Patient Stories
My Hero, No More Bulging Disk
I am 63 years old as of 2015. Ive been building sets for tv and movies for over 40 years. I've put my back thru the ringer. Retired as of 2013 due to a failed surgery by another doctor in January 2013 and again a year later in 2014. The previous doctor said he performed a laminectomy and said I would be fine. Each time, I gave him the opportunity to fix my bulging disc, stupid me, what was I thinking? I was still hurting. Each time I had an MRI and each time he said: "You still have a bulge there". I was hoping to get back to work after some time off to heal. That was not to be.
I found another doctor, he said he could reduce my pain by 80% and fuse L3-L4-L5. October 2014, the new doctor did his thing. 7 months later I was 80% WORSE. Now using a walker, I was discharged by the second doctor after 8 months and he told me after looking at my MRI that there was nothing more he could do for me, after noticing on the MRI that NOW L2-L3 discs were bulging due to the fusion. Over the next year or so, I went to see 10-15 different back [specialist]. I could not find 3 doctors that could agree on the same problem or solution even though they have the MRI and the MRI report and they all see something different. Looking at the MRI was like looking at that ink splat Rorschach test. Forget about the report...It very frustrating to say the least.
Then it was recommended to go see Dr. Yuri Falkinstein. From the first time I saw him, he always suggested to get a Bilateral Laminotomy and a Microdiscectomy. I still went and saw other doctors to get other opinions. Talking to two fellow workers about my condition they told me they saw Dr. Falkinstein and they were doing much better after he had done back and/or neck surgeries on them. I went back to Dr. Falkinstein and I liked what he had to say. The day after we talked, his scheduler, Barbara had e-mailed me my Pre-op date, my surgery date, and my Post-op appointments, OUTSTANDING, she was wonderful. That has never happened before. With my previous surgeries. I had to plan my pre-op and post-op appointments once I had the surgery date. Many times Dr. Falkinstein asked me: "How can you even walk with that big of an impingement?" I said: "I'm not walking, I'm pushing and leaning on a walker and always in pain, 24/7."
Dr. Falkinstein performed a bi-lateral laminotomy and a microdiscectomy on March 2, 2016. I went home the same day. That never happened before either. Now the bulging disc was gone and not pressing down on my spinal cord. I was feeling a little better. The next day after surgery a nurse came to my home to check up on me and the next day after that a physical therapist came by to get me going again. They both came by 3 times a week for 5 weeks. This also was never offered before or I was not informed it was available from the other incompetent doctors before Dr. Falkinstein.
Dr Yuri Falkinstein and HIS Staff are the absolute BEST I've ever seen over my lifetime! They are all very professional and they had a genuine concern for your health and happiness. I have also never experienced that before.
I've been thru HELL these past 3+ years and for the past year I have been unable to lay flat on my back or on my side. I've been living in my recliner since April 2015. March 2, 2016 was my surgery and today April 15 was the 3rd day in a row I was able to wake up after spending all night in my own bed along side my wife who has been so supportive during these trying times.
If it was not for Dr. Yuri Falkinstein and his Staff, I would not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I may never be 100% again, (I got it), but believe me, I am a hell of alot better than I was on March 1 this year, the day before my surgery by Dr Falkinstein. After being on my butt for 3 years since my first and second failed surgery and in my recliner this past year, my muscles have Atrophied a bit in my legs. I no longer need my walker in the home. I walk around the house with a little bit of muscle pain,( it's only been 6 weeks) without my cane. I only use the cane when we leave the house.
I strongly recommend to everybody to get as many doctor opinions as possible that agree on the SAME problem and SIMILAR solutions. DO NOT take just one opinion to the bank. That was my mistake. I was way to trusting and naive. I never would have imagined that there would be so many different opinions on the same issue even with the MRI in their face. BE CAREFUL, shop around. But you can cut your shopping days way down by going to see Dr. Yuri Falkinstein FIRST.
This Doctor is either blessed with a gift to help others or he really paid attention when he went to school. Yea your right, probably BOTH. Dr. Falkinstein is MY HERO....Thank you, Thank you, Thank you ........
-Patient J.H.
Spinal Epidural
On May 23, 2013, I got an epidural on my back, which proved to be a God send. I am doing almost pain free and am very grateful for all the professional care. – Patient R.O.
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein
Removal of a Herniated Disk
In the fast pace of today’s world, we often forget to say “thank you” to those who most deserve it.
I wanted to express my deep and honest gratitude for the recent surgery you (Dr. Yuri Falkinstein) performed for me. As your office well knows, I was in extreme pain prior to visiting you and with great precision my problem was diagnosed and the right procedure was carried out by your good-self.
Just like you forecasted, after the success of the surgery, I feel like a new man.
Patients that visit you should be relieved to know that they are literally in “good hands” when placing themselves into your care. In fact, one of my dear friends was so impressed with my post surgery condition that she asked me for your office number for a referral to you.
In addition, your office staff with Mellisa and Antionette were most helpful and patient in assisting me with the paperwork necessary for the temporary disability.
Please accept my kind personal regards. - Patient P.F.
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein
Dr. Yuri Falkinstein,
Thank you for my husband's surgery. You are a fantastic Dr. My husband had been suffering for several years. We are very blessed to have you as my husband's surgeon. Your professionalism, kindness, helpfulness and caring are greatly appreciated. We also thank your office staff. Each of them are nice and kind. Thanks to your assistants Barbara and Vaz with their explanations and visitations after and before surgery. - Patient S.A.G.
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein
To: The Best Orthopedic Surgeon!
Thank you so much for being the excellent doctor that you are, and for helping get to the point of being pain free (neck wise) for the rest of my life! You did an amazing job and I'm so glad God brought the Best Doctor into my life.
Can't thank you enough. - Patient S.L.
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein
Anterior Lumbar Fusion
Dr. Falkinstein diagnosed and fixed a severe back problem on Michael that all the doctors before you for more than 15 years failed to diagnose, much less treat correctly! Your staff has never failed to be friendly, helpful and interested! In our experience, finding such competent and caring medical professionals is somewhat of a rarity! Thank You! - Patient M.K.
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein
Anterior/Posterior Lumbar Fusion
I would like to show my appreciation to Yuri Falkinstein, M.D. and his medical team for the services provided to me. I was going through a lot of pain in my back going down into my leg during the past years. After the excellent services provided by this GREAT team, I am able to, again, have a good life.
I went through a 5 hour surgery procedure, a very difficult one; it was so successful that I do recommend to anyone who faces the fact of going through such to face it, without any fears at all. Dr. Falkinstein and his team were absolutely fantastic, excellent professionals. - Patient E.R.
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein
Spinal Fusion Surgery
Dr. Falkinstein is my hero! He gave me my life back with no pain--I repeat: NO PAIN--after he performed spinal fusion surgery on my lower vertebrae. I suffered for years with excruciating sciatic pain from spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, and stenosis. I was afraid of surgery because I had heard such horror stories. It's been four months since the surgery and I am back to work, normal activities, the gym, and even yoga. It feels great to be in my body again.
I am forever grateful to Dr. Falkinstein and the wonderful staff at Orthopaedic Surgery Specialists in Burbank.
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery
Dr. Yuri Falkinstein performed Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery on me in November 2011. I was having pain all the way down my left leg. I tried all the non-invasive remedies with no permanent relief, so surgery was my last option. My problem was with the LS-51 disks and I had scoliosis. I was in surgery for 5 hours. It was a success. I woke up as they were wheeling me to recovery and I could tell right away that the pain was gone. Dr. Falkinstein is a great surgeon as well as a very nice person. My regular doctor recommend him. I had interviewed some neurosurgeons but I settled on Dr. Falkinstein. He proposed what I considered an "overkill" solution, four pins in the front, four pins in the back, but he had had experience with scoliosis and wanted to make sure the spine would stay in alignment. I wanted this thing fixed for good, so I went with the "overkill". I would recommend him to anyone with back surgery issues. A highly skilled surgeon, but what do I know. The bottom line is I went in and he fixed me. I have had no problems with the surgery or recovery. I like to think my problem was one of the simpler ones, only one disk, but Yuri assured me it wasn't simple. Go to this guy. At least for me, he got the job done and I am pain free, hopefully for the rest of my life.
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein
Kyphoplasty
Thank you so much for the great care you gave me. After Kyphoplasty for my crushed & cracked vertebrae, I am back on the ice competing in adult figureskating competitions. My back hasn't felt this good in years. Pain free!
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein
Conservative Treatment for a Herniated Disk (Back and Radiculitis)
"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the wonderful care that you and your staff provided me during my recent workman's compensation injury to my back. Not being familiar with the various rules that apply to this type of injury, you and Darlene helped me through the process, and answered all my questions no matter how trivial. It is refreshing to be treated by a doctor who truly takes his oath to heal his patients seriously. I truly felt that no matter what outside interference and pressure that was placed on you and your office to treat me as they saw fit, I always felt that you had my best interest and treatment in mind. On behalf of my wife, children, grandchildren and I thank you for all you have done." – Patient R.M.
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein
Lumbar Herniated Disc Treated Conservatively with Medications
"The experience that I had with Dr. Falkinstein was a very positive one. The care that I received was nothing short of excellent. The way in which Dr. Falkinstein dealt with my situation was incredible. Not only did he give me a good understanding of the extent of my injury, but he also went into great detail showing me the films to make sure that there was no question in my mind. On top of all of this, he was more than willing to answer any questions I had about my injury. Dr. Falkinstein was very professional, kind, courteous, and informative. Being a medical professional myself, I really appreciated the way that Dr. Falkinstein treated me. He is an excellent doctor and I will highly recommend him to those that I know." – Patient M.B.
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein
Cervical Stenosis Treated with Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
"It's been a long and rough journey. I have been dealing with extreme neck and arm discomfort and, at times, unbearable pain for many a year. It was indeed a glorious day when I met you, Dr. Falkinstein. Until you, only my symptoms were treated which resulted in only temporary relief. But you were able to spot the problem and deliver the healing solution. You, your staff and co-workers were set upon my life's path to change it forever, and change it for the better. Dr. Falkinstein, we send out an unlimited number of "Thank Yous" to you and everyone involved in my surgery. You all are an undeniable blessing and are very much appreciated." – Patient R.J.
- Performed by Dr. Yuri Falkinstein