Pain experiences reviews

Dr. Bae did my disc replacement L5-S1 in Oct 2015. He did an outstanding job. Recently I went to go and visit him because I have been having pain in my buttocks and he never hesitated to order and MRI and possible injections. Every time I leave his office I leave with a smile because I know I can count on Dr. Bae. His professionalism and sympathy for his patience just make him one humble man. Thank you to Dr. Bae and his staff, especially, Hugo, Alexis and Lisa for helping fill out my forms. I am looking forward continuing my treatment with Dr. Bae and his staff so I can recover 100%. Thanks! Adriana!

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Hyun Bae, MD

In February, I had a bad fall and was in agony. My primary caregiver at Cedars said that all of the surgeons at the Spine Center were highly competent but her recommendation would be that I see Dr. Bae because of his personal attention to each patient and caring manner. I am so grateful for the recommendation because after two lumbar spinal fractures (one burst) I was in excruciating pain but was hesitant to undergo surgery. I actually had no choice in the matter because, in addition to the horrendous pain, my spine was left unstable after the fall. Upon awakening from a three-hour surgery by Dr. Bae, I was instantly relieved of 90% my pain. I am now pain free at the six-week mark post-surgery and have been approved by Dr. Bae for outpatient physical therapy. I couldn't be happier with the results and cannot praise Dr. Bae and his entire team enough!!!

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Hyun Bae, MD

I had a lumbar fusion 6 weeks ago and am doing wonderfully. I am sorry I waited a year to do it while I tried every alternative to stop the pain running down the back of my leg. Dr. Bae is the best. He knows his skill and his confidence helped me feel relaxed and assured it would go well. Also the PA Lisa was terrific. She responded to my emails almost immediately. So wonderful to have surgery with them.

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Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Khurana performed a micro spinal stenosis surgery in Jan. 2015 at Marina Del Rey Hospital. I've waited 2 years to give a review, one never knows how back surgery will turn out long term. Before the surgery I could barely walk, 4 Advil and 1/2 prescription pain killer got my day going. By mid day I'd take 4 more Advil and at night I'd take 4 more, this went on for several years. Today I can work in the garden, build a shed and I can play golf. I hit the ball farther at 65 than I did at 50. ... Dr. Khurana is the best and he is honest in evaluation. He didn't make promises other than I would have less pain. He hoped for the best and wanted to deliver the best. I could not ask for better, I got the best and couldn't be happier. He's worth a visit to see what he can do for you. (Still doing great at 67).

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

My new Ortho... (traveled from Idaho) I am a very "active" grandma of seven... It wasn't until after vetting four different Ortho's that I choose Dr. Garabekyan. I had bi-lateral labral tears in my hips and was in a lot of constant pain. I went to some of the "best" hip surgeons in LA and Beverly Hills. I left their offices feeling discouraged and not very confident. I sought out Dr. Garabekyan for his Arthroscopic Labral repair techniques (no perineal post) and recovery period. From my 1st visit where the tears were explained and the specific details for surgery were given, I was certain he was the right surgeon. He made accommodations for a prompt surgery due to the distance I would need to travel. Dr. Garabekyan gave me his cell number and kept me informed all the way through the process. He was kind enough to share all the details a second time with my husband. Surgery day came, Dr. Garabekyan came into the pre-op room sat with us for 15 minutes, went through the surgery details again, which was very reassuring. Surgery (on both hips) went very well and I walked same day, that was outstanding! He texted me daily to check on my recovery!! Wow! I felt like a VIP! Pain management/recovery: I was off narcotics within 24 hrs. Went on to Toradol for three more days, then to Ibuprofen from there. I used crutches for 1 week inside and two-weeks outside. PT started with bike riding twice a day; PT w/therapist started week 3. My PT was amazed and impressed with my recovery and the techniques that Dr. Garabekyan used. I definitely did my part, but truly believe that my recovery is and has gone so well because of the skills and expertise of my doctor. I am 6 weeks post-op and went for a two-hour beach bike ride in Santa Barbra with my grandchildren even after walking the zoo for two-in-a-half hours!! I am thankful that I listen to my gut and did my research! All my pre-surgery pain is 100% gone! I am pleased to highly recommend Dr. Garabekyan for any of your ortho needs!

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

I have had the pleasure to have Dr. Bae perform two surgeries on my spine, both extremely successful! On both occasions once in 2011 and again recently in 2016, he sent me to get an MRI, I brought them to him, and within moments of reviewing them, he was able to diagnose my particular issue regarding the pain in my back! I found him the first time through 1-800-cedars1, and was a little worried because he looked at my MRI, for about 10 seconds, and told me what I needed, I thought "how could anyone know that from just a 10 second investment"? Well I trusted him, and was glad I did, he is very cutting edge, and works out of the Cedars Spine Center, which deals with the latest cutting edge technology! I highly recommend the Cedars Spine Center, in particular, I highly recommend Dr. Hyun Bae, don't be put off, by how quick the process seems to move, they know what they're doing!

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Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Bae operated on me on July 20, 2016, and six days later I went mall walking! Excellent surgeon and I am really thrilled with the results!!! It just keeps getting better each day....I could not even walk a block before surgery and now I am walking 30 minutes! Dr. Bae "forgot" to tell me there would be some pain, but he did a helluva good job.....

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Hyun Bae, MD

I am writing exactly one year after my procedure to give Dr. Bae and his office the highest possible recommendation. I did not write earlier because the entire procedure of having two levels of cervical spinal discs replaced went so well and so easily that I forced myself to wait to make sure things remained great. And they have. I was diagnosed in May 2016 with degenerative disc disease with C4/5 and C5/6 bulging directly on my spinal cord, causing numbness and a lack of agility in my hands. Local doctors in the Bay Area said my only choice was a two-level fusion, two nights in the hospital and formidable recovery. I did a lot of reading online and decided that everything about artificial disc replacement seemed better, from procedure to recovery. The only problem was that insurance would not cover it. We bit the bullet and decided to self-fund the surgery. I have never regretted the cost because the experience was AMAZINGLY UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME. Same-day surgery; I flew in a few days before for pre-op and stayed 11 days afterwards before flying back. The surgi-center was awesome, the surgery went quickly and well, and my recovery was negligible. When Lisa Cano, Dr. Bae's FABULOUS PA, told me that I would not experience much pain I was skeptical, but she was right. I only took one pain pill throughout, the first night. I was out to dinner and going to museums later in the week. I cannot recommend Dr. Bae and Lisa and the staff at the surgi-center highly enough. If you face anything like I faced, with cervical spinal disc issues, you could not do better than to see Dr. Bae.

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Hyun Bae, MD

I had terrible pain in my right should from years of arthritis in my joints. Dr. Milstein performed surgery that replaced my entire shoulder. That was a year ago and I am now pain free. This wonderful doctor has given me a new life! Every day I thank the "powers that be" that sent me to him.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

(This review is WAY late, but more than worth reading!) I had massive knee/joint pain. After meeting with several orthopedists and finding no real rapport or confidence with them, I met with Dr. Millstein. My knees instantly knew they'd found their soulmate! It was clear from arthroscopic surgery I was walking on borrowed time, not to mention being freaked out at the thought of knee replacement. When I'm nervous, I ask a lot of questions, and by "a lot" I mean "a lot MORE than a lot." Not only did he answer each and every one, but went the extra light year and laughed at my jokes (unlike most physicians, who usually threaten to charge me extra). (As they say, I can be a "problem patient.") When it came time to replace my left knee, I went willingly. (He's been kind enough never to mention that in my about-to-enter-dreamland fog, I think I asked him for a date! Oy!) A few days at Cedars-Sinai and a few months of PT and I was walking a zillion times better than I ever had! In fact, a few months later, he replaced my right knee, which I have very comfortably crossed over my left as I type this several years later (I told you I was way late with this). For a while, he no longer accepted my insurance, and I respect him for that, because I felt he was vastly undercompensated by said company. And I am willing to pay the extra "out-of-plan" cost to see him, because I feel 100% comfortable in his care, not to mention that of his nurse, Nancy (how she puts up with me I'll never know either)! In short, if you don't have a leg to stand on, you should see Dr. Millstein! (And no, he didn't laugh at that one either!) In all seriousness, he IS the best!

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Hyun Bae did something that 7 other well-known LA neurosurgeons refused to do: take on the tough challenge of correcting a 7-year-old botched surgery. Revisionist surgery is a delicate and difficult undertaking. Everyone else looked at my spine, saw too many problems, and backed off. Dr. Bae looked at the same problems and came up with a plan to fix them. He essentially rebuilt my lower spine. As promised, he took away the constant pain, for which I will be eternally grateful. My initial surgery in 2007 was to correct a foot drop; that "celebrated" surgeon, Dr. Patrick Johnson, not only did NOT correct the problem, but created several more: a deterioration of muscles from the foot on up my entire left side, rendering me unable to walk without knee-high bracing, and with a wheelchair looming in my future. Dr. Bae arrested that progression; there'll be no wheelchair for me now! Nonetheless, even Dr. Bae, amazing as his talents are, couldn't bring back what is already atrophied. However, with the massive remnants of scar tissue and blockages removed, a stronger spine and now pain-free, I can finally attempt to "wake up" what muscles remain and, if I work hard in PT, at least bring back much-needed stability. As you can tell from my story, I'm unfortunately familiar with way too many doctors. I know the difference between waking up from one kind of surgery and the way I felt waking up from this one. One guy was in a hurry, one guy was an artist. Which is why, without reservation, I can confidently recommend Dr. Hyun Bae to help others as he has helped me.

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Hyun Bae, MD

Dealing with pain after an accident, & I needed a second opinion. Dr Estess was very patient with me, made me feel comfortable and helped me to better understand my situation. I'm very grateful to have found her!

Allyson Estess, MD

Dr. Bae installed a Prodisc artificial cervical disc at my C5-6 two months ago. I had talked to 5 other ortho surgeons prior to this about my neck and arm pain. I am 65 years old, had spondylosis and radiculopathy from degenerated C5-6. Three surgeons recommended fusion (wouldn't do artificial disc) and the other two offered this and artificial disc. I chose Dr. Bae because of his publications in the field, his excellent reviews, and his calm and forthright demeanor during the diagnosis/intake office appointment. I dismissed the negative yelp reviews about bedside manner, concluding these were people who had trouble trusting people, requiring people to spend an exorbitant/unnecessary amount of time with them in order to gain their trust. I didn't want that. I wanted a doctor who is plain and direct, and professional. The surgery went well, no complications. I could have gone home the same day, but chose to stay overnight at Cedars Sinai. I had slight/moderate pain for a few days, and then just some limited movement and discomfort for another few days. I only took one pain pill during this period at home. In 12 days I was back swimming and playing tennis, and within a month I had no pain left at all, and wonderful extra neck movement from the artificial disc. Dr. Bae basically gave me a new life, and I am grateful to him for it. I also loved the compassion Dr. Bae showed prior to my surgery in the surgery prep room at Cedars. He came in and just held my hand for a bit, and exuded an ease, confidence and comfort level you won't see many surgeons exhibit. I know; I've had many surgeries in my life. Dr. Bae's Surgery Fellow, who assisted the procedure, and visited me afterwards, praised Dr. Bae's skills in a reverential way, which is what you would expect with a surgeon of Dr. Bae's caliber.

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Hyun Bae, MD

Dr Millstein is the perfect orthopedic surgeon for me. He balanced his approach to surgery with care and concern. I am walking pain free after 6 months of difficulties walking. Thank you Dr Millestein

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

After 30+ years as a police officer, my back was really messed up. I went to Dr. Bae to see if there was something he could do to help me. He was wonderful but after an MRI, X-rays, etc....it was his opinion that surgery was needed to fix me. Surgery was at Cedars and they were great. Dr. Bae went in to my C-7, T-1 and fixed it. While he was there, he noticed that I had a potential worse problem just above it at C-6, C-7 so, he fixed that too. I woke up with blood running down my forehead (screws to hold my head in place during the surgery) which made me look like Herman Munster LOL, but there was ABSOLUTELY NO PAIN. My surgery was in late 2010 and I am still pain-free with no limitations. Thank you Dr. Bae, Lisa (PA) and Julie (#1) for your excellent work. BTW, I have referred several other police officers and firefighters to Dr. Bae and they all have the same opinion.

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Hyun Bae, MD

I couldn't have picked a better Dr. for my disk replacement. For over two years I suffered with debilitating neck and shoulder pain due to a damaged disc C5-C6. I saw two surgeons here in Las Vegas and tried all the nonsurgical treatments (anti-inflammatory medications, acupuncture, two rounds of physical therapy and epidural steroid injections) to no avail. Both local surgeons eventually recommended spinal fusion. NO WAY, I said. For over a year, I spent hours researching alternative treatments and that's how I found Dr. Bae. On June 2015, I had my initial consultation. When you enter Dr. Bae's office the first person you will interact with is Julie, Dr. Bae's medical secretary. She is incredibly efficient, helpful and skillful at communicating with nervous patients like myself. When you meet Dr. Bae the first thing you will notice is how confident and forthright he is. First, he examined my medical history and MRI images, he showed my husband and I where the prolapsed disk was pressing against the spinal cord and then he explained (in plain language) what could be done surgically to free up the nerve. Both my husband and I were extremely impressed with Dr. Bae's minimally invasive approach to surgery, his communication skills and sincere desire to stop my pain. The surgery, insurance coverage, hospital stay, follow up care, etc was all made possible by his wonderful PA Lisa. Lisa was instrumental in coordinating the "long distance" planning of my surgery in Santa Monica - most of it through email and phone calls. She was SUPER quick replying to all of my questions! Thank You Lisa. Seven weeks ago, Dr Bae replaced my degenerated disk with a Mobi-C cervical disk and I'm feeling fantastic. I Just completed the first week of physical therapy here in Vegas and for the first time in years I'm starting to live free of pain. If you are struggling with a spinal condition, trust Dr. Bae and his amazing team!

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Hyun Bae, MD

I have never done a review on any doctor but I feel it is important to let people know about this very talented doctor. I broke my back in a boating accident while in Italy almost 2 years ago. Although I did get it looked at in Italy and again in Monte Carlo, needless to say I wanted to see a US doctor and several of my friends have had procedures done by Dr. Khurana with excellent results. So I flew home and he was a able to evaluate my issues and schedule me for a double fusion the week I got back to the USA. It went very well. I had to go in this week in order for Dr Khurana to remove the screws (they had loosened and were painful and annoying) and he also did a decompression procedure on my lower back as I had severe nerve pain. I am doing fine now but had a few painful days after the surgery. I want to say that his entire staff, especially his Nurse Practitioner, has been incredible and they all have done everything in their power to make me feel comfortable. She actually called me last evening (Friday night) to make sure I felt good. I am now very hopeful that I can heal 100% and have the active life that I have been missing of late. Thank you Dr. Khurana and staff!

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr Bae changed my life by giving me back my vitality and eliminating my pain. I am a 47 year old athletic female that suffered 3 herniated discs at the same level (L 4-5). I had two microdisctectomies prior to arriving at THE SPINE INSTITUTE that did not hold, I felt better for a while and then suddenly the disc would re-herniate. Dr Bae worked with me (and my insurance company) to get me the disc replacement that would eventually fix me back up. He is so wonderful, I never doubted his decision or his skill. I had many questions that he answered patiently and thoroughly. His office is wonderful, his PA, Lisa, is fantastic. Yes, sometimes there is a wait but that is not the norm (in my experience). I'm very, very pleased to say I'm back to my original activity level and pain free!!!!!

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Hyun Bae, MD

I'm not it ANY way associated with Dr. Millstein and his office outside of the many positive experiences with him and the staff. The least I can do is share here. This is my first review. I am a performer with a touring Broadway production. After many non-surgical treatments for an ongoing shoulder injury, it was time for serious intervention. After researching surgeons around the country I landed here in LA and had an appointment with Dr. Millstein. He was not quick to diagnose without first hearing ALL of my questions/concerns. He was very realistic and truthful about my recovery which any athlete/performer appreciates when your livelihood depends on it. It did not take long for me to decide this was the proper route. The front office has been very communicative, polite, professional. Response to any questions I'd have usually were responded to via callback or email the same day. (Not to mention Dr. Millstein called me the night of my surgery to check up!) The nursing staff in the office is amazing as well. They have always been very encouraging, upbeat, and "in tune". None of this feels "put on" or disingenuous. In approximately 6 or 7 appointments I've not waited more than 10 minutes to be placed in a room. Within another 5 minutes a nurse is taking blood pressure, etc. and another 5 Dr. Millstein is there. Something to consider is other patients, like myself, who have 1000 concerns and Dr. Millstein sits, listens, and answers without rushing. We should appreciate an office that functions this way. What's waiting a bit longer, if needed, to know you (and others) will receive top care? Finally, (and most importantly) I have made a FULL recovery. I am SO glad I went through with surgery with Dr. Millstein. I am back to 8 shows a week with no pain.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr Khurana and his wonderful staff at DISC Sport and Spine actually get 10 stars!. In the last year, Dr Khurana performed 2 spine surgeries on me (cervical- ACDF and a lumbar XLIF) and both surgeries were the best things I've ever done. Dr Khurana is an amazingly skilled and competent surgeon and he is incredibly patient and explanatory throughout the whole process. His NP Susan is fantastic as are all of the nurses in the surgery center and support staff in the office.Over the last 18 months I consulted with 8 different ortho and neuro surgeons in LA, SF and Sacramento regarding my low back pain that had been on-going for over 10 years. Dr Khurana was the only clinician who suggested that less is more for me...and he performed an XLIF . Not many surgeons are adept at doing an XLIF, but I've had 2 Physical Therapist's that have been completely shocked that I'm up to the level of activity with no pain at 3 months post op. I'm thrilled to be able to get back to being an athlete again...and it's due to Dr Khurana.

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

I was seen once by Dr. Eric Milstein, and I have a very favorable impression of him. When he realized that surgery was not appropriate for my particular orthopedic condition, he took the time to discuss the particulars of my situation. He then referred me to a pain management specialist. I was impressed that Dr. Milstein spent a great deal of time answering my many questions.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

If I could give Dr Bae and his team more stars, I would. Today I am post-op day 4 ( anterior cervical disc replacement and hybrid fusion on another level)- I feel amazing. My arm, hand, shoulder and scapula pain was gone since post-op day 1. I have minimal incision pain, a resolving sore throat and some muscle spasms which are expected, but overall I feel much better than prior to my surgery. Dr Bae and his team exceeded all my expectations. I can never thank him and his team enough for giving me a new chance to live a good life- quality of life is very important. :)

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Hyun Bae, MD

I just returned from my first visit with Dr Bae today, 5 weeks after two fusions, L-3-4,4-5. Believe me I tried for two years to avoid surgery but after 3 epidurals I was in so much pain I had no other choice. I went to others for their opinions but when I met Dr. Bae I knew I had the surgeon(fine carpenter) that I wanted to take the risk with. Well....the minute I opened my eyes after surgery I knew the devil that had lived in my back was GONE! I'll be honest, the first few days required a lot of pain meds but after a week I felt so much better. I did everything that was asked of me and now I am feeling so grateful for the magic that Dr. Bae performed on my spine. Lisa is his PA. She is a great complement to Dr Bae and she was always available (best by e-mail) for any questions or concerns. You know you have made the right decision when you walk in to the hospital the day of your surgery and every member of the hospital staff tells you...Dr. Bae...he's the best!

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Hyun Bae, MD

I had surgery on my back in March 2014 and I had a number of issues finding a doctor which you can read about (if you want... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/noam-friedlander/affordable-care-act-costs_b_5149120.html). I have to say, that of all the doctors I visited, Dr Bae's office was the most helpful - even before I actually made an appointment to see them. In total, I ended up meeting with around six surgeons, I did A LOT of research, and settled on Dr Bae and his team. He had operated on TWO of my friends, all successfully, and is an expert in his field. The surgery - a massively herniated disc L4/L5 - WAS a success. I received plenty of help prior to the surgery and my emails and questions were all answered in a timely manner PLUS I had a number of follow up appointments to check my progress. I tried everything I could to avoid having surgery, and, as was suggested, I did physical therapy before the operation to see if that could alleviate the pain as well as two epidurals. I found that the office NEVER tried to push me to have an unnecessary surgery, they were incredibly kind and patient, and, it was swiftly apparent to all after my MRI that surgery was now my only option. There aren't many people I would trust to stick a knife in my back, but I truly trusted Dr. Bae, and was rewarded with my mobility back. Everyone's post surgical results are different - physical therapy, diet and looking after myself are all my responsibility BUT I feel I gave myself the best shot by selecting Dr. Bae to be my surgeon. Highly recommended.

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Hyun Bae, MD