Dr. Andrew Steven Itkin, MD

As a good anesthelogist--sp?--when I dealt with Dr. Itkin for the actual operation, he talked in a soothing voice to me and set up and he said count backwards from 5 to 1--I thought, hey, my other docs always had me count backwards from 10 to 1, I have been not out as quickly, so this guy must be good--then bye-bye for a nice nap. He came in to my pre-op room, and introduced himself, and gave me pre-op medication because I was tense, anxious, and scared, and that was very nice of him. It helped and did not hurt to get. Plus, I got a Scope patch for possible post-op vomiting and nausea, which I always had previously. Then, a few years ago a ferry driver/captain said if you possibly get nauseous on water, request a Scope (scopalomine) patch from your doc before the trip. I got 6 or 12 or so patches, and they were always effective for me, on water, in the air. In a small plane, etc. All in all, I have absolutely no problem with Dr. Itkin, although he's actually more dream to me than… real, and I would never object to his taking care of me if I ever have another operation. He checked in with me several times, and I think that's where the dream doctor comes from because he stayed a while with me, and we had what, on my end would pass for a conversation, but I have no idea how strange/incomprehensible it sounded to him... :) But I imagine he was checking on how I was doing, which is very reassuring, because there are things related to his field that, if something went wrong with me, the others might not think of. And, he has a good sense of humor, because before I meet any pain doctor I say to him "Oh, the Candyman." which, to my defense, a pain doc my husband had, walked up to the pre-op room, and said, Hi, the Candyman's here, which we both thought was hilarious. When I said it to Dr. Itkin he sort of chuckled.

Dr. Itkin was my anesthesiologist for my recent surgery at St. Luke's Hospital in Houston. I was very concerned and anxious, due to my having had a bad experience with anesthesia many years ago, compounded with my surgery being delayed for weeks due to recent illness. Dr. Itkin was so respectful, patient, reassuring--and even humorous, which put me completely at ease. I tolerated everything well and couldn't believe the difference between this experience and my nightmare one I remembered. I'm very thankful Dr. Itkin was my anesthesiologist. He's the best in providing care, as well as compassion.