I would like to start by stating that I made the right decision going with Dr. Huang and HSS. On November 16, 2017, I had ACDF c5-c7 and an iliac bone graft. My pain was gone the minute I woke up from surgery!!! I continue to improve everyday.
I am a runner and maintain a good level of fitness. Sometime back in March of 2017 I woke up with pain and numbness in my left arm and hand. After a few days I went to a walk in clinic to have it looked at. The doctor at the clinic sent me for an x-ray of my neck and referred me to an orthopedist. The orthopedist said he didn't like what he saw but thought with some NSAIDS and PT maybe it could be fixed without surgery. After a few weeks the pain seemed to increase. The orthopedist sent me for a cervical epidural. It didn't work either, so he sent me to a local surgeon. The surgeon wasn't ready to give up on physical therapy. I continued physical therapy for 3 months. I even bought an inversion table. The pain was becoming intolerable and I was losing strength in my arm.
I started looking for another surgeon. I heard great things about HSS from family and friends and I was fortunate enough to connect with Dr. Huang. I also learned later that he had performed a similar surgery for my friend's father with great success!
Dr. Huang reviewed my MRI and x-ray and gave me a thorough exam. He spent a lot of time with me, explaining everything so I could understand it. Still unsure what to do, I went for yet another opinion for a total of 3. All three surgeons had the same diagnosis. I liked Dr. Huang's approach best and decided to go for it. I was scheduled for surgery 2 weeks later.
On the day of surgery, Dr. Huang talked to me and my family before and after surgery. HSS was very welcoming and stress free. I went home the next day. Everyone was great from the greeting at the front door to my wheelchair exit ride.
It has been about 3 weeks since surgery and the only real discomfort to complain about was difficulty swallowing. This was to be expected and continues to get better every day.
Dr. Huang is a great guy and he and his staff are very patient and compassionate. I have to mention how helpful Hava, Erica, Jennifer and Ana were and continue to be.
Dr. Huang expects a full recovery and I should be running again soon.
Thank you!
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