At age 58, I was a very active adult - practicing jiu‑jitsu, playing basketball, cycling, and doing CrossFit. One day after playing basketball, my left knee began hurting, and soon after, my right knee swelled significantly. I ultimately had to stop all sports except cycling.
Starting January 1, 2024, I tried everything: gel injections, cortisone shots, and multiple evaluations. My orthopedic doctor at the time insisted everything was “fine,” yet the pain in both knees became so severe that I couldn’t walk more than 20 feet without having to sit down.
By October 2025, I simply couldn’t live like that anymore, so I made an appointment at HSS with Dr. Brian Chalmers. For the first time, I felt hope. Together, we decided to proceed with bilateral knee surgery, which was scheduled for January 2, 2026. I pushed myself to get through my 60th birthday celebration in Aruba on December 10 - but by the time I reached the airport, I needed a wheelchair just to get through the terminal.
While there were some challenges after surgery, the HSS team was there every step of the way, communicating clearly and supporting both me and my wife. It is now March 11, and after consistent physical therapy and walking, everyone who knows me cannot believe how well I am doing. Although I still have healing to do and some swelling remains, I am back outside walking again - and getting my life back.
From security to the front desk, and from nurses and physical therapists to food service and cleaning staff, every single person at HSS played a role in making my surgery and recovery a success. I am truly grateful.
Thank you, HSS - you gave me my life back.
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