Dr. Margaret Wallenfriedman, MD

No way is anyone giving her 4 stars. Ten years ago she did surgery for spinal stenosis . Refused to see me after six months. I've lived with chronic unrelenting pain for ten years that is far worse than before surgery. She is the WORST Doctor I've ever seen. I NEVER should have agreed to surgery done by her . Find any other Dr.

Dr. Wallenfriedman was a second opinion due to a work related injury, where 2 discs were replaced but did not relieve all the symptom's and changed some symptoms. The surgeon that replaced the discs ran all tests again and then found a mass by c4. He then said a second opinion was needed. I had 2 choices, Mayo or Dr. Wallenfriedman. Both had to review all the scans before they would consider seeing me. I chose Dr. Wallenfriedman because of reviews of Health East and distance to Mayo. The first visit with Dr. Wallenfriedman was extraordinary, she showed me the scans and explained everything so I could understand it. She understood my symptoms. My thoughts were, FINALLY someone understands. She described the surgery she thought was needed and what she would do to deep me safe during the surgery since it was the spine and she was suggesting opening up 3 vertebrae. There are 2 years of tests and office visits, I will not do a test, visit blow by blow but I do want it known that 2-3… visits before surgery, she started to back off from surgery. She said she had not seen where symptoms were not consistent. I was devastated, every scan showed the mass still there, one last attempt to avoid surgery was to have go through work ready pt. Couple weeks or so into PT, symptoms got worse and all started to come back in full force. Surgery was scheduled. She is a very skilled surgeon and I appreciate that. She came is and shook my hand as they were getting me ready for surgery, that was the last time I seen her. In the hospital it was Dr. Assistants, Friday after I was released from hospital, I seen Dr. Wallenfriedmans nurse, who looked at the incision. I had to ask for refills for pain meds. A Dr. in the office renewed only a few days prescription. I was told by nurse if problems arise, to call her. I did when pain meds needed filled, I was told no by nurse. It is their policy not to refill, I think this was about 10 days after I was released from hospital. After sending a crabby note through mychart, I did get the pain patch, lidocaine and a muscle relaxer approved . My restrictions to be released from hospital was pretty much do nothing, but walk with a walker. I was in a hard collar 24/7 , even shower(another collar), the incision was to be looked at every day. dressing changed daily and collar pads washed and changed daily and oh yes. I went home with a catheter, that needed to be watched until I had that out. It was assumed that my husband would do that all. My husband leaves at 5:30 am and gets home anywhere from 6:30 -? Then has birds to feed, which takes about an hour and half or so. I needed home care to come in for all of this. It was a challenge to get the Dr.'s order for this, Dr.'s nurse said it was not for their office to do that. When Home care came out to evaluate home conditions and restrictions, they said light housekeeping should be ordered. They sent a letter informing Dr. Wallenfriedman that the restrictions or no pulling, pushing. reaching bending over..... was all part of doing dishes, cleaning the toilet, sweeping the floor, vacuuming, washing the floor, doing laundry, changing bedding all require the what she has for restrictions. Wallenfriedmans office did not provide the order or even acknowledge any of it. Nurse forwarded the letter from Home care. When I seen that, I called and nurse said she had fixed and sent over to Work Comp. I just got notice, it was denied because Wallenfriendman never signed or ordered it. The last visit to Health East Neurological Center, again did not see the Dr., it was another person that pretty much said. Take off the collar, you need some PT and we are done with you. Leaving the office, we passed Dr.'s nurse who really did not want to acknowledge me or my QRC. Not sure if this will even get posted. Since I wrote a book, I am taking a copy for my attorney. It should not be this hard, frustration is not a healing emotion, Take from this what you want. I do not take anything away from Dr. Wallenfriedman's skills. I do feel the after care fails big time.

Dr. Wallenfriedman was fabulous! Her research is amazing, great communication and a wonderful surgeon! I would recommend her to anyone!

Absolutely the best.

She is a lifesaver. She spent more time and effort than any other doctor I've ever had. She is very good at explaining things and takes the time to make sure you get it.

Very satisfied with my experience; she made me feel calm and relaxed in the face of delicate spine surgery. She's driven and dedicated to her work and gets the job done, no matter how difficult the barriers are.