Patient Testimonials - Page 7

It took four hours to get to a local hospital; more than 24 hours to finally arrive at the hospital near my home and have emergency surgery.

The next morning, my surgeon stood at the foot of my bed and told me I had a 50% chance of walking normally again. No more running, no jumping, no volleyball, no skiing, no walking? I was devastated.

Over the next few years I adapted to a less-than-perfect ankle. I found I could use it, although it would swell and hurt if I used it too much. Thankfully I could hike and play tennis, and I discovered competitive west coast swing dancing.

During this time I was living in Southern California and had more and more trouble with my ankle. I saw an orthopedist who diagnosed arthritis and bone spurs, which was limiting my range of motion. I had surgery to clean up the bone spurs and detritus in the joint fluid and was told, “You have only so many hours to the joint; you’ll eventually have to fuse it.” He described fusion as a completely immobile ankle joint: I cried when I heard that news.

Fast-forward another five years and the bone spurs came back with an even greater limit to mobility. I developed an “equinus deformity” which meant that I could only walk on my toes. I had huge orthotics which made it difficult to buy shoes and sneakers and wore heeled shoes only. My ankle joint also became very painful and swollen, even with typical use like shopping at the mall. I was afraid of my future, worried that I would limp and be in pain for the rest of my life.

By that time I moved to Rochester, NY and saw a local ankle specialist. Her advice, too, was to fuse my ankle, OR, as she had just recently met Dr. S. Robert Rozbruch at an orthopedics conference, see if he could help me.

I went on the Institute for Limb Lengthening’s website and saw the miracles that Dr. Rozbruch and his staff perform for people like me and not like me. I saw myself in their stories and hoped that I would find an answer to my ankle problems and reclaim the athletic life that I want to lead.

I had grown up outside of New York City and my mother still lived there, so it was easy for me to make an appointment to see him. The office staff was professional, helpful, informative and easy to work with.

And when I met Dr. Rozbruch, I was struck by how incredibly compassionate and down to earth he is; he read my X rays, listened to my story and told me how he could help me.

I was so relieved; here was a surgeon who had an alternative to immobile fusion – Dr. Rozbruch had experience with deformities like mine and was cautiously confident that he could help save my ankle. I liked his realism and caution; he told me what was involved in the process: the surgery (ankle distraction, nerve release and Achilles tendon release), the time frame, the external fixator and the incredible results he’s had with patients like me. He even told me that he would “seed” my joint with stem cells from my hip to create new cartilage in the joint. Amazing! I couldn’t wait to get started.

I scheduled surgery in the summer of 2009 and I remember waking up to see the external frame for the first time.  It was such a strange contraption! I called it my Frankenfoot – and to me, it was the device of miracles.

While wearing the frame, I had some interesting experiences. Some people behaved so strangely around me, looking at it (and me) with fear or dread in their eyes. It was quite disconcerting at times.

My husband, though, is an artist, and he had the brilliant idea of decorating the fixator. He bought pipe cleaners and ribbon; we had a grand time weaving color all over it. The perfect topper was a Jack in the Box™ clown head that I stuck onto the front of it, complete with orange hair sticking out.

Having a decorated fixator completely changed my experience. No more frowns and fear; now people smiled, commented on my fabulous “mobile sculpture” and were curious. Now I had a chance to talk about Dr. Rozbruch, my miracle surgery, the process I was going through and the results I expected.

Twelve weeks later my frame was removed; my husband plans on turning it into a clock sculpture to represent the time I spent healing.

In the meantime, I’ve been working with a sports medicine physical therapist. My range of motion has dramatically improved; my ankle is in positions it hasn’t been in for 23 years. I stretch and strengthen daily and my results are fantastic. Dr. Rozbruch says that I should continue to improve in overall joint health and range of motion with time; what more could I ask for?

Dr. Rozbruch and his staff are always helpful, informative and responsive. He is an amazing surgeon, a miracle worker who has saved my life, and I am incredibly grateful to him and his team. Dr. Rozbruch had the answer for me and I’m sure he’ll have an answer for you, too.

Donna Fennikoh, Brooklyn, NY — spine surgery
My name is Donna Fennikoh and I have always led a very energetic and active lifestyle. I am a self-professed gym rat and a diehard Mets fan. I have never been able to sit still for very long. I love to be outdoors, at the ballpark, beach, traveling, hitting tennis balls or home cooking a gourmet meal but this all came to a screeching halt due to chronic unceasing back and leg pain. Never have I experienced such debilitating pain in all my life. The absurdity!! I have no history of back pain. I am physically fit. I had no trauma to my spine. The paradox! more

Donna Fennikoh, Brooklyn, NY — spine surgery
My name is Donna Fennikoh and I have always led a very energetic and active lifestyle. I am a self-professed gym rat and a diehard Mets fan. I have never been able to sit still for very long. I love to be outdoors, at the ballpark, beach, traveling, hitting tennis balls or home cooking a gourmet meal, but this all came to a screeching halt due to chronic, unceasing back and leg pain. Never have I experienced such debilitating pain in all my life. The absurdity!! I have no history of back pain. I am physically fit. I had no trauma to my spine. The paradox! less

After months of conventional treatment, an MRI revealed severe, very progressive degeneration of L5-S1 and other related issues. Subsequent MRIs also showed a torn labrum on my left hip. After isolating the pain with the use of hydrocortisone injections in my hip, my HSS surgeons (Dr. Sandhu, Dr. Mayman) were confident that the bulk of the pain was from the back issue.

Dr. Sandhu and I, after several meetings and discussions, decided to go with the much less invasive discectomy rather than a spinal fusion. We knew that the possibility existed that I may ultimately need the fusion but trying the less invasive surgery made the most sense. My surgery was in February, 2010. I must admit, I was very nervous, as I never had any type of surgery. I never had anesthesia. I never spent a night in the hospital. But I knew I was in the best hands. I was very confident in my surgeon, and yet I was still a nervous wreck.

HSS set up my pre-op schedule, which included chest x-rays, EKG, blood tests, neurological tests, and so on. It was a long day but I was overwhelmed by the professional, courteous, understanding, and first-rate care that I received. My mind was eased a great deal.

The day of surgery arrived, and from the moment we arrived at the hospital at 6am, I was treated as if I were the only patient they had. I have never been treated so well. It was mind boggling. One person was nicer than the next. My surgery went smoothly and I was very comfortable. My family was treated well and kept informed throughout. I cannot emphasize enough the quality of care that I received. I cannot even find the words. I told my surgeon the next day, when he checked up on me, that my goal, once healthy, would be to find a job at HSS and be part of such a dynamic team.

My surgery, though successful, did not give me enough relief. We are now in the process of scheduling my spinal fusion for July 2010. This is a much more invasive surgery and requires me to stay several nights at the hospital, but my mind is at ease. I know what to expect and I know the care I will receive. I know that after the surgery, my HSS team will see me though my recovery process.

I am very confident that I will be back to my old self in no time. I am very grateful for my surgeons and doctors at HSS. Incidentally, during one of our visits to HSS, we met the very gracious Mr. Fred Wilpon, who informed us that I was in the very best hands. That’s good enough for me.

Bill Didlake, Austin, TX — hip revision surgery
I had a left hip replacement by an orthopedic surgeon in my home city in 1998 and a right hip replacement in 1999. All seemed to be well and I went for 8 years without a problem. Then in 2006, while playing on the floor with my grandchildren, I dislocated my left hip. more

Bill Didlake, Austin, TX — hip revision surgery
I had a left hip replacement by an orthopedic surgeon in my home city in 1998 and a right hip replacement in 1999. All seemed to be well and I went for 8 years without a problem. Then in 2006, while playing on the floor with my grandchildren, I dislocated my left hip. less

Although that was very painful, the hip was reset without difficulty in the hospital emergency room. Once again all was well for a time but almost exactly a year later I dislocated the hip again. Once again, it was reset in an ER. After the third dislocation some 17 months later, the surgeon recommended and I agreed to a hip revision wherein he replaced the hip ball and socket liner and installed a constraint designed to keep the ball in the socket.

Within days after the surgery I felt a "pop" in the hip; an x-ray revealed that the constraint had become dislodged and was just floating around the ball. Another dislocation ensued. This time the surgeon referred me to another local orthopedic surgeon whom he believed to have more training and expertise in hip surgery. That surgeon recommended yet another revision surgery wherein he would reorient the socket liner to a more horizontal position. Somewhat desperate by this point I accepted his recommendation and once again underwent surgery. Forty days later the hip popped out of joint, then again 42 days after that, and once more 2 months after that.

Before this final dislocation I had already resolved to find the best place in the country to see if this problem couldn't be fixed once and for all. A nationwide search led me to Hospital for Special Surgery and Dr. Douglas Padgett. When Dr. Padgett heard my story and examined me he said he could fix it and the procedure he described was unlike that which either of the previous surgeons had recommended. I found I had the utmost confidence in Dr. Padgett and what he had to say so I chose to undergo the third revision surgery within a year. As of this writing, I am about 5 months post surgery and all seems well. Although I am careful not to do anything stupid (like playing "horsy" on the floor with my grandchildren) I have once again developed confidence in the stability of the hip and I don't constantly live in fear that it's going to pop out of joint unexpectedly. I am very appreciative of Dr. Padgett and thankful for his skill and I fully expect this hip to last a lifetime.

Prior to the surgery I was at a point where I could barely walk from my office to my car without fatigue brought about by the pain. I had long since stopped any kind of exercise routine, which I once followed regularly, and I felt the effects of that in everything I did. I also didn’t fully appreciate the effects of sleep loss, directly related to the pain, on my ability to focus at work and elsewhere. Following the surgery, all of that started to change.

Discharged from the hospital after three days, in-home rehabilitation went amazingly well. Sleeping improved almost immediately and in less than 3 weeks, delayed due to snowy weather, I progressed from walking indoors to walking outdoors, building strength and endurance. Once I returned to a regular exercise routine, including the use of an elliptical machine, I felt as though I had gotten the life I used to know back again. Being able, through exercise, to sustain the energy I need to fulfill the obligations of a challenging career, work in my own yard, and keep up with my grandchildren, are the things that I was losing and have been able to regain. For that, I am extremely grateful.

I can hardly believe that I am writing this less than five months after surgery. There are times when I have to remind myself that I have a new hip. We just got back from a family vacation to Disneyland where walking all day with our grandchildren was the norm and I had no trouble doing it. That simply wasn’t possible 5 months ago. I don’t know if my story will inspire anyone to contact you for more information, but if there is a chance that it might, I hope you will share it.

Turns out on the first attempt I tore my ACL and following the second attempt I tore both menisci and sheared two big chunks of cartilage at the top of my tibia and the bottom of my femur. Once again within a day I was back to see Dr. Shubin Stein. She immediately sent me for an MRI and then, within minutes of reading the results, sent me to a colleague of hers who specializes in cartilage repair. It was then I met Dr. Williams. Following the same HSS pattern, we spoke at length of my options and made the decision to have surgery the very next day. I am currently at month seven following surgery and I have made tremendous gains. I have a long way to go before I hit the stage again, but I have faith thanks to my family of doctors at HSS that I will get there and again have the best year to date.

Sharon Frazier, New York, NY — hip resurfacing
I am so grateful to Dr. Michael Maynard for giving me back my hip!  On July 15, 2009, Dr. Maynard performed a hip resurfacing operation on my right hip, and I am now fully restored back to a pain-free and active life again!

In June 2008 I was hit sideways by a New York City bike messenger on 86th street resulting in a severely sprained ankle, a concussion with 6 stitches, and a very bad bruise on my right hip. Upon my recovery, I continued to train my clients in cardiac rehab by walk/running in the park, dance classes, and a full teaching schedule in movement therapy. I was in constant pain when I finished my classes and had to stop my activities of dancing and running. more

Sharon Frazier, New York, NY — hip resurfacing
I am so grateful to Dr. Michael Maynard for giving me back my hip!  On July 15, 2009, Dr. Maynard performed a hip resurfacing operation on my right hip, and I am now fully restored back to a pain-free and active life again!

In June 2008 I was hit sideways by a New York City bike messenger on 86th street resulting in a severely sprained ankle, a concussion with 6 stitches, and a very bad bruise on my right hip. Upon my recovery, I continued to train my clients in cardiac rehab by walk/running in the park, dance classes, and a full teaching schedule in movement therapy. I was in constant pain when I finished my classes and had to stop my activities of dancing and running. less

I phoned Dr. Sculco at HSS, since I have worked with his patients for over 20 years as a movement therapist, and asked him for a referral for hip resurfacing. He referred me to Dr. Maynard and stated that he was the perfect doctor for me! I was frustrated as I had seen 5 other doctors regarding the hip resurfacing operation and they all wanted me to do a hip replacement. I am 56 and most of the doctors believed my bones may not be strong enough for the re-surfacing. I had a bone scan and the numbers in the scan were 8 years ahead of my age.

Upon my first appointment with Dr. Maynard, his warmth, candor and explanations about my options captured me. He understood I was a dancer and athlete and that I make a living helping other people with movement. I needed to have a hip operation which would never limit my work with movement or performance.

Dr. Maynard explained my options very thoroughly, calmly explaining all the items I would have to address after surgery to recover full mobility for my job. Before the operation, I had difficulty walking 5 blocks and had not been able to dance for a year due to pain. I had tried acupuncture, massage, rolfing, and anti inflammatory drugs to deal with the pain that I lived with on an ongoing basis.

The operation by Dr. Maynard was a total success and I am now completely pain free!

To recover full dance mobility, Dr. Maynard had explained I needed intensive physical therapy for five to six months at HSS, including stretching and strength work for all the muscles in the hip. I added ballet bar classes with the Pilates reformer and Yoga for my own personal rehab 7 months after the operation.

Dr. Maynard and Dr. Sculco are both most pleased with my recovery and mobility!

A year later I have full mobility and have started my dance training again at Alvin Ailey. I dance and perform the Brazilian Samba, so I now am in classes to resume this dance. I am also in classes for African and Haitian dance. I recently started jumping rope and running again.

I am teaching the Sharon Frazier Method which blends Yoga/Pilates/foam roller/Core Fusion with Restorative Movement to my clients with no limitations.

People have trouble determining which hip was operated on!

Joshua Kolarcik, West Monroe, Louisiana — leg surgery
I have been bowlegged since going through a growth spurt during my middle school years. It never really negatively impacted my life. I wasn't self conscious about my legs and I suffered no ill effects physically. I was able to run and play sports with the best. However, in 2007 I turned 30 years old and while playing a soccer match suffered a torn meniscus in my right knee. It was the first ever injury I had suffered to my knees. I underwent a meniscectomy and went back to normal activities. In 2008, I began noticing significant pain on the inside of my knees while running. I still had plenty left in life that I wanted to do that required me to be in peak physical condition and I wasn't willing to give up on those dreams because of knee pain. I began to look for solutions. more

Joshua Kolarcik, West Monroe, Louisiana — leg surgery
I have been bowlegged since going through a growth spurt during my middle school years. It never really negatively impacted my life. I wasn't self conscious about my legs and I suffered no ill effects physically. I was able to run and play sports with the best. However, in 2007 I turned 30 years old and while playing a soccer match suffered a torn meniscus in my right knee. It was the first ever injury I had suffered to my knees. I underwent a meniscectomy and went back to normal activities. In 2008, I began noticing significant pain on the inside of my knees while running. I still had plenty left in life that I wanted to do that required me to be in peak physical condition and I wasn't willing to give up on those dreams because of knee pain. I began to look for solutions. less

Quite by accident, while researching possible solutions on the internet, I stumbled across Dr. Fragomen's website and read about people who had various lower leg problems that he had treated. It was the first time I began to realize that the shape of my legs might be contributing to my knee pain. I began to email Dr. Fragomen almost daily with questions and pictures of my legs. I was always impressed with the speed of his responses and the time he took to explain the process. Immediately, I recognized he had a unique expertise that enabled him to solve leg problems that other doctors would deem unsolvable. There is truly no one else I would've trusted to do this procedure.

Living in Louisiana, one big concern to me was the logistics of undergoing surgery in New York. However, Dr. Fragomen went out of his way to accommodate my individual needs and I went into the process with the utmost confidence and trust in him as a professional. His office was more than helpful in answering my questions and coordinating appointments and treatments. Earline Marchan was especially helpful in answering all my insurance/payment questions and coordinating approval for the procedure and timing all my appointments so I would have to make as few trips to New York as possible. While in New York, I was instantly put at ease and every one of the staff members and nurses was extremely helpful and kind.

I had my first surgery in March 2009, the tibia and femur of my left leg were re-aligned with external fixators which I wore for almost four months. It was a tough few weeks following the procedure but I was back to work within a week of surgery and the last two months I was moving around and walking pretty well. In July 2009, I made another trip to New York to have the fixators in my left leg taken out and have the tibia of my right leg straightened...more pain but more optimism as I saw how well the left leg had turned out. In November 2009, I coordinated with Dr. Fragomen to have the fixator on my right leg removed locally in Louisiana, which saved me a trip back to New York. Again, Dr. Fragomen's willingness to accommodate my needs and his flexibility in coordinating with other doctors was yet another testament to his professionalism and his genuine concern for his 333 patient's desires.

Once I was free of my "hardware" it was amazing how quickly I regained muscle mass in my legs and got back to normal physical activities. I'm now three months out from having my last fixator removed and am extremely happy with the results. I "CrossFit" on a regular basis which involves doing workouts made up of running, Olympic lifting and gymnastics. I have begun running again and have NO knee pain. As my physical training has increased I've noticed increased flexibility, better range of motion and the biomechanics of my running has markedly improved. It's been a long year but I truly believe it was all worth it and knowing what I know now, I would do it all over again. I cannot thank Dr. Fragomen enough for the incredible job that he did and for giving me the ability to pursue my dreams. He is truly a remarkable physician and his work has had a significant impact on my life. To him and his team, my sincerest thanks for a job well done.”

Kathleen Rodgers, Amelia, VA — hip surgery
How do I even begin to say thank you to Dr. Westrich at HSS for giving me back my life and - most importantly - my hope. After 13 years, I had my initial hip revision redone, and during the procedure my pelvic bone was broken. As a mid-30s woman with a small child at home, this was devasting to me. I ended up having to go through 4 additional hip revisions in 2 separate states – only to have my hip contiually dislocate – even when just sitting down. My hometown doctor was afraid to even try anything at this point, so I went to see Dr Westrich at HSS and instantly felt that he was the right doctor for the job. His knowledge, his expertise, and the high regard he held from other medical personnel gave me the confidence to try surgery once again. more

Kathleen Rodgers, Amelia, VA — hip surgery
How do I even begin to say thank you to Dr. Westrich at HSS for giving me back my life and - most importantly - my hope. After 13 years, I had my initial hip revision redone, and during the procedure my pelvic bone was broken. As a mid-30s woman with a small child at home, this was devasting to me. I ended up having to go through 4 additional hip revisions in 2 separate states – only to have my hip contiually dislocate – even when just sitting down. My hometown doctor was afraid to even try anything at this point, so I went to see Dr Westrich at HSS and instantly felt that he was the right doctor for the job. His knowledge, his expertise, and the high regard he held from other medical personnel gave me the confidence to try surgery once again. less

Living out of state made it difficult to work out appointments, but his amazing staff always worked well to accomodate me - especially for pre-admsission testing. Unfortunately, on the day I arrived in NY for my pre-admission testing, I fell and broke my femur bone in my good leg and ended up at a hospital in Long Island. Immediately upon receiving a phone call from my brother about what happened, Dr. Westrich arranged for me to be transported to HSS for immediate femur surgery. Knowing I could not bear to be away from my family in VA, he arranged to do the hip surgery only 2 weeks later. The surgery went off fantasitically, and he placed a specially-made plate down the length of my leg to keep the hip from popping out the back where all of the muscles had been shredded from being dislocated over 5 times in the past 3 years.

It has now been over a year since my hip has dislocated and with each passing day my confidence grows stronger. I can't imagine how life would be today if I had not met Dr. Westrich and allowed him to perform the surgery that he did. He did such an amazing job (and has such a great bedside personality to boot) that when my mother recently needed her knees replaced for the 2nd time, she went to Dr. Westrich as well. As for me, my hips are in his hands for any future surgery that I may need - no matter how far I have to travel to have it done. Thanks to him, I am now back driving (after 2 yrs without being able to) and getting out to enjoy life with my husband and son. Thank you, HSS and thank you, Dr. Westrich. You all are the best!

Constance Cowing, New York, NY — hip surgery
The first time I walked in the door of HSS, what hit me with great impact was an impression of the positive atmosphere, which to my great surprise turned out to be consistent. I found the attitudes of staff the same. For the first time, I entered a hospital setting completely surrounded with a relaxed goodwill, which anyone knows under the pressures of modern medicine is very difficult to maintain. After two major hips operations, everyone working there, including administrative, medical, and custodial personnel gave me nothing but positive words, encouraging smiles, and friendliness. more

Constance Cowing, New York, NY — hip surgery
The first time I walked in the door of HSS, what hit me with great impact was an impression of the positive atmosphere, which to my great surprise turned out to be consistent. I found the attitudes of staff the same. For the first time, I entered a hospital setting completely surrounded with a relaxed goodwill, which anyone knows under the pressures of modern medicine is very difficult to maintain. After two major hips operations, everyone working there, including administrative, medical, and custodial personnel gave me nothing but positive words, encouraging smiles, and friendliness. less

My journey to health had begun. 30 years of back pain, yet no one in the Midwest or New York recognized it was not my back but my arthritic hips as source of the difficulty until I found my way to HSS. With the help of several different physicians and a physical therapist, I finally found my doctor, Geoffrey Westrich, and the correct diagnosis was made. The decision to operate followed. After two hip surgeries, I discovered my pain (level 8 to level 1) literally vanished. Equally important, my life, which had been disappearing, reappeared. I can live my life again. Thank you HSS for all your efforts to surround us sufferers with brilliant doctors, competent staff, and an atmosphere of joyful healing.

Richard DeLuca, Stony Point, NY — hip replacement, shoulder replacement, and hand surgery
I have had four surgeries at HSS, three total joint replacements and one surgery on my hand to correct the effects of Dupuytren's contracture. My first surgery was a total left hip replacement it was done in May of 2007 by Dr. Haas and his team. In August of 2009, I had a total right shoulder replacement. It was done by Dr. Rodeo and his team. In December of 2009, I had a total right hip replacement which was again done by Dr. Haas. I have always been very active. I love to exercise, run ,cycle, lift weights, and participate in sports, especially golf. Before I had my hip replacements, I could barely walk to the car at the end of the workday. more

Richard DeLuca, Stony Point, NY — hip replacement, shoulder replacement, and hand surgery
I have had four surgeries at HSS, three total joint replacements and one surgery on my hand to correct the effects of Dupuytren's contracture. My first surgery was a total left hip replacement it was done in May of 2007 by Dr. Haas and his team. In August of 2009, I had a total right shoulder replacement. It was done by Dr. Rodeo and his team. In December of 2009, I had a total right hip replacement which was again done by Dr. Haas. I have always been very active. I love to exercise, run ,cycle, lift weights, and participate in sports, especially golf. Before I had my hip replacements, I could barely walk to the car at the end of the workday. less

Thanks to Dr. Haas, except for running, I was able to get back to the activities I love. Before my shoulder replacement, I had trouble finding a position while laying down that would not cause my damaged shoulder to ache. I definitely could not swing a golf club without pain. Thanks to Dr. Rodeo, I play golf without a bit of pain, and most importantly, I can sleep through the night without waking up. Lastly in January of this year, Dr. Athanasian performed surgery on my left hand to correct the effects of Dupuytren's contracture. Dupuytren's causes the fingers of the hand to be pulled into the palm into a claw that can't be straightened. After a delicate three hour surgery, my fingers and hand are back to normal. I can't say enough good things about the great care I received at HSS from not only the wonderful doctors, but also the nurses, aides, the pre-surgical staff, and physical therapists who helped me on my road to recovery and a pain-free life.

Sandra Showalter, New York, NY — shoulder surgery
I had a bad fall at work. My shoulder really bothered me. I was referred to to Dr. Answorth Allen by Dr. Nailor. From my very first visit I was impressed. The staff was very helpful and professional. Dr. Allen was very direct and to the point about what needed to be done. I felt confident even though it was our very first meeting. He was well recommended as the best in his field and had done surgery on my physical therapist. more

Sandra Showalter, New York, NY — shoulder surgery
I had a bad fall at work. My shoulder really bothered me. I was referred to to Dr. Answorth Allen by Dr. Nailor. From my very first visit I was impressed. The staff was very helpful and professional. Dr. Allen was very direct and to the point about what needed to be done. I felt confident even though it was our very first meeting. He was well recommended as the best in his field and had done surgery on my physical therapist. less

On the day of my surgery, I was welcomed into a very comfortable waiting area. I was quickly taken into a preparation room where I met the sweetest OR staff I have ever met in my life. I have had many surgeries and I was so impressed with this hospital and their staff members. I felt truly at ease. I had no anxiety or stress neither before nor after surgery. I was treated so special. I felt like I was royalty or a music or TV star. The facility was clean and bright. There was no hospital smell and the seats and beds were very comfortable. I have to say thank you to each of Dr. Allen's staff and a very special thank you to Dr. Allen for a job well done. I will always refer anyone of my family or friends to not only Dr. Allen but to Hospital for Special Surgery. The (Special) in the hospital's name really identifies them. They are special and they treat you special. I wouldn't have had my surgery anywhere else.

Laura Kielczewski, New York, NY — hip resurfacing
I have been extremely athletic since I was a teen and played alot of rough sports. I studied karate for 13 years, I boxed for 13 years which included alot of running, and then played soccer for almost 4 years -- alot of repetitive movement and high impact on the joints. Several years ago (at the age of 41), I was stretching at the gym after a good workout and felt something "pop" in my groin area. It didn't reallly hurt at the time and so I continued about my day, walking around, shopping, etc., a typical Saturday afternoon. I went to sleep later that evening and at some point in the middle of the night, I woke up in agonizing pain, unable to move my leg. I was in excruciating pain for a few days before I went to a doctor to see what was wrong. more

Laura Kielczewski, New York, NY — hip resurfacing
I have been extremely athletic since I was a teen and played alot of rough sports. I studied karate for 13 years, I boxed for 13 years which included alot of running, and then played soccer for almost 4 years -- alot of repetitive movement and high impact on the joints. Several years ago (at the age of 41), I was stretching at the gym after a good workout and felt something "pop" in my groin area. It didn't reallly hurt at the time and so I continued about my day, walking around, shopping, etc., a typical Saturday afternoon. I went to sleep later that evening and at some point in the middle of the night, I woke up in agonizing pain, unable to move my leg. I was in excruciating pain for a few days before I went to a doctor to see what was wrong. less

To make a long story short, I was misdiagnosed by numerous doctors for about a year (one doctor told me I had too many birthdays, one doctor told me it was all in my head, another doctor thought it was tendonitis and wrote a prescription, told me to rest for 6 weeks, and then come back and see him). I also tried a chiropractor, massage, physical therapy --- nothing seemed to work or fix it.

I limped around for about a year before I went to HSS for xrays. As soon as I saw Dr. Boettner, he knew right away it was my hip based on his physical exam, listening to my explanation of symptoms, and watching me walk. The xrays and MRI confirmed his diagnosis. We tried a "conservative" fix in 2007 and I scheduled surgery to repair a torn labrum and underwent microfracture in the hopes of generating repair cartilage for the arthritis and cartilage loss in my right hip. I also had very large osteophytes causing impingment. The surgery was successful but I was unable to resume full athletic actvities and decided after three years to undergo a hip resurfacing with Dr. Boettner. (I wanted Dr. Boettner to make me bionic.) The hip resurfacing was a success and I was discharged from the hospital two days after surgery.

Within a couple weeks, I was on a stationary bicycle to regain range of motion. Two months after surgery, I resumed all physical activities. I am now almost five months post surgery and have been pain free ever since. While I am not quite "bionic", I was able to return to all impact activities. I am not able to run as fast as I used to and I do not have the same range of motion as I do with my natural hip, but I am pain free and forever grateful to Dr. Boettner and HSS for correctly diagnosing my problem and fixing it.