Successful Spine Surgery Helps Retiree Set Her Sights on Mount Kilimanjaro

For many, retirement is a time to slow down. For Carol Romej, a 71-year-old retired technology attorney, it’s been the opposite—an opportunity to fully embrace an active, adventure-filled lifestyle.

A self-proclaimed “gym rat,” Carol also spends her time paddleboarding, cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, golfing and traveling. Living just blocks from Lake Michigan, she takes full advantage of every season. “I’m a four-season Michigan girl,” she says.

A trusted care team for an active life

With such an active routine, staying healthy is essential. Carol credits her longtime primary care physician, Hilda Ferrarer-Blair, M.D., with helping her navigate that journey.

“I call her a rocket scientist,” Carol says. “She’s referred me to specialists, including physical therapists who have helped me prevent and manage injuries, improve my form, and stay active. She’s also made sure I’m prepared with needed immunizations and important care through the Henry Ford International Travel Clinic to prepare for my active trips abroad.

That coordinated care approach became especially important when Carol began experiencing knee pain that limited her ability to take on long bike rides, challenging hikes and rounds of golf.

In 2022, she underwent minimally invasive knee surgery with Patricia Kolowich, M.D., orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, followed by physical therapy at Henry Ford Medical Center-Columbus. The treatment allowed her to get back to doing what she loves.

I hiked in the Amazon rainforest in Yasuni National Park, swam in Pañacocha Lake with piranhas, and explored the Cairngorms National Park and the Quiraing Cliffs in Scotland,” she expresses.

A setback while training for the next challenge

Three years later, while training in the sand dunes along Lake Michigan for her next big goal—climbing Mount Kilimanjaro—Carol experienced an unexpected setback.

“My leg went out from under me,” she recalls. “I went to a local urgent care, but I knew I would need the expertise of Henry Ford.”

She reached out to Dr. Kolowich. “I was so impressed—she responded within an hour and evaluated me promptly,” Carol says. Carol was referred to Kevin Taliaferro, M.D., chief of orthopedic spine surgery at Henry Ford Health who specializes in back and spine care. Dr. Taliaferro explains Carol developed a herniated lumbar disc that would require spine surgery for her to return to the active lifestyle she enjoys.

“We were able to do minimally invasive outpatient surgery to remove the herniated disc,” Dr. Taliaferro says. “Carol was able to get up and walk without leg pain within an hour of waking up from surgery.”

By her second visit at six weeks, Carol was completely cleared to proceed with her hiking adventures.

She’s truly an inspiration, to people of any age, but especially to those who want to remain active in their retirement,” adds Dr. Taliaferro. “No one wants to have spine surgery, but with modern techniques, we can get people back to what they love to do faster and safer.”

Back on track for Mount Kilimanjaro

Several months after surgery, Carol is once again training—this time for her planned climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in summer 2026.

The trek is no small feat. Rising to nearly 20,000 feet, the climb typically takes 7–9 days and presents challenges including altitude sickness, extreme cold and high winds. For Carol, preparation is everything.

“After my surgery and physical therapy, I’m in great shape physically,” she says. “I’ve really appreciated the extensive care from the Henry Ford Health team, including the travel clinic, which has provided medication to help prevent and treat altitude sickness.”

She also values the encouragement she’s received along the way. “I’ve been to other providers where there was some judgment about my age and activity level,” Carol says. “That hasn’t been the case at Henry Ford. They may be surprised by what I’m planning next, but they always support my goals and give me the tools I need to achieve them.”

Continuing the journey

With a strong recovery behind her and expert care supporting her every step, Carol is proving that age doesn’t define limits—it opens new possibilities. Her next adventure awaits on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.