More than anything else, 2018 for me was a year of doctors. A medical year, if you will. The principal event was having both my knees replaced, AKA bilateral TKR (total knee replacement), a project which started on August 21, with the right knee, and then three weeks later, September 11, with surgery on the left knee. I took a two month medical leave from work. Each surgery was under two hours and for each I was at Washington DC's Sibley Hospital -- in their relatively new dedicated orthopedic ward . I stayed two nights but I could have gone home after one night. I opted for the two nights for some extra in-patient physical therapy. They had me up and walking within a few hours after each surgery.
I chose Dr. Marc Connell for the surgery after a year of interviewing half a dozen knee replacement specialists. Some were local, some far away. All the doctors I researched were top doctors and came highly recommended. What I was looking for was the doctor who was the right fit for me and my personality type (AAA) and who listened to me and respected my priorities (and tolerated my possibly obsessive questions). That was Dr. Connell from our first visit, when I went in for a basic consultation. His personal office staff, particularly Brittany, were attentive and responsive, also.
From his bio: Dr. Connell ... served as the head team physician for the Washington Wizards basketball team for 21 years as well as a team physician for the Washington Capitals hockey team. He is a former head team physician for the Washington Mystics women’s basketball team. In addition, he was the chief medical officer for World Cup Soccer and Olympic Soccer. The point being: when your injuries derive from sports go to a specialist in sports medicine.
My knee situation was bone on bone from years of sports and other physical activity. In my teens as a leaping cheerleader I had a few injuries -- ACL type -- and had three surgeries. So my knees had a history. Also, in my adult life there were years of road running, rowing, and aggressive boot camp. The knees had worn out. I could walk, sleep, climb stairs, etc., without issue, but my mobility was declining. Walking could be painful and I sometimes limped. Where once I routinely walked 10,000 steps a day, it had become a struggle to hit 5000. It took me several months to make the big decision to go ahead with the surgery, but when I made the decision it was solid. I gave myself three months to prepare: losing weight, working hard to buff up my quad strength and arm strength (there are good exercise apps for this), getting my house in order ... as I would be living on just one floor for two months of recovery. Fortunately that one floor had the kitchen, full bath and laundry and easy access to the outside. 
Throughout, Dr. Connell was a helpful guide and most of all understanding of my fears and doubts and encouraging regarding my goal: to be able to walk without pain. The mornings of each surgery he was smiling, gave me a good pep talk, and then was all business as I rolled into the OR. We talked again after surgery in my room (all the Sibley ortho rooms are private) and I continue to see him for check ups. My home recovery went well. Dr. Connell sent his physical therapist, Hussein Hussein, to see me three times a week for two months. Now I go to PT twice a week, again at Sibley. I'm now almost five months out from my first surgery. Its going well. I'm pleased and glad I made the choice to have the surgeries and to have them performed by Marc Connell.
Dr. Yi Ping Hu came into my life as I struggled to find relief from job stress. For five months I'd been working solo in my usually two-person job and the stress began to impact my health. The symptoms were largely acid indigestion, with lots of pain in my chest. I saw a few conventional doctors, had a variety of tests, and relied on over the counter meds like Nexium, Zantac and other routine treatments. Nothing helped. Because my health insurance covers 12 acupuncture treatments I looked into this alternative form of medicine. My research led me to Yiping Hu in Bethesda. She is renowned for treating oncology patients, and is often referred by NIH, but she treats all kinds of ailments and issues at her efficient and busy clinic near the NIH campus.
When I first visited Dr. Hu, in May 2018, she started with a complete work up, asking many questions about my medical history. She also looked at my tongue and frowned. I would come to learn that the tongue tells the story! After that checkup we commenced my first acupuncture treatment -- many many needles from the top of my head down to my toes. The only one that hurt was the one she placed near my big toe. I flinched. "What's that for?" I asked. "The liver," she said.
From that day forward I visited Dr. Hu once a week for a 25 minute acupuncture treatment. After the first month my acid pain started to go away. By the third month it was gone. At that point I asked her to start helping me prep for my knee surgery. I also went to see her every week during the recovery from knee surgery. She is a font of helpful assurance and guidance and I look forward to my sessions. They must be good if I am willing to drive to Bethesda MD. Its worth noting her office is run very well, they submit to insurance, her staff are friendly and efficient. A session is $85. She also makes her own herbal drinks for patients. They treat a range of issues. There's a basic formula to drink twice a day. She prescribed another for the two months of my recovery from knee surgery.
The time with Dr. Hu is a restorative moment of my week. I leave her office feeling serene - the Chinese music helps - and I do experience positive results for the conditions where acupuncture can make a difference. Coincidentally, Dr. Connell knew of Dr. Hu and her impressive reputation, as did my GP, and both doctors are supportive of her work. Connell said acupuncture is a boost to my knee recovery.
Dr. David Shocket is someone I have known a long time. We met during the decade I was on the board of the Medstar Washington Hospital Center, where he is section director of Gastroenterology. He's an all round good guy and while not officially a general practitioner he is my go-to on a lot of issues and he has been so very helpful. I refer friends to him and they always are grateful. For sure if you have any gut issues, or need a colonoscopy, he's the one. With the stresses of this year, he's been there for me.
Emmy-winning CBS News producer, talk show guest wrangler, published author, host of The Q&A Cafe, print & digital journalist, filmmaker, photog, and former saloon owner. 
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