Patient Testimonials - Page 6

Jessica Michael, New Canaan, CT — spine surgery
Two weeks from now will mark the ten-year anniversary of the accident, which led me to HSS. I was on my way home from work and my car was rear-ended. My diagnosis was severe whiplash. After a month of PT, my right arm swelled. The ER doctors suggested TOS (thoracic outlet syndrome) and put me in a sling. I met with various neurosurgeons, physiatrists and vascular surgeons. It was difficult to know what was wrong. I was in excruciating shoulder pain and my arm felt ‘dead’. I received two more diagnoses. They were brachial-plexopathy and lymph edema. I tried every conventional treatment with hopes of feeling better. more

Jessica Michael, New Canaan, CT — spine surgery
Two weeks from now will mark the ten-year anniversary of the accident, which led me to HSS. I was on my way home from work and my car was rear-ended. My diagnosis was severe whiplash. After a month of PT, my right arm swelled. The ER doctors suggested TOS (thoracic outlet syndrome) and put me in a sling. I met with various neurosurgeons, physiatrists and vascular surgeons. It was difficult to know what was wrong. I was in excruciating shoulder pain and my arm felt ‘dead’. I received two more diagnoses. They were brachial-plexopathy and lymph edema. I tried every conventional treatment with hopes of feeling better. less

To my further disappointment, I developed duodenal ulcers from the NSAIDS I was consuming for pain management. Over the years, my pain would yo-yo. One day I would call the doctor crying in pain. Another day I would feel ‘okay’. I contacted my Uncle Roger. He is a retired orthopedic surgeon. I asked if he could direct me to the best of the best in the NYC area. He recommended I contact Dr. Andrew Weiland. I mention this because shortly after I had emailed Dr. Weiland (who was most helpful), I was in a store looking at DVDs. I turned around and in front of me was Dr. Weiland’s book. His face on the cover looking at me symbolized that I was on track!

For years, I visited various HSS doctors trying to figure out what exactly was causing my symptoms. Tests were always ‘normal’ and symptoms did not provide concrete evidence that I needed a cervical fusion. After all the treatments, tests, and doctor’s reviews, I carefully decided I wanted to operate. I confidently chose Dr. Russell Huang.

Through the decade, I had researched all of the area doctors and my many diagnoses. Dr. Huang and I discussed an ACDF for C5-7. Despite my nervousness, I was optimistic. I cannot express in words my gratitude to Dr. Huang. This was the best decision I have ever made.

My neck will never be perfect and there is always the possibility of later issues. The prediction was that I would feel 75-80% better. I am truly 90-95% better! I feel great!

Lastly, I do not know how to describe all of my pleasant experiences at HSS. Everyone I encountered was friendly, kind and sympathetic. At HSS, I always feel comfortable and respected. All employees are helpful and very professional. Any communication and correspondence with all departments is prompt and detailed.

I have since discussed my experience with friends, family, and colleagues. They are all very impressed. I recommend HSS wholeheartedly to anyone in need of an opinion or in need of surgery no matter how risky or scary it may be.

Annette Mennella, Marco Island, FL — foot surgery
For the past several years, I had been in a lot of pain and discomfort with my feet. I developed bunions early on in my 20's. Up to that point, I put up with the discomfort only to realize that it was affecting every part of my body. I am a person that works out, golfs, walks, bikes, etc. These simple tasks were beginning to become a chore. And the worst part is that I could not fit into any shoes or sneakers comfortably. I finally made a decision to look into fixing the problem through surgery. I was fortunate to get one of the best surgeons available (Dr. Andrew Elliott) and his team for the job!! The day of my surgery, Nov. 10, 2010, I was asked to arrive at HSS, register and wait my turn for the bunion correction on my left foot. The operation entailed a complex fix for my problem not just cosmetic. The staff at HSS, from the receptionist to the nurses and anethesiologist, Dr. Elliott, and everyone who worked in the same-day surgery unit, made me feel safe and very comfortable up and until the time of surgery. I was given undivided attention even afterward. My pain was managed so efficiently, I went home that day. more

Annette Mennella, Marco Island, FL — foot surgery
For the past several years, I had been in a lot of pain and discomfort with my feet. I developed bunions early on in my 20's. Up to that point, I put up with the discomfort only to realize that it was affecting every part of my body. I am a person that works out, golfs, walks, bikes, etc. These simple tasks were beginning to become a chore. And the worst part is that I could not fit into any shoes or sneakers comfortably. I finally made a decision to look into fixing the problem through surgery. I was fortunate to get one of the best surgeons available (Dr. Andrew Elliott) and his team for the job! The day of my surgery, Nov. 10, 2010, I was asked to arrive at HSS, register and wait my turn for the bunion correction on my left foot. The operation entailed a complex fix for my problem not just cosmetic. The staff at HSS, from the receptionist to the nurses and anethesiologist, Dr. Elliott, and everyone who worked in the same-day surgery unit, made me feel safe and very comfortable up and until the time of surgery. I was given undivided attention even afterward. My pain was managed so efficiently, I went home that day. less

And for the duration of my recovery (8 weeks), I endured no pain! And I am not good with pain! I was totally shocked because everything I had ever heard about this surgery was negative. Now, almost 5 months later, I am fully recovered and walking, doing all the above in the utmost comfort! I have already scheduled a consultation with Dr. Elliott to evaluate my right foot. I do realize that my anatomy may not give me the exact results, but I am so confident in Dr. Elliott's team and HSS that I will be back to see if my right foot can be corrected in the same manner. I live in Florida now, but come to NY frequently to visit family. Because I had an excellent overall experience at the HSS, I couldn't think of a better place to repeat this surgery. The shoe fits and I will wear it again! Thanks for all you do!

Donald T. Donofrio, Newton, NJ — spine surgery
One late August morning in 2010, I woke up with what felt like a knife stabbing me between the shoulder blades. Over the next few days, the obvious symptoms of a disc herniation manifested themselves, including the most frightening for me—a loss of 70-75% triceps and chest strength in my right arm. After a few weeks of conservative treatments, which did not resolve the problem, I was ultimately referred to Dr. Bernard Rawlins at HSS by a friend who was not only a healthcare professional, but also a former patient of Dr. Rawlins. I was diagnosed with a severe herniation at C6-7 that was impinging my spinal cord. Without surgery, I risked the loss of use of my arms and/or a continuing degradation of motor function. On October 11, 2010, I entered HSS, where Dr. Rawlins and his team performed ACDF surgery on me. Immediately upon waking, I knew I was better. My first question was, "When can I get back to the gym?" I was discharged the next day. I had to wear a hard collar for about 4 weeks, then a soft collar for a couple of more. more

Donald T. Donofrio, Newton, NJ — spine surgery
One late August morning in 2010, I woke up with what felt like a knife stabbing me between the shoulder blades. Over the next few days, the obvious symptoms of a disc herniation manifested themselves, including the most frightening for me—a loss of 70-75% triceps and chest strength in my right arm. After a few weeks of conservative treatments, which did not resolve the problem, I was ultimately referred to Dr. Bernard Rawlins at HSS by a friend who was not only a healthcare professional, but also a former patient of Dr. Rawlins. I was diagnosed with a severe herniation at C6-7 that was impinging my spinal cord. Without surgery, I risked the loss of use of my arms and/or a continuing degradation of motor function. On October 11, 2010, I entered HSS, where Dr. Rawlins and his team performed ACDF surgery on me. Immediately upon waking, I knew I was better. My first question was, "When can I get back to the gym?" I was discharged the next day. I had to wear a hard collar for about 4 weeks, then a soft collar for a couple of more. less

So here I am, close to six months later. I am happy to report that I have regained what I believe to be 100% of my strength and function, and I am in probably the best physical condition of my life. I just ran my first 5K, and am training for an extreme endurance competition in mid-April, a half-marathon in May and a sprint triathlon in July. I'll be 49 years old in May. Obviously, my surgery was a success, and I feel truly blessed to have been referred to HSS and Dr. Rawlins. I can't say enough good things about the entire HSS organization and its employees. Everyone I came into contact during my pre-surgery evaluations and testing, my stay at the hospital, and my follow-up interactions were nothing short of outstanding. THEY are the true ambassadors of HSS, and for them, I remain grateful. The best reference is a good referral, and I have referred several of my friends to Dr. Rawlins and HSS for their spinal conditions, in the hope that they too may be blessed as I was by the spectacular people at HSS.

Nancy Guerriere, Hackettstown, NJ — spine surgery
During the past two years both my husband and I have been patients and had spinal surgery at HSS. In Aug. 2008 my husband was diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc. When treatment with physical therapy, meds and an epidural injection failed to relieve his symptoms and they actually became worse, our doctor advised us to see a spine specialist. I have been a nurse for 35 years in a suburban community hospital and am very sensitive to how patients are treated and was a little wary of a 'big city hospital'. I couldn't have been more wrong. more

Nancy Guerriere, Hackettstown, NJ — spine surgery
During the past two years both my husband and I have been patients and had spinal surgery at HSS. In Aug. 2008 my husband was diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc. When treatment with physical therapy, meds and an epidural injection failed to relieve his symptoms and they actually became worse, our doctor advised us to see a spine specialist. I have been a nurse for 35 years in a suburban community hospital and am very sensitive to how patients are treated and was a little wary of a 'big city hospital'. I couldn't have been more wrong. less

I knew about HSS' excellent reputation and since we were dealing with the spine, I wanted the best. The physician referral service gave me the name of Dr. James C. Farmer. We saw Dr. Farmer within a week and were very impressed with him. He was friendly, approachable, and confident but not arrogant; he answered all our questions and explained procedures thoroughly, along with risks and benefits. Regardless of how busy the office was, we never felt rushed during our visits. His office staff is helpful, friendly and efficient. They scheduled all tests and visits on the same day which made things easier for us. Dr. Farmer recommended a microdiscectomy, which was done late Nov. 2008. My husband's neurological symptoms cleared up but the pain continued, so under the recommendation of Dr. Farmer, my husband had a lumbar epidural done by Dr. Christopher Lutz in July 2009. It was a complete success, eliminating the pain.

Unfortunately, two more discs herniated late Sept. 2009, which necessitated a two-level spinal fusion in Nov. 2009. Dr. Farmer had made us aware that this could be a possiblity prior to the first surgery so we weren't taken by surprise. Meanwhile, I had been having issues with my neck and in April 2009 was diagnosed with herniated cervical discs. My first go-round with meds and physical therapy was successful but about six months later, my symptoms returned, only worse and in both arms. This time the meds and PT didn't work. Without hesitation I went to see Dr. Farmer. He was surprised to see me but he spent time with me and did not assume that I knew what would be happening; he explained thorougly the procedure, risks and benefits, and answered all our questions. We decided to try an epidural first, which I had done at HSS. Unfortunately, it didn't relieve my symptoms, and since I had a reaction to the steroids, it was decided not to repeat the epidural. I still felt I had very good care in Special Procedures; the procedure itself was painless and Dr. Richman was very conscientious about keeping in touch with me and following up.

In a subsequent visit with Dr. Farmer we decided to go ahead with the surgery. Both my husband and I never felt pressured to have surgery; the decision was made as a team. Dr. Farmer operated on me on June 1, 2010, performing a two-level cervical spinal fusion. In the recovery room, I knew my symptoms had cleared up. I was only just a little nervous about the surgery because I knew that I was in good hands. For both of us, throughout the pre-op work-up - MRIs, CT scans, lab work, medical clearances, neurological workups - we were treated with kindness, respect and concern. We did not come across one person at HSS that did not make us feel that we were in excellent hands.

As inpatients, we were very impressed by the professional, warm, caring attitude of everyone we came across - from lab techs, OR staff, recovery room staff, physical therapists, nurses, x-ray techs, nurses techs, physician assistants, anesthesiologists (Dr. LaSala and Dr. Ya Deau), pain management team, and surgical residents. There was even a kind soul from dietary who brought me a coffee and muffin one morning during my husband's hospital stay. There is a culture of professionalism, compassion, expertise and pride in the work they do that permeates HSS and the staff. That in turn makes you feel secure that you are getting the best treatment and care possible. I have been very grateful that we "found" Dr. Farmer and for the care that he, HSS and the staff have given us.

Alicia Carrano, Smithtown, NY — hip replacement
On November 6, 2010, I had a left hip replacement at Hospital for Special Surgery. Prior to my surgery, I was having difficulty walking, standing straight and just doing everyday life activities. I was born without a hip socket and also have RA which caused my hip to become bone on bone. Since I had the surgery I have gotten my life back. I was up and walking on December 20, 2010. It was the best Christmas present I could have received. I am able to to take care of my 12 year old son and be able to keep up with him. He plays football and it was so difficult for me to walk across the field just to watch him play. Now I am looking forward to next season so I can enjoy walking across the field to see him play. I can take walks while my son rides his bike. I can stand straight up without pain and I'm able to sleep at night without pain. You do not realize, prior to surgery, how much pain you are in until you have the surgery. And then you realize how much of your life you were giving up because of your hip. more

Alicia Carrano, Smithtown, NY — hip replacement
On November 6, 2010, I had a left hip replacement at Hospital for Special Surgery. Prior to my surgery, I was having difficulty walking, standing straight and just doing everyday life activities. I was born without a hip socket and also have RA which caused my hip to become bone on bone. Since I had the surgery I have gotten my life back. I was up and walking on December 20, 2010. It was the best Christmas present I could have received. I am able to to take care of my 12 year old son and be able to keep up with him. He plays football and it was so difficult for me to walk across the field just to watch him play. Now I am looking forward to next season so I can enjoy walking across the field to see him play. I can take walks while my son rides his bike. I can stand straight up without pain and I'm able to sleep at night without pain. You do not realize, prior to surgery, how much pain you are in until you have the surgery. And then you realize how much of your life you were giving up because of your hip. less

The hospital was very friendly and made my hospital stay very comfortable. The class that you receive prior to surgery on what will occur was very informative. It taught me a lot to of what to expect and what equipment I will need. My doctor and his staff are very nice and he has good bed side manners. I have told many people what a great hospital I was in and what a great experience that I had there. My next hip replacement in 20 years or so will be done there as well. I have also advised my doctor not to retire and that he must do my next hip replacement. He just laughed and said thank you.

Dr. Gerald C. Benjamin, Saratoga Springs, NY — shoulder surgery
When I learned that I needed surgery to repair my torn rotator cuff in order to continue to practice dentistry at a very high level, I asked my physical therapist in Saratoga Springs who was the BEST surgeon to repair my shoulder. Without missing a beat he responded, "Dr. David Altchek at Hospital for Special Surgery." The next day I called Dr. Alchek's office to start the process of scheduling the consult and surgery. Susan and I reported to the intake unit two hours prior to surgery to take all of our essential information. I was placed in a room, undressed and waited for my scheduled surgery to take place. At least eight people came into my room to ask my name and what procedure I was having performed so that there was no possibility that a mistake could occur. When Dr. Altchek met me, he marked my right shoulder in pen so that everyone understood what procedure was to take place. Two anesthesiologists came into my room to review my procedure so that they could assure me that I would be comfortable throughout my surgery. more

Dr. Gerald C. Benjamin, Saratoga Springs, NY — shoulder surgery
When I learned that I needed surgery to repair my torn rotator cuff in order to continue to practice dentistry at a very high level, I asked my physical therapist in Saratoga Springs who was the BEST surgeon to repair my shoulder. Without missing a beat he responded, "Dr. David Altchek at Hospital for Special Surgery." The next day I called Dr. Alchek's office to start the process of scheduling the consult and surgery. Susan and I reported to the intake unit two hours prior to surgery to take all of our essential information. I was placed in a room, undressed and waited for my scheduled surgery to take place. At least eight people came into my room to ask my name and what procedure I was having performed so that there was no possibility that a mistake could occur. When Dr. Altchek met me, he marked my right shoulder in pen so that everyone understood what procedure was to take place. Two anesthesiologists came into my room to review my procedure so that they could assure me that I would be comfortable throughout my surgery. less

Following surgery, a nurse gave me something to drink and a sandwich because I had nothing to eat for more than 12 hours. My wife then joined me to discuss the procedure with Dr. Altchek's assistant. I was placed in a wheelchair and taken to my room in the Hospital's Guest House. The entire experience was exceptional. I was able to return to work just 25 days after surgery with no pain or discomfort during my 10 hour day. I would return to Hospital for Special Surgery for any orthopedic procedure without hesitation.

Lana Bakhash, Great Neck, NY — knee surgery
I had a very serious accident in Israel this past summer where I broke both of my patellas. After surgery in Israel and staying a week in Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, it was recommended that I come back home to New York and see Dr. David Helfet at HSS. I was lucky enough to get an appointment for the morning after my arrival. Needless to say, it was an extremely stressful trip back home. Flying for 12 hours without any braces on my legs for support, I couldn't wait to land in my hometown. At 8:30 the following morning I was wheeled in and welcomed to HSS by anyone and everyone I needed help from. Up on the second floor I was greeted by Dr. Helfet's staff and fellows. I was comforted and reassured that I was in good hands now and on the road to recovery. After having xrays done by extremely experienced technicians, I was then back in the doctor's exam room with a team of wonderful professional people. Everyone was more than comforting, and they all took the time to explain the entire process to me. Dr. Helfet was able to promise me that I would be able to walk normally again, and even dance at my daughter's wedding in the months to come. I was put in braces, and given instructions on physical therapy and left with such a wonderful feeling, one which I hadn't experienced since my accident. more

Lana Bakhash, Great Neck, NY — knee surgery
I had a very serious accident in Israel this past summer where I broke both of my patellas. After surgery in Israel and staying a week in Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, it was recommended that I come back home to New York and see Dr. David Helfet at HSS. I was lucky enough to get an appointment for the morning after my arrival. Needless to say, it was an extremely stressful trip back home. Flying for 12 hours without any braces on my legs for support, I couldn't wait to land in my hometown. At 8:30 the following morning I was wheeled in and welcomed to HSS by anyone and everyone I needed help from. Up on the second floor I was greeted by Dr. Helfet's staff and fellows. I was comforted and reassured that I was in good hands now and on the road to recovery. After having xrays done by extremely experienced technicians, I was then back in the doctor's exam room with a team of wonderful professional people. Everyone was more than comforting, and they all took the time to explain the entire process to me. Dr. Helfet was able to promise me that I would be able to walk normally again, and even dance at my daughter's wedding in the months to come. I was put in braces, and given instructions on physical therapy and left with such a wonderful feeling, one which I hadn't experienced since my accident. less

Over the next few weeks I progressed beautifully, however, shortly after coming out of my braces, I slipped and refractured my right patella. Dr. Lou, a fellow of Dr. Helfet's, was on call while Dr. Helfet was away. He was so caring and wonderful and helped me so much until Dr. Helfet was back and was able to schedule surgery for me. My surgical experience was extremely comfortable. The staff, the nursing care both in the recovery room and in my regular room on the floor was above and beyond. Physical therapists, doctors, and anyone who had something to do with me were the most wonderful people I had ever met. Even the food was great. I wound up staying in the hospital for 3 nights and I was a little sad to leave all of my new friends that I had made. I wished that I could take them all home with me. I am now scheduled to go back for a little procedure to remove my hardware in May, and I have absolutely no worries in the world. I know my time there will be very comfortable and healing. I cannot thank Dr. Helfet, his entire staff of fellows, assistants, nurses, and office staff, for all of the kind and professional care they gave me as a patient. The staff, nurses, and doctors within the hospital have all been more than wonderful to me. As I am looking forward to being completely healed, I know that I will always remember my experiences at HSS. I am grateful for all that everyone has done for me. I can only recommend HSS with the highest regard.

Chris Pates, East Haven, CT — spine surgery
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Federico Girardi and the extraordinary nursing, diagnostic and rehabilitation teams at the Spine Care Institute at Hospital for Special Surgery. Eight months ago, I ruptured a disc in my lower back sparring in karate. I immediately sought the opinions of two orthopedic surgeons and a neurosurgeon at different academic medical centers in Connecticut. An MRI revealed that disc fragments were pressing on one of the primary nerves that control the hip flexor and quadricep in my right leg. A disc fragment had also severed a vein, causing a hematoma. The surgeons told me I needed a laminectomy, which consists of removing parts of the spine, in order to repair the damaged areas. They told me that after surgery, I would need to give up most elements of my active lifestyle. I could never do karate, snowboard or run again, but if I was fortunate I might be able to continue cycling. I was also told that if left unattended, the atrophy in my leg would continue to progress and that the damage would eventually be permanent. This was simply unacceptable news and I was immediately standing at a crossroads. My wife and I began praying for a better option, for guidance, for hope. more

Chris Pates, East Haven, CT — spine surgery
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Federico Girardi and the extraordinary nursing, diagnostic and rehabilitation teams at the Spine Care Institute at Hospital for Special Surgery. Eight months ago, I ruptured a disc in my lower back sparring in karate. I immediately sought the opinions of two orthopedic surgeons and a neurosurgeon at different academic medical centers in Connecticut. An MRI revealed that disc fragments were pressing on one of the primary nerves that control the hip flexor and quadricep in my right leg. A disc fragment had also severed a vein, causing a hematoma. The surgeons told me I needed a laminectomy, which consists of removing parts of the spine, in order to repair the damaged areas. They told me that after surgery, I would need to give up most elements of my active lifestyle. I could never do karate, snowboard or run again, but if I was fortunate I might be able to continue cycling. I was also told that if left unattended, the atrophy in my leg would continue to progress and that the damage would eventually be permanent. This was simply unacceptable news and I was immediately standing at a crossroads. My wife and I began praying for a better option, for guidance, for hope. less

My favorite quotation from Thomas Jefferson is “delay is preferable to error.” The next Saturday morning I learned how right he was. While watching class at my karate studio, Charles, one of my fellow students, asked me how I was doing. I shared the recommendations and bleak prognosis with him. He said “You need to go to a place where they do a lot of specialized procedures on the spine. You need to go to Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.”

I make my living as a fundraiser in healthcare and have worked closely with physicians, surgeons and scientists for 20 years. I have also had the privilege of knowing countless grateful patients who have supported the programs and research interests of their physicians. However, it was not until my experience with Dr. Girardi that I would truly understand what it means to be a grateful patient.

From the initial evaluation, Dr. Girardi and his team were clearly different than others I had seen. Dr. Girardi spent more time examining me than the combined total of all previous evaluations at other institutions. After reviewing the MRI with me and my wife, he told us that he could perform a minimally invasive procedure called a microdiscectomy to repair the damage. He would not need to remove any major portions of my anatomy and he would repair the damaged disc and clean-up the gel which coated the nerves of my spine. The best news of all was that the pain in my leg would subside shortly after surgery and I would be able to return to normal physical activity in a few months.

You just know when you find a doctor who you will trust to operate on your spine. Dr. Girardi performed a microdiscectomy on me at HSS a week later.

During the recovery, he told me that disc fragments had torn the dural layer of a nerve and it was leaking spinal fluid. The imbalance caused me to experience severe headaches whenever I attempted to sit up. I was confined to bed rest on my back for six days to allow the nerve to heal. It was a frightening and frustrating time, but I never lost confidence in Dr. Girardi, the nurses or the physical therapists. Any medical team can handle the routine, even complications from surgery, but you really get to see the remarkable character of true excellence when things do not go as expected. Dr. Girardi, the nursing staff and rehabilitation teams were nothing short of exceptional. Moreover, I learned that Dr. Girardi's bedside manners rival his surgical talent.

Three months into my recovery, my wife and I were at a dinner party in Greenwich, Connecticut. The conversation turned early on to a question and answer session about my recent surgery. Two people responded by sharing that they too had been operated on at Hospital for Special Surgery. My friend Rocky told us he had a hip replacement at HSS. The wife of another friend from Boston shared that she had a procedure to treat her advanced scoliosis at HSS. I found it quite remarkable that three of the four couples that night had profound reasons to be grateful to people at HSS.

Three weeks ago I celebrated the six-month anniversary of my surgery at Big Sky Montana on a snowboarding trip with friends. Sitting on the lift one morning on my way to the summit, I could not help be reminded of Dr. Girardi’s promise that I would return to the physical activities I dearly love. I took this picture of "the bowl" just as I was thinking of Dr. Girardi and thanked him in my mind. A few minutes later I was floating down through knee deep powder. Snowboarding is a lot like life. Really challenging terrain is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes it can be pretty scary. If you are not falling, then you are not pushing yourself to excel and improve. At 44, the real trick is being able to get up after a hard fall and keep going.

I am back doing all the physical activities I enjoy. I offer heartfelt thanks to Dr. Girardi and the exceptional team at Hospital for Special Surgery for this and for getting me back up on the mountain of life. God bless.