My Comeback Story: Marie M.

I first met with Dr. Cohen in April 2023 after being injured at work on January 6, 2023. From the very beginning, I felt confident and supported throughout the entire process. My neck fusion surgery took place on March 22, 2024, and every step was clearly explained to me by Adrian, which gave me complete peace of mind. I trusted Dr. Cohen 100%.

The staff at Monmouth Medical Center was wonderful. I went in for surgery on a Friday morning and woke up feeling surprisingly good. Dr. Cohen came in to see me and told me everything went well, then joked with me and asked how I liked the ocean view, which made me smile. During recovery, my neck needed to stay straight, so I slept in a recliner, avoided lifting, and experienced minimal pain. Within six weeks, I felt brand new. I now have full range of motion in my neck and no pain. I am very happy with my new neck!

On October 31, 2025, I underwent a back fusion. Loretta in Dr. Cohen’s office helped make this surgery possible, and once again, I felt fully supported. The year leading up to surgery was incredibly difficult. I had trouble walking, experienced severe pain, and my left leg swelled to twice its normal size. There were moments when I truly felt hopeless. Still, I fully trusted Dr. Cohen to help me get my life back and walk again.

Adrian once again explained everything, and I had 30 days to prepare for surgery. During that time, I cut my food intake by 50 percent and focused on preparing my body, mind, and soul. On the day of surgery, I felt calm and ready. I woke up to a very successful outcome, with no pain from the waist down. My sciatica pain, which had been unbearable, was gone.

Dr. Cohen came in to see me and confirmed everything went well, and I was able to go home after four days. I was up and walking by the second day, and while recovery was challenging, it was far more manageable than I had expected. My husband took care of me at home. I spent four weeks resting and sleeping in a recliner. After that, I no longer needed prescription pain medication, just two Tylenol at bedtime. My pain never went above a level three and was often nonexistent.

I did experience a loss of appetite and ate lightly, which resulted in a 20-pound weight loss—an unexpected bonus. Three weeks after surgery, I saw Dr. Cohen in his office and was given a bone stimulator device to wear daily for 30 minutes, along with starting physical therapy. I worked very hard in therapy and continue to do so. I am now approaching three months post-surgery, currently in my 19th week of physical therapy, lifting weights, and gradually increasing my activity level.

I am so happy to be getting my life back. No pain, take only two Tylenol at bedtime, and can now handle up to eight hours of daily chores. God Bless Dr. Cohen who truly made all of this possible. If you want a better & healthier life, don’t be afraid! Dr. Cohen is a great surgeon and cares about his patients very much. In two weeks I will be attending my husband’s fireman’s dinner and I plan on dancing the night away. I hope my story helps you.