"I was so impressed with the work"

I had an appointment at Heavitree Pain Theatre for a lumbar nerve root block. Upon arrival the nurses on the ward were very accommodating and set the tone for the day, making it a very friendly atmosphere and letting me know what was happening and when.

When I met the surgeon, Mikhail, I could tell that he had actually looked at my case rather than just ticking the box and arriving at work and doing what was previously suggested by others. He was very upfront and honest and advised that in his opinion the procedure I was due to have won't help me much (if at all). This took me aback but he confidently reassured me he thinks he knows how to help more and talked me through a different surgery - lumbar facet blocks, answered my questions in full so I knew everything I needed to.

During the procedure he, Cara and the rest of the team provided excellent care. Mikhail was providing training and feedback to Cara during the procedure.

While back on the ward I witnessed Mikhail preparing for his next patients with the same high level of detail and training his colleagues along the way. He made time to come and see me before his next patients procedure and assured me that I would be seeing him to continue with the next stages of my treatment. This was a great relief as after observing him for the morning I was so impressed with the work he was doing and the way he went about it was something I could really relate to as an example of excellence. I really appreciate that he went above and beyond what is required and did what was best for me rather than just what has been previously written on my records as I would have been back at square 1 for more years to come.

I'm current recovering and I can confirm this has already been more effective than the treatment I was due to receive (I had it already before) and tracking the result using the bespoke pain intervention form he supplied to me rather than just the standard one I was due to receive.

Thank you all so much for a great experience and restoring my belief that I don't have to live in pain forever.