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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
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.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
Dr. Hyun Bae performed lumbar fusion surgery May 15, 2018 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, CA. My diagnosis was extreme lumbar stenosis, spondylolisthesus, and scoliosis. My legs were giving out from under me and I couldn't walk from the car to the front door even tho' I am athletic and in great shape for 70. Long and short of it, I am extremely happy with the results and grateful we found Dr. Bae. We interviewed several surgeons but found Dr. Bae to be the most informed about my condition and treatment option. His professional attitude was confidence-inspiring, answering all my questions and providing me a sense of security. Back surgery is generally the last therapeutic resolution to extreme back problems and I did everything to prevent having to have it so I am happy but surprised with the results. His staff and his assistant Lisa, were caring, efficient and available throughout the process. That's important if you want your doctor to focus on you! -Guy M.
Hyun Bae, 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
Amandeep Bhalla, MD
Dr Millstein and his entire staff are all fantastic. The organization is a model of how a doctors office should run. Dr Millstein is very pleasant and the way he explained my shoulder injury was so easy to understand. He explained what the next weeks of healing would be like, and calmed down all of my fears about whether my shoulder would return to full function. I have so much confidence in Dr Millstein and I’m very happy I chose to see him.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Bhalla, was great with my back issue. I had a herniated disc that was pinching my Sciatic nerve. We chose surgery as my best option, and I am so glad I did. I am now pain free and have resumed my active life style. I would recommend Dr. Bhalla to anyone with the same issues I was having with my back. Dr. Bhalla was personable, professional, and gave me great confidence in my decision and in his abilities as a surgeon.
Amandeep Bhalla, MD
About 3 months ago, I went to see Dr. Bhalla on a recommendation from a friend. I had been having lower back pain and sciatic nerve pain down my left leg. I consulted with Dr. Bhalla, and he set me up with an MRI. The MRI showed that I in fact had a herniated disc and that it was pinching my Siatic nerve pretty severely. Dr. Bhalla gave me my options, and since I had experienced this same situation 25 years ago, we decided my best option was surgery. Today, I am pain free, and have resumed my normal life style ( running, working out etc.) I’m really glad I got the tip, to see Dr Bhalla. He was easy to talk to, professional, and gave me his confidence in his abilities. I would recommend Dr. Bhalla to anyone with the same back issues that I had, and with total confidence.
Amandeep Bhalla, MD
I've been a patient of Dr. Bhalla for a little under a year and am absolutely astounded by the level of care and professionalism demonstrated by Dr. Bhalla and his executive assistant Tyra Joseph. I've had the misfortune of dealing with dozens of medical professionals and facilities and generally speaking, my experience has been frustrating to say the least. The reasons for this are usually related to unprofessional communication, lack of follow-through, lack of empathy and emotional intelligence, and an overall sense of being treated like a problem to be solved as quickly as possible. Dr. Bhalla and Tyra have given me the opposite experience. I feel cared for and listened to. Just recently my disc herniation symptoms worsened and instead of hurrying to finish with me, Dr. Bhalla sat down and listened to my lifestyle concerns, hearing me out before suggesting that he write a recommendation to my employer that will (hopefully) help me achieve a more sustainable recovery plan and short-term remedial lifestyle. Tyra carried this out with quick responses and a genuine sense of accommodation and understanding, empathizing with the fact that my quality of life is suffering and offering to help to the fullest extent that she can by working with my employer's HR representative. I feel genuinely cared for by this team and given how rare that is, I want to write in with a sincere expression of gratitude and acknowledgement as this level of service is far beyond what the norm has become.
Amandeep Bhalla, MD
Dr Bhalla is a rare find - a surgeon that only suggests surgery as the last option after therapy and other ways to relieve pain and restore mobility don't improve life. After two careful consultations, we decided on surgery to relieve pain and diminishing motor control. Dr Bhalla spent the time needed to rebuild my diseased neck; he was the first person to visit me in the hospital the morning after my surgery; and he has been there every step of the way in my recovery. I highly recommend this skilled, compassionate individual.
Amandeep Bhalla, MD
Dr. Garabekyan has been my Orthopedic doctor for well over a year now. He preformed a left hip arthroscopy last April on me, a right hip arthroscopy this past May, and I’m currently in recovery from a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) on my left side (I will post an updated review once I’m fully recovered). I’ve been through quite a journey so far with my hips, and am still going through recovery, but I wanted to express my feelings about him at this point in my journey in hopes that someone else reads this and feels comfortable and confident in his work. I can’t say enough great things about Dr. Garabekyan. From the moment I met him I immediately knew I had found someone who was actually going to help me try to figure out what’s going on with my hips and help me get my life back. So far, he has done exactly that and 100x more. I’ve never met a doctor who cares so much about his patients. He’s kind, patient, confident, knowledgeable, concerned, and everything in between. I’ve had a really tough couple years dealing with my hips, but if it wasn’t for Dr. G, I would have never been on the path to getting my life back that I'm on now. If only there were more doctors like him, the world of medicine would be a far better (and less scary) place. Hats off to him for what he does everyday, there is no better. Thanks for all you do Dr. Garabekyan, appreciate it from the bottom of my heart!
Tigran Garabekyan, MD
My surgery with Dr. Bae for L4 L5 S1 decompression has been successful and I am pain free! I am so glad that I found him...My accupuncturist recommended him. I can walk and move without pain. The staff, Lisa, Diana and Nora ,etc. have helped with all the administrative and clinical questions that I have had. I could not be happier ! Highly recommend Dr. Bae!!
Hyun Bae, MD
I am NOT in a wheelchair because of the remarkable surgery Dr. Khurana performed on my L2/3, L3/4 and L4/5. I was a passenger in a car accident that started a 7-year recovery that would not have been possible without Dr. Khurana's skillful fusion and decompression. He took the time needed to help me make a huge decision about the very serious prospect of spine surgery. Every aspect of my experience with him, his PA's and the staff at his office was excellent.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
I have been suffering from back pain for 40 plus years, sometimes debilitating, sometimes manageable. In the last year it got to the point where I was getting numb more and more frequently and had difficulty standing or walking more than a block. Dr. Bae came to the rescue. I had a laminotomy and spinal fusion. Of course I was nervous but felt confident that Dr. Bae would perform a miracle and he did. I am now 3 months post surgery, returning from Europe where I walked without pain or numbness or any ill effects. In the last week I walked a total of 30 miles sightseeing. I am beyond grateful - the quality of my life is back full force AND I am over 70 and feel like new. Lisa, Dr. Bae's PA, is incredible as is the entire staff. Questions which are probably somewhat irritating are always answered quickly with kindness, adding to the security I felt. A 12 on a scale of 10. Thank you to all!
Hyun Bae, MD
I recently had a herniated disc in my L3. I was very nervous about the surgery (microdiscectomy) but I had no choice as I was in so much pain and in bed for 2 months. I can honestly say Dr Bae help save my life and get me back on track. Dr Bae and his team were extremely professional and knowledgeable and made me feel like everything was going to be alright. He knew exactly what needed to happen after looking at my MRI. The surgery went amazing I was able to walk right away. It's been a bit of a struggle post-op getting my leg back to normal and will start PT soon. It's an amazing comforting feeling being treated by the best in the world. Thank you Dr Bae for helping me get my life back. Not sure what I would have done or how this would have ended up if I hadn't been under your care. Staff is amazing knowledgeable and very helpful pre and post. Please keep up the amazing work helping people the way you do.
Hyun Bae, MD
This review is 1 year and a month post S1-L5 and L5-L4 microdiscectomy. After an injury at an obstacle course race that was completely my fault, load over capacity on a heavy lift, I had lumbar pain that eventually became a sciatic pain that was most felt in my left calf. I started Physical Therapy to resolve the issue, but in my case and situation, it was not resolving the issue the way we wanted it. The pain kept coming back immediately when walking, even after performing exercises that would relieve it. My PT recommended a few surgeons to talk to, and after looking at DISC I chose to go see Dr. Khurana. I figured if DISC gets Red Bull athletes back to performing, I would be in capable hands. Another reason I chose Dr. Khurana was that he understood why I had the injury and what I needed to do to get past it. There was no "oh you must have surgery" or "we can do surgery but never flip that 400lbs tire again". Upon initial consultation and look at my MRI, we both agreed to continue PT for a few more weeks to make sure that PT was not progressing for "me" and what I wanted to continue doing. As another reviewer stated, these things are not one size fits all. Make sure your PT, surgeon AND YOU are in line with your life goals. I felt that Dr. Khurana, and the entire DISC staff, cared about my situation and wanted to get me back to where I wanted to be. I wanted to race again that year, wanted to carry 70lbs buckets uphill, wanted to trail run for 30+ miles, wanted to crawl under barbwire, wanted to blah blah blah. Dr. Khurana understood where I wanted to be as an athlete and where I was before the injury and I felt his consultation kept all this in mind. I elected to have the surgery performed, and everything was super smooth. In on a Friday morning, out that evening and I was back to work on Monday. I was back to racing again in just over six months (Tahoe Ultra Beast, aroo!). My case is not all cases, as I had done a ton of work during the previous years that would have been considered pre-hab. The surgery experience was excellent. Everyone was very caring and explained everything to me in as much detail as I wanted. I would do it again if I "had" to. I was never second-guessing the decision. All of the post-op appointments were the same caliber. Dr. Khurana explained what I may experience in the next year or two as I started training again, so while sometimes I am alarmed thinking "uh...should I be feeling this now?" between Dr. Khurana and my PT I am guided in the right direction. He cared about how I was progressing and how I was getting back to my pursites. Shout out to Devin Blessing at Evolution Physical Therapy. They are just around the way from DISC in Playa Vista and are an excellent place to follow up your surgery at.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
I had sciatica pain for many years. First time I had was sometime in 1996 after a soccer game. Very minor in the beginning but became worse and worse as time went by. When I couldn't walk even two blocks because of this pain, I decided to get a surgery. After searching for doctors, I picked Dr Bae. He took care of my disc, L4/L5 & L5/S1, in 2016. Now, I'm post-op 20 months. Walking, no problems at all. No back pain. He did a great job! When one of my friends developed the same issue I didn't hesitate even 1 second to recommend Dr Bae.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr Bae performed disc replacement surgery on me in Jan of 2018, very very pleased with the result. Since surgery I have had very good range of motion, x-rays look great, and no pain. I can return to all activities provided the rest of my body agrees and I don't try and do too much too fast. The whole experience has been very positive. Dr Bae has a warm, confident, and intelligent way about him. He is very patient and easy to talk with. He took as much time with me as needed to explain and educate. He does that for everyone so waiting may be in the cards as he is a very sought after surgeon with a strong track record. Thank you, Dr Bae. Very happy.
Hyun Bae, MD
I am 46 years old and struggled with severe lower back pain for 18 years. I have had epidurals, rhizotomies and a microdiscectomy at L5-S1. I avoided a fusion for years because it was such a big surgery. Dr. Khurana was fantastic in his analysis of my condition due to his vast experience. He was never in a rush to perform my surgery and always said to come back whenever I was ready. His kind demeanor and attentive staff really made me comfortable during my decision making process. I am now six months post op from having Dr. Khurana perform an ALIF (anterior lumbar interbody fusion) and am 100% pain free. My low back has not felt this good since I was in my mid 20's. Before my surgery I could hardly put my shoes on and never slept through the night. I am now back to swimming, surfing, lifting weights, sleeping through the night and most importantly I am able to do everything with my kids completely pain free. You always hear the bad outcomes with spinal fusion surgery but rarely hear the positive. Dr. Khurana has a fantastic surgical team and I would recommend anyone to go see him before having surgery. He was always a pleasure to deal with and his surgical skills are second to none.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
I just finished my 6 months check up with Dr. Khuarna. I am nothing short of ecstatic with how amazing my surgery went. I have been an athlete since the young age of 4th grade. I played Volleyball and Basketball all the way into college and then played some professional ball after college. I had a steller career with national titles and more. In one of my National tournaments in 99, I hyperextended backward to get a ball and cracked my lower lumbar. I did tons of rehab and continued to play on for another 10 years thinking all was good, but around age 30 I retired from playing both sports as the pain and wear and tear of an almost 20-year career was weighing on me. I didn't realize that eventually, that injury would turn into a collapsed disk causing even more pain. Getting out of bed just took my breath away and was excruciating. After knee surgery, my back pain increased to almost unbearable. I went to my doctor who referred me to a specialist who just told me to go to rehab and deal with it. Two years after that I thought there has to be something else I can do. I remembered Dr. Khurana worked on my mother's back who literally was like Humpty Dumpty in that her back was in pieces and he put her back together. I researched him and saw he was top in his field, a former athlete himself and that he put athletes like myself a volleyball player back together. I knew he would understand where I was coming from. As much as I didn't want surgery, I knew it was time to get help the pain was just about unbearable. After a short consult, Dr. Sanjay stated I needed surgery to better my quality of life. I agreed but was completely terrified at the thought of going under. At this point in my life, I am a mother of two, owner of three companies and a national speaker and I thought to myself, so many people rely on me what if this does not work but I did more research I saw the success rate of Dr. Sanjay and how all his patients had amazing results. I knew I had to do this. Fast forward I remember them telling me I would wake up pain-free after the surgery and I found that hard to believe. I also told them every time I go under I wake up vomiting. Well, When I woke up from this surgery not only was it the first time ever I woke up and actually felt good with no vomiting but I had no pain. I couldn't believe it the pain was gone. With the exception of the incision pain which I could deal with I had two c-sections previously I felt amazing. And even more amazing 2 hours after the surgery they had me up and walking. I recovered amazingly fast once I got past the first week. Two weeks after my surgery here I was walking to an event to do a presentation. And its been amazing the last 6 months I have no pain. My quality of life is amazing in so many ways. Even though with my pain I remained active I thought wow I am going to have to live with being in pain but today I have no pain. I am literally 100 percent better. When it comes to recommendations Dr. Sanjay Khurana I highly recommend, he is top in his field, his success rates are amazing, he is extremely professional and has top quality staff. The DISC center where we did the surgery was amazing as well, so much better then a hospital and I was treated like a queen with such sincere caring people. As high level athlete, I have had some amazing doctors in my in my career, but Dr. Sanjay has been the best. Thank you, Dr. Sanjay and your staff for helping me move to a pain-free life.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
After seeing three other Orthopedic specialists I found Dr. Millstein at the recommendation of a close friend and I have to say, I am very glad I did. Dr. Millstein was the only doctor to fully explain what would be done to me during the surgery, what my recovery would be like, and how my life would be as close to normal as it was before the surgery. It has been about 15 weeks since my surgery and I have to say this, I have not had ANY pain since 2 days after my surgery and I used to be in constant pain. What a blessing. The surgery was done at Cedar Sinai and if you have never been there you will be in for a surprise. I have never been treated so well at any hospital I have ever been to and I have been to a few in my day. Absolutely a wonderful experience. A huge thank you to Dr. Millstein and his entire staff, they are all top notch in my book. Jeff McKnight
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Bhalla was great specially for being my first surgery, (not that I want more)I've never broken anything or had any surgery done I had a herniated disk on my spinal and was skeptical about the surgery, I was loosing strength on my left leg and felt numbness and tingling, but Dr. Bhalla was able to walk me through the steps of what was going to happen and as well as my recovery using the latest technology. Now I feel great and I'm walking normal with out any issues. Thank you!!
Amandeep Bhalla, MD
Dr. Bhalla is a great man and a great surgeon. He operated on my son after his surfing accident that left him with very limited mobility on his left side and slightly more on his right. With Dr. Bhallla's highly skilled hands and with the Lords help my son walked out of rehab in just a month and 3 days after his accident. He was at Rancho Los amigos rehab in Downy Ca. The whole staff said it was a miracle that with his type of injury to be able to walk out on his own. Thank you Lord that guided this great surgeon's hands. for ever grateful to this great surgeon!
Amandeep Bhalla, MD