Read one patient’s story about overcoming debilitating pain with the help of Dr. Rosemarie Boehm.

This letter is from Joe Novak, New Jersey, to the Rothman Institute.

“Back in February 2007 I had rotator cuff surgery and developed extreme intolerable pain in both legs. The surgery was performed by a physician in another practice. Not knowing where to turn I went to that same physician who did the rotator cuff surgery. He sent me for an MRI of my back three weeks after my surgery which could not be completed since the anchor in my shoulder became hot. I was in tears not knowing what was wrong with me or what to do.

“My wife had recalled seeing signs for Rothman Institute on our many trips to Philadelphia from our home at the Jersey shore and called to see if we could get an appointment. We were able to be seen the next day where we were introduced to Dr. Rosemarie Boehm. Let me say this, I have been a police officer for 20 years and always considered myself to be strong in containing my emotions but when I started to describe the pain I was experiencing to Dr. Boehm I found it very difficult to hold back the tears. I have never, ever in my life had the pain I was going through.

“Within five minutes of describing my pain and what the other physician attempted (MRI of my back) Dr. Boehm said I did not need an MRI of my back. I had said I thought pain in the legs comes from the back as the other physician must have thought since he sent me for an MRI of my back. Dr. Boehm once again stated you do not need an MRI of your back; your problem is not your back, she said. She indicated I have what is called Meralgia Paresthetica and then explained that there were pinched nerves in my pelvic area.

“I will never forget it when she said when you go home look up Meralgia Paresthetica on the Internet and you'll say “that’s me.” Well, Dr. Boehm was 1,000 percent correct. I cried when I read it online.

“Dr. Boehm began treating me and went the extra mile to make sure all bases were covered and she wanted me to also be seen by Dr. Emran Sheikh of Rothman Institute. Dr. Boehm showed a sincere concern for my health and continued to treat me until treatment was no longer required. I do not know what I would have done if I had not met Dr. Boehm. I was extremely impressed at her knowledge and being able to diagnose my condition as I stated earlier within five minutes.

“Dr. Boehm, in my opinion, is “the best” and so is Rothman Institute. I have since taken my 11-year-old daughter to Dr. Boehm for a fractured elbow and again Dr. Boehm expressed her knowledge in medical treatment along with how she was able to make my daughter’s pain more tolerable with her bedside manner, her kidding with my daughter and her communicating with an 11 year old at her level. Thank you so much, Dr. Boehm. You are truly the best!”