Patient Testimonial: Finding Strength in Slowing Down – Tammy Baker’s Story

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 not being able to lift, drive, or manage my usual responsibilities felt overwhelming.”

Tammy quickly realized that orthopedic surgery wasn’t just about fixing a joint—it was about reclaiming her health. Dr. Brian Cohen emphasized the importance of prioritizing her recovery without guilt. “That was a wake-up call for me,” she said. “I had to learn that resting wasn’t a weakness—it was part of the plan.”

Ahead of her procedure, Tammy prepared strategically: she arranged for family and friends to help with childcare, set up a cozy recovery space at home, and worked with her employer to take time off. “I thought it would be hard to ask for help, but people showed up in ways I didn’t expect. It reminded me that we don’t have to do everything alone.”

Open communication with Dr. Cohen and her physical therapist also played a huge role. “They understood that I wasn’t just a patient—I was a mom, a nurse, and a person with a busy life. They worked with me to make recovery realistic, not rigid.”

There were still difficult days—moments when Tammy felt frustrated by the limits of her healing body. But through mindfulness, journaling small wins, and plenty of patience, she began to find strength in slowing down.

Now, several months post-surgery, Tammy is back to doing what she loves—at home and at work—but with a new perspective. “I used to believe strength meant pushing through everything. Now I know it also means listening to your body, protecting your future, and allowing others to care for you, too.”

Are you a caregiver, mom, or professional woman preparing for orthopedic surgery? Like Tammy, you don’t have to navigate it alone.