Pawel P. Jankowski's Online Review Report Card

About 12 years ago, my life was changed for the worst when I began my rollercoaster with lower lumbar failure. I used to run 2-3 miles per day and was incredibly active in my lifestyle, all to come to a stop when I lost feeling in my right leg paired with extreme pain when there was feeling. I was referred to a Ortho in Yorba Linda who performed a microdiscectomy that ended up becoming infected, leaving me with a tremendous amount of scar tissue creating continuing issues that only left me in more pain. I was then referred to another sports and ortho surgical center in Marina Del Ray, and they attempted to perform a secondary laminectomy and microdiscectomy as well as removing the scar tissue. This proved to be a temporary fix and after less than a year my pain had returned. At this point, I had dove into a deep depression that I would be living in pain for the rest of my life at the age of 38 years old, and that I would never be able to live the healthy and happy lifestyle I had that seemed like a lifetime past. I was writing off surgery as the cure and went into pain management at an office in Mission Viejo. I was doing epidurals about every 4-5 months with little to no improvement. The pain became unbearable and got to the point where my personality was a shell of who I once was. After a painful epidural that my pain specialist was unable to finish due to the narrowing in my lumbar, I opted to give surgery one last change. I did my research and found Dr. Jankowski at the One Brain and Spine center. Dr. Jankowski took the time fully discuss my options, and carefully detailed my condition. He was the first person to give me the hope that I have craved for years. After all the tests run, he determined that the only way to terminate the continued degradation of my lumbar was to do a two level Anterior Lumbar Interior Fusion of my L3-L4, L4-L5 sections. Once the surgery was scheduled, my insurance began to put up a tremendous fight. My surgery was continuously delayed as my insurance (Blue Cross) continued to deny the claims. From my research, this is common, however being in the pain I was, and now having a new revelation of hope, I was crushed by this battle, and was feeling close to giving up. Dr Jankowski and his staff immediately went to bat for me. His staff fought the insurance company, and Dr. Jankowski met with them to plead my case. Dr. Jankowski personally called me with updates in the battle, and finally gained the approval for the surgery. The surgery went perfectly, and when I woke up the only pain was in movement, but the pain was significantly different then what I had experienced for many years. It was a difficult recovery for the first 2 months, but I was determined to make sure this surgery was my last. Dr. Jankowski checked in on me often and scheduled a slow build up rehabilitation program through Physical Therapy. After a few months of physical therapy, I felt that I was not getting enough. I stopped PT and started to take what I learned and build on it at the Gym. This was my absolute turning point, and I have lost over 35 lbs from a depressed 210lb to 175lbs. I am at the gym every day and am stronger and more in shape than I was before my issues began to take shape. My personality is back to being the happy person I once was, and my relationship with my wife and child are better then ever. I still have limitations, but few, and my pain is virtually nonexistent most of the time. When I overdo it and do earn pain, it is gone by the next day, rather than being in bed for days. My career has blossomed, and my life has become worth living again. Dr Jankowski may have done a routine surgery as far as he was concerned but saved my family and my life. Living with chronic pain can darken all hope for the future, but with a great surgeon and determination to put the work in postop my life has gone from depressed darkness to a bright hopeful future. I never expected to be entirely fixed, but the results were beyond my expectations. I am one year postop and am doing better than I have since I was in college.

Look no further..You have found your Neurosurgeon.. Dr.J and his team are the best..I couldn't be more happy with thier work..He repaired my C4 C5 C6 C7..I have no more Numbness,SHARP Pains and my left side works again and havnt felt this good in a long time..I'm forever grateful....

About 12 years ago, my life was changed for the worst when I began my rollercoaster with lower lumbar failure. I used to run 2-3 miles per day and was incredibly active in my lifestyle, all to come to a stop when I lost feeling in my right leg paired with extreme pain when there was feeling. I was referred to a Ortho in Yorba Linda who performed a microdiscectomy that ended up becoming infected, leaving me with a tremendous amount of scar tissue creating continuing issues that only left me in more pain. I was then referred to another sports and ortho surgical center in Marina Del Ray, and they attempted to perform a secondary laminectomy and microdiscectomy as well as removing the scar tissue. This proved to be a temporary fix and after less than a year my pain had returned. At this point, I had dove into a deep depression that I would be living in pain for the rest of my life at the age of 38 years old, and that I would never be able to live the healthy and happy lifestyle I had that seemed like a lifetime past. I was writing off surgery as the cure and went into pain management at an office in Mission Viejo. I was doing epidurals about every 4-5 months with little to no improvement. The pain became unbearable and got to the point where my personality was a shell of who I once was. After a painful epidural that my pain specialist was unable to finish due to the narrowing in my lumbar, I opted to give surgery one last change. I did my research and found Dr. Jankowski at the One Brain and Spine center. Dr. Jankowski took the time fully discuss my options, and carefully detailed my condition. He was the first person to give me the hope that I have craved for years. After all the tests run, he determined that the only way to terminate the continued degradation of my lumbar was to do a two level Anterior Lumbar Interior Fusion of my L3-L4, L4-L5 sections. Once the surgery was scheduled, my insurance began to put up a tremendous fight. My surgery was continuously delayed as my insurance (Blue Cross) continued to deny the claims. From my research, this is common, however being in the pain I was, and now having a new revelation of hope, I was crushed by this battle, and was feeling close to giving up. Dr Jankowski and his staff immediately went to bat for me. His staff fought the insurance company, and Dr. Jankowski met with them to plead my case. Dr. Jankowski personally called me with updates in the battle, and finally gained the approval for the surgery. The surgery went perfectly, and when I woke up the only pain was in movement, but the pain was significantly different then what I had experienced for many years. It was a difficult recovery for the first 2 months, but I was determined to make sure this surgery was my last. Dr. Jankowski checked in on me often and scheduled a slow build up rehabilitation program through Physical Therapy. After a few months of physical therapy, I felt that I was not getting enough. I stopped PT and started to take what I learned and build on it at the Gym. This was my absolute turning point, and I have lost over 35 lbs from a depressed 210lb to 175lbs. I am at the gym every day and am stronger and more in shape than I was before my issues began to take shape. My personality is back to being the happy person I once was, and my relationship with my wife and child are better then ever. I still have limitations, but few, and my pain is virtually nonexistent most of the time. When I overdo it and do earn pain, it is gone by the next day, rather than being in bed for days. My career has blossomed, and my life has become worth living again. Dr Jankowski may have done a routine surgery as far as he was concerned but saved my family and my life. Living with chronic pain can darken all hope for the future, but with a great surgeon and determination to put the work in postop my life has gone from depressed darkness to a bright hopeful future. I never expected to be entirely fixed, but the results were beyond my expectations. I am one year postop and am doing better than I have since I was in college.

Dr. Jankowski did my 3rd back fusion in February. I am so lucky that I found him. He was kind and listened to my concerns. I was impressed in how thorough he was making sure I had all the necessary tests to prepare me for surgery. All I can say is he is a brilliant neurosurgeon, up to date in the state of the art equipment. He has great bedside manner. He cares about his patients and makes sure to address your issues for the most successful outcome. I recommend this wonderful physician to anyone in need of spinal surgery and can assure you that you can be confident in his care. Wendy Rafkin

I had surgery and I'm on the mend. The care I received from Dr. Jankowski was exemplary. I will continue to see him. Also his staff (all of them especially - especially Paritash ). They are great to work with! Thanks DR. J :)

Two years ago I had my first lumbar vertebrae surgery. Much to my surprise the L1 had shifted backwards and last month Dr Jankowski again performed another spinal surgery. I cannot give him enough accolades. I wasn’t hesitant putting myself again in his hands. He is at the top of the profession as far as knowledge. He made me feel confident in the procedure. I have recommended him to others. Sandy

Amazing doctor and staff I came here for my back issues which resulted in severe spinal stenosis. The doctor was so patient and listen to all my problems suggested what was right for me due to my age and has accommodated me with every knee that I had. I’ve been to several doctors and I have not experienced one doctor office that has amazing staff that truly cares and goes out of their way to make you feel extremely comfortable. I trust this Dr.

I'm writing on behalf of my dear friend Robert Olsen who recently had spine surgery with Dr. Jankowski. Robert is 73 years old and had severe scoliosis curvature in his spine and was in constant pain and becoming more hunched over each day that passed. He was virtually unable to work and perform simple daily activities without difficulty. After several interviews with surgeons and building up the courage to undergo such a colossal surgery, Robert chose to move forward with Dr. Jankowski. Thank God he did and is doing incredibly well! He came thru a 16 hour surgery at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach band was up the very next day! He had his spine completely straightened & several appliances placed less that 3 months ago and has resumed light work and has NO pain at all any longer. His quality of life has become 100% better. I met Dr. Jankowski on several occasions while attending appointments with Andrew and he is brilliant to say the least and more importantly, he is compassionate, has a wonderful bedside manner, takes so much time with his patients to listen and game plan with them and is one of the few surgeons nationwide that uses the 7D technology and I believe it is a game changer for people! We highly recommend Dr. Jankowski and his office team to move forward with. Call Paritesh to set your appointment and get back to living!!!

Last Dec was my first of four back surgeries!The first two where not complete I was very unhappy with my dr. Got a referral to DrJanacowski ! He did my second two surgeries He found lots not or done incorrectly!He was I on top of everything start to finish so through and followed up on everything. His office staff is awesome returning calls following up and making sure I was getting everything before and after surgeries. Would highly recommend Dr Janacoski

Thanks to Dr Jankowski I have a new life at 78. Four months ago I had extreme spine surgery for scoliosis. Before the surgery my back was twisted & bent, I was in constant pain & my future was grim. I had no idea there was a surgery that could straighten my spine, especially at my age. Dr J laid out a plan, explaining the entire procedure. I went back again with a list of questions & recorded the conversation. I qualified for the surgery (physical health) but preparing to be out of my home for 3-4 weeks (hospital + rehab) was almost a deal breaker. I basically live alone with a houseful of parrots--very high maintenance. We made it work. Today I stand up straight -- college posture-- & yes, I can bend over, I was afraid I'd move Like Frankenstein. My Friends & family are amazed! So am I! And everyone tells me I look at least 10 years younger! And taller. Dr J is my hero, I give him 100 stars. He is a remarkable surgeon & a truly nice, empathetic person. He never pushed me towards surgery, he knows it's a huge decision for anyone. His assistant, Paritash, is amazing. They are all in for the patients.