In 2019, I was in a wheelchair with very little hope of ever walking again. As a matter of fact, it was in April 2019 that I was told by a former surgeon that the most likely outcome for me would be amputation of my left leg.
After bacteria and fungus were found to have eaten my patella tendon as well as much of my tibia and fibula, I was facing a grim reality. It was a very dark time in my life, filled with fear and anxiety as well as grief over the idea that I might lose a limb and be forever disabled. I am a very healthy, middle-aged woman who loves hiking, walking, swimming, kayaking, gardening, bicycling, you name it. If it’s active, I love it.
I believe it may have been divine intervention that brought me to Dr. Bostrom and Dr. Gayle and their combined incredible team. I knew nothing about HSS or these fine people until someone told me I should check out Dr. Bostrom because “he’s known for fixing worst-case scenarios.” I had just about given up hope at that point, since another orthopedic surgeon in CT had also told me that amputation was probably my best option. With what little emotional strength I had left, I called Dr. Bostrom’s office.
My journey with Dr. Bostrom began at that first appointment on June 26, 2019. The moment he told me that amputation was no longer on the table as an option, the floodgates opened and my heart was filled with gratitude.
I’ve had three surgeries with Dr. Bostrom, 2 spacers to rid me of the infection and then the new device put in January 23, 2020. Dr. Gayle, the plastic surgeon, did my skin graft and muscle flap, and according to my in-home nurses, he did an absolutely beautiful job. I took my first step in Dr. Gayle’s office in mid-February, after one whole year in a wheelchair. There are no works to describe this feeling. There are no words to describe how I feel about Dr. Bostrom and the team.
All by Physician