I have had chronic knee pain since I was a teenager - when I began dislocating my kneecaps as a competitive athlete. After 3 failed procedures during my teenage years, I continued to dislocate my kneecaps, and was left in chronic pain - unable to participate in any of the activities I had previously loved to do and in constant pain (sitting, standing, walking, etc.)
The pain was getting to a place that I really could no longer bear it, and it was having a major impact on my mental/physical health and wellbeing - so I did my research and found Dr. Shubin Stein - if only I had found her sooner!
I knew I was in great hands right out the gate - she was so thoughtful and knowledgeable, and made sure to take the time to explain what she recommended for me - tibial tubercle transfer (TTT), medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) repair, and potentially some cartilage work. While I was a bit nervous at first - given my previous failed surgeries - she gave me confidence that this would allow me to no longer dislocate my kneecaps, and hopefully get back to activity.
I'm now 16 months post-op for my first procedure, and 10 months from my second, and I feel like a completely different person. I am no longer in chronic pain, and feel like I got my life back! I can do things I never imagined possible (that many take for granted), like traveling on an airplane without needing to move around constantly or sit comfortably during a work meeting. I have returned to hiking, biking, strength training, long walks and even reformer Pilates. I am forever grateful for Dr. Shubin Stein and her team, as well as my incredible PT, Vinny!