple surgeries. Robert says he appreciates that Dr. Stewart was there for him throughout his care.