Dr. Su and the Hospital for Special Surgery

I had a right hip resurfacing on 3/5/09 performed by Dr. Edwin Su at the
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). It is now 3/23 – I am feeling great and
walking comfortably with the use of a cane. The lead up to surgery was two
years of limping and pain. The decision to have surgery was an easy one.
After doing my research – much of which was on this site – I met with Dr. Su
once, on 1/29/09. He recommended resurfacing (I’m 55) — I agreed. Christina
(his assistant) took it from there — her demeanor leading up to the surgery
was both professional and reassuring.

3/5/09 arrived quickly. Everyone associated with the HSS
is to be commended. The intake was seamless. Zoey (sp? – the intake nurse)
and John (who prepped my hip) were both engaging and thorough (in fact John
made it a point to visit me twice while I was in the hospital). Dr. Su
visited me before the operation, and as he did when I first met him, he put
me totally at ease with his quiet confidence, compassion, professionalism
and his obvious love for what he is doing. Soon thereafter I was wheeled
into the OR – followed by an epidural and sedation.

I woke up in the recovery room approximately 2 hours
later. No pain, just muscle soreness and stiffness in my right hip. I had
great care in the recovery room (I was there overnight as beds were in short
supply on this particular Thursday night – my surgery was at 6:30 PM.) The
activity in the recovery room acutually served to pass the time and the
warmth and caring of Eileen (the recovery nurse) and the others who attended
to me there was much appreciated. I had my first visit from PT — Mia and
Lee. They were engaging and understanding and had me up and about in a
walker.

By Friday afternoon I was in a room – East River view no
less! Mia and Lee visited me in the afternoon and in the evening Suzanna
(from PT) took me for yet another “stroll” with a walker. Her good humor was
wonderful. Dr. Su came by in the evening after what I can only imagine was a
very long day, sat on the window sill and chatted. He fielded all my myriad
questions with his usual grace.

Saturday began with Rebecca from PT and a choice of
crutches -I chose the metal forearm version. Walking with crutches was not a
problem – although lightheadedness sent me back to my room before I could
try the stairs (a prerequisite for discharge).

Later that morning Dr. Su called (from his home) to check
on my progress! My room nurse was Jordan – friendly, humorous, informative
and patient – as capable a professional as I have ever been around. At
around 3 PM Rebecca from PT returned – this time I passed the stair test.
Rebecca was encouraging, patient and caring.

I was discharged thereafter and had dinner at my kitchen
table with my family at 6:30 PM pm on 3/7 -exactly 48 hours after my
surgery. As noted above it is now 3/23 – my recovery has been slow and
steady with the muscle soreness and stiffness getting better every day.
Daily walks and visits from Farel (home PT) have gotten me stronger and
steadier on my feet. My next visit to Dr. Su is on 4/1.