Freedom in Every Step: How Knee Surgery Changed Everything
Have you ever done something so impactful that it completely changed your life? For many of our St. Cloud Surgical Center patients, joint replacement surgery does just that. It gives them the chance to live the life they deserve—whether that’s keeping up with family, returning to favorite hobbies, or simply moving without pain.
That’s the kind of transformation we’re sharing today.
Louise Kalland, a proud grandmother from Princeton, Minnesota, came to us after a remarkable 42-year career as a nurse, with experience spanning ICU, med-surg, administration, and the final 20 years in hospice care. Her desire to stay active with her family became the driving force behind seeking surgical treatment for her knees.
Referred to Dr. Kim Schaap by a family member, Louise worked closely with Dr. Schaap and her team at St. Cloud Orthopedics before coming to our center for her first surgery in November 2024. By early 2025, she had completed surgeries on both knees using Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery, and in just six months, her life had transformed for the better.
Enjoy this inspiring St. Cloud Surgical Center patient interview.
SCSC: Hi Louise, thank you for joining us today. We’ll start off easy. What brought you to St. Cloud Surgical Center?
LK: I came to St. Cloud Surgical Center for knee surgery, actually twice in the last year. My brother, who has had several procedures done here, referred me to St. Cloud Orthopedics. I ended up seeing Dr. Kim Schaap, who performed both of my knee surgeries, one in November 2024 and one in May 2025.
SCSC: Surgery is not typically someone’s first choice for relief. Was there something that ultimately made you decide to move forward with surgery?
LK: My biggest concern was my quality of life. I felt like I couldn’t participate in what my grandchildren were doing. The final push came when I attended a Down Syndrome walk in honor of my young grandson. It was a two-mile walk, and I couldn’t do it. Emotionally, that was very hard for me. That’s when I made the decision that I would have my surgery.
SCSC: Grandkids have a way of doing that. They are special, and it’s great you get to be here for those moments. What was the surgery experience like for you?
LK: For me, it was amazing. Everything at St. Cloud Surgical Center went so smoothly. Everyone was professional and reassuring. Once I was here, I had no concerns about the surgery itself. My biggest worry was recovery afterward, but the team put me at ease. I was very happy with my experience.
SCSC: We love hearing that! As a nurse yourself, how would you describe your experience with the support staff during your time here?
LK: The entire experience was incredible. From the moment I walked in, the secretaries and admissions staff were welcoming. The nurses, anesthesiologists—everyone was just wonderful. I told my husband when we left that this was the happiest place I’ve ever been. Everybody seemed to love their job, and that was so reassuring to me. Having been a nurse for 42 years, I know that’s not always easy to achieve, but here it really showed.
SCSC: Forty-two years, what an incredible career. Surely, you’ve worked with your share of doctors and surgeons. What was it like being a patient of Dr. Schaap’s?
LK: I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Schaap. She listened to me and made me feel heard. She’s very experienced and professional, but also so supportive. I could tell she cared not just about the procedure itself, but about my quality of life. I’ve already referred others to her because I greatly believe in her care.
SCSC: Dr. Schaap is very special! What does life look like for you after surgery?
LK: It’s completely different. A year ago, I couldn’t do that two-mile Down Syndrome walk. Now, after two knee surgeries, I feel fully recovered. I know my legs will continue to get stronger, but I can already keep up with my grandkids and take care of them again. I watch them one day a week, and now I can do it without pain. I feel normal again, and I have no pain in my knees at all. For two years before surgery, I struggled more than I realized. Now, I’m just so happy with how it all turned out.
SCSC: Would you recommend St. Cloud Surgical Center to friends or family?
LK: Definitely. I already have. Everything was seamless: the process with Dr. Schaap, the care at the orthopedic clinic, and the surgery center itself. I felt so well cared for during the whole process. It was amazing from start to finish, including the surgery, the care before, and the care after.SCSC: Louise, thank you for sitting down with us and sharing more about your experience at our center, Dr. Schaap, and our Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery. Your willingness to share your story is going to impact future patients.
For Louise, getting back to life meant more than just walking without pain. It meant being present for the moments that matter most, like joining her grandson and family on a two-mile walk. Her experience at St. Cloud Surgical Center left her reassured, inspired, and pain-free, and it’s easy to see why she calls it “the happiest place I’ve ever been.” If joint pain is holding you back from the life you want to live, don’t wait—schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward your own transformation.
If you or a loved one is struggling with joint pain and wants to regain your quality of life, St. Cloud Surgical Center is here to help. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a life without limits.