An Inspiring Patient Story: Connor, A Musician’s Recovery
I’m 35, I live in Massachusetts, and I’m a musician. For about a year, I experienced headaches after my shows, which I initially thought were caused by the loud music. When I started losing my hearing in my right ear, I knew something more serious might be going on. An MRI revealed a meningioma at the base of my skull.
Finding the Right Surgeon
I found Dr. Cohen through my friend Darlene, who's like my second mom. She helped me get a second opinion, and Dr. Cohen got back to us within the hour. What stood out to me right away was his confidence and how clearly he explained my condition and what he was going to do.
I decided to travel from Massachusetts to Los Angeles because I wanted the best person for my specific condition. The procedure Dr. Cohen proposed was less invasive, with a better recovery and fewer lingering effects. To me, it made sense to travel to get the right specialist.
Surgery and Recovery
I was emotional and didn't sleep much the night before surgery, but Dr. Cohen was incredibly reassuring. He explained everything and made me feel like I was in good hands.
When I woke up, I remember being surprised that I wasn't in pain. I was a little groggy, but I was coherent and talking to the nurses. I remember thinking, "I'm awake. I'm alive. Everything's good."
Dr. Cohen and his team also made a huge difference in my recovery. They answered my questions, walked me through the next steps, and helped me navigate all the unknowns. One of my first big milestones was running a mile on the treadmill. It wasn't easy, but it felt good to know I was making progress.
Getting Back to What I Love
About two and a half months after surgery, I played my first show. I was playing, I was singing, and I had no headaches. That was an incredible feeling. I remember thinking, "Wow, it worked. I'm not in pain anymore."
I'm just grateful to be healthy and to have had a successful operation. For anyone looking for a brain surgeon, my advice is to find the right person for your specific condition, even if that means traveling. For me, that was Dr. Cohen, and I have absolutely no regrets.
