Kristen Giddens (Bilateral Patellar Re-alignment)
I wanted to say a great big Thank You to Dr. Gottlob and the staff at Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center!!!I have a connective tissue disorder called Ehler's Danlos, which causes my connective tissue to be loose, allowing all of my joints to dislocate. Over the past 15 years, I have had numerous surgeries on both shoulders; 41 to be exact. The experience I went through with my shoulders was not pleasant and I could have lived without all of the surgeries; including 2 failed total shoulder replacements, a staph infection that almost ended my life, and a lot of experimental surgeries in between. Thankfully, my shoulders are fixed, and are doing well.
When my knees went from dislocating occasionally to a few times a month, I was concerned I would be heading down the same road I did for my shoulders and was extremely hesitant about having surgery on my knees.
Unfortunately, the choice was made for me after my dogs knocked me down the stairs. I did a lot of research and decided to try one of the doctors at Panorama. After my first meeting with Dr. Gottlob (Dr. G), my worries and concerns were gone. He spent almost an hour with me during our first meeting; listening to my complete history, going over my records, answering all of my questions and my husbands questions. He never made me feel like a science project, a freak or just another number. He is easy to talk to, has a great sense of humor, explains all of his thoughts clearly, and in terms that I understand.
1st Surgery - Left Knee
In August 2007, Dr. Gottlob performed a patellar realignment (with a few other procedures) on my left knee. Prior to the surgery, everyone that came in contact with me took the time to explain what they were doing, and why they were doing it. I stayed at the surgery center overnight to make sure my pain level was under control, and went home the next morning. The staff at the surgery center were fantastic! They made sure I was comfortable and that I had everything I needed. After about 8 weeks, I was off my crutches, out of my brace and on the road to recovery. By March 2008, my left knee was healed and I had already been on the river fly-fishing a few times.
2nd Surgery - Right Knee
In June 2008, my right knee needed to be repaired, and I would not have anyone other than Dr. Gottlob perform the surgery. He performed the same procedure on my right knee, following the same protocol that he did with my left knee. I was off my crutches and out of my brace within 6 weeks for my second surgery, and again, was treated with total respect, and kindness before and after the surgery. Dr. Gottlob even took the time to make sure my scars mirrored each other and were symmetrical on both knees :) My right knee is healing nicely, and in two weeks, I will be going on my first fly-fishing trip since the surgery. Neither one of my knees dislocate, and the pain I had in both of them is gone.
I consider myself to be a pro at being a patient, and over the past 15 years, I have seen many orthopedic doctors that forget the patient is an actual person, and need to be treated with respect and care. The entire staff at Panorama seem to have the same goal in mind...the patient!They treat people with respect, and really know how to help patients heal and get back to a normal life. Dr. Gottlob is an extraordinary surgeon, with a great sense of humor, which helps ease the patients concerns regarding surgery. He also holds a record...he is the only doctor to perform a surgery on my once, and not have to go back in for more surgery.
Thanks Dr. G for being so cool and kind, and making my knees well enough to fly-fish again. You are awesome and I recommend you and the Panorama Orthopedic Center to anyone in need of orthopedic care.
Sincerely,
Kirsten Giddens
