Patient Testimonial: John Blankenship
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 to meet the demands of his job. However, over the last nine years, John underwent multiple surgeries as his joints began to deteriorate, eventually leading to the need for a total left knee replacement last July.
Outside of work, John has always enjoyed an active lifestyle. He loves running, biking, swimming, hiking, hunting, and fishing—anything that keeps him outdoors and moving. But over time, his body began to limit those activities. He could no longer run more than a few steps, biking became restricted to just a few miles, and even hiking became difficult. His once active lifestyle seemed like a distant memory, and John knew he needed to find a way to get back to it.
The pain started years ago with a tibia plateau fracture, which required screws to be inserted into his leg. Over time, arthritis set in, and the pain became unbearable. After seeing an orthopedic doctor in Columbus, John was told that nothing could be done to help him. However, a friend who had undergone knee replacement surgery recommended Dr. Brian Cohen and the Mako robot-assisted knee replacement. Intrigued, John made an appointment with Dr. Cohen.
“When I first met with him I was dependent on Tylenol and ibuprofen just to function and had reached the point where I could barely move.”
After reviewing John’s medical history, including the previous trauma from the fracture, and after reviewing his tests, Dr. Cohen recommended a Mako knee replacement. He explained that, with the right care, a revision surgery wouldn’t be necessary down the line. At that point, John knew he was in good hands.
After meeting Dr. Cohen, John felt an immediate connection. Dr. Cohen was genuine, honest, and upfront. What stood out the most was that Dr. Cohen gave him his personal cell phone number and told him to reach out if needed. During recovery, John texted him a couple of times, and Dr. Cohen responded promptly, making him feel well cared for.
Dr. Cohen’s approach to care solidified John’s trust in him. Unlike many doctors who simply tell you what to do, Dr. Cohen took the time to listen to all of John’s concerns and answered every question. Knowing that John was nearing the end of his career in the fire service and his insurance was running out, Dr. Cohen arranged an MRI for his shoulder pain that same day and handled all the necessary paperwork, ensuring that everything was taken care of.
The overall care John received was exceptional. Dr. Cohen’s nurses were wonderful and clearly cared about their patients, reflecting the strong, supportive environment Dr. Cohen has
created in his office. The entire team was efficient and compassionate, making John feel valued every step of the way.
“Dr. Cohen is more than just a surgeon—he’s a doctor who truly walks beside his patients throughout their journey. From the moment I sat down with him, it was clear that he cares deeply about his patients and is committed to their well-being before, during, and after the procedure.”
Now, after the knee replacement, John is living pain-free. He can bike, swim, fish, hunt, and even climb into a tree stand again. Although sitting for long periods can still cause a bit of discomfort, John is pain-free every day, something he never thought was possible.
“I spent much of the winter in Wisconsin, ice fishing four days a week—activities I never thought I would be able to enjoy again.”
