Sports Hernia Testimonials

J.K.

After unrelenting, undiagnosed pain for months that made it difficult to walk and all but ended the competitive soccer that was my passion in life, I was fortunate to be referred to Dr. Zoland by my orthopaedic specialist. He diagnosed a ‘sports hernia’ quite quickly, a condition that I was not familiar with, and recommended surgery. Sensing my reluctance to go under the knife, he suggested a conservative approach – complete rest for a few months to see if things improved, meaning no more trying to play when if felt slightly better as I had been doing. After about 3 months of sporadic pain with no real improvement seen, I went back to him and we set a surgery date. After about a week of recovery at home, I was back on my feet and the pain was…gone. I returned to the soccer field within a couple months and was back at 100% in no time at all. It’s been several years, I’m still playing regularly at a high level and don’t even remember that I once had an injury there. A truly amazing experience and one that restored my faith in the medical profession. Thanks again, Doc!

David Kahn

Just wanted to let you know that things are going very well post surgery. I’m pretty much doing everything except for the fast running and exercises that hit the core as the primary muscle. I’m swimming and cycling better then I was before the surgery. Prior to surgery the most difficult thing for me was just so painful. Now I don’t even think of it.

Linda

Dear Dr. Zoland, Just wanted to thank you for taking good care of my daughter and myself with our surgeries. In an unpleasant situation, you have made it a pleasant one. Your staff was also very sweet and courteous. The other day my daughter said that this is the best she has felt in 7 years. So thank you for listening to her and making that possible. So on that note, I wish you good health and much happiness, and always stay the great doc that you are!!

N. Ferguson

About 3 – 4 years ago I experienced a very sharp, acute, and shooting pain down the center of my pelvic region while running to an appointment. It caused me to immediately stop because it felt like something was about to tear. Oddly enough, the pain subsided as quickly as it began, hence I passed it off as a fluke. However, from that point on, that same pain would occur every time I ran thereafter. Needless to say, this caused me to become very trepidatious about what was happening to me, firstly on a health level and secondly, my decreased ability to participate in my active lifestyle. As you can imagine, I relentlessly sought after every perceived authority on whatever it could be that was ailing me. I went to a hernia specialist whose diagnosis was that I had no hernia, a urologist who determined I was in perfect health, an orthopedic surgeon who gave me a steroid injection, a chiropractor and lastly an acupuncturist. None of them were able to solve, let alone diagnose the problem even after going through numerous procedures (yes, I’ve been through it all). So, left to my own devices, I started to research the subject of hernias that are difficult to diagnose which led me to the term “sports hernia”. To my surprise there were only a few doctors I could find in the country (the world for that matter) that dealt with this relatively new diagnosis. I contacted the offices of General and Laparoscopic Surgeons of New York and from the first conversation I knew that they were the people I wanted to handle my case. The staff was so knowledgeable of the subject and were so pleasant and understanding. Marybeth Cotto, the Practice Manager, was sincerely keen on wanting to understand and to help with my case that I decided to do a consultation with Dr. Mark Zoland. Upon our first meeting, Dr. Zoland also expressed his willingness to help me and he took the time to explain in detail what he thought my ailment was and why it was so difficult to detect. He went through step by step of what the method of detection would be, what the laparoscopic procedure entailed and what my expectations should be. He clearly demonstrated that he was an authority on the subject and his calm and confident persona no doubt had come from him successfully performing this very procedure many times. I imparted to Dr. Zoland my fear of not being able to complete my Navy boot camp which was coming up in about six weeks. He told me that the minimum healing time required was just about that – 6 weeks, but he was confident that his procedure would have me ready in time. I’m elated to report that he was absolutely right! I successfully completed boot camp with all it’s arduous activities and I haven’t had a recurrence of any pain since. I’m now able to run as fast as possible and to participate in any physical activity. I owe my career to Dr. Zoland and the awesome staff at GLSNY. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone who’s in need of their services and I will declare that Dr. Zoland is nothing less than the competent authority on sports hernias in the country and quite possibly, the world. Thanks again,

Amous A.

Dear Dr. Zoland, It is an appropriate time of the year to give thanks to those who have helped you in your life. For me, you are one of those people. Your patience and understanding was greatly appreciated. Although I was not a professional athlete, you took great pleasure in helping me return to hiking. When I first met you I had 2 remaining states, North Carolina and Tennessee to finish, and this year I have finally completed all 13 states on the Appalachian Trail. Not bad for a young guy like me. I have you to thank for that. I found websites to recognize your practice for Sports Hernias. I hope people who read my reviews choose you as their surgeon. Highest Regards

Ann R

Dear Dr. Zoland, It is an appropriate time of the year to give thanks to those who have helped you in your life. For me, you are one of those people. Your patience and understanding was greatly appreciated. Although I was not a professional athlete, you took great pleasure in helping me return to hiking. When I first met you I had 2 remaining states, North Carolina and Tennessee to finish, and this year I have finally completed all 13 states on the Appalachian Trail. Not bad for a young guy like me. I have you to thank for that. I found websites to recognize your practice for Sports Hernias. I hope people who read my reviews choose you as their surgeon. Highest Regards

Sonia

Dear Dr. Zoland, My sincere gratitude to you and your staff for a truly wonderful experience. In an age where medicine feels like paperwork and insurance obstacles, you and your office allowed me to focus on the one thing that mattered: my health. Being your patient was truly a gift. Thank you. Warmly, Sonia

Tom McManuels

Well, I am at 16 weeks since surgery and thought I would provide another update. I am feeling pretty good J. I’ve been doing 2mi jogs, weights, and stairs for the past month. Today, I moved up to a 3mi jog and feel very good in the core area. It is very pleasing. I couldn’t have done 3mi before the surgery, so this is definitely a success. Wahoo! I continue to deal with some mechanics issues as I learn to run again (knee, hip, plantar fasciitis), but it isn’t as bad as it was when I last sent you an update. My goal for this month of recovery is very minimal core work and continuing with the gym and 3mi jogs. No buyer’s remorse here! Still cautious, but it seems good. Thanks much and hope you are well, Tom McManuels

Josh

Excellent surgeons, personable, honest and straight forward. Great sense of humor.

nysepete

I wish all doctors exhibited the degree of respect Dr. Dawson gave me. Took his time, answered any and all questions, described things in as much detail as I required, was friendly! Before and after my operation he took all the time needed to talk to my family about the entire procedure and how I was doing. Keep up the great work! So far so good Doctor Dawson!