Lorraine Santoli

I believe it was in 2009 when I began having a great deal of pain in my left hip. At the time, I was 59 years-old and quite active. As the pain worsened, I went from being unable to walk long distances to having to use a cane. This was not acceptable and when the pain got even more pronounced, I knew it was time to see a specialist. Living in upper Westchester, about an hour north of New York City, there were many fine hospitals and orthopedic specialists in the area. However, I knew of the sterling reputation of Hospital for Special Surgery when it came to orthopedics and I knew if I needed surgery, that was the place to go and I have never regretted it. My physician, Dr. Gonzalez Della Valle, is not only an amazingly skilled surgeon who diagnosed me with advanced arthritis in my left hip, needing a full hip replacement, but he is a kind and compassionate man. I had my surgery, which went very well, and spent four days at Hospital for Special Surgery. The care I received was excellent. The <a href="http://www.hss.edu/Nursing.asp">nurses</a>, physical therapists, and everyone involved in patient care was outstanding. I was up and walking within 24 hours of surgery and was soon whizzing around the hospital floor with just a cane. Within a few weeks, my quality of life was back to normal -- no cane, no needing to sit down after walking short distances -- it was fantastic. Before long, I was back to my old self. I had little pain through the entire experience and knew if I had to do it again with my right hip, I'd head right back to Hospital for Special Surgery. And indeed I did, two years later, when I needed to have my other hip replaced. Again, it was a piece of cake and I would advise anyone in the same situation to make your choice for surgery carefully. I have heard horror stories of others who have had hip replacements and suffer pain and ongoing problems. You can be sure if you choose a physician who is on staff at Hospital for Special Surgery, you will be in the best of hands. I highly recommend the this facility for all orthopedic care. They are the best.