Patient Testimonials
"Several years ago I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis. I learned that it was not the case that arthritis only impacts older individuals because I wasn't old, I just had some genetic glitch. I had my right hip successfully replaced 10 or so years ago, but 6 years ago, I started having problems with my shoulders. Dr. Christopher Hakim, my rheumatologist, referred me to Dr. Thomas Fithian which turned out to be one of the best days of my life! Dr. Fithian is a miracle worker. I had spurs on both shoulders and my right rotator cuff tendon was torn. Dr. Fithian fixed me up with no problems.
In 2006, my knees had reached a point of no return. I returned to HROSM and was treated by Dr. Anthony Carter. He also performed above and beyond! I had bilateral knee replacements in October 2006 and the minimally invasive surgery was a great success and I was up and moving around in just over 2 weeks.
This past year Dr. Fithian replaced first my right shoulder and then my left shoulder. My pain is totally gone and my range of motion is better than it has been in years.
I have referred several friends to HROSM, and they too have been more than satisfied with their treatment. I have no qualms about referring anyone to HROSM and if any more of my joints go bad, I will know where to go. I hope Dr. Fithian and Dr. Carter know how much I appreciate their special skills."
D. Farr
Williamsburg, VA
" This is a special "Thank You" to Dr. Baddar and Dr. Cavazos for their superb operation to replace both of my knees on March 25, 2009. In preparation, I was sent to Walter Reed Hospital to have MRI's on my knees, which were sent to Otis Medical who coordinated with the manufacturer, Stryker, to design knees specifically for my requirement. This technique was to take some guess work out of the process and improve the overall quality of the procedure. I needed surgery due to bone-on-bone grinding resulting from years of Army physical training, operating tanks, and jumping from helicopters in Vietnam.
The surgery was performed at Riverside Regional Medical Center. These surgeons were so professional, which is borne out by the results. Six months later, I hardly know I had surgery and my golf game is much improved, but of course to get there it took some excellent rehabilitation. I was transferred to Warwick Forest Rehab Center where the ladies were tough, but their help really paid off. The staff and nurses were also very good. I had both knees replaced at the same time and right after surgery you can't do much for yourself. Professional case was a must and they provided it.
For anyone who thinks they may require knee replacement surgery, I can think of none better to put your trust into than Dr. Baddar and Dr. Cavazos. When they have done their job and you have put your hard effort into rehabilitation, you will come out of all this with a new life ahead of you. Thank God and thank the doctors for their professional work!"
J. Waddell
Newport News, VA
" In February 2009, I had a left total knee replacement which has been a life changing experience for me. I received the highest quality care from Dr. Cavazos and his staff at HROSM. Mary Immaculate Hospital carried out the same quality of care during my in-patient stay. My total knee replacement has given me the ability to enjoy life pleasures again. Thank you to all who participated in my healthcare."
E. Page
Poquoson, VA
"I am writing to thank Dr. Carter for doing such a great job on my total hip replacement. The surgery went superbly, my pre-surgical preparation and care were excellent, and your management of my recovery in the hospital ensured that I had no pain and was able to walk and be discharged in only one day.
You replaced by right hip with the anterior approach. The results were markedly different, and 100 percent better, than my left hip replacement. As you know, another doctor replaced my left hip at a northern Virginia hospital five years ago. The left hip was done with the posterior approach. Although I went in to the surgery in good physical condition, the surgery left me seriously weak and debilitated for more than 6 weeks. Moreover, although the left hip works fine, my left foot and part of my leg suffered nerve damage and my foot is partially paralyzed. I have a basis to compare and I can tell you that the anterior approach and your surgical skills produced outstanding results. I was walking and bearing full weight the day of surgery and was discharged on the day after surgery. Your pain management during the process was excellent and I have had no pain and relatively little discomfort during the entire process. Two weeks after surgery I am driving, back into a daily exercise routine in my gymnasium, and recovering very well.
Needless to say, I am delighted with your surgery, your staff, and with Hampton Roads Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine’s care. Thank you again for making this a comfortable experience that has given me back the level of activity I enjoyed before the hip deteriorated."
L. Wortzel
Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
"On July 21, 2008, Dr. Carter performed a bilateral total hip replacement on me using the Anterior Approach method. I am currently two weeks post-op and can say that this surgery is amazing and WILL benefit anyone that takes advantage of this miraculous technique. I immediately had no arthritic pain and was experiencing only, what I would call, the effects of a pulled muscle. There has been a continuation of this discomfort and some stiffness, but doing the PT exercises I was given I feel improvement each day. I had my post-op appointment on August 1, 2008 and was released by Dr. Carter to do anything “as tolerated”. My taking of pain medication has dwindled to almost nothing; mostly to help get to sleep. I had planned to return to work on August 11, 2008 and that is on track. I will be continuing my PT exercises to allow for the total rehab of my new hips and to help some muscles I haven’t used for years, due to the arthritic pain, so that I can do those little things that the arthritis made painful. My thanks to Dr. Carter and his staff for al the care and support I have received. Don’t waste any more time with vacillating over this surgery, jump in and begin your new life without arthritis pain!”
M. J.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
"At 40, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the right hip and my family physician said I would eventually need a hip replacement. I thought "eventually" would be in my 60s. "Eventually" came at the age of 43 when a surgeon told me 95% of the people would already have had their hip replaced. I could not believe in 3 years my hip declined so rapidly. I’d done no research on the surgery, the recovery or the outcome. Before I could even think about surgery, I needed to learn about options available for younger patients.
In my research, I found endless statistics about successful traditional hip replacements in patients 55 and over. There was little information about options or success rates in younger patients. At 43, I did not want the traditional procedure with its months of recovery and potential lifetime limitations. I was very active and did not want any long term damage that would limit or restrict the use of my hip or leg. I wanted a procedure that provided a quick recovery so I could resume exercising. In time I found information about the Anterior Approach procedure and the amazing results it offered younger patients. This gave me great hope but the hospitals and surgeons were in California or New York and not here in Hampton Roads. A month later, I received an e-mail about a local woman who had hip replacement surgery in Newport News without going to "rehab". I quickly researched Anterior Approach in Newport News and it led me straight to Dr. Anthony Carter, HROSM and Mary Immaculate Hospital.
By 45, I was only able to walk for short periods and the pain and limitations increased each day. The minute I met Dr. Carter and his team, I knew I’d found the group that would make it possible to return to a normal pain free life. After speaking with Dr. Carter about the Anterior Approach procedure, and learning more about the benefits the procedure offered me, I was ready to schedule my surgery date. I cannot begin to express how competent, compassionate and caring Dr. Carter and his team have been throughout the process. It is hard to imagine a short 90 minute surgery could yield such amazing results. I walked a few hours after my surgery (using a walker) and climbed stairs the next day. Every day since my surgery has been remarkable and completely exceeded my expectations. In a few short weeks I was pain free and able to return to a very active lifestyle. I have such confidence in Dr. Carter, his team, and the Anterior Approach procedure that I have no hesitations in scheduling a surgery date for my left hip replacement."
M. Wilson
Norfolk, Virginia
"Yesterday was my first time to your practice and I was seen by Dr. Swenson. What a great practice! Thank you for your friendliness and attention to my care. Dr. Swenson was great! I was so grateful to be seen by him! I will not hesitate to recommend others to your practice!"
C. Dodd
Yorktown, Virginia
"It is now 22 days after my hip replacement surgery with Dr. Carter. I really do not have the words that can say thank you loud enough to satisfy the way I feel! My recovery has been remarkable! After discharge from the hospital I followed instructions to do as much or little as the new hip could take without causing any pain. What I found 3 days post op is that I didn't need the walker, only a cane. Ten days later I did not even need the cane any longer. I did, however, learn early on to watch just how much I exercised the new joint each day because overuse would cause some uncomfortable cramps later in the day. I quickly learned that I was not quite ready for the marathon circuit yet and settled for a little less walking! Its now 2 weeks later and I feel as though I could do that marathon! I really can not believe how fast I am coming along, how much less pain I have, and just how "easy" the entire experience has been.
As you know I have had the right hip replaced twice, which makes me a veteran of the "lateral approach" replacement method. I can say with absolute authority that your method of the anterior approach is 100 times better than the old method. I could go on for pages explaining the positive reasons but let’s just say I wish I had known of you, your talented hands, and your methodology 6 years ago.
I actually have another reason to be grateful and say thank you! The "extra effort" you put into making my left leg longer so it could match my right leg length has also had remarkable effects. I noticed my new height and lack of leaning to the left the first time I stood on my feet after surgery. I no longer have a "wobble" when I walk, and the guy that looks back at me in the mirror each morning is not tilted to the left anymore! The toes of my foot used to tingle because of the lumbar problem created by the leg length issue. They no longer tingle and my lower back pain has been reduced quite a bit, and is getting better all the time! I had the impression I would need to have back surgery to correct the back problems, but strongly believe now that it is not going to be necessary. Not knowing any words that would truly express my gratitude, I can only say THANK YOU VERY MUCH Dr. Carter you are indeed a gentleman and a scholar!"
B. O'Shea
Williamstown, NJ