From surgery to Everyday Life – Part 2 of Valentina Lo Surdo’s personal story

In the picture: Ms. Lo Surdo the day after her surgery in the inpatient ward – together with the nursing staff.

Recovery and rehabilitation

7. How did you feel in the first hours after the surgery?
   I only took painkillers on two days: the day of the accident and the following day (where I already had the surgery). The only really uncomfortable time was the evening after the operation – even though it was not as bad as I had expected.
8. How far along are you in your recovery?
   At the time of this interview, about nine and a half weeks have passed since the surgery. I’ve been very committed to my recovery, because walking is even more important to me than skiing. Both are part of my life – I’ve done many reportages on skis – but now I realize even more how essential it is for me to walk freely through the forests and mountains I love. I did daily physiotherapy for the first two months, and now I go two to three times a week. I also do regular exercises at home.
9. Did you receive any rehab advice or a treatment plan that was particularly helpful?
   The most important thing is: stick with it! Little by little, you have to reclaim your body, your sense of movement – with commitment and caution, and with help from experienced professionals. Since I travel a lot for work, I looked for a good rehab center in every city I passed through – with Tecar therapy, massage, and physio. My best friend was ice – it helped a lot.

Satisfaction and recommendation

10. Which aspects of our service stood out to you the most?
    The excellent organization and how fast everything went. The accident was on February 9, surgery on February 10 in the afternoon, discharge the next day. I tell everyone: if something like this happens to you, don’t delay. The sooner you act, the sooner you recover – and the sooner you’re yourself again.
11. Did you feel well looked after even after the surgery?
    Absolutely! I was impressed that your staff followed up with me several times to ask how I was doing. Even the surgeon, Dr. Barbetta, got in touch personally – very kind!
12. Would you recommend our clinic to others in a similar situation? And if so, why?
    100%! You’re true specialists for ski injuries, right there on the slopes – that’s incredibly convenient, because everything can be taken care of immediately, without undergoing the painful trip back home.