Jennifer Collier

Over the years, I came to HSS for my son’s injuries many times and then it was my turn. March of 2022 I tore my meniscus and had surgery performed by Dr. Fealy and had an excellent experience and recovery. Then in August I had a tooth extracted and was in intolerable pain and then found out by accident that I had severe cervical stenosis and cord compression of C4 to C6 and was told I needed surgery ASAP. The problem was I was in too much pain and collapsed in Dr. Albert’s office. As a result, I was hospitalized and had to get steroid injections to buy some time as I could not move my head, was in severe pain, had numbness and tingling in my hands and feet. Additionally I had severe pain medication intolerance and the pain management team had to sort out what would work best for the surgery. Then to top it off I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia by Dr. Paget while being treated at Weill Cornell for a mild heart attack. After that I started PT with Kassi Reagan to get ready for the surgery and on Jan of 2023 I had ACDF surgery with Dr. Albert. The surgery was a success and the rehab was tough but I worked with Kassi again to get my range of motion back. This was all a shock as I was very healthy. Prior to all of this, I was a competitive figure skater and skier growing up then a marathon runner and golfer, practiced yoga and Pilates, and was a gym rat. Exercise is something I do 7 days a week and to have these surgeries out of the blue was unexpected. However the amazing and incredible care that I received from all of my doctors, nurses, care team, and PT was unbelievable. I am so grateful for all the care I received as everyone cared about my well-being and getting me out of pain and helping me to get back to all of my sports and activities. At 6 months post-op I am Back in the Game!