Dr. James Douglas Poettcker, MD

I was referred to Dr. Poettcker to have a surgery on my foot to remove a cancerous growth that was found. I had an absolute horrible experience. He had almost no beside manner! Afterwards I was told I would only be on crutches for 2 weeks. I was on for over 8 weeks. We I asked to be referred to a physical therapist to help with my walking he wouldn't make the recommendation. Almost 8 years after my surgery I am still dealing with significant pain in my foot, knee and hip that has only gotten worse overtime and spread to my knee and hip. I will never be able to redo this experience but if I could I would have chosen something different. I will have to live th rest of my life dealing with the decision to not go elsewhere.

I was referred to this doctor by my oncologist for a nodule that was found during a PET scan. I was placed on the "normal" starting dose of Levothyroxin and immediately experienced tremors and weight gain. I scheduled a follow-up appointment, and Dr Poettcker poked at my throat and gave me a script to go to a lab to check my TSH levels. Two weeks later, he halved the dose of levothyroxin and the weight gain continues. I had another ultrasound last month and nothing had changed on the nodule. But he didn't call until almost 3 weeks had passed. This is in addition to his office staff and their inability to bill my insurance & co-insurance correctly. If you have a thyroid nodule, go to an endocrinologist, not a surgeon who thinks thyroids are "interesting".

Although I'm only 41 I've had 3 major operations by this doctor. He is good as far as cutting you open and putting you back together. I do think more info should be sent out from Harris or the doctors nurses on what to do to take care of yourself after surgery. It would save alot of problems. For instance with pain meds you need to take stool softners. I was not told and got really backed packed up in my colon after 4 days of no bowel movement. Also I had an allergic reaction to med used during surgery and this doctor and his staff had no mediation to counter react a allergic reaction. But overall he is a great surgeon as far as that goes.

He answered my questions, over a period of SEVERAL months in the hospital, to the best of anyone's ability. He gave me the facts without sugar coating, yet without doom as well. When the internist was recommending hospice, Dr. Poettcker stepped in and said that he didn't think we were quite ready for that. I'm alive today because of his override in that instance. Yeah, I owe him my life. For that I am grateful for my remaining time on this earth.

Did 2 surgeries on me. great Doctor