Read these success stories from patients who have been helped by Dr. Shekhman and Hartford Othopaedic Joint Replacement Specialists.
Name: Ann Nevelos
Age: 57 years old
Procedures: Gastric Bypass Surgery, Bilateral Total Knee Replacements
Length of time post surgery: More than 2 years
Ann Nevelos has suffered from osteoarthritis in her knees since she was a child. Putting her family’s needs before hers, Ann ignored her own medical concerns. Eventually her joints deteriorated to the point that she couldn’t walk without pain. She knew that it was time for her to focus on her concerns. “2005 was my year to take care of me,” Ann decided.
Ann saw Dr. Darren S. Tishler, a Board-Certified and fellowship trained laparoscopic surgeon to begin planning for Gastric Bypass Surgery. Dr. Tishler enrolled Ann in the Bariatric Surgery Program, where she lost 30 pounds. “Even before the surgery, the staff was wonderful,” said Ann. “They made me feel great.” On February 9, 2009, Ann had Gastric Bypass Surgery, continuing her weight-loss journey. By the end of 2009, Ann had lost over 100 lbs and was at her goal-weight. “I just ate what I was supposed to eat, and had so much more energy!” revealed Ann.
“All the doctors were great... they really became my buddies!”
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In March of 2010, Ann was referred to Dr. Mark Shekhman, an Orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee joint replacements. “The moment I met him, we hit it off,” acknowledged Ann. Dr. Shekhman performed Bilateral Total Knee replacements, where both knees were fixed at the same time. Ann was in the hospital for one week, and driving at the end of the third week. “I lived in constant pain, and now, no pain at all!”.
“All the doctors I dealt with were great, and they really became my buddies,” Ann explained. “The offices were informative, and my questions were answered thoroughly.”
Ann feels 20 years younger, and couldn’t be happier. “My husband and I go for walks all the time now, we’ve discovered all the little trails in town!” With 4 grandchildren, Ann looks forward to every new day with them, her husband, and everyone else involved in her life. “Thank god for Hartford Hospital.”
Name: Margaret Hans
Age: 64 years old
Procedure: Right total hip replacement, Right knee replacement
Length of time post surgery: More than two years
Margaret Hans had a long history of osteoarthritis. Eventually, her right hip and knee began to angle outward, negatively impacting her mobility. Margaret received cortisone shots to try and ease the pain, but they only helped for a mere two days. She was then referred to Dr. Mark Shekhman, an Orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee joint replacements.
Upon meeting Dr. Shekhman for the first time, Margaret knew she was in good hands. He took the time and answered all of her questions, “and it was just comforting,” Margaret observed. Her hip replacement was in January of 2009 and she had an excellent experience at Hartford Hospital. Right after surgery, the nagging pain in her hip was gone. Margaret was impressed with the approachability of Dr. Shekhman; he saw her everyday while in the hospital without exceptions.
"I'm amazed at how I can move!"
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In November of 2009, Dr. Shekhman performed surgery on Margaret’s right knee. The surgery successfully straightened out her leg. Dr. Shekhman was extremely honest with Margaret. “He described the pain I would feel post surgery and the reasons why,” she said. This helped prepare Margaret since she knew what to expect and experienced no unrealistic outcomes. “The x-ray tech even knew his specifications and great reputation,” Margaret reiterated. “It made me excited to have him do my surgery.”
Prior to the surgeries, Margaret’s quality of life was severely declining. She was unable to sit in a chair without pain, and even watching a movie began to cause problems for her. Dr. Shekhman did wonders and changed her life. “I’m amazed at how I can move!” declared Margaret.
Margaret advises people to be honest and open. “Tell your doctor everything and he will treat what you say seriously.”
Name: Rick (Martin) McNamara
Age: 68 years old
Procedure: Left knee revision surgery
Length of time post surgery: Less than 1 year
Rick played football all four years of high school and continued playing while attending University of Bridgeport. He majored in physical education and went on to become a gym teacher. Eventually, the wear and tear of the sports and activities began to catch up to Rick. “I wouldn’t change a thing,” he explained, as his passion for sports still remains today.
Rick started experiencing pain in both knees. In 2008 he had Right Total Knee Replacement surgery. One year later, he had Left Total Knee Replacement surgery and was looking forward to having pain-free joints.
A couple months after the surgery, Rick’s left knee began hurting. He knew something wasn’t right when his left leg began going out to the side. Rick was referred to Dr. Mark Shekhman, an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee joint replacements and revision surgery. Dr. Shekhman saw Rick within 24 hours. He put him in a knee brace and sent him to rehab, with hopes of rebuilding the joint and avoiding surgery.
"The surgery at Hartford Hospital’s Joint Center was wonderful - no bumps"
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Eventually both Dr. Shekhman and Rick decided that revision surgery would be his best option. In October of 2010, Dr. Shekhman performed surgery on Rick’s left knee. “The surgery at Hartford Hospital’s Joint Center was wonderful - no bumps,” said Rick. “Dr. Shekhman stayed with me throughout everything, even once things were okay. There are not a lot of people out there like that.” Rick would recommend Dr. Shekhman to anyone. Rick is looking forward to spending time with his 9 grandchildren and enjoying his beach house in Cape Cod.
Name: Judy Barrett
Age: 51 years old
Procedure: Right knee replacement
Length of time post surgery: 4 months
While Judy Barrett was in college, she injured her left knee and also tore the medical meniscus of her right knee. These injuries posed certain problems for Judy, but she was able to overcome them and continued running and skiing. Close to 30 years later, Judy’s right knee buckled multiple times while she was walking up a flight of stairs. She knew then that things had gotten much worse.
In the Spring of 2010, Judy met with Dr. Eror who referred her to Dr. Mark Shekhman, an Orthopaedic surgeon whose focus is on hip and knee joint problems. At her visit with Dr. Shekhman, she was told that her knee was far gone with arthritis, and surgery was indeed her only option. As Judy listened to this, she became concerned for many reasons. Being an avid cyclist, she had a bike trip to Italy already planned where she would be biking 135 miles in 6 days.
"Dr. Shekhman had a great bedside manner along with a positive attitude"
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Dr. Shekhman’s goal was to get Judy comfortable enough to complete her bike trip. Dr. Shekhman treated Judy conservatively with a cortisone injection to ease the pain for the bike trip and scheduled the surgery for when she returned home.
The surgery was successful. “Dr. Shekhman had a great bedside manner along with a positive attitude,” Judy says. “He takes patients’ goals to heart, and all viewpoints into consideration.” Never once did Judy feel scared to ask a question – the office was supportive and she was told that she should not hesitate to ask any questions. Judy recommends to all patients, “Know your history, symptoms, and how to articulate your lifestyle and goals after the surgery.” She also says, “Don’t be afraid, just do it and it will pay off.”
A mere four months later, Judy was riding her bike again, but this time with her knee functioning with a full range of motion and pain free. As Dr. Shekhman explained to Judy the procedure, he emphasized that joint surgery was a means to staying active, which is essential for physical and mental strength. Judy’s looking forward to her next bike riding adventure.