Patient Testimonials

I’ve been active at the gym for several years to stay in shape and help keep my blood tests in check as I get older; I particularly enjoy the H.I.I.T. training. I began developing shoulder pain that limited what exercises I could do without pain. I visited a local orthopedic surgeon and, after looking at a MRI, he recommended a bicep tenotomy. I researched it on the internet and many people my age posted that they regretted having the procedure done. I decided to get a second opinion and the second surgeon concurred with the first surgeons recommendation. I asked about a bicep tenodisis and the surgeon did not think it was a good idea; he indicated it was painful, had a long recovery time and indicated that I would lose strength in that arm. I decided to try physical therapy and a chiropractor and had some success. Eventually I tore the longhead bicep tendon from my left shoulder. In addition, I had a tear in the supraspinatus rotator cuff and bursitis in my AC joint. It was painful and I really didn’t like the deformation in my upper arm. I decided to call Mayo and they scheduled an appointment to see Dr. Okoroha. After examining me he presented me a surgical and non-surgical option; and for the record he indicated that he would have made the same recommendation as the previous surgeons given my condition at the time. He said he could perform the tenodisis, repair the rotator cuff and deburr the AC joint. I had the surgery just before my 56th birthday; it went well and I made a full recovery. Strong narcotic pain medication makes me sick to my stomach but I was able to manage the pain with Tylenol and Ibuprophen. I started physical therapy just a few days after surgery. About five and a half months after surgery I was released to full activity and have been full time at the gym since then. Dr. Okoroha did an amazing job; it’s like it never even happened. My left shoulder is pain free, I have no more deformity and it’s actually stronger than my right shoulder. Knowing what I know now I wouldn’t have waited and tolerated the pain for so long; I would have had the surgery sooner. As a bonus, I learned a lot in physical therapy; mostly how not to perform exercises. Proper form cannot be overstressed and I can see now how I injured myself over time by not properly setting my shoulders for each movement. Dr. Okoroha is very professional, a great surgeon and I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you Dr. Okoroha.