Dr. Tobler was suggested to my wife by a friend who’s relative underwent a very successful surgery by him.
I was a very reluctant candidate to become a patient.
I must state that the preparations necessary to convince me of the seriousness of my condition were completed by Dr. Tobler and his associates with excellent concern and care. His observations were well stated, informative, and no-holds-barred. His candor and practical statements left no doubt regarding the seriousness of my condition, coupled with his capability to resolve those problems.
To satisfy my curiosity regarding the methods to be used, Dr. Tobler described, in detail, what was going to be accomplished, and the methods necessary to achieve that improvement. All of the results were not positive, as there is risk that is evident within any undertaking of this nature. Dr. Tobler assuaged those evident risk potentials by identifying the care and procedures necessary to minimize those possibilities.
I… struggled with that decision, to undergo major back surgery for both Spinal Stenosis and Alimentary Canal improvement, multiple occurrences of each. My reservations were significant. I had no current pain. Discomfort was limited to sporadic and mild soreness in my lower back, usually induced by sleeping movements. After weighing the potential consequences of my situation, I elected to undergo the procedures with the potential benefit of significant improvement in my condition.
After a five and a half hour surgery, I was removed to recovery. I remember waking up and watching the clock on the wall. I have vague recollections of figures moving about the recovery room, but wasn’t aware enough to identify who, or what, they were.
When I finally became conscious and able to recollect events, I found myself to be remarkably pain-free. This was very surprising, as I had had two incisions on my back, one thoracic about 10 inches long, and one lumbar about 7 inches long, with the separation of muscle tissue beneath, necessary to access the spine for the repairs needed. It was an interesting experience feeling my body re-awaken, as the nerves and muscles re-associated, a bit at time over several days.
5 days in surgical recovery, 14 days in Acute Care Therapy, both at Jewish Hospital. Then, I was transferred to Forest Hills Care facility for 8 weeks, where managed physical and occupational therapy were conducted to enable me to recover some mobility.
8 weeks of in-home therapy, followed by 6 weeks of out-patient institutional therapy have improved my mobility to the point where I can manage most personal tasks.
That brings me to today, 10 days short of 6 months since the surgery. I have graduated from wheel chair usage. I still walk with a walker and use my cane as a manipulation and support tool. I am significantly stronger, but still haven’t managed stairs, though walkway steps are no problem.
I am working on recovering sufficient mobility to drive my car. That will happen soon, hopefully.
I can’t state strongly enough how pleased I am that Dr. Tobler, with his straight-forward discussion, convinced me to undergo this physical improvement. The results are not yet complete, however, I can feel and react to the continued positive changes that have occurred, and are occurring, as a result of his efforts.
Dr. Tobler’s continued interest in my satisfactory recovery is very refreshing. He visited during my stay in Surgery Recovery. While I was in recovery, he scheduled post-operative thoracic & lumbar MRIs to examine and ensure that he had achieved all aspects of my surgery correctly. Periodic follow up visits to his office yield extended therapy necessary for my complete recovery. The checkered flag has not yet been dropped, my pit crew is still active
If you need/desire correction for physical problems within his expertise, I can offer my favorable opinion to suggest Dr. Tobler to correct your difficulty. Based on my successful surgery, I’m very certain that you will be very pleased with the final result.
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