News From fear to trust: Pain-free at last thanks to shoulder surgery
Olga Schibli suffered from severe shoulder pain for years and put off undergoing surgery for a long time. Thanks to the empathetic care provided by the Schulthess Klinik team, in particular by Dr. med. Florian Freislederer and the nursing staff, she was able to overcome her fears and enjoy a positive, pain-free experience.
Olga Schibli suffered from osteoarthritis of the shoulder for almost ten years, forcing her to give up sport. Even though she had tried all sorts of things. From cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections to endless Voltaren tablets. “The pain and limitations were overwhelming, but my fear of surgery was just as great.” After almost ten years of suffering, Olga Schibli decided to undergo shoulder surgery at Schulthess Klinik. The decision was made only after she had built trust in the team at the clinic, especially following a reassuring conversation with Dr. med. Florian Freislederer, Senior Consultant for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.
Gratitude instead of fear
Her courage to undertake the procedure despite all her reservations paid off. After years of fear, Olga Schibli is now full of gratitude. Thanks to the regional anaesthesia and the excellent care provided by the anaesthesia team, the procedure was painless. Although she felt somewhat weak after the operation, Olga Schibli did not suffer from any other symptoms. That was a great relief for her.
Fears taken seriously
For Florian Freislederer, Ms Schibli’s story is an example of how important it is to address patients’ individual fears. Following explanatory discussions and extensive reflection, Ms Schibli decided that she wanted the operation. “Despite her initial anxiety, she showed a lot of courage and positive energy, which also helped her get through the procedure without issue.”
Nursing also plays a key role in alleviating patients’ anxiety and insecurity. Rahel Marthaler, Head of Department for Ward S3 at Schulthess Klinik, emphasises: “We place great importance on building a trusting relationship with our patients. By listening, being present and caring, we convey a sense of security and create transparency in order to reduce fear of the unknown.” Olga Schibli’s case showed just how important close care is – from admission to aftercare.
Perfect collaboration
This positive experience is a great example of the perfect teamwork between all disciplines at Schulthess Klinik. “Despite her initial anxiety, we were able to give the patient a very positive experience. A big thank you to everyone involved”, says Florian Freislederer.
Olga Schibli is now optimistic about her rehabilitation. She is confident that her upcoming physiotherapy will also be an important step on her path to full recovery.
