DAN WILDER - Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

As the throbbing ache in his shoulder lingered, Dan Wilder knew there was a problem.

"I had to something,'' said Dan, 67, who injured his right rotator cuff last year while working out on an exercise machine.

Dan was referred to Dr. Guerra by another patient. Another individual mentioned Dr. Guerra to Day, saying the doctor is the best new orthopedic surgeon in town.''

Theroscopic procedure was performed in one morning in Dr. Guerra's North Naples office. Dan was there at 7 a.m. and arrived home by noon.

Following his surgery, Dan worked with a sports therapist three times a week doing exercises to rebuild the flexibility and strength in the shoulder. The healing and recovery time was a little sooner than expected for Dan, and he now says "everything is the way it was before.''

"I liked his approach. He didn't push me under the knife,'' Dan said. "He was a very good communicator of what the situation was and what would take place.''

GLORIA BEARD - Total Knee Replacement

Gloria Beard had a total knee replacement on both knees at the same time and is glad she did. Her knees were in such bad shape that it was limiting her mobility.

"If I went to the grocery store and there was no motorized cart available, I didn't go shopping,'' said the 72-year-old Bonita Springs woman.

Gloria was planning to have the knee surgery while she was in her 60s but had to delay it. A Naples oncologist told her about Dr. Guerra.

"Dr. Guerra is a very kind man,'' Gloria said. "He explained things well and seems to be very understanding. I highly recommend him.''

Gloria spent two weeks in the hospital and started twice-a-day therapy there after the surgery in September 2000. She continues to do exercises such as bending the knees and leg lifts.

"You do what they tell you, and you will get along fine,'' she said. "If you don't, you're going to pay the piper.''

Gloria says she is doing fine and is able to go shopping and enjoy her grandchildren

LINDA MCBRIDE - Total Hip Replacement

Linda McBride has had arthritis in her left hip for 10 years as a result of suffering from degenerative hip displasure, a condition in which the bone doesn't fit into its socket.

Due to her hip problem, Linda said she had a terrible limp, couldn't climb stairs, was not able to walk any distance and had difficulty sleeping.

"I decided I can't live my life like this,'' the 52-year-old Naples woman said. Linda made an appointment after a therapist at the Whitaker Wellness Center recommended Dr. Guerra. Dr. Guerra did rotator cuff surgery on Linda's husband in 1999.

"I walked out of his office trusting him immediately,'' Linda said. "Dr. Guerra went into depth explaining the operation and what I would experience. He was so thorough.''

Linda spent 12 days in the hospital following surgery in April 2000. She worked with a therapist three times a week for a month doing different stretching movements of the leg. She has also done exercises in a pool.

"Dr. Guerra is extremely competent and has a wonderful bedside manner,'' she said.

RICK NORRIS - Revision ACL Reconstruction

It was late at night, and Rick Norris was leaving a friend's house. While walking across the yard, Rick stepped into a sprinkler hole and immediately felt a popping sensation and instant pain in his right knee.

His first words: "Oh, no! Not again.''

It was the second time in eight years that Rick injured the knee and needed ACL reconstructive surgery. The first time came in 1992 when Rick was playing in a football practice game for Barron Collier High School in Naples.

A fitness enthusiast, Rick asked around the gym about knee surgeons and said he heard some good things about Dr. Guerra. The parents of one of Rick's friends own a medical supply shop, and they also mentioned Dr. Guerra. They said they saw Dr. Guerra on a TV show and were very impressed.

Rick had the surgery in March 2000. The 26-year-old Naples man spent one night in the hospital.

His rehabilitation three times a week included floor exercises with ankle weights, agility exercises and stretching the knee. Rick continues working out at the gym and says he is doing great.

"Dr. Guerra is an excellent doctor,'' Rick said. "He is very knowledgeable and went out of his way to explain the procedure