A Very "Fluid" Situation With A Real Happy Ending,…read more
I am a 64 year old semi-retired Executive Chef from Verona, NJ. I remember, quite vividly, being a strong and competent leader while I worked in professional kitchens all across the country. One thing I demanded, from my workers, was for them to honor and uphold their personal pledge to uphold and honor the word "perfection". God knows none of us are perfect in our ways but it is challenging to try to be a great example especially in our workplace and in our homes with our loving families. I really enjoy meeting new friends and working with people who are "perfectionists" in their ways. I also enjoy people who are good teachers. I love listening and learning new things each and every day.
Several months ago, I took a terrible fall in my bathroom, in the dead of night, and fractured my humerus bone in my shoulder, in 5 different places. To make a very long story short, my team of doctors elected not to do complete shoulder replacement surgery right away. Instead physical therapy would play the most important role. I was pretty damn frustrated too because #1, I was in a lot of physical pain and #2, I have already had two new hips replaced and three back surgeries during the course of the last 5 years. Believe me, going back to rehab was not in this Chef's plans again!
One day (even before my accident), one of my registered nurse friends noticed deep and troubling swelling coming from my feet and my legs. She was worried that edema (an evil bodily fluid) was penetrating my body and perhaps even headed to my heart. Honestly, I thought nothing of it until I couldn't put on my sneakers on my feet anymore. I went to my family doctor who urgently sent me to the local hospital for 8 grueling hours worth of testing. They ruled out congestive heart failure but, instead, they sent me to a vascular specialist. They checked me every which way they could for blood clots and vascular damage. The results? No blockages or major vascular issues whatsoever. Instead, I had developed a chronic case of lymphodema. My wife and I both looked at each other and, at the same time, we both said "what the hell is that"?
From there, I was recommended to one of two lymphodema treatment centers in northern New Jersey. When we first called their office, they did not have a first appointment for well over a month. Perseverance from my vascular surgeon and my wife both paid off greatly and I was able to get in to Omni Physical Therapy Center located at 1018 Broad Street in Bloomfield. Six weeks ago, I had the high honor and the great pleasure of meeting the two professional therapists there, Oscar and Ana Pozzoli (a married couple), who specialize in the treatment of this very dangerous condition.
Upon my very first appointment, my legs and my feet were measured and, after a complete size up and a thorough examination, Ana let me know that I was in for a very long haul to remedy the situation. Oscar and Ana sat me down to explain and outline everything. Their "matter of fact" demeanor and their "perfect" professional and medical knowledge was both comforting and awe inspiring. It's been about 5 weeks since I started (3 times a week). The lymphodema (or the swelling) has decreased in my lower limbs by almost 8 centimeters. That's truly amazing!
During one of my weekly visits, I asked Ana and Oscar a very important question. Why don't more people know about lymphodema or lipidema (which affects ladies)? I am sure that you know a relative or a friend who may have abnormal swelling going on in their limbs or upper body. It is a condition that should not be ignored or brushed off. Please first check with your family doctor because a vascular specialist will have to rule out blood clots or other physical ailments. If you are diagnosed with lymphodema or lipidema, than I have found the "perfect" therapy center just for you!
Ana, Oscar, Maribel (their wonderful assistant) and their cute little dog, Dora will welcome you with open arms or open "paws". It is nice to know that caring and ultra intelligent medical professionals really do exist in this world of ours. I am so grateful to both of them. I have to wear compression hosiery for the rest of my life (no skirt jokes please!) but it's a small price to pay for getting my health back in order. Ana and Oscar are now rehabilitating my broken shoulder and, in just two visits, I already have much more range of motion back. Are they miracle workers? Maybe. Perfectionists? Without a doubt! Give them a call at 973-429-0890 for more information or go to their website, Omnitherapycenter.com. With this group, you'll be glad to know that your very own "fluid" situation will have a very happy ending!
With My Utmost Respect and Personal Gratefulness,
Executive Chef Cardie Mortimer