Then at last she found out about Legion Primary Knee with Verilast Technology. "My surgeon told me that my new knees will be good for about 30 years. I'm 68 now so they'll probably outlast me!"
These days, Billie Jean is completely pain free. She's back on the court when she's not busy with the Women's Sports Foundation she founded in 1974, and with her many other humanitarian pursuits that earned herthe nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
"One project that I'm passionate about is getting schoolchildren to exercise," she says. "I tell them to move to music for just one minute once an hour. Even that much of a break from sitting in a chair all day gets their circulation going and helps their concentration and focus."
Of course now, to her great delight, Billie Jean can move right along with the kids. "I would encourage anyone who is a candidate for knee replacements to do it sooner rather than later," she says. "I wish I hadn't waited. I have my life back."
She cautions, though, that you have to be religious about doing physical therapy after the surgery. "Rehabilitation takes work," she says. "Once a week simply isn't enough. As an athlete, I know what it takes to build strong muscles. I would urge people not to assume that surgery is a cure-all in itself. My mother always told me you have to keep moving or it's over. That is so true – whether you've had knee replacements or not!"
Here at ThirdAge, we are honored to have had the opportunity to talk with Billie Jean and to bring her inspiring story to you. Let's all take her message to heart and keep moving!
