Susan Funke

I would like to speak about my experience with hip surgery at HSS. I had been experiencing pain in my hips for years before my right hip finally gave out – right in the middle of a Boston street. I was rushed to a hospital where I had emergency hip replacement surgery. I think that because the situation was urgent the doctor failed to fully diagnose the cause of my dislocation. I say this because for quite some time afterwards I was having recurring problems there. Meanwhile, my left hip needed replacement as well. I checked with the hospital where I had the first replacement as well as several others, and it soon became clear that I would have to wait 3 to 4 months to have the surgery. I learned, however, that HSS could see me right away, so I turned to the specialized care of Dr. McLawhorn at HSS and got my left hip replaced with no problems.

My right hip was a different story. Following four frustrating dislocations since my initial right hip replacement, Dr. McLawhorn's proactive investigation revealed a pelvic tilt due to scoliosis as the underlying cause – a diagnosis missed elsewhere. The revision surgery was followed by a challenging six weeks of limited weightbearing, but with dedicated physical therapy, I successfully regained my mobility and confidence. Remarkably, I was even able to enjoy a fulfilling two-week adventure in Costa Rica, including hiking through lush rainforests and crossing hanging bridges. I am deeply grateful for Dr. McLawhorn's exceptional skill and compassionate care, as well as the wonderful support from his staff and the entire HSS team.