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like Boachie, what about HSS?

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  • like Boachie, what about HSS?

    I had my consult with Dr. Boachie yesterday and liked him. His exam was far more extensive than others, his responses calm, matter of fact and knowledgable. Although I was surprised at the casualness of attitude toward recovery: no need for rehab unless can't walk, pt after a number of weeks, etc, all of which actually isn't going against some other drs. process.
    My questions: from what I read on the forum pain management is key: what about follow-up questions re meds/pain management, recovery support with him. Is Boachie available for this or is the patient automatically to consult another specialist?
    And as far as HSS: I have a huge fear of hospitals and feelings of abandonment while there. I had hoped I would have a friend or relative stay with me, but they are strict with visitors allowing only 15 minutes?
    I have also read some threads discussing non-responsive nurses. Are these instances sporatic and unusual? Friends who have gone there for hip or shoulder surgery rave about it in all ways, but this is different surgery than major spinal fusion…And I can’t afford private rooms or nurses.
    So, any comments?
    Judy
    60 years old
    double 60 degree curves
    being fused Oct 19, 2011
    T4 to sacrum
    Dr. Boachie

  • #2
    Hi,
    I just had my surgery at HSS, last month. I ended up paying for a private room, for 6 days, so my sister, who is a nurse, could be with me. I did not have a good experience, but there are others on the forum who went there and had no problems at all. I think it just depends on how busy they are, who your nurses are, etc. The restricted visiting hours are for when you are in the PACU area (recovery). the general floors are from 10am-9pm. Even with the bad experience, it was still worth it to me to have Dr. Boachie as my surgeon. His skill level can't be topped. As far as post-op care, his nurse, Lindy has been very helpful with anything I needed. They provided more than enough pain meds post-op, but as far as management, they do recommend a pain management dr., if you are not local. I start out-pt PT next week, which he ordered for me at my 1 mo. visit. Hope this was helpful.
    Lori in PA, 52 yrs. old
    T54/L72
    Surgery 6/7/11, T3-S1, all posterior, with pelvic anchors
    Gained 2 inches!
    Dr. Boachie, HSS, NYC
    12/10/13 Hardware Removal for infection
    Lost 2", gained PJK!

    Comment


    • #3
      thanks Lorz, I did remember your earlier thread not being happy with HSS, so I'm glad you replied it was still worth it. I can't do private, but have family and friends who are extremely pro-active in support and will trust in their help during visiting hours. His office staff has been so supportive and above the others, his reputation is excellent, I want to feel as comfortable with HSS…I am putting to rest my fears combined with my need for knowledge. I hope your recovery continues well. I wonder, do you live in NY vicinity for finding a pt? I'm NJ.
      Judy
      60 years old
      double 60 degree curves
      being fused Oct 19, 2011
      T4 to sacrum
      Dr. Boachie

      Comment


      • #4
        Hi Judy,

        I didn't have a good experience with the nurses at HSS and my night nurse made things a lot more bearable. I should clarify that I had a nurse's aide, not a full-fledged nurse, so her hourly rate was cheaper. My insurance paid for some of it (maybe half) after a lot of back-and-forth with them.

        That being said, I would go to HSS again because I trusted Boachie and orthopedics is all they do there -- so the hospital is clean and they really know what they're doing. The problem I had is that you had to be "with-it" enough to press the call button and say what you wanted into the intercom before the nurse would come with your meds and at night I couldn't always do that. And sometimes you had to call twice before anyone would come. So my aide (who was wonderful) made sure I got my meds on time and she helped me change positions -- something I couldn't do by myself for a while.

        I remember that one night, around 4 in the morning, I was walking around the halls with the aide and I noticed that almost all the patients had their call-lights on, and the nurses were literally running from one room to the next. My floor was always full of people who had just had orthopedic surgery, so of course they were in major pain and wanting something -- so it was often a longish wait to get help, and they just didn't seem to have enough staff.
        Chris
        A/P fusion on June 19, 2007 at age 52; T10-L5
        Pre-op thoracolumbar curve: 70 degrees
        Post-op curve: 12 degrees
        Dr. Boachie-adjei, HSS, New York

        Comment


        • #5
          Hi Judy,
          I live right on the border of PA/NJ, so depending where you are in NJ, my P.T. might be an option. They are part of the Lehigh Valley Healthcare System, and the office is near Easton. My PT has his doctorate, and is supposed to have extensive background with spine surgeries. If interested, let me know, and I will give you more info. after I've been there a few times.
          Lori in PA, 52 yrs. old
          T54/L72
          Surgery 6/7/11, T3-S1, all posterior, with pelvic anchors
          Gained 2 inches!
          Dr. Boachie, HSS, NYC
          12/10/13 Hardware Removal for infection
          Lost 2", gained PJK!

          Comment

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