How classy is that?

[a real drip]

I just received a call from Dr. Robert C. Kern (Doc #1). He wanted to wish me luck on my surgery, to let me know there were no hard feelings, and to assure me that I had made a good choice in Dr. James Stankiewicz (Doc #2). He said, "If you had chosen any other surgeon in the Chicago area but him, I would have told you that you were making a mistake. Dr. Stankiewicz is the only doctor in this area with more experience than me."

How classy is that? I am welling up with gratitude right now. Thank you, God. And thank all of you. It was actually Nancy Drew's doctor in Boston who referred me to Dr. "Stan" here in Chicago. What a blessing.

Although I may be a bit premature in my assessments--I haven't had the surgery yet ;)--I would heartily recommend either of these two fine surgeons for CSF leak repair.

[sadlisa]

Awesome! We need more doctors like him. You are very lucky in deed. Keep us posted on your recovery when you can. Thia

[nancydrewbr]

*sevendwarfs

Real Drip and Fellow Friends,

Wow, that is one of the nicest things I have heard in this 7 year adventure, it has warmed my heart!

It's also the last thing you want to see on this board that somebody needs a craniotomy, when you know perhaps that some csf leaks can be approached via the nose after staying up night after night reading. Second opinions and even third opinions are a must!

May I also add to those of you seeking doctors in other areas. If at all possible see who is writing the journal articles that are published on these topics, and seek them out. Your doc #2 is well published in csf leaks, so that was a positive thing. Trust me it's the docs in these other hospitals that are pulling these same articles finding out what tests to perform and what works and doesn't. It just
another avenue for perhaps finding a well qualified and experienced doc, when all else fails or you are up the creek without a paddle. ;)

This board is a wonderful avenue for sharing info and helping each other.I am happy to be a part of it and play any role in helping others. I know even with my 7 year saga ,board members have written several tips to help and that has made a world of difference to me. And, more importantly not being alone on this wild adventure is a good feeling.

Best wishes to all and once again we will be keeping you in thoughts and prayers as Real Drip prepares for her csf leak repair next week.


*rodeo
Nancy D.

[guineapig]

I just received a call from Doc #1. He wanted to wish me luck on my surgery, to let me know there were no hard feelings, and to assure me that I had made a good choice in Doc #2. He said, "If you had chosen any other surgeon in the Chicago area but him, I would have told you that you were making a mistake. Dr. _______ is the only doctor in this area with more experience than me."

How classy is that? I am welling up with gratitude right now. Thank you, God. And thank all of you. It was actually Nancy Drew's doctor in Boston who referred me to Doc #2 here in Chicago. What a blessing.

Although I may be a bit premature in my assessments--I haven't had the surgery yet ;)--I would heartily recommend either of these two fine surgeons for CSF leak repair. Is it appropriate for me to post their names and contact info. here? If not, feel free to PM me and I will pass along any info. I have.

#1 rule of csf leaking: there are no obligations amongst leakers. yet having said that, one of the best things we can do to help each other is to warn of poor doctors (incompetents, delusionals, know it alls, screw ups, not experienced enough for a particular case...) and the same, shout the names of good doctors from the roof tops. so, by all means, disclose your doctor's name and location. unless someone asks you privately, you may want to wait for an evaluation of how well the surgery went (which does not nec mean you are fixed), that is, more than one or two visits/interactions, to give you more to form a good, experienced opinion upon.

we name drop all the time here; wouter schievink at cedars-sinai, Lay in ny, whomever up at ucsf, what's his name at mayo clinic (what's his name, eman? i should remember but for the drugs which play w/ the last 3 neurons of memory i have left, he is only the #2 prolific publisher on csf leaks). besides, if you have a good opinion of the doctor, you are only doing them a favor by spreading the personal word. it's all part of the csf leak gospel. and yes, God bless us, as tiny tim said (maybe he had a leak), every one.

[LauraL840]

Bahram Mokri, I think that's who's name you wanted to drop Guineapig!

LOL

ITA, If you have the name of a doc who's good, pass it on! No sense in making some other (pain-filled) leaky person wade through articles and posts and pain to come to the same conclusion!

One thing I have done with my DH's docs is to ask their permission to post pertinent contact info on this board (I give them the basic "it's a support board for leakers" shpiel). If it were me, I'd like to be asked before my name was 'spread' online.

However, these people are DOCTORS! You aren't giving out private information and in most cases, sharing their names, your experience, and their contact information is a benefit (well, it's a benefit if they are GOOD doctors LMAO) to them anyway! You don't need their permission to share what is (already) public information! If it's in the yellow pages, it's public! If it's a 'teaching' hospital, it's public!

Putting my technical opinion aside, I am so thrilled for you to have the confidence in your medical care and to know that you've got caring people treating you (and caring people no longer treating you). We (leakers and wives/spouses of leakers) have a tendency to be leary/weary of the medical community and it helps to know that there are great physicians who truly care for their patients and support them in any and every way possible!

Woohooooo!

I pray your outcome is as positive as your experiences have been so far! Please post your surgery date/time (if you're comfortable) and I'll have you in my prayers!