Pain experiences reviews

Dr Millstein is an excellent doctor. I have seen him for a range of problems over the past 5-6 years including hip, knee and related issues. He's direct and explains things clearly -- and is never condescending! I frequently recommend him to friends and colleagues. Additionally, his staff at the front desk and the technicians are all friendly, professional and efficient. Recently, the front desk found a way to squeeze me in for an appointment because I was experiencing pain, even though the schedule was unusually packed as Dr Millstein had been in vacation. I recommend him most highly! On top of all of the above, he's a great guy!

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Came in for chronic knee pain after meniscus removal 15 years ago. Dr. Millstein was candid, competent and clearly had my best interests at heart in recommending treatment that was consistent with my diagnosis. He wanted to improve my quality of life without "upselling" me into procedures that might be good for some, but didn't address my problem. He's a courteous, insightful decent medical professional. I highly recommend him.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

I just celebrated my one year post op from a major C1 - T2 fusion. My review almost a year ago is still on Yelp. My life has changed radically because I went in knowing that I made the decision to lose mobility to save my quality of life. Having wished for death from the pain I was having, I look back and know I made the right choice. Dr. Bae has walked along side me during this year. He has always been a straight shooter, (and I think some people might struggle with that kind of upfront honesty), but I find it refreshing. He never promised my life would be cake walk, but he said that regarding my pain, I would be at least 85% better. I'd say it's better than that. When I first had my surgery, he thought I would have tremendous pain post op. I had none. The only difficulty has been getting used to not moving my head like I did. But honestly, those who know me would tell you I used to lay in bed all the time I wasn't working not being able to face another day. I will take this life instead. Next month I am starting to deal with my low back, as I have put that off for a long time. There is no one else I would trust with my care. I find Dr. Bae to be the most intelligent and sharp surgeon I've ever met, and I have met many. I continue to find his diagnostic skills second to none. I find him to be caring, funny, and personable. I offered my phone number to him for anyone who had to have a very serious surgery like mine so that they could speak with me directly. I still offer that. I am a very busy person, and I continue to fulfill my role as a college professor in as effective a manner as I ever had at the age of 61. I owe that to Dr. Bae for giving me my life back. One year later and still raving about this man!!! Finally, his staff rock. They are all kind and helpful, and I have pestered them enough to where they could have been annoyed. They answer every question and are also kind and patient. What a blessing to have found Dr. Bae.

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Hyun Bae, MD

I was hospitalized and in extreme back pain when I went to a Spine Doctor in an upscale clinic. We were assured by the nurse that we do not have to bring the MRI result from another hospital since they can pull it from their computer only to be told when we went to the clinic that they can't access but they can get the result direct from the hospital and will just call me after 3 days for the findings. We did not received the call as promised and after 8 days of getting a run around in the phone to talk with the Doctor, his nurse finally told me that the Doctor could not read the result. It was 8 days of more pain. I was so desperate that I just searched the internet and found a Spine Doctor Dr, Amandeep Bhalla. I have no Idea about him but it was God's answered prayer for what I found is the best spine surgeon in LA. I had a very successful spine surgery and after a few weeks started feeling normal again. Just having to be personally assured by him before the surgery hat I do not have to worry and will be fine give you a sense of comfort and confidence going to the operating room. He also sees to it that you are given the best service after surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Amandeep Bhalla if you have spine issues. He just not look at you as a patient but makes you feel important with personalize care. Thank you Dr. Bhalla, I will be forever grateful to you.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I have been suffering from neck/arm pain for the past 8 mos. I've been to 3 different "experts" & no one would write a Rx for me to go in for MRIs...even though nothing else was working: epidurals, cortisone, meds. As a prior gymnast & dancer, I know my body & I know when I started losing the feeling down my hands & then my fingers started to get freezing cold, the problem was a lot more serious than the doctor I was seeing was seeing. I finally demanded he write ard for MRIs on both shoulders & my cervical spine & through some research was referred to Dr. Khurana - who, after taking one look at all my tests, reports, etc. said I needed emergency surgery or I'd end up with permanent nerve damage. I wonder - if my previous dr had listened to me - would I be in the situation I now find myself? Of course, we can't look back, only forward & I am so lucky that I was directed to Dr Khurana, who went over everything with me in great detail & explained the surgery so that even my husband, who doesn't know anything about anything re: medical terms, procedures & the like, completely understood & felt 100% confident when we left. The surgery is pretty extensive: Dr Khurana will be fusing my C3/4 & then totally replacing my discs at C5/6 & C6/7 & any time one goes in for surgery, especially anything related to the spine, it is nerve-wracking, to say the least. But everyone in the office - from the front desk to Amanda & Elaine &, especially, Dr Khurana made me feel like I was in the best hands possible. My appointment was on a Wednesday & Jessica, who schedules the surgeries, called me the next day & was able to get me in w/in a week - pretty unheard of these days. I go in tomorrow morning & have been told that, while the recovery may be pretty tough, I am expected to feel relief from the excruciating pain I've been living with pretty immediately. I can't thank the entire staff for making a scary situation less so. If you're reading this & have any issues with your spine, look no farther....Dr Khurana IS your man!

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr Khurana operated on my father one month ago and we couldn't be more pleased with the process. My dad had an extremely fast recovery with minimal pain. Dr Khurana is professional and articulate and made the process of spine surgery as positive of an experience as it could possibly be. His staff is courteous and accommodating, we always felt like they had our best interest in mind. We 100% recommend Dr. Khurana, he is the best!

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

This doctor actually cares about his patients. Even though I still have pain in my neck but that is understandable since I had 3 discs replaced.

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

I went to Dr. Bhalla because of nerve pain resulting from bulging disks. He was honest with me about my options moving forward after trying steroids & PT. He didn't pressure me into surgery, but gave me real options. I'm so grateful I trusted his experience and knowledge because I'm now pain free and feeling great! He is always kind and sincere and greets me with a warm smile. The care and concern for his patients is evident in his demeanor. I will forever be grateful for how he helped me. Thank you, Dr. Bhalla! You're the best!

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bhalla is the BEST! He's kind and sincere and makes you feel like you're his only patient. No pressure to have surgery, just wants people to feel better. He gave me options and I'm so grateful I chose surgery (ACDF) - pain free and feeling great! Thanks Dr. Bhalla!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Before Dr Bae I had seen 4 other back dr's. All told me I had stenosis in my L3-L5 region. All told me I would need fusion. I went through this over a 6 year period. I refused fusion since It would debilitate me for life. One of the earlier Dr's began to perform newer, minimally invasive procedures when a friend who happens to be a anesthesiologist told me to go see Dr Bae. I saw Dr Bae in Nov of 2016. I was more than impressed when he told me I did not need fusion. A Lumbar Laminectomy was his prognosis. I saw Dr Bae again in Jan of 2017. Surgery was scheduled for May 2017. Over the 4 month waiting period things changed and the procedure was changed. Still a Laminectomy but now 2 - 6" Carbon Fiber Rods and a titanium spring would also be implanted. May 15 2017 I went in at 1:30 pm for Surgery. I was in my hospital room at 6:30pm. At 6:30am the next morning I was walking up and down the hallways. I was released 2 days later. 3 weeks later I was back doing light work. Recovery was amazing. I was able to walk 1/4 mile at first, then 1/2 mile and finally a full mile. My only mistake was not going to PT when I was told to. A few issues but 4 weeks later I was a champ again. Dec 2017 I did a 2 mile walk/hike through the desert. I continued to improve. longer walks. less fear about having to park too far away to a store entrance. Sept 2018 I did a 8.5 mile hike through Malibu creek in 3 hours. I could not remember when I was able to go a distance like that with no pain. Dr Bae can be cold. However he was the warmest and patient man when it came to explaining everything to my wife. Before the surgery he made all the time needed. Lisa can be short. But they do care. The whole office staff cares. Amazing surgeon.

Hyun Bae, MD

Had my first meeting with Dr. Wassef. Very patient and explained my options. Had a cortisone shot and we will see how well this will help with the pain.

Andrew Wassef, MD

I had to have back surgery and I was referred to Dr Bae for a disc replacement. This surgery changed my life. I went from pure agony from the bone on bone damage to not feeling pain in my back anymore. I can’t wait to be fully healed and get my life back 100%. I can’t thank Dr. Bae enough for this amazing procedure. - Estella Sumaoang

Hyun Bae, MD

Dr Bhalla is a life saver! I had been suffering from debilitating and extremely painful sciatica for well over a year only to have that culminated in the need for a discectomy. Dr. Bhalla was gentle, kind, validating and easy to speak with, totally contrary to the stereotype of a narcissistic surgeon. The surgery was literally an instant cure to my pain, recovery was minimal. No complaints and I can't speak highly enough about my experience. I am so very grateful to Dr. Bhalla!

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I first met Dr. Bhalla in September 2018 he did x-rays on me. Called me the next day at 9:30 in the morning and told me that I needed to be admitted into the hospital and I would be there for six weeks.I was in the most excruciating and unbearable pain that I have ever endured.He talked to me with respect and the way he carried himself, with such confidence.I really wasn’t even thinking about the procedure I was more concerned about the way my body would react to this whole ordeal. I had three operations on my back.Now I am in therapy with no back pain. When I see him these days he has this huge smile on his face, like I’m a walking miracle and he makes feel me so good. I think about how lucky I am to be here.Meeting him has change my whole life.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I just want to say my experience with Dr. Bhalla has been nothing but positive. From the first time I met him I definitely felt his concern. I came in with pain to my lower back. After looking at my X-rays, he found that I had no cartilage in my L4 and L5. This was causing numbness in my toes and tingling of my feet when I stood up and walked after sitting for awhile. He referred me to do physical therapy. This option I felt did not help. Then Dr. Bhalla suggested I get an epidural. During the procedure I felt Dr. Bhalla really wanted to help relieve the discomfort I was feeling. After receiving the epidural, it helped relieve some of the discomfort but I was still feeling pain. So I opted to get the surgery. Dr. Bhalla did a L4/5 and L5/S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion with insertion of biomechanical cages, allograft, fluoroscopy L5 partial corpectomy. Stage 2 L4-S1 posterior spinal percutaneous instrumented fusion. This procedure pretty much relieved all pain and numbness. I'm still recovering but I am back to exercising. Dr. Bhalla is an awesome doctor. I definitely would recommend him to anyone who is having back issues. Thank you Dr. Bhalla for curing my back and giving me my active lifestyle back!!

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bhalla is a wonderful specialist! For over five months, I had been dealing with almost constant pain from a bulging disc. My primary physician tried oral steroids . . .sent me for weeks of physical therapy. . .and I worked out responsibly on my own. After no lasting improvement, my primary physician referred me to Dr. Bhalla, claiming that he was the best spinal specialist in Long Beach. I met with him and immediately like him. . . very friendly manner, easy going, caring, compassionate, an expert who provided clear, simple suggestions. First, we went the epidural route. I experienced about 10 days of relief then after holiday travel (cross country), some long car rides, and over-extending myself through exercise, I was down again. . .more pain than ever. As the last resort, Dr. Bhalla performed a lumbar discectomy on Jan. 8. He explained everything in a reassuring manner, of course, not guaranteeing optimal results. However, he was positive that I would experience relief, stating that he had very good success rates. In short, after the operation, I had no more pain in my butt and left leg. (My bulging disc had been pinching the nerves going down my left rear end and leg.) I still have some numbness in my feet and toes, but I expect this to improve. Certainly, I was very well prepared for this surgery after going through over five months of alternative treatment. Plus, I am in very good shape for a 63-year-old man. However, Dr. Bhalla's positive, confident, caring attitude helped greatly! I would highly recommend him. . .the best ever!

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I am so happy to have Dr. Eric Millstein as my Doctor, he treated my long time leg pain and I can continue my daily functions without pain now. Thank you Dr. Millstein.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

I don't even know where to start. From the first appointment to the end of surgery and post-op care, Dr. Bhalla and his entire staff where wonderful. Dr. Bhalla is an amazing surgeon. My Lumbar stabilization and Fusion was done so beautifully that I could tell that the pain was gone immediately after the surgery. I had total support throughout my recovery. The doctor and his staff where all compassionate and gave me the time I needed for questions. I was treated with respect throughout the entire process. The Spinal Section at Memorial Hospital in Long Beach was also great. I am deeply grateful for my care and the successful result.

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I don't even know where to start. From the first appointment, to the end of surgery and post-op care, Dr. Bhalla and his entire staff where wonderful. Dr. Bhalla is an amazing surgeon. My Lumbar stabilization and Fusion was done so beautifully that I could tell that the pain was gone immediately after the surgery. I had total support throughout my recovery. The doctor and his staff were all compassionate and gave me the time I needed for questions. I was treated with respect throughout the entire process. The Spinal Section at Memorial Hospital in Long Beach was also great. I am deeply grateful for my care and the successful result.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Garabekyan is extremely knowledgable. He was able to diagnose the cause of my hip pain in the first visit, despite the condition being quite rare. Thankfully the treatment did not involve surgery, but that didn’t make him lose interest in my case like most surgeons would. He is kind and caring and I’m so thankful to have found him.

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

I have been a professional dancer for over 10 years. I do a lot of high impact movement and tricks. After about 2 years of chronic pain I finally decided to see a dr. My shoulder got to the point that I couldn’t even bench press the bar with no weights on it at the gym anymore. I was lucky to have found Dr. Garabekyan. He discovered I had a torn labrum in my right shoulder and said I would need surgery. I was concerned that my dance career would be over, but surgery was really my only option. Fast forward about a year and a half later( today) and I am pain free. I almost lose no range of motion and I am back to doing all my old dance moves. I even threw an airflare at practice the other day (if you know what that is) I would definitely recommend him, especially if you are an athlete. He is a miracle worker.

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

Dr. Sanjay Khurana is my hero! I'm 71 years old and have had back problems all my life with 7 curvatures in my cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine leading to pain, pinched nerves, numbness, etc. I've relied on chiropractic adjustments to alleviate my discomfort for many years, but my condition had been getting worse the last 2-3 years. My back pain was now expanding down both legs and was accompanied by numbness as well. I was now walking like Quasi Moto, hunched over and to the right to relieve some of the pressure on the nerves. In May 2018, I saw an orthopedic doctor who took x-rays and sent me for an MRI. Upon reviewing the MRI, he referred me to an orthopedic spine surgeon in his office who informed me that I was precariously close to becoming incontinent (best case scenario) or paralyzed (worst case scenario) due to the severe stenosis I had from L2 to S1 (4 levels) as well as anterolisthesis at L5 on S1. I was scheduled for surgery early July 2018 for decompression at 4 levels and "some" fusion. I was told I would have a scar about 10" long on my back and be on a walker for 4 months. I got all the instructions regarding no bending, lifting (5 lb. max.) or twisting, driving and travel restrictions, etc. This was really depressing since I'm so accustomed to being independent and not relying on others to do things for me. I wanted a second opinion so I asked my chiropractor for a recommendation. I showed him the report of my MRI and he referred me to Dr. Khurana, telling me the outcome would be critically dependent upon the surgeon I chose. I called Dr. Khurana's Torrance office at Beach Cities Orthopedic that day and got an appointment for the very next day (he's only at the Torrance office on Wednesdays and I live in the South Bay). Dr. Khurana concurred that I needed surgery and described the technique (microsurgery) he employs in detail for the decompression L2-S1 (4 levels), as well as the anterior approach he preferred for fusion of L4-L5 & L5-S1. This would leave me with about a 4 inch scar on my back. He works with a vascular surgeon to perform the ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) and his preferred vascular surgeon was Dr. Rao, whose first available date was July 10, 2018 at Providence St. John's Hosp. in Santa Monica, so that's what I signed up for. That vertical abdominal scar is about 3 inches long from the navel down. The next part of my story is the best part. I did remarkably well post-op. I never used a walker once after I returned home. Sure I had to wear a back brace whenever I wasn't sitting or lying down, but what a huge relief. I stopped all pain killers and muscle relaxants after 2 weeks. I have no more leg pain or numbness at all. I still feel a little ache in my low back but I assume I will until the fusion is completely healed. I started walking in the neighborhood 10-20 minutes a day and worked up to 1 hour walks in week 4 post-op. I'm almost 3 months post-op now and I only wear the brace when I walk. I do that daily and while walking I think about how I couldn't walk even 5 minutes without pain and numbness before the surgery. I thank God for my blessings every day... and Dr. Khurana.

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

e suffered from sciatica pain for about 10 years with multiple visits to urgent care, steroid and pain medicine injections, and physical therapy. I've been able to manage to pain but was always aware that sooner or later surgery will be necessary. About 3 weeks ago the sciatica pain got so unbearable I couldn't stand up on my feet. This time pain medicine and steroids were not relieving my pain and I had to go to the emergency room. Next day my family doctor recommended that I should be seen by Orthopedic Surgeon and she sent me to Dr. Bhalla for treatment. Lucky the HMO authorization was expedited and approved next day. I called to schedule my appointment and explained the urgency and my pain. I was scheduled for a visit the same day! Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted by the front desk staff and given the paperwork to fill out. I was taken for X-rays and exam a few minutes later. Dr. Bhalla reviewed the x rays and my medical history and explained that the surgery is my best option at this point and that we can schedule the surgery for Monday ( I was seen on Friday). He also explained that it's a microscopic surgery to remove a portion of the disk that is causing the pressure on your nerve root and minimal recovery time. It was 4:30 on a Friday and Dr. Bhalla's staff immediately got to work getting the insurance approvals and scheduling my surgery. After my visit, Dr. Bhalla send me a text message regarding the surgery details and let me know that I can text him if I have any questions!!! I did send him a text on a Saturday with some concerns prior to my surgery and he texted me back answering my questions! He visited me during surgery preparation to answer any questions or concerns and right after to let me know everything went well. I went from morphine in my IV at the hospital prior to the surgery to Tylenol after and was up on my feet walking the same day! I went home the next day pain-free!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I've suffered from sciatica pain for about 10 years with multiple visits to urgent care, steroid and pain medicine injections, and physical therapy. I've been able to manage to pain but was always aware that sooner or later surgery will be necessary. About 3 weeks ago the sciatica pain got so unbearable I couldn't stand up on my feet. This time pain medicine and steroids were not relieving my pain and I had to go to the emergency room. Next day my family doctor recommended that I should be seen by Orthopedic Surgeon and she sent me to Dr. Bhalla for treatment. Lucky the HMO authorization was expedited and approved next day. I called to schedule my appointment and explained the urgency and my pain. I was scheduled for a visit the same day! Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted by the front desk staff and given the paperwork to fill out. I was taken for X-rays and exam a few minutes later. Dr. Bhalla reviewed the x rays and my medical history and explained that the surgery is my best option at this point and that we can schedule the surgery for Monday ( I was seen on Friday). He also explained that it's a microscopic surgery to remove a portion of the disk that is causing the pressure on your nerve root and minimal recovery time. It was 4:30 on a Friday and Dr. Bhalla's staff immediately got to work getting the insurance approvals and scheduling my surgery. After my visit, Dr. Bhalla send me a text message regarding the surgery details and let me know that I can text him if I have any questions!!! I did send him a text on a Saturday with some concerns prior to my surgery and he texted me back answering my questions! He visited me during surgery preparation to answer any questions or concerns and right after to let me know everything went well. I went from morphine in my IV at the hospital prior to the surgery to Tylenol after and was up on my feet walking the same day! I went home the next day pain-free! I believe that patient's testimonial is less of a recognition of a doctor's skill and expertise and more of a recommendation of a doctor's ability to listen, care and heal. I can vouch for the fact that Dr. Bhalla's abilities are unmatched. Dr. Bhalla and his staff made me feel comfortable, safe and truly cared for. Thanks for your care and humor and thanks for treating my pain!! Otherwise, I would have gone insane

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD