My left hip is arthritic and started to affect my daily activities. I was unable to put on my socks without pain, had slight pain just lying down at times, and walked with a slight limp. I am an active 70 year old who played 70 rounds of golf last year, walking the course. I also walk on a treadmill and/or use an exercise bike 5-7 days a week for 30-60 minute sessions. I saw Dr. McKenna to assess my situation and hopefully avoid surgery (if possible). She recommended we start with physical therapy, and when I did not achieve the result I wanted she gave me my first cortisone injection which worked for awhile. We then altered my exercise regimen which helped and added a prescription NSAID, as needed.
As a trip to rural Greenland was approaching, I returned to Dr. McKenna for another cortisone shot, which worked like a charm. I was able to hike over rough terrain, walk on a glacier and through ice tunnels with crampons, and kayak the North Atlantic with virtually no discomfort. I can't thank Dr. McKenna enough for giving me all the available options I needed to make an informed decision, listened to my history with compassion and develop a treatment plan that was acceptable to all. When my condition degrades to the point that I am ready for the inevitable surgery, I will be back to HSS and Dr. McKenna.