Testimonial for Jonathan Hall, MD, FAAOS

I lived with pain in my right foot for over 5 years and delayed surgery until March 1, 2019 when cortisones injections stopped working and my lifestyle was even more impacted by my arthritic joints. I was referred to Dr. Jonathan Hall by my back surgeon who stated that Dr. Hall is the foot surgeon who he’d want operating on himself or close family members.

Not only is Dr. Hall competent in his field, but his patient skills are exemplary in treating me as an intelligent person wanting to be informed and educated about the foot surgery process in a friendly and easy to understand manner. He instilled hope that my pain will go away and that I will be walking pain free in 6-12 months depending on how fast the post surgery swelling decreases.

He is open to new ideas. I have had several significant bone surgeries in the past 10 years. When I told him I would be using a Cold Water Recirculating Machine to keep the swelling down, I asked if he was willing to place the detachable device under the splint device and he said he would. This made it possible for me to apply ice cold water continuously, which in turn reduced the amount of narcotic pain medication and I believe decreased the swelling faster the first two weeks after surgery.

I believe the pre-op appointment could be improved by providing patients with a list of mobility devices recommended based on age for a non-weight bearing surgery and bathing recommendations. For example, I was not told to bring my Knee Stroller on surgery day so had a pair of crutches issued (charged to insurance) and the bathing recommendations were written on the Discharge Summary. The pre-opt assistant may have discussed the above but it was too vague. Fortunately, I am big into research so I purchased an inexpensive waterproof cast bag that works well in a shower and bought a second hand Knee Stroller on Craigs List. You will need a shower seat as well. I think patients should be much better educated prior to surgery about all the things that can make life easier for their recovery. There are places that can rent the devices as well but I would not have known where to look. This is where good patient education comes in from the doctors office and a list of necessary devices and where to locate them.

I also think Dr. Hall’s practice could use someone like an Occupational/Physical Therapist on staff to assist patients to learn how to use crutches (I almost fell several times the first 48 hours), and practice using a knee stroller (not easy for a novice). This might be a good thing to practice at a pre-op appointment when you’re not drugged up.

I am already telling friends and family who may be in need of foot surgery about the awesome doctor in Kirkland, Wa.