Patient Stories
Melissa Ritchie’s life has always been centered around family. As a mother of eight and a grandmother of two, her days are filled with kids’ sporting events, tournaments, and time spent with the people she loves most. Working in medical billing, she’s no stranger to the healthcare world, but nothing could have prepared her for
For Jay Judy, life has always been hands-on. Originally from Windsor, Georgia, Jay spent years working for TVA at power substations before eventually making his way back to Ohio around 2011 to be closer to family during a difficult time. Most recently, he was driving a semi truck, until prolonged delays in properly addressing his
For Sherry Johnson, a longtime Columbus, Ohio resident, life was once full of simple joys, spending time with family, traveling, and relaxing with a good movie. Married for 16 years with a son now living in Las Vegas, Sherry spent much of her career caring for others, working as a patient transporter for 17 years
At 48, Erika Adkins was struggling with more than just everyday aches, her mobility was severely limited by persistent pain in her hip and lower back. For months, she had been told by a previous surgeon that she needed a hip replacement. She even received a shot in her hip in hopes of relief, but
When Lisa Johns first heard about Dr. Cohen, it wasn’t in a doctor’s office, it was at Fringe Salon in Pt. Pleasant, West Virginia. She overheard another client sharing her experience and couldn’t help but listen closely. After years of struggling with knee pain and feeling discouraged by a previous physician who declined surgery due to her
Jaqueline Pollard is semi-retired and calls Portsmouth, Ohio home. After spending 13 years in New Mexico, she returned to Ohio to care for her mother. Married with two step-children, Jaqueline stays active year-round, especially in the summer, through hiking, gardening, volunteering with Mainstreet Portsmouth In Bloom, and doing plenty of outdoor work. For nearly a
Tyler Wall is the kind of student-athlete who gives everything his full effort. A straight-A student, quarterback for Madison Plains High School, and track athlete, Tyler balances school, sports, a part-time job, and time with family and friends. At 6’3” and 225 pounds, football isn’t just something he plays, it’s a major part of who
For more than five decades, Daniel Perry has called Vinton County home. Music has always been a big part of his life, playing and singing in a small band, staying active in the local music scene, and spending time with family. Life was steady, familiar, and full of the things he loved, until pain changed
Patient Testimonial: Finding Strength, Confidence, and Relief with Dr. Brian Cohen After a lifetime spent in motion, from catching behind home plate in high school baseball, to flying F-15s in the Air Force for 22 years, to a 40-year aviation career with United Airlines, slowing down was never part of his plan. Living just north of Marion
When Christina first met Dr. Brian Cohen, she was at a breaking point. A fall down a set of steps had left her in unbearable pain; pain that stole her mobility, her confidence, and her active lifestyle. For months, she tried to push through, managing what she could around her family’s small farm. But even
Stephanie Stewart, a Columbus, Ohio native, spent over 30 years as a nursing assistant and now works as a virtual observer at Ohio Health. A mother of two and grandmother of one, Stephanie also serves as a caregiver for her sister with dementia. Before her hip surgery, hobbies like swimming, walking, and gardening had fallen
When Tammy Baker, a 47-year-old mother of three and a full-time nurse, faced shoulder surgery for a torn rotator cuff, she worried less about the procedure and more about everything she’d have to put on hold. “As a caregiver at work and at home, I’m always the one others depend on,” Tammy shared. “The thought of
“I have always had a job on my feet” is something many of us can say, but at 59-years-old that may take on a new meaning. For Tracey Forcum, it did. Tracey was born and raised in Chillicothe, Ohio and is currently the Food Service Director at Unioto Schools. She graduated from Unioto High School,
Hudson, a dedicated freshman athlete from Clarksburg, Ohio, lives and breathes sports. Whether he’s on the baseball field, basketball court, or reminiscing about his days as a high school football player, his passion for athletics is unmistakable. When he’s not training or competing, Hudson stays active in 4-H, serves as a camp counselor, and tends
John Blankenship has dedicated over 22 years of his life to the fire service as a firefighter and paramedic. For the last 12 years, he served as a senior officer. Staying physically fit was a top priority throughout his career, whether it was running marathons, participating in triathlons, or simply maintaining the physical endurance needed
Born and raised in Chillicothe, Rae Wallen Helton had spent over a decade at another hospital before beginning a new chapter of her life in December 2024. A mother of two boys, ages 14 and 10, she was navigating life with resilience and grace. Despite the challenges, including the tragic loss of her first husband,
Cathy, a devoted grandmother and mother, has always been deeply rooted in Ohio. She spent much of her career serving the veterans at the VA, dedicating over 20 years to providing case management for HIV, bariatric, and hepatitis C treatment, even spending some time in Oklahoma. However, it was her decision to return to Ohio
Bobbie Berry, a 45-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, has had a long and challenging journey with her shoulder, a journey that has impacted her ability to enjoy her life and her time with family. As a grandmother of eight, Bobbie loves spending time with her grandchildren, hiking along creeks, fishing, and arrowhead hunting with her husband.
When Mr. Tindall came to us, he was at a breaking point. Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, he had moved to Ohio after a series of medical setbacks. His journey started with back issues, including an artificial disk replacement surgery in 2022, which had initially been meant to address his pain. But over time, his health
In 2021, Tammy’s life took a dramatic turn. She contracted COVID-19, which led to her spending eight long months in the hospital. For 40 days, she was on a ventilator, and doctors told her family that she wasn’t expected to survive. Tammy lost all her toes, suffered severe nerve damage in her hands and feet,
Trent Fannin, a 40-year-old from Chillicothe, Ohio, lives a busy and active life with his wife Hillary and their four young children. Trent owns Rost Coffee and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities in his free time, including snowboarding, golfing, and mountain biking. His love for adventure, however, took a sudden turn on last August,
Meet Robert Woodrum:Robert Woodrum is a proud father of five, grandfather of 20, and great-grandfather of 19. Born and raised in Southern Ohio, Robert now lives in Zanesville, where he enjoys a fulfilling life after retiring from the auto glass business. His life has been filled with family, faith, and hobbies like woodworking, crafting with
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
A Journey of Recovery: A Patient’s Story of Finding Relief with Dr. Brian Cohen For over 40 years, Jackie and Steve has called Circleville home, having moved from Pittsburgh, PA, in 1983. Both were hardworking individuals—Jackie had spent much of her career in chemical engineering at PPG (Pittsburgh Paints and Glass), and Steve worked as
“I’m a hard sale and he gets 100% of my confidence. He took care of all my issues; he knows what he’s doing,” said Terry. Terry Hall of Columbus, Ohio knew it was time to get his hip fixed when his granddaughter said, “Look I’m galloping like grandpa.” Terry was fed up with the pain,
Jozie knows what it’s like to truly never give up; after two ACL tears and extended therapy she is back to the grind. This time, at a new level having signed at Houghton University for track and field this year. Rewind a bit – In April 2023, Jozie was long jumping during a track meet
“I couldn’t reach across the table for my card games, I had to quit water aerobics, and a lot of the activities I really enjoy.” Does this sound like you? Perhaps a joint replacement is in store to help get those activities back! For Jane Maddie, it sure was. Jane was an activity director for
“In my career, I’ve learned that trust means everything and Dr. Brian Cohen was more than trustworthy to me,” stated Jack Williams. Jack is retired after 23 years as a correctional officer for the Ohio Department of Rehab and Corrections. After several assaults and overtime, his shoulder was in superior pain. “My bicep tendon had
“He was the first physician that didn’t make me feel like it was my fault. He gave me hope,” expressed Pamela. Pamela has lived in West Virginia all her life and when her husband passed away 6 years ago, she was left with nothing, but bad knees. After many injections and rejections for surgery she
“I couldn’t do anything. It took me ten minutes to get up,” stated Edward. Edward Higgins is a cancer survivor, retired electrician and now, a double knee replacement advocate. In his free time, he enjoys working on small engines and playing with his grandkids. Once those activities became nearly impossible, he knew it was time.
It’s certainly not a good day when you can’t wash your back! Margaret found herself struggling to do the things that were essential in her life like washing her back and lifting things out of the oven after her fall. Margaret Barlow, Piketon, Ohio local, enjoys walking, cooking and being with her family. Between spending
Margaret Parker, “Margie”, is a former news reporter and graduate of the Ohio State University; two solid reasons why doing her research before getting a major surgery was important to her. She waited almost 20 years with pain before deciding it was time to get a bilateral knee replacement. Prior to the pain, she was
“I absolutely, just love him. He’s been in my life for over 20 years as a friend and mentor. There was no question for who I was choosing to help me.” It all started in 2003 when Leslie Murphy started working with Dr. Cohen as a medical assistant. She was an instrumental part in growing
“He is considered to be the best and that’s what I wanted.” Steven Shumaker is retired from hood packaging, born in Greenfield, Ohio and has multiple kids and grandkids. In his spare time, he likes to antique shop. But since his fall in November of 2022, Steve had unbearable shoulder pain keeping him from enjoying
The motor carts at the front of the grocery store did a lot more for Jean than help her around the store. They influenced her to get knee replacements. “I hate those things and I couldn’t go anywhere without one. It’s what really convinced me it was time,” said Jean Kennedy. Jean has worked for
It’s always important to listen to your body. When you don’t listen, conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, obesity, and additional injuries can occur. Jessica knew something was not right with her shoulder, so she sought out answers. When speaking about her very first appointment with Dr. Brian Cohen, Orthopedic Surgeon, she said, “I was
“You don’t walk or look like you had knee surgery,” is something Jerry Allen hears a lot. After four years of scrutinizing knee pain, Allen decided it was time to seek care and with the experience his family has had with Dr. Brian Cohen, Orthopedic Surgeon, the question, where never crossed his mind. Jerry Allen
Construction was among our top 5 jobs associated with joint pain. Typically, the same motions day after day will wear down cartilage and cause joint pain. While some careers require the same motions, others may not. Many years in construction, among other factors led Lawrence Tackett to a double knee replacement in August 2023. Lawrence
Starting the new year off on the right foot is something most of us aspire to do. Teresa Page gave a real, literal meaning to that this year, after getting a hip replacement. Mrs. Page has not walked since 2018 and since then, she’s had 9 grandchildren. “They are amazed,” she said as she explained
