Mike DeCello shared a reflection he wrote about his recent experience with Dr. Tiffany Feltman Meals and Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics.
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How do I write a review that can accurately convey how much of an impact that Dr. Tiffany Feltman Meals has made in my life and the lives of my family? In order to do so, I’ve got to tell you my story and how I was fortunate enough to find Dr. Feltman Meals.
In the fall of 2021, I had the first of several procedures done on my left knee, procedures that I’m sorry to say were unsuccessful. In April of 2023, I had a full knee replacement done that not only was unsuccessful, it led to even more loss of mobility as well as excruciating pain. I could not run, bike, or keep up with my family just walking. Tasks that we all take for granted like walking up and down steps or getting in and out of a car were incredibly challenging and could not be done without significant effort accompanied by significant pain/discomfort. The only recourse I was given was to do an arthroscopic surgery that I knew would not fix my knee and I didn’t need to go to medical school to know that. It was at this time, that I started seeking second and third opinions and different types of treatment including having my lower leg amputated. It was on my fourth referral that I found Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics and Dr. Tiffany Feltman Meals.
I was referred to Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics and the first doctor I saw suggested arthroscopic surgery. He also asked if I would like to see Dr. Feltman Meals since she specialized in hips and knees and that she might be able to suggest a different course of action. I agreed and scheduled the appointment thinking that it would be no different than the other things I had been told about my knee and what to do to fix it.
I WAS COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY WRONG!
From the second we started talking about my knee, this appointment was different. I asked Dr. Feltman Meals if she would be open to amputating my leg if it came to that and she refused (thank God). She provided real talk with honesty and compassion. She was direct and to the point which resonates greatly with me and my wife. Dr. Feltman Meals told me that the best course of action would be knee revision surgery and NOT arthroscopic surgery or amputation. Dr. Feltman Meals assured me that she would not suggest the procedure if she did not think it would work and that this would give me the best shot at getting my knee back and resuming a normal life with normal activities. I was not only taken aback at there being another option around my knee, but for the first time in three years there was a spark of hope that my knee could be fixed. I had a second appointment with Dr. Feltman Meals and this time my wife accompanied me so that the doctor could talk to my wife and answer her questions. The level of communication and compassion was incredible and we loved the direct approach to our situation as well as the solution that was being offered. It was at this point I chose to move forward with full knee revision surgery with the hope that it would fix my knee.
From that moment forward, Dr. Feltman Meals and her staff were not only in my corner but they were right there with me, every step of the way. They made sure that everything was preapproved with my insurance, and they answered all my questions and all of my wife’s questions. Most importantly Dr. Feltman Meals reassured me and addressed any and all concerns or reservations I had about yet another surgery.
On February 5, 2025, I had full knee revision surgery performed by Dr. Feltman Meals and her talented staff. Upon waking up from the anesthetic, I was told to get out of bed and that I needed to walk. This was the same as the first knee replacement. What was completely different this time was the second I took a step, I could FEEL that the outcome was different. The excruciating pain in my knee and the surrounding joints was gone. I could tell less than six hours out of surgery that this procedure had corrected the problems in my knee. Although the plan was to stay the night in the hospital, things had gone so well and we all felt so good at the outcome, that I was discharged and allowed to go home. Within 24 hours, I was visited by a talented in-home physical therapist and we began the rehabilitation process. Over the next few weeks, my progress was, after everything that I have experienced, nothing short of remarkable. Both the in-home and outpatient physical therapy teams are top notch and with their help and guidance, I surpassed my previous maximum flex of 97 degrees by week three of rehab. By week four, I was pedaling all the way around on a stationary bike, something I had not been able to do in almost four years. I am currently eight weeks out of surgery and am at 115 degrees of flex and am able to fully straighten my leg with no problems whatsoever. My knee continues to heal and I continue to show gains as I work on my rehab. We have every reason to believe that I will hit my goal of 120-125 degrees of flex. None of these things would have been possible without Dr. Feltman Meals and her expertise in orthopedic surgery.
There are not enough words in any language to communicate how grateful I am to Dr. Feltman Meals (and her incredible staff, team, and everyone at Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics) for everything she has done for me and my family. I am looking forward to living a normal life again. While I will still have some limitations, the fact is that I will also be able to resume activities that I thought I would never be able to do again. Simple things that most people take for granted like: dancing with my wife, riding a bike, playing with my grandkids/dogs, and many many other things. I will likely even be able to lace up my skates and bop around the rink again which puts a smile on my face just thinking about it.
By this point, you might be asking if I received any compensation for writing this review and the answer is, hell yes!! Dr. Feltman Meals gave me my life back and fixed my knee which I thought was so far gone, I actually wanted her to cut off my lower leg!! To sit down and write a review was the least I could do considering what’s been given back to me. I am back to being active, I am back to being happy, and I am back to living my life again. In a few days, I’m traveling abroad and that and everything else I mentioned are all possible because of Dr. Feltman Meals. People read reviews when they are trying to decide on something and that’s why I’ve written this review. She is an excellent doctor and genuinely cares for her patients and will do what’s best for them. She doesn’t pull punches and will give you open, honest communication. I will always be grateful for her and her staff and for everything they have done for me and my family. Thank you Doc, you’re the best!!!!
Last edited on September 8, 2025