Steve Landau Knee Replacement

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 a robotic welder. They are now retired, but retirement didn’t mean slowing down. They love tending to their home landscape, walking, upcycling and spending time with their grandchildren. While Steve is also passionate about golfing. They both dreamed of starting to travel, but for a long time, Steve’s pain had held them back.

For years, Steve had battled a multitude of health challenges, including bicep and back surgeries, a knee replacement, and a recent pacemaker placement. Despite all the surgeries and medical interventions, something wasn’t right. His knee pain, especially in the right knee, was debilitating. He had undergone left knee replacement surgery back in 2017, but this time, he hoped for a different approach—preferably robotic surgery, as he had heard it could offer better outcomes.

Steve’s journey to finding Dr. Brian Cohen was one of both frustration and hope. After being told by multiple orthopedic doctors that his right knee surgery would have to wait until he went through a grueling regimen of weight loss, physical therapy, and vein restoration, Steve felt stuck. His condition wasn’t improving. The doctors didn’t seem to listen to his pain or his needs, and the idea of enduring yet another long process before getting the surgery he needed was overwhelming.

Then he remembered hearing good things about Dr. Cohen, a doctor he had been briefly treated by at Adena Health System. Since his leave, Steve had heard positive feedback from friends and family, and when he called his office, things moved quickly. Steve felt a renewed sense of hope when he first met Dr. Cohen. Having been treated by various specialists for years, Steve wasn’t easily impressed, but Dr. Cohen’s quick intelligence and approachability made a lasting impression.

“He’s a doctor’s doctor,” Steve remarked. “I don’t impress easily, but I was impressed by him.”

Dr. Cohen took the time to listen, to understand Steve’s history and current pain, and to explain the plan for moving forward. He didn’t waste time with unnecessary delays. Unlike the other doctors, who had made Steve jump through hoops, Dr. Cohen immediately understood the gravity of his situation and scheduled the necessary procedure for Steve’s right knee. His approach was thorough and compassionate, but most importantly, it was clear: Dr. Cohen was on Steve’s side.

“Dr. Cohen went above and beyond,” Steve said. “I’ve never had a physician who was so available. I could call him directly, not a robot or nurse, but the actual doctor. That was amazing. Not only did I get that level of care, but my wife did too.”

Steve’s surgery was performed in Pickerington, where he stayed for four days. Dr. Cohen made it a point to check on him every single day, ensuring he was comfortable and addressing any concerns he had. When Steve was transferred to a rehabilitation facility, he had more questions about medications and the transfer process, and once again, Dr. Cohen was there, answering the phone personally to guide him.

“I don’t know how he does everything he does,” Steve said. “He’s always on top of it.”

The results were transformative. Steve’s right knee, the one that had given him the most trouble, felt stronger than his left knee, which had been replaced years earlier. The pain he’d lived with for so long was finally subsiding. “My pain level is down to about a ¾,” Steve said with a sense of relief. “I was able to climb up four rungs of a ladder to get to the rafters in my garage—something I haven’t been able to do for four years.”

What really struck Steve was how quickly he was able to return to the activities that had once been out of reach. “I used to sit in a wheelchair watching my grandchildren play their games, but now that chair’s sitting in the garage with a cover on it. I’m not using it anymore.”

It was a new year, and Steve felt a sense of renewal he hadn’t experienced in years. “It’s a blessed new year,” he said. “Neither one of us thought we would be in this position, but it’s all thanks to Dr. Cohen’s care.”

Steve’s family noticed the change too. His wife noted that he was once very demanding and intelligent but frustrated by his declining athletic ability. His friends were eagerly waiting for him to return to the golf course, and even Steve himself looked forward to regaining that part of his life. He had always enjoyed traveling with his family, whether it was trips to Amish country or a zoo visit, but for years, his pain had prevented him from enjoying those outings fully.

Now, he and Jackie are planning a trip together this month. “It’s been a long time coming!” Steve said with excitement. They are finally going to enjoy the activities they had longed to do, all thanks to Dr. Cohen’s skill and compassion.

For anyone dealing with knee pain or considering surgery, Steve’s advice is simple: “Go to Dr. Cohen. He’s the best—thorough, compassionate, and always on top of things. His team is just as good, and I couldn’t recommend him more highly. He doesn’t just treat the patient; he cares for the entire family.”

It was clear that, for Steve and Jackie, this journey wasn’t just about physical healing—it was about regaining the quality of life they thought was lost forever. And for Steve, the road ahead finally feels open again, with a future full of golf, travel, and, most importantly, time with family.

Thanks to Dr. Cohen, Steve’s story of pain has become one of recovery, and his life has started again, just as he had hoped.