A piano player's story of recovery, support and gratitude

For Steve L., a finger infection became a long and difficult experience. It led to surgery, a deep open wound and conversations with doctors about the possibility of amputation. Today, he has kept his finger, and the photographs he has shared show the wound healed over.

Steve first reached out to Mr. Weinstock. When he came for HPA treatment, his care was under Mr. Weinstock, who works hand-in-hand with Dr. Shahkoohi. Steve used HPA products while continuing to receive medical care, and he traveled 3.5 hours each way for his appointments. Looking back, he credits HPA and Mr. Weinstock with helping him through that experience. His story brings together the progress seen in his photographs and the words he wrote along the way.

An infection, surgery and an uncertain recovery

The family's account begins in December 2021. An infection developed in Steve's finger and did not improve. He underwent surgery and spent several days in the hospital receiving antibiotics. Afterward, he faced a deep wound that still needed care.

His family reached out to Mr. Weinstock in early January, sharing photographs and explaining what had happened. They reported that the hand surgeons had discussed the possibility of further surgery and, if necessary, amputation. It was a possibility they hoped would never become reality.

Steve later described those early circumstances in his own review:

"I had an infection in my finger that required a surgery followed by a deep wound. Doctors kept mentioning amputation."

Steve is a piano player. His words make clear how much keeping his finger meant to him:

"I am a piano player and I dont think I need to say anymore! Thanks HPA!!!"

Care, encouragement and progress

Recovery was not captured in a single before-and-after moment. Over the following months, Steve sent photographs, received care from Mr. Weinstock working hand-in-hand with Dr. Shahkoohi, and continued with doctor visits and rehabilitation. He used HPA products during this period; his later review specifically names the Postpartum and Deep Wound product.

His messages show both progress and the need for reassurance. On January 31, he wrote that one spot remained unhealed and asked whether it was a concern. In early February, after sending another set of photographs, he explained that he still needed reassurance about how the finger looked.

The support mattered to him. His gratitude was for Dr. Shahkoohi and Mr. Weinstock. In January, he wrote:

"I want you and Mr Weinstock to know how special you are! I have such a huge amount of HaKaros HaTov that I can't measure or express."

That feeling of gratitude stayed with him through the months that followed.

Encouraging news from his doctor

In April 2022, Steve shared an update after a medical appointment:

"I saw my doctor this morning and she was very pleased with the healing progress of my finger."

The wound had not yet completely closed, and his doctor continued to follow its progress. Steve also wrote:

"This has been a struggle for me and I so appreciate your gentle manner and encouragement."

In that same message, he spoke of hoping to hold a seudas hoda'ah, a meal of thanksgiving. His letters carry a sense of faith and gratitude alongside the practical work of recovery.

Looking back, with gratitude

On October 6, 2026, Steve sent us a final photo of how his finger looks now, so that others could see it. Seeing the earlier images again, he wrote, "I forgot how ugly it was!"

The contrast tells the personal story he wanted to share: a deep wound after surgery, the possibility of amputation and, ultimately, a healed finger that he was able to keep. He remains grateful for Mr. Weinstock's support and his experience with HPA.

We thank Steve L. for sharing this part of his life, and for allowing others to see the photographs behind his words.