Giovanni Narseal Batiste
Looking Forward to the Future after ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Giovanni Narseal Batiste has a passion for fitness. After losing nearly 70 pounds, his personal journey inspired him to become a fitness trainer and use the knowledge he gained to help others transform their bodies and improve their health.
He was in the best shape of his life when a bike ride with his beloved 100-pound German Rottweiler, Maya, took a terrible turn. Batiste barely caught a glimpse of the driver that hit him and sped off. In a daze he tried to stand, but his right knee buckled beneath him. He knew the injury was serious.
After being transported to Broward Health Medical Center, Giovanni's fears were confirmed. He was told he had “blown out” his knee. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a band of tissue that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, would need full reconstruction surgery.
It was a dark time for Giovanni, whose lifestyle and future were built around an active daily routine. David L. Nigen, M.D., a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with Broward Health, who specializes in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, gave him hope.
“He was that light at the end of the tunnel saying, ‘I'm going to get you back to where you need to be’,” Giovanni said. “I needed to get back to work fast and get moving on my feet.”
“I was definitely more confident in the type of doctor that he is with his experience working with athletes. He said this is an NFL kind of injury, a top tier athlete kind of injury,” Giovanni said. “I trusted him with my life.”
A few months after his injury, Giovanni underwent surgery to get back on the path to recovery. Giovanni said Nigen explained every step of the procedure. His damaged tissue would be replaced with a new ACL from a cadaver.
“It was seamless. I was out the same day, which I didn't even think was possible. I was so reassured by everybody's professionalism and bedside manner,” Giovanni said. “I highly recommend Broward Health.”
After the successful procedure and several months of physical rehabilitation, Giovanni wakes up every day with a sense of gratitude for his new lease on life. Once again, he can answer the question, “How do you feel?” with one word. “Amazing!”
“Giovanni was a model patient,” said Dr. Nigen. “He was committed to working hard toward his recovery. He is a great example of the outcome we are aiming for with this procedure.”
Giovanni is now back on his bike, cruising the beach trail with his faithful friend and “superstar in the dog world” Maya.
The driver that hit him was never found, but Batiste is only looking forward.
“I want others to stay encouraged and know that it can’t rain forever,” he said.
To learn more about orthopedic care visit BrowardHealth.org/Orthopedics.