Testimonials
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I can’t believe the remarkable, rapid, and nearly pain-free experience I’ve had in the last 30 days.
Dear Dr. Raterman,
What can I say but ‘WOW’! I am so grateful for the hip-resurfacing magic you performed on me just a month ago. Honestly -I can’t believe the remarkable, rapid, and nearly pain-free experience I’ve had in the last 30 days. The following things are all TRUE:
1) The surgical experience was fantastic- the team you assembled was stellar in every respect; courteous, compassionate and highly skilled. The anesthesia portion of the surgery was my biggest concern going in and yet it was an absolutely flawless experience. The nursing staff kept me quite comfortable and highly entertained. I am sad that my other hip does not require renovations…
2) I had surgery on Wednesday around noon,and was discharged a little more than 24 hours later! We were able to travel back to our home in Fort Walton Beach the very next day unbelievableII used a walker for 6 days, a cane for a day after that, and that’s it! Except for using my truck door as an aid getting to get into and out of, I never needed assistance walking again after that first week.
3) I inadvertently scheduled physical therapy to start 7 days post-surgery. I later learned that you typically wait 2 weeks post-surgery to begin that, but it worked out because I had achieved all the PT goals within 2 weeks of starting those sessions. I experienced only mild pain following those therapy sessions but the prescribed pain meds easily resolved that.
4) I’ve had hip/back pain for several years. It’s ALL gone. I went for a one mile walk yesterday up and down a hilly path in the woods. I didn’t break any speed records but I also didn’t experience ANY hip pain! The only thing that hurt following that walk were all the other muscles that I haven’t been able to use in a quite some time. You truly did a FANTASTIC job with my hip!
During our initial consult we discussed whether or not I was a good candidate for surgery due to my size/weight. Your response was that I was the ‘poster boy’ for having this procedure. Truer words have never been spoken! I am SO grateful for the time,talent and expertise you extended on my behalf. If you need an ambassador for this procedure for future patients,I will be more than happy assuage any concerns they may have…
Your newest #1 Fan!!
Tommy H.
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I felt that this was a practice that cared about people, not just “patient number xyz123.”
Wow, where to begin. I am a 60 year old survivor of Polio, who, because of life experiences, had a distrust of doctors. I have dealt with degenerative joint disease for years. As such, I have also dealt with ever increasing limitations that came with the situation. I was blessed by having a pro-active primary care doctor, Dr. T. Kotak, who told me that it was her job to find a doctor she felt would be best to handle my care. She led me to you, and I was blessed again.
From the moment I first entered the office, I felt that this was a practice that cared about people, not just “patient number xyz123″ . Every member of your staff made me feel more confident that I would receive respect, answers to my questions and concerns, and a care plan suited for me (as apposed to a one size fits all method). At all times I felt well informed and totally involved . Hip #1 was replaced in September, Hip # 2 in January. 3 days in and out both times. Home health care went well, we complete outpatient PT shortly. Thanks to your gifts as a surgeon, the after care plan, and the followup by your staff, I feel more in control of my day to day life than I have in years, Thank you does not quite seem to cover what I have been given back, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart to you and your staff.
Mike C
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I am now walking anywhere from a half a mile to a mile each day and am starting to add some steps to my regimen.
Dear Dr. Raterman,
I wanted to send you a note to tell you how delighted I am to be walking again without pain. I am 86 years old and last year in January and August you replaced my hips. I was very apprehensive as I didn’t know what to expect and was afraid the results of the surgeries would not meet my expectations.
Before the surgeries, I was limping and in pain every step. I moved to University Village with the thoughts that I may not be able to even limp in the future. I could hardly get to the dining room because of the pain. I came to see you because my knee was hurting so badly. You told me my knee was fine and my hips were a mess.
I am now walking anywhere from a half a mile to a mile each day and am starting to add some steps to my regimen. I cannot tell you how much that impacts my lifestyle. Before, I was afraid to do anything that required any walking. Now I know that I don’t have to curtail my activities because of pain.
Thank you and your staff for your expertise, courtesy and comfort in doing your job. If I can ever assure any of your patients in any way that the surgery is worth the results, please feel free to call on me. Thanks again to all who helped me.
Evangeline B.
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I’m happy to report that today I hike, ride my bicycle, and play tennis 3-4 times per week
Dr. Raterman performed hip replacement surgery for me in May 2012. Prior to my surgery, I had difficulty standing up straight and couldn’t walk without a limp. I am a 67 year old retiree and I was playing tennis 2-3 times per week, although I moved with difficulty and with considerable pain. My local orthopaedic physician advised that with my osteoarthritis I was a good candidate for hip resurfacing, which he did not perform. After doing internet searches and speaking with a local patient of his, I made an appointment with Dr. Raterman. Soon after surgery I began my rehab including an exercise program of walking and bicycling, then resumed playing tennis after four months. I have experienced zero pain and no complications, and I’m happy to report that today I hike, ride my bicycle, and play tennis 3-4 times per week, covering the court better than e ver. Best of all, someone even told me I look younger. If I ever need to have my other hip treated, my first call will be to Dr. Raterman.
Tom C.
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I am 74. Never could I have imagined the surgery would be so easy and recovery so fast.
I received a total hip replacement from Dr. Raterman 6 months ago — my first surgery ever, and I am 74. Never could I have imagined the surgery would be so easy and recovery so fast. Don’t remember any pain at all. Within 9 days I was walking without a cane and doing extremely well with therapy. Dr. commanded a lot of walking, and I walked every day. 10 days later I was driving and could be completely independent again. My new hip feels like my own in every way; I am now able to swim and do aerobics and yoga again.
Patricia B.
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Dr Raterman… Thank you. You and your support team are terrific.
Over 8 years ago my Rheumatologist (Dr A Torres) advised that my hips were in bad shape, one was bone on bone and the other not far off. I finally gave in and had a very successful hip replacement. I managed to wait another 4 1/2 years before having the other hip done and since my previous Dr had left the area I found Dr Raterman who came highly recommended. So, 3 years ago Dr Raterman replaced that second hip with even better and speedier results. Less than 6 weeks and I was on the run with no hip pain.
Having both Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis it was a matter of time before the knees brought me back to Dr Raterman. Again, a replacement was the only help fo my problem with the left knee. Dr Raterman’s team tried everything to hold it off this past winter but being bone-on-bone and having bone spurs too, it was finally necessary to make that decision…
I was so tired of being in constant pain, Being a veteran of two hip replacements, I was in dread of having the knee done as everyone, including Dr Raterman told me it would be somewhat more difficult recovery. Finally, THREE WEEKS AGO, I had this left knee replaced. Yes, a little pain but nothing like I had expected. With that under control I returned home to recover. With excellent post-op care and physical therapy at home, I was able to get rid of the walker at about 9 days and at less than 2 weeks the cane was not necessary. I was meeting all my physical therapy goals of bending and straightening at less than 3 weeks.
Yes, I do still need pain pills, so they are correct that it takes longer in some ways to recover, but in so many other ways it has been much easier than the hip replacements. I was able to put full weight on the knee almost immediately; I was able to lift the leg, do the exercises, walk outside, and generally become much more mobile in a much shorter time than with hips. The physical therapy is so necessary to success and it’s sometimes hard work but so worth it in the end. At 3 weeks I know my work is not done but absolutely expect to be pain-free and at 100% in less than the 12 week predicted time frame for recovery.
I seem to have amazed everyone with the speed of my progress. This week I started out-patient P.T. and in two weeks I plan to travel for my last Grand-daughter’s graduation. Out of seven grandkids, I’m not about to miss this one. I’m no ‘Spring
Chicken”, I’m 71 and have 7 Grandkids and 3 Great Grands. I’m planning on keeping active and to continue to be there for all my family celebrations and events. I’m still working part-time as well as enjoying my family.
I’m so grateful for having an excellent care of Dr Raterman and for all of his staff, as well as some terriffic and encouraging physical therapists. My experiences with Florida Hospital, Fletcher Campus have been very positive as well…their Orthopedic department helped make a speedy recovery very possible.
Dr Raterman… Thank you. You and your support team are terrific. I’ve talked to so many people and every one, when told who was doing my surgery, said…. “you’re in good hands, he’s the best”. I’m a believer!
Helene E.
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Dr. Raterman has given back her life due to this hip replacement surgery
My mother was suffering from terrible hip pain. In January of 2011, she underwent hip replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Raterman and a few weeks later, this 81 year old returned to work where she stands on her legs 8 plus hours a day! It was amazing how quickly she recovered and over a year later is doing exceptionally well and is pain free. Dr. Raterman has given back her life due to this hip replacement surgery and we are grateful to him and his staff for the care she received under his guidance. For those individuals who are in pain daily due to a hip issue, I would tell you with no hesitation to seek Dr. Raterman’s advice and pursue the surgery in order to change your life for the better.
John M.
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Dr Raterman has given me the ability to do anything I want!
I was playing professional hockey and was near the end of my carrer. I was restricted in my training and had constant pain. I also walked with a very bad limp and was getting injections every 3 months to continue the game I loved but also just to be able to walk around and do the everyday things that we all injoy in life. As luck would have it Dr Raterman was at one of our games in 2007. Our trainer talked to Dr Raterman and told him my situation and he saw me and right away he knew what I needed. I went through 4 years of pain and not knowing what my quality of life after hockey would be like because of this injury. Well 6 weeks after my surgery I was running and doing work outs that I was not able to do before the surgery. I was now walking for the first time in many years with out pain or the limp. I skated with my team after 5 months post and if we wer e going to make the play offs Dr Raterman and his support team had me ready to play. It has been 5 years since my surgery and I feel fantastic. I run almost every day of the week. I am very hard on my body as I also play a high level of squash with out any pain or discomfort as nothing holds me back anymore.I am now Director of Player Development with a NHL team and I am able to be on the ice and participate in practices with them if and when needed. Dr Raterman has given me the ability to do anything I want!!!
Thank you Dr Raterman. Tim T.
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A message from patient Richard J.:
I work as an actuarial consultant, advising companies on risk management and individuals on financial needs analysis. Actuaries are specialists in mathematics and insurance. A nice easy desk job that leaves me primed for action after the work day. I live in Valrico, and have two sons, Brian, 24 and Patrick, 22, both college students.
The head of rehabilitation released me from the hospital within 24 hours of the surgery
My introduction to being Old Folks started about four years ago, when I found my daily runs were no longer fun, owing to a limp brought on by degenerative arthritis in my right hip, and who knows what other sins. I have been a passionate, though not an elite, athlete my entire life. At age 66 now, it’s no surprise that I should hit a detour in my oblivious pursuit of perpetual youth.
After many months of first denial, next blind-alley searches for solutions, then acceptance that the hip was worn out, the solution finally emerged. Two years ago, I had the right hip fixed at last, in Wisconsin. Then ten months ago, I had the left hip fixed as well, by Dr. Raterman—I now pack Hopalong Cassidy iron, BILATERALLY. Birmingham Hip Resurfacing, twice.
My rehabilitation for the first surgery went well, and at the six month mark post-surgery, just as I was returning full bore to my athletic passions, I realized my left hip was now worn down and turning snaggly. By then living in Florida, I found Dr. Raterman online through the bible of hip resurfacing, www.surfacehippyinfo.com. The doctor took an x-ray and concluded the left hip, too, needed to be resurfaced. This time the rehabilitation was astonishingly rapid, even compared to the first surgery on the right hip:
- The head of rehabilitation released me from the hospital within 24 hours of the surgery
- I required no pain medications after the first day of leaving the hospital. I tossed them after a week at home
- I was able to drive my car locally the second day home. It was a blessing that the left leg is unnecessary for braking and accelerating. Not what any doctor would recommend, driving so soon, but I knew how I felt, and was clear of pain meds
- For the past two years, I’ve been back at all my passions, running daily, lifting weights twice a week and dancing.
The combination of the now restored hip joints and a lifetime of dedication to the sporting life allow me to continue defying the advancing years and hold onto my vanity. Let’s hope my Karma stays good.
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Dear Dr. Raterman,
Last August at my six month hip replacement follow-up you asked what I could not do that I wanted to do, and I said, “Weed my garden.”
I am a happier person not being restrained with hip pain
There is more to the story; here is what I
can do – simple, yet important daily activities that are essential to my job, and part of everyday life:
I can walk the long church aisle without holding on to another pastor’s arm. I can walk up and down the steps unassisted. I can walk as fast as a nurse during my hospital visits. I can bend over and lean in to listen to seated people. I can sit, stand, and walk for longer periods of time. I can walk for exercise with my neighbor. Best of all, I am a happier person not being restrained with hip pain.
Two weeks ago I dropped my car off to the mechanic and walked the 1.5 miles home. I was stiff, but I’ll take stiff over pain any day. You have my utmost appreciation for a surgery that proves its sucess every day!
With Sincere Gratitude,
Peggy A. W.
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THANK YOU DR. RATERMAN! A true master of his art.
Doctor Raterman did a fantastic job on my hip. I underwent a hip resurface after osteoarthritis nearly crippled me. Four weeks after the surgery I had ZERO pain and will soon be able to resume all of my favorite sports including basketball, tennis, golf, and fencing. THANK YOU DR. RATERMAN! A true master of his art.
Sincerely, George E.
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Dr. Raterman & Staff,
Thank you so much for the great job
Thank you so much for the great job you did on my hip. It is so great having no pain and dancing 2 weeks after surgery! I’m really enjoying getting back to my active life style. Thanks Again!!! Samantha S.
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Dear Dr. Raterman,
Thank you very much
This is my fifth anniversary of having hip resurface with you. I continue to do well. I work out in karate, Jujutsu, weights and a little basketball. I recommend you to all. Thank you very much for what you did for me and all you do. Sincerely, Daniel T.
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Dr. Raterman,
I just wanted to take a second to really express to you house thankful I am for all you have done for me. My life has been full of obstacles and challenges, but I’m blessed to have been given the strength, support, and opportunities to follow any dreams I could want. Obviously, I am thankful for your surgical skill and talent, but more than that I am eternally thankful that you were willing to give me the chance at a life made so much easier because of you. I will never forget all you’ve done. Thank you! Sincerely, Shelly S.
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Dr. Raterman,
I want to thank you for giving my life back!
I want to thank you for giving my life back! By the time I was diagnosed with bone-on-bone arthritis of both hips in Dec. 2009 (discover when I was getting x-rays prior to lower back surgery), I was barely able to walk to the end of the driveway. Since I’m fairly young (57), I began researching resurfacing as an option to total hip replacement, and found you as one of the top doctors on the Surface Hippy (hip resurfacing) website. I called your Tampa office and was given an appointment several weeks later.
At my first appointment on January 29, 2010, I was so impressed with the smoothness of your new patient process. The ortho tech took my history, handed me off to get x-rays done, and then your fantastic nurse practitioner, Marlena, can in to do an exam and explained the resurfacing process in great detail. After she had answered all my questions, you came in to review everything with me and discuss the surgery. You seemed to think I would be a good candidate for resurfacing, so we decided to start with the right hip and do the left one 6-8 weeks later if everything went well.
I was then taken to Tracy to get my surgery scheduled (March 16, 2010), along with a pre-admission appointment at University Community Hospital (as well as joint replacement school), pre-op appointment, and post-op appointment. I was also given a request to give my primary care physician for labs, EKG and clearance for surgery. Tracy did a great job following me through the scheduling process and following up on all my appointments.
The surgery was done on March 16th at University Community Hospital and after a short stay in pre-op, the next thing I remember is being in recovery. I had no nausea and no pain. When I got to my room on the joint replacement unit I was taken care of very well and was discharged on March 18th. I was able to walk around the nurse’s station by the afternoon of March 17th and was definitely ready to go home the next morning. A physical therapist and nurse from Asera Healthcare contacted me the afternoon I arrived home to arrange PT and nursing visits. Everything just went like clockwork. I had so little pain that I stopped taking pain meds (except for Tylenol) on March 19th. I was just so amazed at the lack of pain…I couldn’t believe it!
When I came in for my 6-week post-op visit on April 23, 2010, I was doing so well that we scheduled the left hip for May 10th. Once again, everything went extremely well. I had an even easier recovery with that hip than with the right hip. My physical therapist was amazed at how easy a recovery I had for both procedures. I had been dealing with so much pain prior to the resurfacing that I was just ecstatic that it was gone!
– Jennifer F., The Villages, FL
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MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE BHR HIP PROCEDURE
Dr. Raterman,
I still have exercises to do for a while, but I have about resumed my normal, active life.
I am a 62 year old male who has been athletically active all my life. I am a weekend warrior, and not very good at my chosen activities, but over many years I have enjoyed bicycling, rowing, weight lifting, and years ago a fair amount of handball and racquetball. All of these sports, along with inherited arthritis, ruined my right hip joint.
Most of us know people who have had the traditional hip replacement surgery, and have heard the horror stories of the long recuperation period afterwards. Knowing this, I went on the internet looking for alternatives. It was not in vain; I found what I was looking for.
There is a lot on the internet about the BHR (Birmingham Hip Resurfacing), a new procedure for the United States, but with a ten year history overseas. I learned all I could about is, researched who the doctors are in the area that do it, and picked Dr. Raterman, of the Florida Medical Clinic. (He is also Chief of staff at the University Community Hospital in Tampa).
I saw him as soon as I could, and he told me that I was a prime candidate for the BHR.
On December 29, 2006 the surgery was performed at the University Community Hospital, a short distance from Dr. Raterman’s office. The people at the hospital treated me like family instead of a patient, and on the second day after the surgery I went home with a walker. I was on the walker for 6 days, on a cane for 2 additional days, and decided on the 9th day to go without the cane (with the aid of painkillers, of course). Home Physical Therapy was also provided.
It is now 16 days post-surgery. As I write this, I have just come back from a 4 mile bicycle ride (no pain at all), have been driving my car since the 8th day after surgery, and if I had written a “wish list” for how I wanted all this to turn out, I would never have dared make the result this good. I still have exercises to do for a while, but I have about resumed my normal, active life.
Your mileage may vary, of course, but the BHR, in my opinion, is “miracle medicine”, and Dr. Raterman (who has done about 10% of all the BHR’s performed in the USA) leaves nothing to be desired in an orthopedic surgeon.
Dr. Raterman and staff, many thanks for my active life being restored to me.
Sincerely
Paul L., Crystal Beach, FL
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Dr. Raterman,
Although nobody hopes to see an orthopedist, if it becomes necessary, I will be returning to Dr. Raterman and his team at Florida Medical Clinic to put me back together.
It’s hard to imagine a water sport being hard on the body, but falling 12 feet at 30 MPH with a wakeboard strapped to your feet is not what knees are made for. During the Professional Wakeboarding Tour in 1996, I had the unfortunate experience of tearing the ACL and meniscus in my right knee. I relied on Dr. Raterman for treatment. I appreciated that he understood abstinence from extreme sports for a 23 year old risk taker was not realistic, so he helped me to evaluate the risks and dangers of activity on my injured knee so I could make my own informed choices. Dr. Raterman repaired my knee and I was back on the Pro Tour the following year.
I’ve sense retired from professional wakeboarding, but recently tore my other ACL performing in a ski show. I relied again on Dr. Raterman for treatment and received ACL reconstruction on my left knee. I cannot imagine a better surgery experience than of that I received at the Florida Medical Clinic surgery center by Dr. Raterman and his medical team. I was in and out in half a day and am recovering better than I expected.
Although nobody hopes to see an orthopedist, if it becomes necessary, I will be returning to Dr. Raterman and his team at Florida Medical Clinic to put me back together. Until then, I’ll be back tearin’ it up on the water!
Thanks Dr. Raterman!
Doug H.
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Dr. Raterman & Staff,
My knee surgery was a success!
That was so nice of all of you.
Just to let you all know my knee surgery was a success and you made my surgery a nice experience and made me feel at ease for all your help. You’re all a great bunch of ladies and you made my day with all your smiles and personalities.
Thanks doc!
Clark S.
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Dr. Raterman,
I was walking with no cast or boot within four weeks.
Thank you very much for the success stories I have with your surgeries.
I have been to see you for severe ankle pain, which was caused by debris within the bones. You cleared it up and I was walking with no cast or boot within four weeks. Which this ankle was diagnosed 3 different ways by three other physicians.
Next, my occupation as a legal secretary has taken its toll. For several years I have been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both of my wrists. I went through therapy for years and nothing was stopping the numbness and pain anymore. I came back to you and again have had two successful surgeries where I was back to full speed typing within 4 days.
I have nothing but trust in your ability to perform an outstanding surgery every time. Thank you for everything you and your staff have done for me. Your name will be on my recommendation list to all I know.
Sincerely,
Laurie M.
Dr. Raterman & Staff,
