I wanted to send you an update on my knee and how it’s going…
I ran the NYC Marathon this past Sunday… something before the surgery I NEVER thought I would be able to accomplish…
It was incredibly emotional for me and for my family who knew how much this knee injury took from my mental and physical health.
Completing the marathon was healing and rewarding in so many ways and I felt that I needed to share with you because I obviously could not have completed it without you and the surgery!
Thank you so much…
(Gillis had a tibial tubercle osteotomy and osteochondral allograft patella.)
After more than 2 years of constant pain and swelling with no real diagnosis, we found Dr. Strickland. Within minutes and with just a look, Dr. Strickland knew exactly what the problem was. I am a competitive dancer and Dr. Strickland assured me that I would be back dancing within 9-12 months pain-free. It was the start of comp season and there was no way that I was going to have surgery then. But after my first competition in February 2018, the pain was unbearable.
Even though I was scared, I decided to move forward with the surgery. On April 9th I had a tibial tubercle transfer (TTT), which is a pretty invasive surgery to move the patella down into the correct position. Then I was 6 weeks non-weight bearing, which was really hard as a dancer since I was very active and dancing 6 days a week. I was told I would not be able to dance for 9-12 months, which was really hard to swallow.
But, I did what I was supposed to do and with lots of hard work and dedication I was back to dancing in 4 months! I just had my first competition. No pain whatsoever! I can’t thank Dr. Strickland and her whole entire team enough for everything! Simply amazing!!!
I came to Dr. Strickland for help after tearing my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while skiing. She was so knowledgeable and professional, and I immediately trusted her. Then I had ACL reconstruction surgery on March 15th, 2021 and it went seamlessly. Dr. Strickland and Meghan Reed then guided me through recovery, always answered my questions promptly, and were happy to support me too. I always felt I was in good, capable hands.
A year after surgery I was even able to hike the Inca Trail, a 26 mile 4 day hike with a lot of elevation gain and decline. My knee had no issues throughout the hike. I’m so grateful to be back outdoors and doing things I love, like traveling and hiking!
I came to Dr. Strickland scared, anxious, and in immense pain as a result of a bad fall and resulting significant shoulder injury. From the outset, Dr. Strickland balanced compassion and kindness with extreme thoroughness and competency. She recognized right away that my situation required a sense of urgency.
In facilitating an immediate MRI, she was able to quickly uncover and repair an issue. That issue would have likely caused lifelong pain had it not been corrected in a timely manner. I came to Dr. Strickland with a completely immobile arm, unable to put a shirt on by myself, let alone pick up any of my three young children. I really felt like I would never be the same.
Dr. Strickland was able to restore me back to my previous active lifestyle. Today I am 100% back doing Pilates, weights, yoga, and push ups too, not even a year later. Being able to lift my 30 pound child out of his crib is the greatest blessing of all and something that was impossible before my surgery.
Starry Night! Not enough stars for my review for Dr. Sabrina Strickland and her team. Dr. Strickland repaired a root tear to my meniscus, which was a 6 week non-weight bearing nightmare for an avid runner who hates to ask for help with anything.
During the 6 weeks, I questioned many times if I would be able to return to the lifestyle I had lived prior to the tear. I have 10 Ironman triathlon finishes and many marathons under my belt. Finally, I am currently 5 months post-op and can run 6 miles no problem. Five months until the NYC Marathon – real good chance.
Dr. Strickland did promise me one thing – skiing by summer!
