I wrote a rather lengthy review on Dr. Kuwamura. So lengthy that it won't fit on Yelp. You can read my full review on my blog at this link: http://wp.me/pqDEf-fx . I'm posting the jest of it below.
First, I must mention that I felt it necessary to include my entire ordeal and experience with the 3 other doctors listed to show and prove just how good of a doctor I believe Dr. Kuwamura is. If you aren't concerned with background, jump to the end - no hurt feelings!
Surgery is scary. Plain and simple. But when you are in constant pain for 4 years, you come to the realization that surgery might be necessary - as was in my case. Starting in 2003 I had severe back pain. I started seeing a chiropractor when the pain started but after a few weeks of no relief she took x-rays and noticed degenerative disc disease. Although the chiropractor suggested continued chiro care, the word 'disease' scared the heck out of me so I promptly made an appointment with my family practice doctor. That doctor took one look at my symptoms and referred me to a neurosurgeon (NOT Dr. Kuwamura) and that's where nearly 4 years of hell started.
To make it short, I spent a wasted year working with a neurosurgeon, a former military doctor that told me that I'd never be able to perform any type of high impact exercise again and suggested that I take up swimming for the rest of my life. REALLY?!? I was 23 years old at the time and before the onset of my pain I ran 5ks, mountain biked, water skied and lived a highly active lifestyle. He prescribed physical therapy and sent me on my way. I did physical therapy and then went to a new doc, a pain management specialist where I started receiving epidural injections every 3 to 4 months - that is not the life I wanted to live.
Next, I decided I'd go to the "experts" at the Texas Back Institute in Plano, TX. By the end of my visit, I was submitting insurance paperwork to have a disc replace surgery. This request was denied by my insurance company and once all of my appeals were denied, I felt like I was dead to this new doctor.
Then I found Dr. Kuwamura. From the time I entered Dr. Kuwamura's presence I felt comfortable with him and his abilities. I already knew that he had a respectable education and experience, but what I didn't expect was a warm, candid, caring attitude. Dr. Kuwamura took the time to listen to all of my previous treatments, answer my questions and even asked what my goals were for coming to him. I explained that I wanted to live like a 26 year old not an 80 year old and he told me he completely understood - and I believed him. He explained how he had once been a runner (he even completed Boston if I remember correctly) and that he had previously had a spinal fusion surgery to correct an issue very similar to mine. WOW - someone who had been through it and who was concerned with what I wanted - I had hit the jackpot of doctors. On that first appointment he recommended a spinal fusion at L5-S1, explained the surgery, the pros and cons, and the possibility of it not correcting my problem. He covered all bases, good and bad, and I respected him for that. He then went on to tell me of experiences he had with patients similar to me (young, in good health, in decent shape) and how they had handled the surgery and recovery. I was convinced that I needed to take the chance on surgery and started the scheduling process immediately. I continued epidurals and facet injections until my surgery date.
December 7, 2007 changed my life. I woke up from the surgery without back pain, but with stomach pain - let me explain...Dr. Kuwamura used an approach called ALIF (A = anterior) meaning he operated on my back by going through my stomach! This reduces the trauma to large back muscles and speeds recovery. From that point forward I rapidly progressed through my recovery. I spent 5 days in the hospital under scrupulous and extraordinary care. After that, my recovery continued at home. I continued to see Dr. Kuwamura at certain intervals and at each visit he ensured all of my questions were answered...even taking the time to print x-rays for me so that I could explain my healing process to friends and family. Since my surgery I have been virtually pain-free. After about 6 months I was able to return to non-impact exercise and after evidence of solid fusion (about 12 months) I was released to all normal activities (running, jumping, core exercises, etc.). Since my surgery I have run 8 half marathons , 1 full marathon and 1 sprint triathlon. I am in the best shape of my life and owe Dr. Kuwamura part of the credit for "fixing" me and making me whole again.
I cannot say enough about how thoughtful Dr. Kuwamura was throughout my entire ordeal - both professionally as a doctor and as someone who genuinely cared for my well-being. I never felt (or feel) rushed when I see him and I'm thankful that I found him. read more