Injuries are weird. Running was everything and then suddenly it wasn’t. After about 3 years of trying to ignore the pain, I had to be brave and have my hip operated on to fix my cam-type hip impingement and labrum tear. I'm a really active person, and feeling my body develop more and more limitations left me feeling defeated. It wasn’t until I met Dr. Nawabi that I learned this was a structural limitation that could only get worse. He assured me that pain is scary, injury is discouraging, and none of this would be easy, but with some patience and determination this too shall pass.
Dr. Nawabi and his staff were incredible throughout the entire process - always being super thorough, making sure I got an appointment so I wasn’t in pain, and most importantly always making sure I felt heard. I also couldn’t thank him and his team enough for their emotional support when I learned less than 5 months later that I had to do it all over again on the other side.
Recovery was going great, and then a setback. I started to have some joint pain and could just tell something wasn’t right. I didn’t know what a rheumatologist was, but when I was referred to Dr. Jessica Gordon, and found out she was at HSS, I knew I would be in good hands. She discusses all of your concerns with the most sincere bedside manner, and makes sure you are 100% comfortable with the treatment plan. I’m extremely thankful for her because now Sjogrens Syndrome feels a lot less scary.
Unfortunately, I recently had one more setback. I was marathon training for my big comeback with new hips when just before race day I was diagnosed with 4 stress fractures in my feet. I was then introduced to Dr. Goolsby who has put me on the right track to make sure my 2024 running season is the best yet. She has the gift of keeping it simple, but being very thorough at the same time. Her bedside manner is so courteous and engaging to the point you forget you are at the doctors. She managed to alleviate some pretty big fears I had by spending time to talk about my situation, and everything that would and could happen.
It’s hard starting over, but I truly believe in fall down 7 times and stand up 8. HSS has changed my life, and the gratitude I have is deep rooted in my heart. Truth be told if I were good at science, would hands down go into the field so that I could make a difference in peoples lives like the many doctors, nurses, and PTs have done for me. But instead, because I'm not good at science, lam going to scream from all of the rooftops and say how amazing HSS is.
The biggest thank you to Dr. Nawabi for putting me back together (twice).
Michelle Cilenti for being the best PT I could ask for and believing in me when I don’t believe in myself.
Dr. Gordon for helping to keep my body at bay day in and day out.
Dr. Goolsby for getting to the root cause of the stress fractures to make sure I’ll be unstoppable.
Thank you HSS for everything!!
Sjogren's Syndrome
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