Dr. Hilty Saved My Life - Twice!
I'm one of those folks who, in a nineteenth century novel, would have tragically died at a young age. I had scoliosis as a child that required years in a back brace, had difficulty conceiving and maintaining pregnancies as a young(ish) adult, and was placed on strict bedrest with both of my surviving children.
When I ruptured a disc in my cervical spine in 2003, rather than prescribe an opioid and move on, Dr. Hilty researched treatment options - standards of care around the world, as well as new, experimental treatments. He spoke with experts in neurology and spinal care, and got me into a trial for a titanium disc implant. The results were nothing short of miraculous. With my pain managed, I could once again fully participate in work and family life, particularly with our infant and toddler.
Several years later, during a routine visit, I mentioned to Dr. Hilty that I was feeling unusually tired (not a surprise, since I was working full-time and caring for a 16 year old, 10 year old, and 7 year old.) But Dr. Hilty didn't brush off my concern. Instead, he ran a full battery of tests and found that I had developed leukemia. The oncologist told me that the average lifespan with my disease was 2-3 years. I was terrified that I'd wouldn't get a chance to see our children grow, that I'd die so early in their young lives that they wouldn't even remember me. Once again, Dr. Hilty sprang into action. Instead of sending me for standard chemotherapy, he helped me find a clinical trial for a brand new treatment. That was 14 years ago. Now Dr. Hilty is offering the same amazing care to our adult children.
I will never be able to sufficiently thank Dr. Hilty for what he has done for our family, he has saved my life - twice! What an incredibly insightful and compassionate physician. We couldn't ask for better care.