My story begins at age 34. I was hit by an 18-wheeler on I-75 in Macon, Georgia on a very rainy November evening. I was going on vacation to see my family in south Florida. Back then, there were no solid guard rails, and my car hydroplaned, went across the median, and was hit twice again by oncoming traffic. The local radio station reported that the "driver was presumed dead," but I was alive. Barely. It took about an hour for the firefighters to finally extract me from my vehicle. I was screaming while losing consciousness several times. I had seven severely crushed bones in my legs (mostly left side), pelvis, and scapula. The left side of my face required immediate plastic surgery. My first six orthopedic surgeries were done during the first 3 years following my accident. My legs were pieced back together, and my right leg was shortened to help alleviate my severe limp.
It is significant at this point to let you know that I was born with an autoimmune disease, psoriasis. Mine was severe enough that I was pictured in medical journals at age 24. I will explain this significance later. I was warned at age 34 that the severe trauma to my body might influence my autoimmune disease response later in life. That is exactly what happened. At age 48, I required my first right total hip replacement. The surgeon commented that my hip looked like it belonged to a 95-year-old. Nine years later, I required my first total knee replacement on my right knee. Here's where my autoimmune disease comes into play. That knee never healed. One year later, I needed it to be replaced again! Several doctors consulted together, and none understood why my knee didn't heal the first time. (My current autoimmune disease, psoriatic arthritis, had not yet been diagnosed.) One-third of people with psoriasis are at risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. It turns out that my car accident trauma ensured that I'd develop that horrible disease eventually.
One morning in October 2014,
I swung my legs off the bed in the morning and screamed! The pain was
unbearable. I couldn't stand on my right leg. In April 2015 after numerous x-rays
and blood tests, I was diagnosed with severe psoriatic arthritis.
On February 11, 2026, Dr. Kamson replaced my right knee in Wellstar Paulding hospital. I stayed in the hospital a few days (my case was not a typical first-time joint replacement). The pain was not fun. After nine total joint replacements, I know what to expect. The end result is definitely worth it. During my hospital stay, Dr. Kamson's expertise, smile, and kindness were invaluable to my recovery. He gave me hope when I first met him. My hope was not misplaced in his hands.
As always, I was very diligent with my three months of comprehensive outpatient physical therapy. Diligence and commitment is key to recovery from any joint replacement. Currently, it is five (5) months since my right total knee replacement from Dr. Kamson. I quickly stand up from bed every morning with ZERO pain in my knee. I do not have to "get used to walking" anymore. I just walk to get my morning coffee. For 16 years, my right knee was stiff and sore every single morning. I could never take an immediate step. I can now. Dr. Kamson is a miracle worker in my book. I am extremely grateful every single day that he gave me back my life. I love taking walks now. I never expected this outcome. I would have been satisfied with just not being bedridden. I have already recommended Dr. Kamson to several people. He has been a godsend to me.
I still have my autoimmune disease. I still have pain all over my body before it rains. But to look at me, you'd never guess I've had so many surgeries. I am able to function relatively normally each day. For that, I remain eternally grateful for my wonderful doctors over the years, especially Dr. Kamson who gave me movement and function that I truly did not expect.
Gale Largo