By the time I came to Dr. Malhotra, I had already experienced multiple misdiagnoses and negative interactions within the healthcare system. I was unable to walk without crutches and was in extreme amounts of pain after multiple unsuccessful surgeries. Dr. Malhotra was the first physician I had seen who actually listened to my story and believed me.
Dr. Malhotra has been by my side over the past 3 years while I have learned to manage Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). He has also played an integral role in helping me navigate my other complex chronic health conditions. While many physicians saw my case as too complicated or difficult, Dr. Malhotra adapted to each and every challenge that came our way. He knew when I needed to bring in another physician to my care team and knew when it was time to pivot and try something new. His knowledge far exceeds traditional pain medicine, and he is a perfect example of participatory and collaborative care.
Dr. Malhotra has performed multiple sympathetic blocks, epidural injections, and denervations for my various pain disorders over the years. Aside from being technically skillful, he is someone that doesn’t give up – no matter how challenging the path ahead is. He has provided the emotional and mental clarity I needed at times when I felt like giving up, and has restored my faith in the healthcare system.
As a patient with chronic illness, it is very rare to find a physician like Dr. Malhotra. He is compassionate, committed, and incredibly smart.
I may have CRPS, but I can now walk without crutches. I still have pain, but I can embrace and enjoy the things around me more. Most importantly – Dr. Malhotra empowered me to take control of my own care by learning to manage my symptoms, build a team of caring physicians around me, and reclaim my identity. It has been an arduous journey back to health, and while I still have a long road ahead, I would not be here to tell this story without him.
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