A patient profile by Shukura Ingram Millender.
In her own words:
“In March of 2010 I tore my left ACL playing flag football. At that time, I had reconstructive surgery using a cadaver tendon. Everything went downhill from there. Following that surgery, I had multiple complications including hardware removal and a blood clot. However, the most devastating complication was the inability to gain full extension. After 4 procedures, I started researching what could be preventing me from gaining full extension. On a popular knee injury blog, I learned about arthrofibrosis.
(Arthrofibrosis of the knee can be caused by a previous injury or surgery of the knee. Scar tissue is formed inside the joint which causes shrinkage and tightening of the knee joint’s capsule.)
After additional research and discussions with my local orthopaedic surgeon, we realized this was likely my ailment. On the same injury blog I learned about the Steadman Clinic. Because I spent the bulk of 2010 physically incapacitated (6 weeks in a wheelchair and the rest walking on crutches or with a cane), I decided to make a trip to Vail. In February 2011, I visited Vail and had a consultation with Dr. Millett. That visit led to me returning to Vail in April 2011 for another surgery. I ended up staying in Vail for 3 weeks and had 2 procedures.
My experience in Vail was phenomenal considering the circumstances. Despite my difficulty breathing in the high altitudes following surgery, the care by the physicians and staff at the Steadman Clinic, Vail Health, and Howard Head Sports Medicine was above par. Dr. Millett made himself available to me and my family every day of the week. The physical therapy team was diligent, sensitive and committed to my successful rehabilitation in a relatively short period of time. I think what I loved most about physical therapy was the “hands on,” individualized care for each therapy visit. More importantly, I was given a week-by-week, detailed, physical rehabilitation plan when I returned to Atlanta. This allowed me to continue my course of treatment as if I was in Vail. Incredibly, Thomas Olson and Dr. Millett continued to make themselves available to me via phone and e-mail once I returned to Atlanta. They were both very responsive when I called or emailed with questions or concerns; or felt like I reached a plateau in my progress.
I returned to Vail in June 2011 for a follow-up visit and in 3 short days with Thomas I made tremendous gains. I have not returned to Vail since June 2011 although Dr. Millett has always offered to see me while he was on the East coast for medical conferences and conventions (Really? Who does that!). I think the service is out of this world.
In conclusion, 2 years ago I could barely walk without assistance, was experiencing pain on a daily basis, and seriously believed that I would never walk without a limp again, much less walk down the aisle for my wedding in high heeled shoes. However, despite my pessimism, on September 1, 2012, I married the love of my life. I walked down the aisle of the wedding of my dreams, without a limp and in beautiful high-heeled shoes! I truly believe that I was only able to do that because God led me to Vail, Co to the Steadman Clinic, Dr. Peter Millett, and Thomas Olson.
I am not 100% healed and I recognize that I may not ever be, but I am forever grateful that today I am 85% better than I was 2 years ago. My quality of life is virtually normal and I can even run 3 miles! I limp from time to time and have nagging pain at times, but I assure you that I am not complaining. I am grateful for my healing thus far.
Please feel free to share my sentiments with other patients, potential patients, doctors, staff and anyone else who can benefit from knowing that I am a satisfied patient. Thank you Dr. Millett!”
Walking gracefully again,
Shukura Ingram Millender
