Facebook Logo Twitter Logo Youtube Logo Instagram Logo Linkedin Logo

Donna Ward

Rockaway Beach, NY
  • Donna Ward in the photo 1

I am a 62 year old female and was an avid runner for 38 years until I developed osteoarthritis. I gave up running (reluctantly) but the pain didn't stop. I tried cortisone shots, Synvisc, and physical therapy to no avail. Dr. Gonzalez Della Valle was recommended by two nurses who had total knee replacements done by him. There were no complications with the surgery except that I couldn't take painkillers post-op. I thought I was never going to be able to walk up stairs or alternate steps but after 6 weeks of diligent PT I was playing paddleball. I also play pickleball 7 days a week for 3 hours a day. I paddle board in the summer and I just came back from a trip out west. I skied in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming for a total of 15 days. If you're in pain, don't wait!