I grew up in Long Island, New York. I was born in 1950 with a dislocated hip, and my body was in constant pain up until the time that Dr. Chitranjan Ranawat replaced my hip. Not only did my hip hurt, but my lower back. All the time. Everywhere I went I had to think about how far everything was because I would be in more pain walking too much. In my late twenties, when my rheumatologist said, "Stop taking all this arthritis medication. Why don't you just have your hip replaced while you are still young enough to enjoy it?" I decided he was right. I researched where to go and which doctor to contact. I wanted to go to the best, so I went to see Dr. Ranawat. I knew immediately that I was in the best of hands.
In January of 1980 (Yes, I just celebrated 35 years with my hip!), Dr. Ranawat performed the surgery that changed my life, and I bless him and Hospital for Special Surgery every day. Since then, I am out of pain. Of course it took a while for my back and knees to get used to not being in a crooked body. Since my healing I am not hampered by doing anything I want to do in life.
Twenty years ago I moved to Florida. What a great life I have down here! I am not missing the cold, snow, and ice at all as I walk, garden, and have a very active life. I am retired and do many volunteer activities, including feeding the hippopotamus in the local Wildlife Park, handling baby alligators, and getting to know our panther. I also have a great time doing photography and videography.
In my twenties I went through a “mid-life crisis” because my body was not functioning properly. Now retired and in my sixties, I don’t feel like all those old people. I feel ready to face anything because of the health and peace of mind I have with a healthy body.
The last time I saw Dr. Ranawat I also met his son. I am so happy to see that the skills of the father are being passed to a new generation, with Dr. Ranawat’s two sons. Thank you, at HSS, for the comfort in my life.
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