Dr. Cochran of Midland, Texas is responsible for giving me a second chance at a normal life. Last Fall I had resigned myself to the fact that maybe I would always have knee pain and would have to give up my law enforcement career. The pain drove me to see Dr. Cochran on the off chance he might be able to give me cortisone shots. During the exam he checked how my ACL was functioning and found it to be dead in the water. I was caught off guard because I was only a year post-op from an ACL transplant that was supposed to fix all my problems. Dr. Cochran ordered x-rays and an MRI scan to see all the damage. He actually appeared to be as heartbroken over the news as I was. It was as though this man who didn't know me from Adam was actually grieving right along with me. The tests showed that I had more wrong with my knee than right and that my ACL was indeed torn and loose. However, Dr. Cochran had a plan and was very confident that he could help me. And he did.
I am 8 months post-op and am doing great in my recovery. Dr. Cochran told me in a fatherly tone to "take care of my knee" and that "I am mighty proud of all the fine work I was able to do to your knee". While I was working out last night I received a text notifying me of Dr. Cochran's passing. It seemed fitting to have gotten the news while doing a hardcore workout because that is what his goal was for me. All he wanted was for me to be active and happy. I feel such a huge sense of loss in that I was never able to tell him thank you. My recovery at times was rocky but I wouldn't have it any other way. He never doubted that I could be strong enough to run, jump, surf, and beat the hell out of the world. I do not like hospitals or needles but I have the sweet memory of being in the cold operating room terrified until Dr, Cochran took my hand and said "I'm right here and everything will be fine, just breathe". I was put under holding his hand while he told a very corny joke.
Thank you Dr. Cochran for everything you did for me. I will always take care of my knee and be very thankful for two special gifts I received. The first being that you performed my complicated surgery and the second being the healthy ACL I was able to have because someone was an organ donor. Without these two things my life would have been very different and a painful struggle. Living without pain is wonderful and is something I wasn't sure would happen to me. Thursday I plan on another hardcore workout with Rudy Rodriguez in 90 degree heat and I will dedicate it to Dr. Cochran. His precise surgical skills are the only reason I will be having a sweaty and dirty workout Thursday. This one will be for you Dr. Cochran.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Larizza
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