Rich Ehrlich

With five weeks to go before running my next marathon (state #47; overall #109), I suddenly found myself in excruciating pain from my groin to my outer hip. I could not walk for more than 100 feet without having to sit and could not cross the street unescorted if there were less than 30 seconds to do so. I was certain that I needed a new hip and that my running days were over.

I was saved by Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi, who addressed my situation with extraordinary attention, compassion and skill. He looked at my x-rays, told me that I did not need a new hip, advised that my pain was caused from a herniated disc, and said, simply and confidently (with words that I will never forget): "I can fix this." He added that he would have me ready in time for my next scheduled race. He did! The minimally invasive spinal procedure was relatively painless and completely successful with minimal recovery time.

Amazingly, only a few weeks after spinal surgery, I completed a marathon in my 47th state as originally scheduled and without pain. In the post-race finishers area, I'm sure I appeared a little crazy as I joyously spoke of my recent surgery and showed my one-inch scar to anyone who was near me. Marathons 48, 49 and 50 followed each month thereafter all on schedule - and all painlessly - as well.

Dr. Qureshi is a magician to whom I am grateful beyond words for giving my running life back to me.