Patient Experiences

Long Distance Runner Thankful for Successful ACI/AMZ

All my life I have been on the go. It's just how I live my life and want to continue living it this way. I started playing softball when I was four years old. The position I went with from age six to 22 was catcher. I loved it! I was always in the action...and always squatting up and down. I didn't have any problems with my knees until I stopped softball and started to run long distance. I had knee pain when I was doing menial activities, such as stairs, squatting to talk to my students (I'm a teacher), etc. It wasn't any fun.

I decided I had to see a doctor. The first doctor I saw did a microfracture surgery and actually ended up making my knee worse. I ended up seeing Dr. Cole about a year later. We tried a few things and then ended up deciding I needed to have an ACI/AMZ. It was a rough few weeks after the surgery, but Dr. Cole, Natalie, and Kyle were there for me every step of the way. It was comforting to know that they would answer every question or concern I had within minutes of sending an email.

It has been a year since my ACI/AMZ and I couldn't be happier that I had this procedure done. I am back to running. I joined a run club and ran a 5K. I will also be participating in a slow pitch softball league in the spring. I have hopes to be pregnant in the next year and feel confident that this procedure has aided in all areas of my active life. I am no longer worried if I will be able to chase my kids around or be in pain during pregnancy. Thank you Dr. Cole, Natalie, and Kyle for getting me where I am today!