Ron Stickelman

As a retired finance executive and New Canaan, CT resident, I suffered an Achilles tendon rupture in my left leg while playing pickleball in October 2022. I was treated by a local orthopedist, who determined surgery was too risky, given my history of two heart attacks and open-heart surgery. Instead, I was prescribed a walking boot for two months, which failed to repair my Achilles injury.

I chose to look for another doctor and was impressed by Elizabeth A. Cody, MD, a foot and ankle surgeon at HSS. Dr. Cody quickly determined that I needed surgery and performed revision Achilles reconstruction surgery at HSS Orthopedics with Stamford Health.

I was in a splint for two weeks, followed by a walking boot for two months. Dr. Cody adjusted the boot angle every two weeks to lower my heel closer to the ground as my recovery improved. I received physical therapy at HSS Sports Rehab in New Canaan and was cleared to resume playing pickleball in January. Dr. Cody is helping strengthen my new Achilles in a second round of physical therapy.

Dr. Cody is one of the most gifted orthopedic surgeons in the country. She’s quick, decisive, and concise. She and her team laid things out clearly about my surgery and the probability for success. She said she took a risk with me, which elevated my surgery to a different level. Her team was always on time and knew so much about my case, which was a great relief after all I experienced with the first surgeon.