My Comeback Story: Pamela R.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to share amazing recovery while under the care of the Doctors and staff at the Bone and Joint Center.
I have been a practicing veterinarian for 40+ years.
During this time, I’ve seen many serious orthopedic injuries in my animal patients but never expected to experience one myself.
Here’s my story:
In the process of returning our newly acquired young thoroughbred to his stall on evening, the unforeseen happened. I slipped on some wet gravel on an incline causing me to lose my balance during which the horse stepped on my right ankle (now twisted positioned at 90 degrees lateral to my tibia), and knocked me down- and dislocating my right shoulder.
I had - in hand- a 17h (HUGE) young Tbred. I was unable to stand.
It was now dusk, I was alone, no cell phone on person and knew I was in big trouble.
Using the lead rope, I was somehow able (from 2ft off the ground using my left arm and left leg) crawl while leading the horse a few steps at a time 50’ back and into the round pen using the lead rope to suspend myself enough to open/close the gate. Some asked why didn’t I just release him but the situation was such that I couldn’t be sure what he would do next.
Of course, I was alone on our property and knew I needed to get to my cell phone - an additional 150’ away- again crawling over bank run gravel.
I continued to crawl with full knowledge of how serious my situation was and how critical time was to get help. Once I made it to my Transit Van, I had to once again pull myself upright to open the narrow door, flop over to
the passenger seat and fortunately- just barely reach my cell phone with my fingertips.
It was pitch dark by now.
I repositioned my fractured ankle as best I could and rested on the floorboard of the van.
Reception is often spotty or non-existent at this location . I was successfully made 1 call to my husband who called our neighbor who drove for the local squad and arranged for ambulance transport to AMC.
Dr. Cory Czajka was called in to the ER and I cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for his kindness, compassion and unsurpassed surgical expertise.
I had a pretty good idea of the challenging trauma case I provided him (late on a Friday night, no less) and the AMC emergency staff.
My outcome was not guaranteed-I could have easily lost vascular supply causing me to lose function or possibly even lose my foot.
And those were just the orth concerns.
Beyond the surgical procedure and PT, one huge and significant comment Dr. Czajka made during a recheck examination was, “ I don’t want your ankle just to appear normal. I want you to have a STRONG ankle. I will never forget his continued attention to so many aspects relating to the healing of my injuries. That little insight into his evaluation was critical to my post op mindset.
The recovery wasn’t a cakewalk. Far from it. However, the collective support from the Doctors and nursing staff at The Bone and Joint Center enabled me to heal.
Furthermore, at the appropriate time, Dr. Czajka introduced me to a member of his surgical team Dr. Andrew Morse. Dr. Morse performed an outstanding complete reverse shoulder replacement at St.Peter’s Hospital.
With the support of my family, friends and my fabulous veterinary staff, I was able to return to work very quickly.
From seeing clients from my wheelchair, advancing to golf cart transportation around our property, to cane support and finally to no support devices at all.
A little side humor… Dr Czajka shared that he doesn’t like horses- they’re dangerous!
He IS definitely correct. Hopefully this story will resonate with others passionate about working with horses about the importance of safety and remind them about how easy it is to let your guard down - especially around your own animals.
This story speaks mainly about my equine activities, but fortunately I am able to return to playing golf, skiing, and bicycling.
What an excellent team of professionals, you ARE!
Pamela L. Reppert DVM