Susan Adiletta

I came to HSS and Dr. Gomoll after having spent over 12 months with an orthopedist at another hospital. Being exasperated with the inability to "fix the problem" so that I could get back to running, HSS was where I needed to be. In one visit, Dr. Gomoll put a plan together for meniscus surgery, made me feel very comfortable and confident in the surgery and recovery and with his capabilities as a surgeon.

The surgery went off perfectly with little to no pain or swelling afterward. After completing the PT plan Dr. Gomoll put together for me, he guided me through a "get back to running" program and just like that, I'm back to running!

I am confident that had I stayed with the first orthopedist and her recommended surgeon, I would not have had such a good outcome. I would recommend HSS and Dr. Gomoll without hesitation.

August 11, 2025:

In March 2024 I tore my right hamstring. I was not put into PT to rehab the hamstring and as such that injury morphed into other injuries. By October 2024, it finally triggered sciatic nerve pain. I saw an orthopedist (non-HSS) who, after determining that PT was not effective in helping with sciatica, recommended that I have an epidural injection. In January 2025 I had the first epidural, which did not alleviate the pain. I had a second epidural in February 2025, which rendered me incapacitated and in excruciating pain. I went from being very active (competitive runner, cyclist, scuba diver and all-around gym rat) to being unable to walk, stand, sit or sleep without being in incredible pain. It was then recommended that I have spinal surgery. This was not something that I wanted to entertain, no matter how much pain I was in.

I was referred to Dr. Nicole Angelo at HSS. Dr. Angelo assured me that surgery would not be necessary and that with proper care I would be fine. I began to work with Max Castrogaleas at HSS in early April. Max was very reassuring and felt that through exercises performed properly I would be able to regain the strength and mobility that I had lost and would be able to return to my normal active lifestyle.

I worked with Max twice a week, the exercises he designed were challenging and ever changing. His experience and depth of knowledge is incredible. Within a very short period of time the pain began to subside, and I began to feel stronger. I am now back to running, cycling (rode my first 40 miles this week!) and am going to the gym on a regular basis. And, my next 2 dive trips are already booked.

I would HIGHLY recommend that anyone facing surgery work with Max first. We owe it to ourselves to not always take the easy road (surgery) and strive to have our body heal itself.

I am thankful every day that I found Dr. Angelo and Max.