Patient Testimonial: A Journey of Healing and Trust
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 to be closer to her grandkids that brought her to Lancaster. With her grandchildren now in college, Cathy continues to live in Ohio, staying active and involved in her family’s life.
In her free time, she enjoys tending to her garden, a passion she’s had for years. Music is another interest, and she’s always felt a connection to the tunes of Olives Dale. At home, she shares her life with her two loyal dogs – a Golden Retriever and a German Shepherd – who are always by her side.
Despite her active lifestyle, Cathy began to experience pain that ultimately led her to seek medical care. It all started with pain in her right shoulder, accompanied by muscle inflammation between her neck and ear. The discomfort was more than just annoying—it was debilitating, especially when simple actions, like turning over in bed, caused the room to spin. “I didn’t have much time for down therapy,” Barbara explained, referring to her busy schedule and desire to push through the pain. After seeing Dr. Lui, she was referred to Dr. Brian Cohen for further evaluation.
Cathy’s trust in Dr. Cohen developed quickly, primarily due to his directness and honesty. “He said he would help me, and he followed through. He sent me to good people. I trusted him because he said what he could do, and he did it,” Barbara recalled. Her confidence in his approach was unwavering. “Oh yea, I wouldn’t hesitate to receive medical advice from him again.”
She saw Dr. Cohen at the Chillicothe location, where his demeanor and attentive listening left a lasting impression on her. Cathy could tell he was thoroughly engaged in her care. “He made me laugh, and he was personable with a great attitude,” she shared. This sense of connection helped her feel comfortable and at ease throughout her treatment plan.
When it came time for her procedure, she was admittedly anxious. The thought of the block they used in the hospital made her nervous, as she had experienced complications with it during a past surgery. However, Dr. Cohen reassured her, ensuring that he would take special care to manage the procedure without causing discomfort. “He said he would make sure he would take care of that, and not to worry,” she said. And true to his word, the experience at the hospital was smooth. “The nurses were great, the staff was good, and everything was clean.”
Today, Cathy’s pain is almost completely gone. While her muscle still feels sore from time to time, it’s a good kind of sore—the kind that comes from a muscle finally being used again after a long period of rest. “Once I got movement back in my arm, I started doing weights. I don’t lift things above my head yet, but I’m taking it easy for now,” she explained. Cathy, ever the caretaker, has continued to manage her home, taking on tasks for her husband, who is older and has health issues.
Perhaps one of the most meaningful aspects of Cathy’s recovery is the return to her favorite activities. “I can pick flowers and start gardening again,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude. “I’m so grateful that Dr. Cohen is as good as he is. Some doctors get offended by bluntness, but he wasn’t.” She also appreciated Dr. Cohen’s professionalism during a particularly stressful period in her life when her sister was undergoing chemotherapy. “He was always professional, which really helped me through that time.”
Looking back on her experience, she has no hesitation in recommending Dr. Cohen to others. “He follows through with the treatment plan, made sure I wasn’t in pain, and whatever he said he was going to do, he did. I felt safe around him,” she said. Cathy’s journey to recovery was not just about healing her body—it was about finding a trusted partner in Dr. Cohen, who helped her regain her mobility, comfort, and peace of mind.
