Author: Bijou Ganguly
I turned 70 this year.
During my previous birthday celebrations, I asked myself what is it that I can do to mark my new designation of a Septuagenarian.
Many ideas came but the idea of summiting the Roof of Africa at Mount Kilimanjaro stayed with me. During the preparations for this trip, I asked myself where can I get a realistic and pragmatic assessment of my capabilities to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro? The answer was right there… Dr. Kieran Cody!
I have been a patient of Dr. Cody since 1996 when he arthroscopically “cleaned out” my right knee. The results were so encouraging that I returned to road bicycling within 2 weeks of the procedure. The main thrust of Dr. Cody’s advice to me was “continue doing what has worked for you”.
Since that procedure, Dr. Cody has repaired torn rotator cuffs in both my shoulder joints and miscellaneous other treatments. I have genetically inherited Type II Diabetes and Hypertension. Dr. Cody has always emphasized that the exercise did me lots of good and the orthopedic injuries can always be repaired by him.
This collaboration with Dr. Cody has always given me the confidence to strive for difficult but achievable targets such as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
In 2018, I had Laminectomy performed on my lower vertebra. For many men of my age that would have been a “life changing” event and most would have rejected any strenuous targets. I went to see Dr. Cody and my Spine Surgeon in preparation for my trip and they strongly encouraged me.
My advice to anyone facing or recovering from orthopedic conditions:
Find a good orthopedic specialist like Dr. Cody and stick with him/her!
Take your Physical Therapy seriously and do your best to achieve the PT targets!
Aim high but plan with best advice!
