Orthomichigan's Online Review Report Card

Saw Dr. Fernandez about a herniated disc in my lumbar spine. Dr performed a discectomy. My husband and I were impressed and the surgery seemed to go well. I experienced excruciating pain in the weeks following surgery. First appointment after surgery, he examined me and stated that the disc had not reherniated and I was given a script for an nsaid. Second appointment was hurried but he seemed concerned, and he sent me to physical therapy (which happens to also owned by OrthoMichigan). The pain at that time was still very bad, but not as bad. Third appointment, I expressed that my pain was still well in excess of how it should be following surgery. I requested an MRI and was told one wasn't indicated at this time. Doctor pronounced me healed and told me to come back PRN at the same appointment. My life has really been an enormous struggle since I bent over to wipe up a spot on the floor and was driven to my knees by the pain that followed a loud "pop" in my back. Six months from surgery, I should be able to live my life. In desperation one evening, I sent a patient portal message to the doctor practically begging him for help as I was no better than I was before surgery. His response was to tell me to get a second opinion. What I did was to get an MRI by one of my other doctors who told me, "it's obvious something is wrong" - I was only able to walk short distances before the pain became too much and I was also walking bent over at a 45 degree angle and twisted to one side. The MRI indicated that there was a serious problem- likely an infection- in the disc that had been operated on, but unfortunately the test had been done without contrast. I called Doctor's MA (Doctor was gone on yet another vacation/trip out of the country) as there was obviously a problem and I was told that Doctor said I should get a second opinion and if I went to the hospital, I should follow-up with whatever doctor I saw there. I was told by the MA that without contrast, nothing could be seen anyway. The MRI was repeated (with contrast) and two abscesses and a seroma were found in the disc Doctor operated on. It is also apparently unusual to find a post surgical seroma six months after surgery. I spent 6 days in the hospital receiving high dose antibiotics and will be on strong IV antibiotics for at least another six weeks. Due to the very strong antibiotics I am on, I was also sent to the ER by my doctor due to a large drop in my kidney function. I continue to experience kidney problems, but must complete the therapy. Something WAS wrong. I was told by several doctors that the surgeon would want to treat the complications of a surgery he had performed. Doctor Fernandez had absolutely no interest in doing so. My pain was reduced by almost 80% before I left the hospital and all the pain that remains is that which has been caused by leaving me in a bent & twisted condition for six months when the issue should have been immediately addressed. (I now have scoliosis for the first in my life!) The problem was easy to diagnose- the MRI I requested did the trick very nicely and with a minimum of effort. If a patient says something is wrong, it should be investigated. I could well have had a much worse outcome than I have had. I would have definitely given Doctor 5 stars if I hadn't experienced complications. He was not the same doctor at all once it became apparent that I was experiencing complications from surgery. Had he been, months of suffering could have been avoided. Months. The type of infection I have can be fatal. The doctor couldn't have cared less about my pain or about the cause of it. In the past six months, he's been on at least 3 extended vacations and when he's gone his MA is in charge. I've never seen any staff ever offer an opinion about a medical test the doctor hadn't even seen yet. I still find it hard to believe that the doctor who performed the discectomy was the same one I saw post surgery.

Very good at explaining, I had Very good experience with him. Funny time with him but serious about my procedure.

While I wish he could stick a little closer to the appointment time, I appreciate that he spent so much time listening to my back problems. I've gone to him for years and I trust him implicitly. (Only minimal complaint is that it's long time to update his photograph.)

Outstanding kindness, compassion and kindness…

Dr. Fernandez explained everything to me. Very helpful and excited to be able to receive my replacement stim so I can become pain-free again. Thank Dr Fernandez for your care and concern.

Great job explaining things. I had a clear picture of the plan of care.

I am so lucky to have such a skilled surgeon with such a great staff. I have recovered my independence which was a big worry to me. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Fernandez.

Wonderful visit!

Dr Fernandez was so wonderful… took the time to explain everything…very thorough and patient. My surgery went well and now pain free after months of pain! I would highly recommend Dr Fernandez!

I've had two cervical fusions performed by Dr Fernandez. I am convinced Dr Fernandez is the BEST Orthopedic surgeon around. Dr Fernandez is polite and takes the time to answer any questions. Dr Fernandez' staff is also very polite and professional. I have no problem recommending Dr Fernandez to anybody and have many times!!