I knew I was in trouble when our trip to Prague was affected by my inability to walk short distances without having to sit down and rest my aching knees. At 66, I knew the years of running and basketball had caught up with me. It was during that trip to Prague that I said, Its time to take positive action! Upon my return, I called my neurosurgeon for his recommendation for an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in knee replacements. He immediately sent an email referring me to Dr. Firestone. 

After my initial consultation with Dr. Firestone, I felt very comfortable with his recommendation to have both knees done at the same time. As with any surgery I was a little nervous about the operation itself but was reassured by the staff at the Shea Healthcare facility that all would go well and it did. I received excellent care throughout my 4 day stay. Dr. Firestone visited me daily monitoring my pain level and observing some of my physical therapy exercises. The medication given in those days after surgery really does reduce the discomfort.  Two weeks after surgery I was in Dr. Firestones office for my follow up appointment. It was in his office that I walked without assistance.

Thats right! No cane, no walker! I was amazed. There is a video of me walking down the hall in his office. I was concerned about our plans for a cruise that we were to go on in about five weeks but after walking without assistance I knew that I would not have any problems and, in fact, I didnt. I am currently doing physical therapy (360 Physical Therapy) three times a week but will be set free next week which is about 9 weeks after surgery.  

I am now back to my normal activities of using the Nordic Track, weight lifting, walking and playing golf.  This experience has been like getting a new lease on life and it all started with the skills and professionalism of Dr. Firestone. His confident manner was reassuring to me and I have never regretted my decision to have both knees replaced at the same time! Dr. Firestones office staff was always ready to answer all of my questions. They took all the time that was needed to explain procedures or billing or medication. So a big thank you to Amber, Hannah, Andrea, Wayne and Kristen.


- G. Prokupek
 

 
 

In 2009 I stopped playing racquetball with my son. By the end of 2010 I couldn't tie my shoes. At some point I had to ask myself, "how much am I going to give up at 53 years old ?" I tried things to avoid surgery including losing weight, stretching, dietary supplements and research on the latest innovations in stem cell and blood platelet injection therapy. I also researched the latest techniques in hip replacement and talked to three different doctors. My physician, orthopedic doc and even another surgeon told me, "if you want the anterior method and the best doctor see Dr. Firestone." I did. Best decision I could have made. From the first visit Dr. Firestone and his staff put me at ease. They were professional, efficient and friendly.

The results? I was back to work part time in two weeks. It has been a little over six months and I'm enjoying traveling again, taking long walks with my wife and best of all I can get on the floor and scramble around after my new granddaughter!

As a final note should mention that Dr. Firestone was not one of the docs on my insurance plan.. I paid him and his staff took care of submitting the claim to my insurance company and they reimbursed the entire cost! I highly recommend Dr. Firestone and his wonderful staff. Trust them. All you have to lose is that limp!


- Paul M.
 

 
 

After trying joint pills, drinks, acupuncture, therapy and pain pills I finally drew the conclusion that my knee was not going to get better. It was to the point that if I was off it for more than 15 minutes it would not take the pressure of standing and I would have to wait 20 seconds before I could even put weight on the knee to walk with a pretty severe limp.

 I went to several different doctors and also asked personal doctor friends for recommendations and they all put Dr. Firestone as their number one choice so I then researched him on line and came to the conclusion that if I had to have my knee operated on Dr Firestone was my choice for a surgeon. After my first appointment Dr. Firestone concluded that I did need a total knee replacement not only due to arthritis, bone on bone but also my bones were growing crooked.. I was very impressed with his manor and his assistants but more than that I felt that I could not be in more capable hands. He instilled in me such a positive feeling about the operation that I was actually excited for it to happen. I chose a time frame that would give me 7 weeks at home and we were on our way.

I was his first patient at the fairly new Scottsdale Healthcare on Thompson Peak and my experience with the hospital and their staff was excellent. I knew Dr. Firestone ran a tight ship as I heard many nurses say "this is Dr. Firestone's patient make sure everything is absolutely correct." I especially liked the in hospital physical therapist for her uplifting spirit and energy. After 2 days I was home and into home therapy for 10 days which took me to my first 2 week follow up apt with Dr. Firestone. I was bending my leg very well, 120 degrees and could put pressure on it so that I could walk without a cane. At that time I was given the OK to drive and went into outpatient therapy. I worked with them for 4 weeks and then was given the OK to continue on my own. I walked, did pool exercises, iced my knee faithfully and did my stretches and was able to walk the hills of San Francisco only 7 weeks after my operation. I won't say my knee didn't hurt or the operation is not painful but with the pain meds, a very positive attitude and doing my part with the stretching and exercise my knee feels really good after 8 weeks.

Dr. Firestone and his staff are truly professionals. Whenever I would call the office with questions or needs they answered quickly and I had no problems. I don't think my knee was any easy operation. Dr. Firestone's skills and follow up were phenomenal and I would highly recommend him to anyone that needs a knee or hip replacement. Now, I'm working my way back to walking 8 miles a day for my upcoming hike at Glacier National Park 6 weeks from today and I know this would not be possible without the help and skill of Dr. Firestone!

- Debbie H.
 

 
 

In early 2010 I began to experience what I thought was sciatica due to a past back injury. After seeing an orthopedic surgeon in my home town I found out that I had arthritis of my left hip and needed to have a total left hip replacement. The pain was pretty significant, especially in my groin area. I tried an injection but that only gave me about 3 to 4 weeks of relief and the pain came back.  I was given Dr. Firestone’s name by a work colleague of my wife.

In November of 2010 I made an appointment for a consult with Dr. Firestone. On December 7th, 2010 I met with Dr. Firestone and scheduled my surgery.  I returned to Scottsdale on February 2nd, 2011 for my total left hip replacement surgery with the anterior approach scheduled for February 3rd, 2011. Dr. Firestone came into pre-op and talked with my family and myself and told my wife I will see you in two hours. My wife says it was two hours to the minute and Dr. Firestone was out telling her and my daughter the surgery went extremely well.

When I woke up in recovery my pain was completely gone. I was taken to my room where I had the best care and greatest staff one could ask for. I was in the hospital for one day and was released to go home on February 4th, 2011 in the afternoon. When I got home I used a walker to get around the house for 3 to 4 days and then progressed to a cane for about 2 or 3 days. After that I was walking on my own with absolutely no pain. People could not believe that I had a total left hip replaced. They told me I should be the poster child for anterior hip replacements. It is now April and the only evidence of my surgery is the small scar where Dr. Firestone put in my new hip.

 I have to tell any of you, from the first phone call to Dr. Firestone’s office and talking to Kristen, and meeting, Amber, Hannah, Andrea, and Wayne, to the x-ray techs and staff , to the hospital staff from admitting to discharge I have never been so impressed. The experience was second to none. I never had a long wait in any of the areas I was in, through the entire process. Every one of the people I came in contact with were so polite and professional, and made me feel that I was the only one that mattered at that moment.   

Dr. Firestone is a top notch surgeon, and I would not even think twice about having him replace my other hip, but thankfully, he told me I probably won’t have to have that done. To Dr. Firestone, his staff, radiology, and the hospital staff, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for giving me my pain free life back. You are all the best!

- Michael
 

 
 

On April 15, 2004 Dr. Firestone replaced my left hip using the posterior technique. I was in the hospital for three days and back at a desk job after four weeks.  I was back in the cockpit in less than two months.  My original orthopedic surgeon said I was too young (55) for a total hip replacement and sent me to 12 sessions of PT.  Each of those sessions made the pain go away for up to an hour, but I could not sit for longer than an hour and could not sleep well at night.  Nothing like having a fuzzy brained Captain!

I did my homework and found Dr. Firestone's name on each search.  When I told him what the other doctor said, he asked me "So how's your quality of life?"  I said it was terrible and needed to change.  He looked at the x-rays and watched me take a few steps, and said I needed a new hip.  That visit changed my life!  At the one year check-up he noticed the other hip and said he would see me in 2 to 5 years for that hip replacement.

At almost five years to the day, I was back in his office once again. This time he did the anterior procedure. I was in the hospital overnight; salmon fishing in Alaska at three weeks; and back in the cockpit after only five weeks. What a great procedure and surgeon!

For those hesitant about undergoing this procedure, don't give it another thought. The hip pain will go away immediately and you'll be good as new in only a few months. Barney Fife has his way with me at the TSA Security Checkpoint each day, but that is the only negative aspect of this procedure. Dr. Firestone's entire staff is very helpful and friendly, and the hospital staff was so nice I almost wanted to stay for an additional day.

Thank you Dr. Firestone for giving me my life back. As you said on our last visit... I'll see you in thirty years!!!!

- Captain Rod Jones
 

 
 

When I discovered that my left knee implant was failing and I needed a replacement revision, I felt at sea as to what to do. I was told that revisions are more difficult to do than initial replacements and likely to be problematic. After consulting 3 or 4 doctors in town and still feeling uncomfortable about trusting any one of them with such a difficult operation, I decided to go on the web to see if I could locate a specialist in knee revision replacements in whom I could have confidence.

From a list of ten specialists from around the country, I selected Dr. Theodore Firestone in Scottsdale, Arizona. After following up on information about him, including an article in the May 2010 issue of the most respected of orthopedic journals, I made an appointment to see him. He explained what was wrong and what he would do to repair my knee including a demonstration on his computer. He also introduced me to Hannah Sammons, the second part of the team, one of his two nurses who was to help me through the ordeal by providing comfort and answers to my many questions.

My knee felt normal most of the time at seven weeks and at nine weeks was ready for a strenuous trip abroad that included lots of walking, uneven paving, and lots of steps.

The knee is like new; my leg is straight; my now straight foot no longer hurts; all of which makes such a difference in my confidence and general well being. I am so grateful for Dr. Firestone's surgical competence which was necessary for the good outcome, and I am pleased to tell everyone about this wonderful doctor.

- Mary Rose Duffield
 

 
 

At the age of 55, I decided it was time to do something about my athletically-abused hip. Even my spine specialist, Dr. Daniel Lieberman, encouraged me to consult Dr. Firestone about a hip replacement in the hopes that it would help some spine issues I was having. I was tired of limping, not being able to sit through a 2-hour movie or play a round of golf comfortably or partake in my usual exercise regimen. Several friends of mine had sought out Dr. Firestone's expertise for hip or knee replacements and were thrilled with the results.

Four years later, my quality of life has been dramatically restored, thanks to Dr. Firestone's skill as a joint replacement surgeon. I can hike, swim lengths, play pain-free golf and walk without a limp, and I am forever grateful, as is my husband, to Dr. Firestone for giving me back my active lifestyle and my sports and workout activities. Thank you, Dr. Firestone and your entire team!!!

- Diane Larson Lippard

 

 
 

On July 1, 2010, Dr. Theodore Firestone performed a total knee replacement surgery on my right knee. Dr. Firestone came highly recommended to me by multiple sources as an exceptional orthopedic surgeon. In my initial consultation with Dr. Firestone, he described the process of knee replacement surgery and referred to his team.

My surgical experience with Dr. Firestone and his team was truly an exceptional experience.

This team included the professionals and staff at his office, the anesthesiologist, the pre-op, post-op, nursing staff on the 5th floor at the Shea medical center, and home health nurses. The continuity, skill, and care provided by this entire team have contributed to an extremely successful outcome in my recovery.

Dr. Firestone attends to every detail of the knee replacement experience, including pain management/medication, CPM machine, and a state of the art convenient and efficient ice/cooling machine that maintained a constant temperature of 49 degrees without ever needing to add ice. Dr. Firestone and his team exceeded my high expectations. I am an active 60 year old male who has already returned to my full time employment just six weeks after surgery and, thanks to Dr. Firestone and his team, look forward to returning to play on the tennis in October.

- Randy Olson
 

 
 

How fortunate it was that Dr. Firestone was recommended to me to perform my knee replacement.  I met him only once for an evaluation of my knee and surgery was scheduled for a month later.  His background, confidence and personal warmth assured me of total success.

After my surgery, everything I heard and read about Dr. Firestone proved to be true.  He gave back to me mobility without pain and also the optimism to once again enjoy sports.  I would highly recommend Dr. Firestone to my friends and family members without hesitation.

- Josephine Stamatakis
 

 
 

Dr. Firestone gave me a hip replacement on March 27, 2008. Shortly before the operation I played golf at Moon Valley with the Arizona Seniors. After playing and taking my clubs to my car I told one of the seniors that I felt so beat up that I couldn't attend the dinner and said goodbye and left. It never hurt to swing a golf club, but to walk was excruciating.

A couple of months ago my partner and I won a big tournament at Phoenix Country Club (I had three Gross Birdies the first day) and I am thinking about carrying my own bag. What I am trying to say is that you changed my life to be able to enjoy walking without having big pain.

I turned 80 last October and plan on shooting under 80 sometime soon. God bless you and many thanks.

- Pete
 

 
 

Without my two new knees, I wouldn't be the person I am today.  Because of Dr. Firestone's technical expertise I can do activities I previously thought were lost to me.  I can carry a backpack and do backcountry camping.  I can ride my bike without pain.  I can golf with a single digit handicap and no discomfort.  I can go for walks with my dog and my wife.  I can now do all the things I used to imagine I would be able to do if my knees worked!

- Stephen Dault, M.D.