Dear Dr. Leone,

Here is a little story to go with my video.

I have been an athlete my entire life, however for the past 12 years my primary sport has been with my dogs. I train, and compete in the K9 sport for Agility. It is my passion, for me there is nothing better.

In 2013 I started having joint pain in both of my hips, as an athlete I took NSAIDS and hoped it would resolve. The pain came and went, but was starting to interfere with my competition schedule with my dogs. The pain in the left hip, and right knee had increased, but the left hip pain was unmanageable.

It took me a few years but in 2016 I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Leone. He took x-rays. My left hip was awful. I could not live with the pain anymore. It had become disabling, and exhausting. I scheduled a Left total hip replacement with Dr. Leone for the end of February 2017.

I had a few competitions, and a seminar (with my dog) scheduled. I wanted to complete those commitments before I had surgery. I can’t say they all went well, but I did complete all the obligations I made. I didn’t know if I would be able to run my dogs again, so it was important to me.

I had my left hip replacement on February 20th 2017. When I went in for a three month check, I asked Dr. Leone to revisit my right knee. Last thing I wanted to do was go back to surgery. I will not forget what Dr. Leone said to me “I know all you want to be doing is running with your dogs, let’s fix your knee now, and then you can get back to what you love “

I had a partial right knee replacement in May of 2017. It took a few months to complete rehab. Within 3 months I was working my dogs (not running yet). Within 6 months I was back in full force. The video is my young dog Lyrics first time in the ring competing. This is our inaugural run, and a glimmer of our partnership. We have a brilliant future ahead of us. I’m so happy to have my life back.

Thank you so much to my medical team for helping me to return to what I love best.

Suzanne Walsh-Ansell