Mildred Cooke

My name is Mildred Cooke and I first met Dr. Gloria G. Liu at Duke University Medical Center when I was referred to her by my surgeon, Dr. Danny Jacobs, also part of the Duke University Medical Center.

After being bedridden for two years, I was left with a problem with my legs and feet. The muscles in my legs had shortened and were contracting constantly resulting in me being in constant pain and not being able to put my feet to the floor.

The only way I could walk was on my tiptoes, and no matter how much rehabilitation I had, the contractions of the muscles were not going to release to allow my feet to be placed on the floor.

Rehab had done all they could do and I was left to live the rest of my life on my toes. I began to wear shoes with a two-inch heel to get around. In the middle of the night, to go to the bathroom, I had to wear heels. To take a shower I had to wear heels. (You can imagine how difficult it is to take a shower with heels on.)

When Dr. Liu examined me I was so afraid that she could not do anymore than had already been done through rehab. After reviewing my case, she took my hand, looked me in the eye, and assured me that she could help.

She was so sincere and caring as she recommended a series of botox injections in my legs to paralyze the muscles so that they would relax. Dr. Liu made it clear to me this would be a team effort. She would administer the shots of botox to my calf muscles, but I would have to play a big role in the recovery.

I was fitted with braces and had to buy a size 10 men's tennis shoe so the braces would fit into the shoes. I wore them each day as long as I could bear the pain.

I kept my eye on the main goal of being able to walk normal again. She told me that it would not happen overnight, but was so positive and reassuring that I left the clinic with hope.

After receiving a year of periodic injections and being faithful at doing my home rehab, my feet are on the floor, I'm wearing regular shoes, and the pain has subsided. I am able to live a normal life and do most of the things I could do before.

During this time, Dr. Liu has been wonderful! She has been very attentive, encouraging, and has taken the time to really get to know me as a person. She is a fine physician and pays attention to details.

I could never thank she and her staff enough for helping me get my life back. As much as I hate to visit doctors, I will miss my visits with Dr. Liu.

Thank you, Dr. Liu!