Satisfied Patients: Joint Replacement & Minimally Invasive Surgery

Dr. Harwin, I just wanted to thank you for getting me back on the ice to teach within four months. I am looking forward to playing again shortly as I am finally pain free and have full range of motion. I can't remember the last time I was this flexible.
Thank You,

P.L.

I feel so blessed to have had Dr. Steven Harwin as my doctor. I received a total knee replacement of my right knee in January of 2008. In November of 2008 I had a total knee replacement of my left knee. Before my replacements I was unable to walk more than a block. Today I am able to walk great and without any pain. Thank You Dr. Harwin.

K.W-R.

My name is Angel Marquez. I was a great handball player before my hip started to go bad, but thanks to my new hip replacements by Dr. Steven Harwin, I'm back on the courts playing the game that I love. One year after my first hip replacement, I was able to win the 50-plus National Doubles Championships. I had a story written about me in the New York Times. I am living again thanks to my hip replacements. Thank you Dr. Steve Harwin.

A.M.

There are people whose gifts and compassion are like the sunlight streaming through an open window. Kindness, sensitivity and generosity are reflections of God's love.

After my hip surgery consultation with the team of physicians, I knew I was going to be in very good hands. The staff was very compassionate and understanding of my situation and acted in a very professional and caring manner. The surgery was a success! The dedication of my surgeon, Dr. Steven F. Harwin, and his team were remarkable! I could not have asked for more compassionate care. A special thank you. I must say, without a doubt, that Beth Israel Medical Center has some of the best physicians and the latest medical technology — a hospital I would gladly recommend.

My family and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Beth Israel Medical Center and its entire staff for the success of my surgery and for providing me with exceptional treatment and outstanding care. It means a lot to have doctors who are gifted and caring at best...and words cannot possibly express how much you are appreciated for a job well done. I wish you all continued success in all your present and future endeavors.

Your grateful patient,
N.W.

I could not walk without pain in both knees. I was recommended to Dr. Steven Harwin and his team and staff. God bless, he gave me a whole new life to be able to walk without pain. Since 1999, when my left knee was done and 2001 when my right knee was done, I am a new person and I can enjoy my grandchildren and life. I even got taller!

E.M.

Dr. Harwin,

You did arthroscopic surgery on my left knee and it feels magnificent. My knee feels better than before. God bless you.

F.S.

Dr. Harwin did a revision of my hip replacement in 2004. I am currently living in Chicago, and at the present time I can report total satisfaction with the results of the surgery. In fact, I am now able to do things (such as hiking) that I could not do for almost 25 years prior to the surgery including after my initial hip replacement in 1986. For this I am grateful.

M.T.

Dear Dr. Harwin,

It has been seven years since my hip replacement. My life is much different because of it. I now go to the gym three or four days a week, using machines and lifting weights. I also love doing yoga. I must admit, at times, I forget that my hip has been replaced and people who see me in action do not always believe me. I cannot tell you how many times I had to actually show proofs. On July 10, 2011, I was on American Health Front with my physical therapists showing just how great I am doing.

Thanks to you, I not only feel great but I never looked as good as I do now, and never would have joined a gym.

With Great Respect, A.P.

An open letter to anyone in need of a hip replacement:

Two years ago I visited my family doctor because I was having pain in my right leg. I was shocked to learn that i had severe arthritis and almost no cartilage left. This was devastating, I am extremely active and not even 50!

I visited several surgeons at several of the country's top hospitals. The experience was very upsetting. The message I got was that I would have to undergo a very painful surgery and recovery. Afterwards, I would have to severely alter my lifestyle. I chose to endure the pain.

18 months later I couldn't take it any longer so I resigned myself to scheduling the surgery. After meeting with the surgeon again, I was still uneasy so I chose to meet with another of their top doctors. I was still uncomfortable but scheduled the surgery.

The hospital had a daily scheduled 'hip class' which I was encouraged to attend. When I got there, I was surprised to see more than 30 people in the room. The trainers were efficient and pleasant enough, but the class had the vague feeling of an army induction center or a dmv seminar. I was not feeling good about this.

My gut was telling me that I had not found the right doctor. I was sure that these were excellent surgeons, but I didn't feel like they were right for me. After much angst, I decided to try looking further and I arrived at Dr. Harwin.

The world changed from the first meeting. Dr. Harwin listened to me! He was sympathetic and offered hope for an active future. His assurance that "you will be able to do everything you can do today" Was music to my ears. I was much more comfortable after our first meeting than I was with the other doctors.

Dr. Harwin's team and the staff at Beth Israel were amazing. The 'hip class' at Beth Israel was more like having coffee with new friends rather than learning about preparing for battle. The facilities were wonderful and everyone really showed how deeply they cared about getting me through this difficult time. I never felt like a number.

The actual surgery was exactly as Dr. Harwin and his team had prepared me for. They even went the extra mile to calm my last minute nerves. The hospital was wonderful – more like a hotel then a hospital. I had surgery on Tuesday afternoon, and i was saying goodbye to the staff on Thursday morning!

I was walking without crutches in a couple days and i'm happy to say that i am very much on my way to realizing Dr. Harwin's promise of doing everything i was able to do before – but without the pain.

This has been my experience. My gut told me to keep looking and I was lucky enough to find Dr. Harwin. The gut was absolutely right.