My Comeback Story: Susan B.

My story began when I fell on my left side going into work early in the morning on April 23, 2026. I had to have help getting off the ground and into the building, which was thankfully not that far away - complicated by the fact that I could not put my full weight on my left leg. Upon following up with the proper protocol to file a workers' compensation claim, X-rays revealed I broke my shoulder at Concentra UC. I requested to be seen by a doctor at Boulder Centre for Orthopedic and Spine; Dr. Dolbeare was on call, and from that point on, I was treated accordingly, and surgery took place on April 30th. I am very grateful for Dr. Dolbeare's excellent skills in putting my shoulder back together again, and for the additional excellent care given in the surgery center. Before surgery, I knew something was not quite right with my left leg, so I went in for an X-ray only to find out that I had a hairline fracture in the femur very close to the hardware of my hip replacement - this being a blessing that I did not need any surgical repair on my left leg! I was a hot mess for about 6 weeks - my left side was bruised in shades of purple all the way down to the tips of my toes, and my left arm swelled to double its size. I was, however, able to return to work full-time on June 1st with no restrictions since I worked a desk job. Dr. Dolbeare and staff were wonderful throughout my care in the weeks to come. After two weeks, I began PT at Concentra for my shoulder, which included dry needling after 12 weeks for both my shoulder and hip. I was also able to get back to working out at the gym, which was slow at first but progressed throughout the weeks, and by August I was able to go on vacation for a stay at my sister's home in Grand Blanc, MI, which included working out at Planet Fitness. 

Note: The picture is of my sister, and I had fun in Frankenmuth, MI. It is now October, 6 months later, and my PT is winding down. I am 95% back to being fully recovered - I say 95% because my leg is still mending due to overcompensation from not being fully functional, which required chiropractic adjustments on a weekly basis throughout the summer months and are currently at a maintenance level once a month. Chiropractic care is so important for keeping the spine, the total network connection of the body, and the immune system healthy. Throughout my care and treatment, I kept telling myself I would get through it with a positive attitude via the help I was getting from those who stepped up to come to my aid. Pain medication helped, but my pain was intense at night with hardly any sleep for weeks to come. I could not walk without a cane, and that was difficult, but it was the only option I had. I was in good shape before I fell and did not have any other health issues, which was another blessing. A year after my total hip replacement surgery, I began working out to get my body back in shape, and for this reason I feel it helped to speed up my healing from the injuries I sustained. I encourage everyone to empower themselves by embracing the healing power within you! 

All my best to Dr. Dolbeare and staff at Boulder Centre for Orthopedic and Spine.