[Photo reprinted courtesy of Jenn Suhr]
Jenn Suhr, Olympic Gold Medalist
Olympic and world pole vaulting champion Jenn Suhr had suffered from pain in her Achilles tendon, which then developed into tendinosis.
“Seventeen years of this pain led me to pull out of major competitions,” said Jenn. “I tried everything for treatment, even flying to Germany. I did therapy at the Olympic training center. I slept with Achilles straps and boots on. You name it, I’ve done it.”
Her physician Dr. Mark Mendeszoon of Chardon, Ohio, said, “I have worked with athletes at all levels who suffered from tendon problems and have tried conservative options, physical therapy, platelet-rich plasma, natural injections, manipulations, and chiropractic treatment. For the last several years, I’ve used TenJet, which has reduced my open tendon procedures by over 90%. When I saw Jenn’s Achilles problems, I pleaded that we try TenJet.”
Jenn was wary at first but then agreed. “Two years ago, I had bilateral procedures done on my Achilles tendons, and for the first time in nearly two decades, I can get out of bed and walk with no pain. I can run, hike, and wear any kind of shoes I want! I am so glad I did this! I wish I would have done this earlier in my career. But now, I’m so happy with the results.”
My Achilles pain is gone.”
“Jenn’s experience is a testament to the power of TenJet,” Dr. Mendeszoon said. “I will continue to use TenJet to help people get back on their feet after a minimally invasive technique.”
Jenn advises other patients who are considering TenJet:
The key is to be patient with the rehab; it is so worth it.”
Learn more about Jenn’s experience with TenJet in this Q&A.
Before TenJet
Q: Where were you experiencing your tendon pain?
A: I had tendon pain directly in the middle of my Achilles tendon.
Q: Had you received any other types of treatment before?
A: I had steroid injections, non-steroid injections, PRP injections, physical therapy, the Graston technique, cupping, ARP machine, acupuncture, massage, manual manipulation, professional foot inserts, and another procedure.
Q: Was this pain affecting your work or preventing you from pursuing a hobby or activity?
A: I was a professional pole vaulter, having turned pro in 2006. By 2007, the pain was something that I was dealing with each season. I had to pull out of major competitions like Worlds and even cut my season short because of it.
Q: How did you find out about TenJet?
A: I learned about TenJet from Dr. Mendeszoon in Ohio, who I took with me to the Olympic Games in London 2012 when I won gold! He told me the only solution to my problem was TenJet. I was extremely reluctant. As an athlete you are always taught that you can’t take surgery back, so I was afraid to have the procedure done. But I got to the point that even time off wasn’t even giving me any relief.
After TenJet
Q: Can you describe your experience during the first few days after the procedure?
A: I opted to have both my Achilles tendons done at once. Due to the time sensitivity of professional athletics, I didn’t have time to recover from one and then have the other one done and recover from that. My tendons were extremely bad and layered with scar tissue on top of scar tissue. You can ask the surgeon, but his words were “it was like chiseling through concrete.” Because of the amount of scar tissue, the first few days were painful.
Q: Did your doctor place any type of restrictions such as motion, activity level, or a boot?
A: I stayed in both boots for about two weeks. I then went to activities like riding a bike and light walking. Once I was able to do that, I went to walking on an incline on a treadmill, which then progressed to light stretching and strength training to jogging.
Q: How has having treatment with TenJet affected your life?
A: I regret not having this done sooner. If I had done it sooner, I would have been able to compete at the top of my abilities without the setback I had for so many years. I went through my career always having Achilles tendonitis lingering in the shadows waiting to show up for no reason. After the procedure, I never had another pain in my Achilles ever again. I’m serious. I get up in the mornings, and I can walk immediately without any pain! I don’t have any limitations at all.
Q: Are you pain free now?
A: Yes, I am pain free.
Q: How long after the treatment did you notice your tendon pain was gone?
A: I would say it was a solid 5 months until my pain was completely gone.
Q: If you were to say share something with future patients, what would it be?
A: It depends on the severity and location of your injury. If I would have done this procedure 8 years ago, my recovery time may have been faster, but because I waited so long, the damage was extensive. That is why I took so long to recover, so be patient! It took me 15 years to get to the point of surgery, and 5 months to recover. Looking at it in that perspective, it’s not that long!
Thank you for sharing your experience with TenJet!
Learn more about treatment options with TenJet!