Mary Wengerd Total Shoulder Replacement
A Journey of Healing: A Patient’s Story of Overcoming Shoulder Pain with Dr. Brian Cohen
From Canton, Ohio, Mary Wengerd, in her 50s, had lived a life full of moments where she could help others, whether it was driving friends and family around, coloring to relax, or simply lending a hand. She was right-handed, and like many people, her hands were her lifeline. But when pain slowly crept into her right shoulder, it changed everything.
Her shoulder pain wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was crippling. “I couldn’t hardly turn the wheel with my right hand,” she recalled, explaining how the pain had severely impacted even the simplest of tasks. The joy of driving, of helping others, became a distant memory. She had to take frequent breaks just to get through the day, and the activities that used to bring her peace, like coloring or listening to music, became difficult to enjoy. She felt helpless.
After months of dealing with this unrelenting pain, her situation took an even harder turn. Following a difficult personal transition, she found herself not only dealing with emotional turmoil but also further injuring her shoulder by lifting and packing without assistance. The damage was real—her shoulder burned with pain, and the muscles felt detached. Simple tasks, like reaching behind her or gripping a hand, were out of the question.
Feeling desperate, she finally sought medical care. Her journey took her to Dr. Brian Cohen after a recommendation from Dr. Casey Chamberlain, a doctor who was familiar with her and her condition. The first appointment with Dr. Cohen would change everything.
“I was in tears,” she admitted. “I couldn’t even grip his hand.” Dr. Cohen, who had already reviewed her records from the previous hospital, took the time to sit with her. He listened to her fears, understood her pain, and promised that he would help her get better. He explained her condition in detail, showing her the MRI and how the muscles in her shoulder were detached. He also made it clear that this injury was beyond the point of delay; surgery could no longer be postponed.
The road to surgery wasn’t easy. Her previous physician would not proceed with surgery until she agreed to lose weight and quit smoking; continuing to make her feel helpless.
While those changes were recommended, Dr. Cohen was confident he could proceed with the surgery she needed. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she had a doctor on her side. While the surgery was successful, the recovery wasn’t without challenges, however the results were already becoming evident. Four weeks after the surgery, she was finally able to move her shoulder with ease. For the first time in months, she could turn the steering wheel with her right hand without pain. “I tried driving a week after surgery, and now, I can turn the wheel with my right hand like I used to before the pain,” she said, her voice filled with relief.
Dr. Cohen’s compassionate care didn’t stop after the surgery. He had been with her every step of the way, not only answering her questions but also ensuring that her recovery was smooth. “If he didn’t answer my questions, his nurse did,” she noted. The support she received was more than medical—it was emotional, too. Dr. Cohen took the time to ensure she understood everything, even the specifics of the surgery, down to reversing the ball and socket in her shoulder.
The day of her surgery was an emotional one. She was afraid of not waking up, a fear that many patients share. But the nurses, especially Zach, made sure she felt comfortable, even holding her hand when she asked. The team was kind, respectful, and reassuring, and when the procedure was over, Zach went above and beyond to help manage her COPD, which had flared up due to the nerve block. He checked on her constantly, ensuring her comfort and well-being.
Now, four weeks post-surgery, her pain has drastically subsided. She’s slowly returning to the activities she loves, though with caution. She’s coloring again, though she takes her time. She’s driving once more, and even doing laundry—but watching how much she lifts. “The pain has subsided up until last night,” she said with a smile, reflecting on the journey she had been through. Though there’s still some recovery ahead, the difference is night and day from before the surgery.
Her family has been a huge support system during her recovery. They’ve been there when she needed them most, especially her nephew’s fiancé, who comforted her during the tough moments when she’d lie in bed, overwhelmed by pain. Looking back, she said, “I would recommend Dr. Cohen to anyone. He doesn’t play around—he’s good, and he gets things done.” She wished she’d seen him sooner. Had she done that, perhaps her shoulder wouldn’t have gotten as bad as it did. But the important thing is, now she’s on the road to recovery.
For anyone struggling with similar pain, her advice is simple: “Go see Dr. Cohen. He’s the one who will help you get better.” It’s not just the surgery that changed her life—it’s the compassionate, thorough care she received that gave her a new lease on life.
