Dr. Arlo Bruce Brakel, MD

Thanks for the CRPS Dr. Brakel. And thanks for ruining my life. After surgery I was still in tons of pain. After explaining my symptoms instead of referring me for CRPS screening (I had all the classic symptoms). Because of his arrogance and lack of caring I am now in constant severe pain and bedridden. Glad he's retired he's ruined enough life's by the reviews. His wife who managed the office is equally arrogant. They make a good pair.

I underwent a laminectomy surgery by Dr Brackel at St Mary's Hospital . I was really on the fence about going through with it, I just had a bad feeling about it. His staff called me repeatedly about going ahead and scheduling the surgery, and I finally reluctantly agreed and scheduled the surgery. It was the worst mistake of my life. I noticed right away that my right leg and foot was very sensitive which I chalked up to with the surgery that would resolve. After several weeks , it not only did not resolve but got markedly worse. I was in intense pain following the surgery and was only given 5 MG narco for a few days which did not even touch my pain. I laid in bed for weeks and cried, the pain was so severe. I called Dr Brackel' s office numerous times and left multiple messages and I was basically ignored as my calls were never acknowledged nor returned . When I finally was able to catch somebody I was told they could not help me with the pain, this after I was promised that… I would be kept comfortable during the healing process. It was a flat out lie. I was also told I'd be up and around in couple of weeks , yet another lie, I was still in an enormous amount of pain and very uncomfortable . I spent a night a St Mary's Hospital after the surgery and woke up with an old turkey sandwich stuck to my back and my hand in a bed pan full of my urine that the nurse refused to empty the night before, she told me not to bother her because she was "busy". I now have severe neuropathy on my right side and am in constant debilitating pain. Most of my time is spent in bed as that is the only place I feel somewhat comfortable . I am in far worse pain than when I started this whole mess. To make matters worse nobody will treat my pain so I will more than likely spend the rest of my life in bed. Once they got the money for the surgery they had no further interest in helping me, I was made to feel like I was a nuisance . Never Again.

Great Doctor

I met Dr. Brakel on Monday 7-27-2020. We reviewed my MRI results and I will need surgery. Dr. Brakel spent 45 min with me and answered all of my questions and he made me feel so comfortable. I am looking forward to having him fix my two issues which are in the L-2 and L-4 areas, just nerve pressure relief in needed.

It has been nearly 6 months since Dr. Brakel performed a foraminotomy on my lower back. Before that I experienced severe pain in my back, right leg and foot constantly for nearly 5 years prior with occasional relief only when I received steroid shots. Also for a period of time I experienced "foot drop" in my left ankle and foot. Since the surgery, though, I have not experienced any pain. I can now hike in the Catalinas, walk or stand for long periods of time and sleep comfortably at night. Dr. Brakel was referred to me by my pain management doctor and when I met him I was struck by his confidence and sense of calm. He was careful to explain everything and was understanding about my presurgery anxieties. The surgery required one night in the hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital I was impressed by how encouraging his staff was and the confidence they expressed about his skill. After the surgery he kept a close watch over my recovery both there at the… hospital and with office visits in the weeks that followed. I don't have the words to express my appreciation for how Dr. Brakle changed my life with his vast experience and expert skills. Glenn Yaeger

Absolutely wonderful neurosurgeon. Took care of my pain problems. He knows what he is doing and would recommend him highly. J. Bischoff

Dr Brakel is a man who fights for his patients. I fought with my W/C insurance company for almost 3 yrs and the insurance company (The Hartford) bullied the other Drs and nothing got done. I came and saw Dr Brakel Feb 21st and he requested surgery & I got it a month later. Thank you Dr Brakel and your great staff for going the extra mile & fighting for me. No more pain & I’d been in extreme pain for over 2 yrs. He knows what he’s doing and would recommend him to anyone.

Such a wonderful change. Ive been to other drs who dont care or listen, And Dr Brakel actually does both. I would definately send my family and friends to Dr. Brakel.

My husband had an MRI that required him to have ememrgency neck surgery. Living on the far SW side of Tucson Dr. Brakel was our only choice. We are grateful. He was the best and did an amazing job with compassion, care and expertise. St. Mary's where this took place was outstanding as well. I hear awful things about this hospital but our 4 day stay there was top notch with great care from the housekeeping, dietary, nurses and of course Dr, Brakel! Thank you.

When I needed to be seen for an emergency situation Dr. Brakel came to the rescue. When the MRI was done he took fast action as my pain and disc damage was at the maximum. He took time to explain and show me what happened and what would be done. The follow up after the hospital stay and rehab was just as detailed. I am very happy with his skill and care.