Patient Testimonials

Nancy Guerriere, Hackettstown, NJ — spine surgery
During the past two years both my husband and I have been patients and had spinal surgery at HSS. In Aug. 2008 my husband was diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc. When treatment with physical therapy, meds and an epidural injection failed to relieve his symptoms and they actually became worse, our doctor advised us to see a spine specialist. I have been a nurse for 35 years in a suburban community hospital and am very sensitive to how patients are treated and was a little wary of a 'big city hospital'. I couldn't have been more wrong. more

Nancy Guerriere, Hackettstown, NJ — spine surgery
During the past two years both my husband and I have been patients and had spinal surgery at HSS. In Aug. 2008 my husband was diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc. When treatment with physical therapy, meds and an epidural injection failed to relieve his symptoms and they actually became worse, our doctor advised us to see a spine specialist. I have been a nurse for 35 years in a suburban community hospital and am very sensitive to how patients are treated and was a little wary of a 'big city hospital'. I couldn't have been more wrong. less

I knew about HSS' excellent reputation and since we were dealing with the spine, I wanted the best. The physician referral service gave me the name of Dr. James C. Farmer. We saw Dr. Farmer within a week and were very impressed with him. He was friendly, approachable, and confident but not arrogant; he answered all our questions and explained procedures thoroughly, along with risks and benefits. Regardless of how busy the office was, we never felt rushed during our visits. His office staff is helpful, friendly and efficient. They scheduled all tests and visits on the same day which made things easier for us. Dr. Farmer recommended a microdiscectomy, which was done late Nov. 2008. My husband's neurological symptoms cleared up but the pain continued, so under the recommendation of Dr. Farmer, my husband had a lumbar epidural done by Dr. Christopher Lutz in July 2009. It was a complete success, eliminating the pain.

Unfortunately, two more discs herniated late Sept. 2009, which necessitated a two-level spinal fusion in Nov. 2009. Dr. Farmer had made us aware that this could be a possiblity prior to the first surgery so we weren't taken by surprise. Meanwhile, I had been having issues with my neck and in April 2009 was diagnosed with herniated cervical discs. My first go-round with meds and physical therapy was successful but about six months later, my symptoms returned, only worse and in both arms. This time the meds and PT didn't work. Without hesitation I went to see Dr. Farmer. He was surprised to see me but he spent time with me and did not assume that I knew what would be happening; he explained thorougly the procedure, risks and benefits, and answered all our questions. We decided to try an epidural first, which I had done at HSS. Unfortunately, it didn't relieve my symptoms, and since I had a reaction to the steroids, it was decided not to repeat the epidural. I still felt I had very good care in Special Procedures; the procedure itself was painless and Dr. Richman was very conscientious about keeping in touch with me and following up.

In a subsequent visit with Dr. Farmer we decided to go ahead with the surgery. Both my husband and I never felt pressured to have surgery; the decision was made as a team. Dr. Farmer operated on me on June 1, 2010, performing a two-level cervical spinal fusion. In the recovery room, I knew my symptoms had cleared up. I was only just a little nervous about the surgery because I knew that I was in good hands. For both of us, throughout the pre-op work-up - MRIs, CT scans, lab work, medical clearances, neurological workups - we were treated with kindness, respect and concern. We did not come across one person at HSS that did not make us feel that we were in excellent hands.

As inpatients, we were very impressed by the professional, warm, caring attitude of everyone we came across - from lab techs, OR staff, recovery room staff, physical therapists, nurses, x-ray techs, nurses techs, physician assistants, anesthesiologists (Dr. LaSala and Dr. Ya Deau), pain management team, and surgical residents. There was even a kind soul from dietary who brought me a coffee and muffin one morning during my husband's hospital stay. There is a culture of professionalism, compassion, expertise and pride in the work they do that permeates HSS and the staff. That in turn makes you feel secure that you are getting the best treatment and care possible. I have been very grateful that we "found" Dr. Farmer and for the care that he, HSS and the staff have given us.