Patient Experiences
Each year, several million Americans injure the cartilage in their knees, shoulders and other joints. Unfortunately, these injuries often happen to people considered too young to undergo artificial joint replacement surgery.
Fortunately, through the Cartilage Restoration Center, there are new treatment options—many of them available only in the last five years.
Read what some of our patients are saying about
their experiences with Dr. Cole and the CRC.
What did I get myself into?
That's what I was thinking as I stood in the back of the pack waiting to start the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. My longest run to date was 6 miles.
I spent the Summer testing my bad knee, making sure it wouldn't blow up under the pressure of a sprint triathlon.
Now I was faced with having to complete a marathon, 26.2 miles of pounding on a knee that had yet to face a quarter of that distance.
Physically, have I mentioned I am an Ironman? I knew it was going to be hard, but 6-7 hours on your feet without any training, hurts!
The Aftermath: my feet still hurt, I am hungry like a college freshman, my butt is killing me, but my knee passed the big test (thank you Dr. Brian Cole). My Garmin said I ran a little over 27 miles, which I believe.
Humeral Head Transplant Restores Quality of Life
Justin, age 17, was diagnosed with chondrolysis of his right shoulder. He suffered from incredible pain which he had endured for over a year. He was not able to use his right arm to comb his hair, put on a shirt; normal activities of daily living became a challenge. He had interrupted sleep every night from the pain he experienced. He had been a competitive swimmer since the age of seven and he was not able to participate in the sport he loved and had trained so hard for.
In November 2008, Justin had a humeral head transplant. The surgery was performed by Dr. Brian Cole and his team. We, as a family, were so confident in Dr. Cole, and knew that whatever decision he made, it was going to be the best decision for Justin. The day after surgery Justin knew that his shoulder was different.
The pain that Justin had endured is gone. He can use light weights at the gym. His normal activities of daily living are no longer a chore. He recently started some low level noncompetitive swimming. Overall, he feels so very fortunate to be given an opportunity to continue on with his life without the constant pain he had suffered from. As his recovery continues he sees new windows of opportunity.
Back on the Slopes
Your handy work on both my knees was put to great use a couple weeks ago in Park City, Utah, at the Deer Valley ski resort...
The great news is my left knee distal realignment and ACI (Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) right knee distal realignment held up very well from the bunny hill all the way up to the black diamond runs. This is the first time in 22 years I've been able to downhill ski—nearly pain free. Again, many thanks, Brian. Your research and surgical skills changed the quality of my life for the better.
Pain Free after Rotator Cuff Surgery
I am a 69-year-old retired pharmaceutical rep in good health, an active person, walker, golfer, etc. I had rotator cuff day surgery on October 7, 2008, on my right shoulder. I was told that it was a serious repair. Prior to surgery, I could play golf but I couldn't raise my arm very far in any direction without severe pain and weakness. Sleeping on my right side was difficult at best. I couldn't carry packages or any weight.
As a result of the surgery and physical therapy, I'm 95% recovered at six months without pain. I was told full recovery would take a year. I still have some weakness as far as lifting any weight above my shoulder but it is getting stronger as I continue to exercise. I am very grateful to Dr. Cole, Kyle Pilz (who was available at all hours for consultation), John Duncombe, and my wife who was there at all times to help me.
To learn more about these treatment options and patient experiences, visit our Web site at www.cartilagedoc.org.
