Dr. Paul Joseph Houle

Rushes you, won’t answer questions. Leave there more aggravated due to her ways.

At my first office visit with Dr. Houle he was impatient, condescending and offered little information about my pending surgery. When I asked questions he said "We do things differently now" not offering further explanation. He pushed his preference of orthoscopic surgery with conscious sedation. My concerns about this being an outpatient procedure were dismissed. After 12 minutes he headed to the door in the middle my questions and left the room. With many questions unanswered I contacted his PA Jennifer Miller. She said there was actually an alternative to the Dr.'s preference. General anesthesia and traditional surgery were also an option. This was my preference but she became irritated with my indecision. "If Dr. Houle finds out your are unsure he will reconsider doing the surgery" she said. "You should think about going to Boston" she said in a threatening tone. I had been in pain for so many months, endured several X-rays and MRI's and Dr. visits. Not to mention… the the pressure I felt from Dr. Houle and Jennifer I agreed to his preferred procedure. With constant paid I was emotionally and physically exhausted. "This will work. It has to work" I thought. After the surgery I was told it was time to leave. When I stood up the pain in both legs was unbearable. After an emotional 6 hours, the Dr. stopped by and agreed to admit me to the hospital. I was at risk for falling so my bed and chair were equipped with alarms. I told Dr. Houle all I was doing was laying in bed in a ball of pain. He instructed the nurses to have me up and walking. I asked for physical therapy and he agreed. The nurses could not take the time to walk with me and there were 2 short visits by physical therapists. After 2 nights in the hospital I decided there was little more to be gained by being there. That is, except for the generous supply of ice cream. I was given a walker and little instruction for home recovery. There were many obvious things I could not do, but nothing proactive. I was to use the walker and be walking 1 to 2 miles by week 6. In my follow up call with Jennifer I told her my pain was still severe and it now included pain in my other leg. I could walk only 1 block with the help of a cane. At my office visit with Dr. Houle my notes clearly indicated equal pain in both legs. These were the notes he pushed aside without reading. So, Dr. Houle was first aware of this at hospital when I said there was intense pain in my right leg. Upon hearing that he responded "I thought it was your left leg". Then he poked at my right leg through the sheets and blanket and mumbled "bursitis". In the post op conversation with Jennifer I expressed my utter disappointment in my treatment and poor results. She said "I am sorry you feel that way. Keep taking Ibuprofen and we will call you in 3 months for another follow up". Today, I fell again. My left leg is weak and mostly useless. The pain continues. There are very good doctors at Hyannis Neurosurgeons. In the past I had a great expdrience with Dr. Achilles Papavasilou. It's your body and your choice. My hope is that my review prevents anyone from a potential nightmare. Be well. mbp

I went to Dr Houle about five yrs ago with very severe lumbar spinal stenosis. I was severely limited from playing and coaching hockey as well as being in near constant pain. Dr Houle performed a minimally invasive arthroscopic lumbar decompression procedure that completely cured my problem. Five yrs later I am completely pain free. Can't say enough good things about Dr Houle and his staff.

Appreciate Dr. Houle explaining my MRI results..... pleasant and understanding...... Hoping the Pain Clinic can help with my spinal pain problems.....

I think the dr, sucks my back has worsten after surgery spend two days in hospital after surgery because I couldnt walk with out bad pain his advise go to therpy don/t go to him

Couldn't have been happier with the entire experience I had with Dr Houle. Accurate dignosis of my lower back problems. Presented the options clearly and in simple terms to understand. Now 9 motnhs later back doing any and all activities from cycling to hockey in no pain.