My name is Tammy Hicks. I’m 52 years old and have been struggling with a problematic knee for quite some time; doctors kept telling me I’d need a knee replacement. I just knew there had to be other options out there. One day, I started Googling terms like “Regenerative Orthopedics” and “Noninvasive Knee Treatments.” That’s how I stumbled upon SmartLife Medicine. Dr. Vogt’s name popped up in the reviews, and everything I read made me feel like I had finally found someone who could help. Here’s my story.
I’d been dealing with severe osteoarthritis and a meniscal tear, both causing massive pain. My troubles started after a terrible car accident where I was T-boned. I ended up having seven surgeries, and I kept hearing the same thing from every orthopedic specialist I saw: there was nothing more they could do besides replacing my knee. At 52, I didn’t think knee replacement was the right path for me. One doctor even prescribed a bulky brace from my knee to my mid-calf and told me to wear it daily. That just wasn’t a solution I could live with.
I love swimming. I watch my diet, take supplements, and always try to stay active, but that brace made everything nearly impossible. I couldn’t wear my regular clothes; they were bulky and uncomfortable. Every day, I was waking up with pain, going to bed with pain, and struggling to climb the stairs in my own home. I have a photo of myself in the Rocky Mountains, where I should have been enjoying the view with my family, but I was in too much pain to fully embrace the moment. My life was on hold, and it was affecting me physically and emotionally in every possible way.
Why I Chose SmartLife Medicine
I’m incredibly picky about who I see for medical treatment, so I looked at many Google reviews before choosing SmartLife Medicine. Their thorough and concise website made me confident that they’d take my concerns seriously. I felt they were well-versed in the latest regenerative treatments, so I didn’t worry about being brushed off.
A Team Invested in My Success
The SmartLife Medicine staff is amazing, friendly, and accommodating. I asked many questions, and they never once seemed irritated or impatient. The office was lovely and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, which reassured me. Then, I met Dr. Vogt. He took the time to offer several treatment options; he didn’t just shove one solution at me. I felt like I was indeed being heard, which was refreshing after seeing so many doctors who barely gave me the time of day. A fun anecdote: I once bumped into Dr. Vogt at the airport and thought, “He’s not going to remember me,” but sure enough, he recognized me right away. He genuinely cares about his patients.
Results That Changed My Life
Dr. Vogt initially treated my knee with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and made sure we addressed some of the damage lingering from past surgeries. He also looked at my shoulder and elbow, which had some residual pain. But the most significant change has been in my knee. The PRP took some time to work, but I haven’t worn that horrible brace again. It’s stuck in my closet, and I couldn’t be happier leaving it there!
Life has changed tremendously. I can go hiking again, walk without pain, and move around freely, something I wasn’t sure would be possible without major surgery. Being able to wake up and not immediately worry about my knee has been an enormous relief. My quality of life has skyrocketed; I’m living on my terms again, which is everything I hoped for.
I’ve already recommended Dr. Vogt to multiple friends who felt stuck in a similar place—doctors telling them there’s no solution except significant surgery. I tell them, “Give PRP and other regenerative options a chance. You might be surprised at how your body responds.” Yes, it can be expensive, and some feel unsure because it’s not a guarantee like a knee replacement. But what’s the alternative? Going under the knife, getting physical therapy, taking medications for who knows how long… You’re going to spend money either way. Why not explore the option that could help you heal without being sliced open first?
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself what kind of life you want. You’ll get the same results if you keep doing the same thing. I was terrified and skeptical, but Dr. Vogt and his team took good care of me. You won’t know until you try, and you deserve to live free from constant pain.
Moving forward
I’m just incredibly grateful. Dr. Vogt’s bedside manner is nurturing and kind, which I can’t say about all the orthopedics I’ve met. They were often abrasive and dismissive, but not him. He’s extremely knowledgeable and stays on top of the latest science, so he can offer multiple approaches that are customized to each person. I appreciate that so much. I couldn’t be more thankful for what he and his team did to give me back my life.