Annette Mennella

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 and golfs and walks and bikes, etc. These simple tasks were beginning to become a chore. And the worst part is 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 a cosmetic one. The staff at HSS, from the receptionist to the nurses and anesthesiologist, and Dr. Elliott himself 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, 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, and 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 experience overall at 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!