I injured my shoulder at work and then through a year of swimming, racquetball, yoga and other physical activities, I aggravated it to the extent that I had constant pain. I first saw Dr. Codsi after working with his PA and trying some treatments including physical therapy and injections which decreased but did not alleviate the pain. Dr. Codsi recommended Heller therapy which was a huge improvement and alleviated the majority of my pain for a few months but then it returned. Before having surgery I went to a physician in Seattle for a second opinion and he said if another injection did not help then I would need surgery. He gave me an injection which was excruciatingly painful and did not help with the shoulder pain whatsoever, unlike my previous steroid injection. I talked with Dr. Codsi the next day and decided to have surgery.
Comparing the two offices of the Seattle physician and Dr. Codsi’s office I would have to say that Dr. Codsi’s office staff were extremely friendly, helpful and made me feel as if they had all sorts of time to spend helping me with my concerns. I did not feel the same way in Seattle.
After surgery, true to what Dr. Codsi had warned me, it took at least 6 months for the majority of healing, and truly a year before I had full recovery. I did need physical therapy after surgery and again even greater help was Heller therapy to get greater range of motion back. I do not have complete range of motion but I do have about 95% use of my shoulder. I am swimming again, I play racquetball for up to 2hrs. at a time, and I have no problem doing yoga or any other activities I previously enjoyed. I may have brief discomfort in my shoulder after these activities, but it quickly goes away.
I have recommended Dr. Codsi to other people who have likewise had very positive experiences and outcomes. At all times I felt that he not only listened to my concerns, but had the knowledge and skills to help treat my problem, was honest with what I could expect from all options and did not simply rush into surgery but gave me ideas and suggestions for other conservative treatments.
I endured constant nagging pain for 6 ½ years after re-injuring a previous rotator cuff surgery. I have always known that I can endure a high level of pain, but six plus years is obstinate!
I met Dr. Codsi when Dr. Hartley of your Stanwood clinic treated my 94 year old mother for a fall she obtained at the feed store. Dr Hartley told me “He’s one of our best; he only works on elbows and shoulders.” I also heard the word shoulders… Mom had a small elbow chip break. While briefly waiting to see Dr. Codsi, I noticed a medical paper in a frame on his wall regarding rotator cuff surgery. I read it as fast as I could and recognized myself in that article. I appreciated the kind care, common sense, and attention to detail Dr. Codsi showed to mom and me. When I brought mom in for the follow-up visit, I was able to read more of the rotator cuff article and asked him for the complete copy. Upon talking, Dr. Codsi told me that the Everett Clinic also is able to do surgery for Group Health, for which I’ve been a member for about 40 years. That was it! I hoped that he would be the doctor for my rotator cuff surgery that I know I long past needed. I was thrilled he agreed.
The upper arm, back, shoulder and neck pain VANISHED the morning Dr. Codsi finished surgery. I now smile when I remember him saying, “You’ll be a new woman.” I’m the same woman but very exceedingly thankful for Dr. Codsi’s understanding, his fantastic medical skills, superb knowledge and outstanding medical care. My shoulder was given a new chance of being normal again! I am very thankful that he’s my doctor. My surgery is a gift of health.
Having a regular shoulder again, and no pain is a real gift! I feel like a new woman.
