After that first seizure I dove into research and all the information doctors would give me. I landed an AMAZING team of doctors during my ER visit who are still with me today. I also received so many wonderful recommendations, second opinions and new referrals. Looking back I probably overdid it but regardless it was definitely a learning experience. Here are a few of those that have been seen along the way and my personal recommendations (in no particular order):
– Dr.Sergio Jaramillo (Neurologist at Baptist Hospital and Neuroscience Consultants Care Center I- Office 305-596-2080)
This guy has been a ROCK! Total superstar and wouldn’t change him for the world. Was assigned him in ER at seizure #1, was terrified by how young he looked (still impressed with how young he is) but definitely a perk. In addition to normal neuro appts, I’ve had 2 (or is it 3??) spinal tap/lumbar punctures done by him personally and would do it again. He is so personable, attentive, thorough and HONEST! His office staff is great, his assistant is AMAZING! I ended up taking my grandmother to see him when she started mentally declining and it was such a relief. Truly one of the greats.
– Dr.Vitaly Siomin (Neurosurgeon at Baptist Hospital – Office 305-271-6159)
There is something SO endearing about this man. He was assigned to me in ER at seizure #1, one of the newer surgeons at Baptist back then. Can’t say I have heard one negative thing about him through everyone I’ve seen. You can tell he absolutely loves what he does. He’s like an open book and feeds my inner need for more information. He has always been so amazingly patient, thorough, kind and understanding through my never ending questions. Deep down he has always been a supporter of learning and understanding what I am dealing with, wants me to see the MRI images and understand his suggestions. I do have to say I’m extremely addicted to the chocolate croissants at the Au Bon Pain cafe in the lobby of his building.
– Dr.Roberto Hero (Neurosurgeon at UM Miller school of Medicine/Jackson – Office 305-243-3245)
Managed to get an appointment with this rock star just a few days after seizure #1 through my boyfriends best friend (still owe him for that). He is definitely a wanted man. His resume and experience is just shocking and beyond words. I’ve definitely ridden a roller coaster of emotions with him. Every time I go see him I feel like I’m talking to my grandfather. Definitely a commanding presence and endless fountain of knowledge and experience. His clinic hours get very busy so I recommend taking the first appointment in the morning to beat the rush. There’s a cafeteria across the hall while you wait.
– Dr. Jacques Morcos (Neurosurgeon at UM/Jackson- Office 305-243-6190)
Recently saw him as a referral from a friend of a friend (who also happens to be a surgeon). WOW. This man was impressive. SOOOO detail oriented and has this very calm way about him. Amazing that with all the patients he had to see made me feel like the only one there. He was extremely honest and real with all the information provided. I do wish I would have met him before, not that I think it would’ve changed the outcome or team but possibly the amount of information through this point.
– Dr.Aizik Wolf (Saw at Doctor’s Hospital but recent conversations have told me he’s now at Larkin Hospital)
This guy is by far THE GAMMA KNIFE GUY. If you are not ready for intense discussions and decisions to be made, the quit while you’re ahead.
– Dr.Ronald Benveniste (Neuro-Oncologist at UM/Miller school of Medicine – Office 305-243-6946)
Referred twice by Dr.Heros for a stereotactic needle biopsy (which we declined). Very knowledgeable and patient (considering my declination and outward disapproval of his suggestions for MY case).
– Dr.Allan Jorge (Neurosurgeon at Consultants in Neurological Surgery – Office 786-517-8650)
Referred by my boss to assist in navigating the doctor path right after seizure #1. He focuses on spine so was not really an option for MY case but he was great in figuring out the politics, questions to ask and next steps when I was so overwhelmed.
– Dr. Milton Gaviria (Infectious Disease Physician – Office 305-595-4590)
Seen at the ER and follow up at his office after seizure #1. Due to the nature of the first seizure and lack of witnesses we ended up with a full workup of diseases to rule out (or in) possible diagnosis. Everything came back all clear so not much follow up continued with his office. Very polite and proper.
– Dr.Ann MacIntyre (Infectious Disease at Mercy Hospital – Office 305-858-6365)
Referred by my boyfriend who actually went to school with her brother and grew up knowing their family. She was adorable! Definitely not what I would expect from an infectious disease doctor (if you expect anything in particular). Was so attentive and personable. Did not hold back on doing everything possible to get a diagnosis or all clear. Literally wrote up a script for EVERY SINGLE test on the Quest Diagnostic check list PLUS an additional Rx. Was extremely thorough with results and explanations. Again, everything came back clear so not must follow up continued.
– Dr.Allan Friedman (Neurosurgeon at Duke – Office 919-681-6421)
Referred by multiple sources, one of which is a former patient who is doing AMAZING post-op. Yet another impressive resume and experienced surgeon. Did not actually see him or even get to making an appointment as I was happy with my medical team and already decided to move forward locally.
The list really does go on longer but these were pretty much the big players. I’m an open book if anyone needs more specifics, questions or referral information.
-Vane
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