“Dr. Gurske performed surgery on heel spurs on both of my feet about eight years apart. Both surgeries required controlled ruptures of my Achilles tendon. Dr. Gurske is my hero. She took me from hardly being able to stand and walk to being 100% pain free. Her bedside manner is kind and caring, and she spends as much time as you need her to answering questions and making sure you’re comfortable!”
Jennifer Gurske-dePerio, MD
Foot & Ankle Surgery
Having healthy feet is crucial to Ellen Jeffree, who works as a math teacher and spends long hours on her feet each week. A 58-year-old who is married with one son, Jeffree attributes her past struggles with severe heel spurs and foot pain to years of standing on concrete floors wearing unsupportive (albeit cute) shoes.
After dealing with such intense pain that she could barely walk, Jeffree was advised to seek orthopaedic care and scheduled an appointment with Jennifer Gurske-dePerio, MD , who specializes in Foot & Ankle surgery.
Here, Jeffree reflects on her experience from before and after Dr. Gurske performed surgeries on both of her feet, and she shares her recovery journey in hopes that it might offer insight to anyone dealing with similar issues:
What made you seek treatment from UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine?
I had such bad pain that I could barely walk. I went to a local urgent care facility, and they encouraged me to seek orthopaedic help. I called and set an appointment up with Dr. Gurske, whom I did not know. Soon after my appointment, almost everyone I told had the same reaction: “I love Dr. Gurske!”
What was the diagnosis and recommended treatment?
Dr. Gurske performed surgery on heel spurs on both of my feet about eight years apart. Both surgeries required controlled ruptures of my Achilles tendon. Dr. Gurske is my hero. She took me from hardly being able to stand and walk to being 100% pain free. Her bedside manner is kind and caring, and she spends as much time as you need her to answering questions and making sure you’re comfortable!
I was non-weight-bearing in a cast for six weeks after both operations. I saw both Dr. Gurske and her PA, Nora Costanzo, PA-C, for follow up visits. I am happy to say that I am pain free.
Can you tell us about the trust you built with your physician and elaborate on the care you received?
Every single person in Dr. Gurske’s office is committed to your well-being. You can tell that everyone loves working with her by the atmosphere of the office.
As for my trust with Dr. Gurske? I trusted her to rupture both of my Achilles to fix my feet! She was always straightforward and didn’t sugarcoat what I was going through. We spent a lot of time talking about adaptive devices that would help me as I healed. She spent so much time with me, answering my questions and explaining my X-rays. She even called me herself at home after my first surgery because something didn’t feel right and she wanted to make sure I was ok. I would recommend her to anyone!
What was the best part of your experience with UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine?
The overall atmosphere of caring and the commitment to my wellness was incredible.
How long after surgery did it take for you to return to your previous lifestyle/activities?
My surgeries had about a two-year healing timeline. I slowly returned to being able to do all of things I wanted to do.
What are you doing now to actively prevent a recurring injury?
I walk regularly to help strengthen both feet!
What does feeling better mean to you and your life?
I stand and walk around all day at my job, so having healthy feet is crucial. It means so much to me that I am walking around pain free!
What advice do you have for those dealing with a similar injury?
Talk to Dr. Gurske. She is super smart and understands everything you are going through!