Todd Rosen

Having been very active with boxing, martial arts, weight training, running, and cycling, I gradually observed a decrease in the range of motion in my left shoulder while experiencing increasing pain. In addition, I have a disabled daughter who is wheelchair bound, so this was causing me to have difficulty lifting and assisting her. For a time, Dr. Dines treated this conservatively ensuring that I was able to care for my daughter and participate in the activities I enjoy.

Eventually, my shoulder problems became so severe that they impaired my ability to conduct many of these activities. I was no longer in the game.

We decided in February of 2021 that my best option for being able to assist my daughter and getting back to the activities I enjoy was to undergo a total shoulder replacement. In spite of my fear, Dr. Dines and Matthew Pode (PA) guided me through the process, answered the many questions I had, and addressed all of my concerns. After the consultation, I felt confident that I was making the best decision, and Dr. Dines was working with me to ensure that the outcomes I desired were achieved. After the surgery, both Dr. Dines and Matthew answered the many questions I had concerning the sensations I was experiencing and what I am permitted to do, what I am prohibited from doing, and what I should be doing. The empathy they showed for what I was going through, their concern for everything I was concerned about, and their patience with all my questions were truly remarkable.

The team that supports Dr. Dines' practice is exceptional. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was trying to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dines and then surgery. I was well taken care of by his office staff. They helped me to schedule appointments, navigate the insurance maze to ensure I was covered for everything, make sure I had my medicine and ice machine waiting for me at home, and answered the numerous questions I had as they came up. Everything went without a hitch.

It is impossible for me to discuss the surgery without mentioning HSS. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary. When I arrived at the hospital that morning, I was shaking due to my nervousness. The hospital staff were wonderful, from the people who checked me in to the security guards who ensured that everything would be okay, to the nurses who made me feel comfortable both before and after the surgery. I would like to recognize the anesthesiologist who realized how nervous I was about walking into the operating room before being sedated. I do not like the look, sound, and smell of the operating room as it scares me. He took the time to calm me down and partially sedate me outside of the operating room. I do not recall entering the room. I only remember waking up in recovery. After surgery, I was seen by a large number of nurses, doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, etc. It was amazing to think there was a team of people working to make sure that I going to be Back in the Game.

The surgery went as expected and there was minimal pain. Following surgery and a few months of physical therapy, I am able to lift and care for my daughter without any limitations. Additionally, I have returned to the gym and am lifting weights, running, cycling long distances, and even shadow boxing. Cycling used to cause pain in my left shoulder since I would be resting my weight on my hands, wrists, arms, and shoulder while cycling. After a long ride, my left hand would always be numb. Since the surgery, I have ridden from London to Paris, Bangkok to Siem Reap, Amsterdam to Bruges, and many other 50-100 mile rides around the country. With all of this riding, I have never experienced a single moment of shoulder discomfort.

An example of a "before" picture is shown in the photographs. It is the picture in which I am wearing black and red shorts and a red, white, and blue jersey. Notice that my left arm is not up, and my face displays a look of severe pain. In contrast, compare that with the other cycling photos to see the dramatic difference where there is no pain and my arm is straight up, holding my bike high in the air.

Thank you, Dr. Dines and HSS