Jennifer Reinbrecht (Foot and Ankle)

October 14, 2006

Eric J. Stahl, M.D., President
Golden Surgery Center
660 Golden Ridge Rd., Suite 110
Golden, CO  80401

Dr. Stahl:

Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude.

I'd like to share a small part of my story.

All my life I have what has been described as a "modified club foot."

As I've gotten older it has rotated further into inversion, and ultimately I could hardly walk.

I am a large, active woman who loves to hike and backpack in difficult terrain.  My favorite spot on earth is the depths of the Grand Canyon, and the only way to get there is on foot.

And I could no longer walk.

First surgery was by another surgeon outside of Panorama in September, 2005.  He "rebuilt" my lateral ankle tendo-ligament structure and performed an osteotomy to align my foot and leg.  But when I put my foot back into service after the allotted PT and recovery time, I immediately had pain, rotation and instability as before.  When I attempted to communicate my pain, instability and fears to the surgeon, I was dismissed as a hypochondriac, problem patient.  The surgery was a success.  The patient was a problem.

I returned to my podiatrist for an evaluation.  He believed I still had a lot to gain and recommended I see Dr. Mark Conklin at your facility.  I paid for that visit out of pocket, unsure if my provider would pay for a consult, another surgery or whatever might be recommended.

From the beginning I was impressed with every staff person, your streamlined procedures, office promptness and professionalism.  Dr. Conklin took the necessary time for a thorough evaluation, answered my questions, and restored hope.  He, too, believed I could gain more correction. 

I pursued my provider, who authorized a second surgery and I had surgery June 26^th.

This Labor Day I did a two mile and four mile hike.  I still needed the crutches for support.  Two weeks ago I took my first day hike with walking sticks on a trail with uneven, rocky scree.  On the loop back I stopped and cried for joy.  There was no pain, my foot felt stable, I felt solid and I was moving with confidence and strength.  Since then I have moved from swimming to the elliptical trainer at my gym and can push hard without pain or give.

I cannot tell you how thankful I am for Dr. Conklin, your staff and your clinic.  I have a chance now, in the years ahead, to continue the activities that bring me such joy.  I was treated with professionalism and understanding every step of the way.  I tell everyone I know about Panorama.  You stand apart.

Thank you,

Jennifer L. Reinbrecht