After years of chronic ankle pain, Judy Merriott, DVM, reached a point where everyday tasks—and even walking—became unbearable. Working as an equine veterinarian felt impossible, and the activities she once loved were now out of reach. Determined to get back in the saddle, both literally and figuratively, Judy turned to Sheridan Orthopedics, where she found the care and support she needed to reclaim her mobility and joy.
Judy has called Sheridan home for the past year, returning to Wyoming after spending 12 years practicing veterinary medicine in Australia. Her ankle pain began about five years ago, following an injury she sustained while working abroad.
“I was doing chiropractic work on a horse and standing on a stepladder,” Judy recalled. “I was up above this mare’s neck, and the person holding her wasn’t paying much attention. The mare jumped sideways, knocked me off the ladder and stepped on my ankle.”
Although initial X-rays showed no broken bones, the damage worsened over time. The pain gradually began to affect every part of her life.
“I was a solo practitioner, so I didn’t get much time off,” she explained. “I soldiered on, but every year it got a little worse. Eventually, I was walking with my foot turned out like a duck because that was the only position that felt comfortable. When I moved to Sheridan, I knew that if I still wanted to work as an equine vet, I needed my mobility back. I have to be able to get out of the way quickly if my patient—the horse—isn’t happy with me.”
Judy’s pain didn’t just affect her work. It also kept her from enjoying her favorite pastimes.
“I like to hike, and I love to ride horses,” she shared. “I tried to ride last summer, but I ended up getting of the horse in tears because my ankle hurt so much.”
Eager for a solution, Judy researched providers in Sheridan, Billings and Denver. She eventually met with Dr. Daniel Peterson, DPM, FACFAS, at Sheridan Orthopedics, who introduced the possibility of a total ankle replacement.
After speaking with others in the community and hearing consistent praise for Dr. Peterson’s expertise and kindness, combined with the convenience of receiving care close to home, Judy felt confident moving forward with the procedure.
From her first visit to her final follow-up, Judy felt heard, respected and supported throughout the process.
“The front desk staff were very friendly and efficient,” Judy said. “And the scheduler was great, even when I had to postpone my surgery twice. Any time I had a concern, I could call the office, and Dr. Peterson would personally call me back.”
Her experience stood in stark contrast to a previous major surgery.
“I had both knees replaced in 2008 in Colorado. The surgeon was well-known, but I felt like I was just a blip on their screen,” she said. “Dr. Peterson never made me feel that way. I felt very well taken care of.”
In December 2024, Sheridan Orthopedics became part of the Sheridan Memorial Hospital team, enhancing the hospital’s ability to deliver expert, coordinated orthopedic care close to home. This integration ensures patients like Judy receive a smooth, supportive experience—from initial consultation through surgery and recovery—guided by a team that puts people first.
Judy’s surgery went smoothly, and she spent one night at Sheridan Memorial Hospital—a stay that left a lasting impression.
“The nurses were wonderful,” she reflected. “When you’re a patient, someone else has to help you do everything—and they were kind, respectful and never made me feel awkward.”
Now, several weeks into her recovery, Judy has made remarkable progress—enough to impress even Dr. Peterson.
“At my two-week check-up, my incisions had already healed really well,” she said. “By four weeks, Dr. Peterson looked at my X-rays and range of motion and said, ‘I’m really surprised. I’ve never seen an ankle heal this quickly.’”
Judy chuckled. “And I said to him, “I told you I was a good healer!”
She continues physical therapy and is eager to walk again without a boot or crutch, but she’s also learning to listen to her body.
“I have a tendency to push through things,” Judy admitted. “A few days ago, I felt strong enough to go for a walk with my neighbor, but on the way back, it started to hurt. I’m learning to listen to my ankle and know when it’s had enough. I’m trying to do everything I can to make it heal quickly, but at the same time, I don’t want to overextend myself.”
When asked what advice she would give others considering ankle replacement, Judy answered, “Number one, go to Dr. Peterson. Number two, trust your doctor. Make a list of your questions and concerns, and just go have a conversation.”
In just a few more weeks, Judy hopes to be hiking the Bighorns with her Border Collie and, eventually, riding horses again.
“I’ll be thrilled the first time I get back on a horse,” she said with a smile. “I’ll be thrilled, because that was my life for many, many years.”
If bone, joint or muscle pain is keeping you from the things you love, you don’t have to go through it alone. Visit sheridanortho.org to learn how Sheridan Orthopedics can help you get back in the saddle and back to doing what you love.