Bruce Handler

After two years of pain in my left knee, I knew I would need another knee replacement. The first one in my other knee was done nine years earlier and was done well, but the physical therapy and hospital stay was a long and hard ordeal that I did not want to repeat again, but had no other choice. I selected Dr. Cynthia A. Kahlenberg out of the directory because she looked focused and smart. After doing some online research I decided to make an appointment. Not knowing what to expect, I proceeded with my consultation and was impressed with HSS in general. My meeting was at HSS Stamford and I only waited a minute before meeting with a staff member to sign in and a nurse escorted me to the x-ray area. After taking the x-rays I had a short wait to meet with the doctor's nurse and gave her all my info. Next came the PA, who asked more questions and gave me a quick exam. The surgeon came in a few minutes later to review my knee health, talk and confirm that I needed a new knee and why. Dr. Kahlenberg reviewed all the new procedures and updates and when I left the office I walked down the hall and selected a surgery date with the doctor's office manager.

The surgery went perfectly in half the time from my prior surgery and wasn't that painful. I did take painkillers to help sleep for roughly 6 days and that was it. Stamford Hospital, where the surgery was performed, is newly renovated and looks like a 5 star hotel. Even the food was very good. I was there overnight, had no issues and was catered to all the time. The rooms are modern and comfortable. The next day I was walking with a walker and discharged. Valet parking for the day was $4.

At home PT went well and after two weeks started PT as an outpatient at HSS Westchester, minutes from my home. My assigned physical therapist is Jillian Hughes, who I was lucky to be matched with for my journey to walking normal again. Jillian is amazing in the sense that she sized me up and knew how to engage and build my confidence so I looked at this experience like going to the gym. I wanted to work hard and complete each exercise as prescribed to me. In the first week, my range of motion was perfect and actually at 122 degrees! That was more than anyone expected (thank you Jill). After two weeks, I was walking 2.5 miles with a cane and gave the cane up for my second walk that week. The fourth week, I walked 5 miles without a cane or stopping to rest. I was sore but the ice machine helped a lot. Still in PT and working on advanced strength and balance training.

Yesterday, I had my post-operative meeting with my surgeon and everything is perfect and she's very pleased with the results. I could not do this on my own. It's a group effort from everyone involved. From the hospital administration who takes care of the insurance/money end, medical staff, physical therapist and of course, the surgeon. I want to personally thank and send out a "virtual" hug for giving me my life back!

Thank you so much to Dr. Cynthia A. Kahlenberg (a gifted surgeon), Ronda Combs, Erica, Ashley Marinello, Sophia, and my physical therapist, Jillian Hughes. If I forgot a name, please accept my apology. I also want to mention my VNS Health Home PT, Marc Goldberg, for doing a great job my first two weeks.