John Murphy

John D. Murphy

Highlands, New Jersey 6/15/15

In July 1995, I had back surgery, attended rehab and recovered very well. Then in 2008, 2009, and 2010, I was in a great deal of pain. At that time I received many medical opinions and several procedures but no relief from pain.

A neighbor suggested I make an appointment with Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez Della Valle at Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. Della Valle had treated the neighbor and the neighbor’s 89 year old mother with successful results.

So I made an appointment with Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez Della Valle. As I was filling out my questionnaire in the doctor’s office, the doctor came out of an examination room accompanied by a patient. The patient was waving his cane in the air in triumph.

After the doctor examined me he related this is not a back or knee problem, that I needed two hip replacements. I passed all pre-surgery testing, and attended a seminar. Dr Alejandro Gonzalez Della Velle said he would attempt to replace both hips at the same time but he would make the final decision during surgery. The surgery was scheduled for Jan.13th. 2011. On the day of surgery, Dr. Della Valle asked, which hip did I want done first and which would be second. He marked my right hip #1 and signed his name, then he marked the left hip #2 and signed it. If I could not tolerate the longer surgery, I would have to come back in 6 months for the second hip. As it turned out he was able to do both hips.

When I awoke from surgery Dr. Della Valle was looking at me and asked, “You aren’t in any pain, are you?” I answered, “Aren’t I sedated?” which caused the doctor to laugh.

After a couple of days, they had me up walking. Then I was taken by ambulance to Riverview Hospital in Red Bank, N. J. for rehab. When I was released from the hospital, I had therapy at my residence three days a week. When I was mobile I went to out patient therapy at East Point, Atlantic Highland’s, N.J. I also would do a daily work-out at my future son-in-law’s home, in his pool. After lunch, I took my 2 year old German Shepherd Jerry Lee for a three mile walk. On June 26, 2011, I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding. Now, I’m back doing my everyday activities. Thanks to all the doctors, nurses, staff, and personnel at the Hospital for Special Surgery, the Riverview Hospital staff, the out patient therapist at my residence and he therapists and the staff at East Point.

A very special thanks to Dr. Alejandro Gonzelez Della Valle!