Brewing a great doctor-patient relationship

“I love working with Brooke and her mom. They are a great pair, and Brooke has grown into a wonderful, independent young woman who can advocate for herself. She went from being a sweet kid who couldn’t walk five steps without pain to this vibrant college student who treks over here from Northeastern University, bringing me a latte, ready to conquer the world,” says Dr. Kate Ackerman, medical director of Boston Children’s Hospital’s Female Athlete Program. Brooke Lombardi, her mother Shari and Ackerman have a pretty special relationship. Brooke, who grew up in Miami, started seeing Ackerman in 2010 when she was 15. Today, Ackerman helps Brooke, a college student who continues to have minor medical issues, navigate the health care system, helping to provide a safety net for a young adult far from home. Brooke’s compartment syndrome and elective surgery When Brooke was in 6th grade, she started experiencing leg pain while walking or running. “We thought it was shin splints,” recalls Shari. The pain continued, and Brooke’s doctor recommended a bone scan. The results were normal. Brooke did her best to cope with her symptoms, which included sharp pain, aches and numbness in her legs. Three years after the symptoms first appeared, Shari mentioned Brooke’s symptoms to a podiatrist, who suggested an MRI and pressure test. These showed muscle swelling leading to high pressure measurements in her legs. Brooke was diagnosed with chronic compartment syndrome (the pre...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Diseases & conditions Orthopedics compartment syndrome fasciectomy fasciotomy Female Athlete Program immune deficiency Source Type: news