Eight years ago, I was competing in fitness competitions as a challenge to myself. Unfortunately, I got distracted by business obligations and my fitness level dropped. As a result, when participating in my personal enjoyment activity I slipped from tree stand. I sustained an injury to my right shoulder when I caught myself from the fall, which had been previously operated on a decade before. This prompted me to get back into shape, however, the injury to my shoulder was a challenge that could not be overcome. I got to the point that I could not even deliver food to my mouth or lift a drink without being in severe pain. This led me to HSS and into Dr DiFelice's capable hands. After months of physical therapy and non-intrusive medical procedures without improvement, we saw no other option but surgery.
Dr. DiFelice was wonderful to work with. He spent time with me enough to answer all my questions no matter how outlandish they were. His words have rung in my ears so much so that I have passed them on too many others along my path, "adapt or suffer". His approach of speaking reason to me and promoting long term solutions for my quality of life, not just in the immediate, but in best interest for my future. I'm no longer the young buck I was and with Dr DiFelice's experience and quality of care I am confident my future will be better than I could have wished for.
At this moment I am 7 months post-surgery. My range of motion has been restored completely since several weeks after surgery and is nearly pain free. My strength has returned to about 80% and just as the Doc explained it will be slow and steady improvement for the next year as I continue my stretch and exercise routine. Although I will never return to throwing around heavy weights, I have learned to enjoy body weight exercise and core strengthening routines as advised. I will continue to adapt to avoid suffering as best I can for the rest of my life, which has been one of the best pieces of advice that I will apply in my life to more than just my physical being.
I give Dr. Gregory DiFelice my most sincere thank you for what he has done to restore the use of my arm, in turn, has restored my life and expanded my ability to resume enjoying physical activities. I could not be happier with the results of working with this excellent doctor and the top-notch support staff at HSS.
All by Physician