John C.'s Story

From Wheelchair-Bound to Marathons: One Woman's Fight Against Ankylosing Spondylitis

In 2015, she couldn’t get out of bed. Walking was painful and limited, and life was shrinking around her. Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)–a rare inflammatory condition that attacks the spine–she found herself relying on a wheelchair for mobility, while depression set in.

But today, after seven surgeries and years of hard work, she’s training to run a marathon in 2026.

A Long Road with No Shortcuts

Spinal surgery is uncommon for most AS patients, but her condition required it. Over the years, she underwent four spinal fusions and a total of seven surgeries to relieve pain, stabilize her spine, and manage complications like fluid buildup. The first procedure–an L5/S1 fusion in early 2015–came only after a nine-month insurance battle and marked the start of a grueling journey.

Through each operation, orthopedic care became her turning point. Under the guidance of Dr. Ploska and Lisa, her spine team provided not just technical skill but personal commitment. Despite living 60 miles from the hospital, she never missed an appointment, driven by the hope that she could reclaim her independence.

Move, Even When It Hurts

Ankylosing Spondylitis is counterintuitive–movement is medicine, even when it hurts. That meant listening to her doctors, committing to difficult physical therapy, and staying active when her body begged for rest.

She admits PT was far from fun–but it was essential. Bit by bit, with guidance from her care team and relentless support from her family, she began to improve. “My family has been my rock,” she says. “They carried me through when I couldn’t carry myself.”

Life After Surgery: A New Chapter

From being unable to walk unaided to now training for a marathon, her transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Orthopedics didn’t just fix her spine–it gave her life back.

With each mile she runs, she proves that AS may change your body–but with the right team, the right mindset, and a little movement every day, it doesn’t have to define your future.

From Pain to Possibility: One Patient’s Journey to a Better Life Through Knee Replacement

For years, Jaime lived with constant knee pain that made everyday life a challenge. Simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods became more difficult and more discouraging as time went on. But thanks to a personal connection and a compassionate care team, his story took a life-changing turn.

As it turns out, help was closer than he thought. His daughter, who works at our practice, suggested he come in for an evaluation.

He trusted his daughter’s recommendation, and decided to come to ROSI.

From the moment he arrived, he noticed something different about our office.

“The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made me feel at ease right away.”

After a thorough evaluation, it was clear that a knee replacement was the right step forward. Under the skilled hands of Dr. Rayappa, his assistant, and the rest of the team, the procedure was a success.

“I can’t thank Lisa, Dr. Rayappa, and his team enough. They gave me my life back.”

Now, Jaime is back to enjoying his daily activities without the burden of pain. He’s walking easier, moving more freely, and feeling like himself again.

We’re proud to have played a part in his journey, and we’re honored that his family trusted us with his care.