Patient Experience
As a 22-year-old competitive archer, I developed sudden, debilitating wrist pain that threatened my career. Multiple doctors dismissed it as overuse. Prof. Kobak was the first to suspect a rare, early-onset seronegative arthritis. His targeted biologic therapy, combined with a custom joint protection plan he designed with my coach, allowed me to return to competition within months and win a national bronze medal. He treated me not just as a patient, but as an athlete with a dream.
My 8-year-old daughter presented with a mysterious high fever and a strawberry-red tongue that appeared every three weeks like clockwork. After a year of inconclusive tests elsewhere, Prof. Kobak diagnosed her with Periodic Fever Syndrome (PFAPA). His simple, low-dose treatment plan stopped the cycles immediately. He explained the condition to her using cartoon drawings, taking away her fear. We finally have our happy, predictable life back.
I am a 68-year-old retired ship captain with severe, deforming psoriatic arthritis in my hands. I couldn't even hold a fishing rod. Prof. Kobak proposed a novel combination therapy he was researching. He was transparent about the experimental nature but meticulous in monitoring. Within a year, the deformation halted, and I regained enough function to tie my own flies. He gave me back my favorite retirement hobby.
Our 16-year-old son, a tech prodigy, was bedridden with crippling fatigue and diffuse pain after a mild viral infection. Doctors suggested it was 'psychosomatic.' Prof. Kobak recognized it as post-viral juvenile fibromyalgia. Instead of just medication, he connected us with a physiotherapist specializing in pediatric chronic pain and designed a 'gamified' pacing app to help our son manage his energy. He validated his suffering and gave him tools, not just pills.
As a 45-year-old chef, I was losing my sense of taste and developing painful mouth ulcers and sinus issues. An ENT specialist found nothing. Prof. Kobak, piecing together these seemingly unrelated symptoms, diagnosed me with Wegener's Granulomatosis. His rapid intervention with immunosuppressants saved my kidneys from silent damage. He literally saved my career and my health by connecting dots no one else saw.
My 80-year-old mother with severe osteoporosis suffered a complex vertebral fracture. Her pain was unbearable, and she was giving up. Prof. Kobak coordinated a same-day emergency procedure with interventional radiology for a kyphoplasty. More importantly, he spent an hour with our family, outlining a post-fracture care plan that involved everyone. His compassionate urgency and clear command of the situation gave us all hope and direction.
I am a 33-year-old woman diagnosed with Lupus. My greatest fear was not being able to have children. Prof. Kobak developed a pre-conception plan years in advance, adjusting my medications to the safest options and coordinating closely with a high-risk obstetrician. My pregnancy was closely monitored but uneventful, and I now have a healthy baby. He managed my disease while honoring my life's goal.
A 52-year-old construction manager, I ignored joint pain for years until I couldn't grip a hammer. Prof. Kobak diagnosed advanced rheumatoid arthritis. His approach was a revelation: he started treatment in his office the same day and enrolled me in a digital symptom tracker program. The recovery wasn't linear, we had to adjust medications twice, but his constant accessibility via the patient portal made the journey manageable. I'm back supervising sites, pain-free.
My 5-year-old developed a bright red rash on his cheeks and began refusing to walk. Pediatricians were puzzled. Prof. Kobak identified it as Parvovirus B19-associated arthritis, a transient but painful condition in children. He avoided aggressive treatment, instead using gentle anti-inflammatories and reassuring us daily with updates. His conservative, watchful approach resolved the issue completely in three weeks, with no side effects.
As a 29-year-old marathon runner, I was devastated by a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis. I thought my running days were over. Prof. Kobak, himself a sports enthusiast, crafted a treatment plan centered on biologic therapy and a rigorous, specific physio regimen to maintain spinal mobility. He didn't tell me to stop running; he taught me how to run smarter. I've since completed two more marathons, slower but with immense gratitude.
My husband, 60, was diagnosed with Scleroderma, and his hands were becoming claw-like and useless. We felt hopeless. Prof. Kobak initiated an aggressive combination therapy and referred him to a specialized hand therapist. The progress was slow, over 18 months, but the hardening of his skin softened, and he regained the ability to write his name and hold a glass. Prof. Kobak celebrated these small victories with us, which meant everything.
I am a 41-year-old musician with palindromic rheumatism, sudden, fleeting attacks of joint swelling that would vanish before I could see a doctor. No one could catch it. Prof. Kobak had me keep a detailed video diary of the attacks. Reviewing my videos, he confirmed the diagnosis and started a preventive medication. The unpredictable attacks that haunted my life and threatened my performances have now completely ceased.
Our teenage daughter developed severe, unexplained chest pain and shortness of breath. Cardiologists found nothing. Prof. Kobak diagnosed it as costochondritis, an inflammation of the chest wall, linked to her underlying hypermobility spectrum disorder. He treated the inflammation and designed a breathing and postural exercise program. He solved a terrifying cardiac scare with a rheumatological insight and practical rehab.