Jessica Michael

Two weeks from now will mark the ten-year anniversary of the accident, which led me to HSS. I was on my way home from work and my car was rear-ended. My diagnosis was severe whiplash. After a month of PT, my right arm swelled. The ER doctors suggested TOC and put me in a sling. I met with various Neurosurgeons, Physiatrists and Vascular Surgeons. It was difficult to know what was wrong. I was in excruciating shoulder pain and my arm felt ‘dead’. I received two more diagnoses. They were Brachial-plexopathy and Lymph edema. I tried every conventional treatment with hopes of feeling better. To my further disappointment, I developed Duodenal Ulcers from the NSAIDS I was consuming for pain management. Over the years, my pain would yo-yo. One day I would call the doctor crying in pain. Another day I would feel ‘okay’.

I contacted my Uncle Roger. He is a retired Orthopedic Surgeon. I asked if he could direct me to the best of the best in the NYC area. He recommended I contact Dr. Andrew Weilland. I mention this because shortly after I had emailed Dr. Weilland (who was most helpful), I was in a store looking at DVDs. I turned around and in front of me was Dr. Weilland’s book. His face on the cover was looking at me symbolizing that I was on track! For years, I visited various HSS doctors trying to figure out what exactly was causing my symptoms. Tests were always ‘normal’ and symptoms did not provide concrete evidence that I needed a cervical fusion. After every treatment, test, and doctor’s reviews I carefully decided I wanted to operate. I confidently chose Dr. Russell Huang. Through the decade, I had researched all of the area doctors and my many diagnoses. Dr. Huang and I discussed an ACDF for C5-7. Despite my nervousness, I was optimistic. I cannot express in words my gratitude to Dr. Huang.

This was the best decision I have ever made. My neck will never be perfect and there is always the possibility of later issues. The prediction was that I would feel 75-80% better. I am truly 90-95% better! I feel great! Lastly, I do not know how to describe all of my pleasant experiences at HSS. Everyone I encountered was friendly, kind and sympathetic. At HSS, I always feel comfortable and respected. All employees are helpful and very professional. Any communication and correspondence with all departments is prompt and detailed. I have since discussed my experience with friends, family, and colleagues. They are all very impressed. I recommend HSS wholeheartedly to anyone in need of an opinion or in need of surgery no matter how risky or scary it may be.