I was referred to Dr Carantzes by my PCP for shoulder pain over a year ago. The initial visit was good. I was unable to get treated at that time do to another existing medical condition which didn't allow me to be treated for my shoulder. So, I asked Dr. Carantzes 4 a shot in my shoulder to mask the pain. That was a year ago. The shock wore off after a couple of months. And I didn't want to get another one. So I initially treated it with about 800 milligrams of ibuprofen which will bring my pain down 2 about 5 most of the time. But it meant but I was pretty much in pain most of the time.
Present: After I finished treatment with my prior medical condition I hurried back to Dr. Anthony Carantes told him that when I said my pain level in the past was bad it wasn't as bad as I thought it was. But that now after a year has passed my pain level is clearly a level 8 to 10. I told him that I was ready for surgery on my rotator cuff to repair . He said his assistant will come in the office and we would talk about that . I told his assistant that I need pain meds to manage my pain up until surgery . She said he absolutely will not prescribed pain meds . So now I'm confused, I've never been denied medicine for pain in the past from any Dr.
His assistant Brittany says that he absolutely not perscribe anything stronger than tylenol3. So, initially, I accepted it. Forgetting that I haven't taken codiene in over 15 years due to an intolerance to it. I called the office and left a message on Brittany's phone asking for a call back. Afted several attempts she finally called back. I literally begged for stronger pain meds she said absolutely not!
I told her that the Dr who did my right shoulder, when I lived in Ca, several years ago, gave me stronger pain meds. She then proceeded to say "well get those records and let us know what he gave you and we'll see". Now, I feel like I'm in the twilight zone. This is unreal. I've NEVER had a Dr refuse to manage my pain. I know that Norco and Percocet are NOT banned.
All this happened between July 25 and the week of August 8th, 2016.
I had my port removed on August 12th. Simple procedure. However, before surgery it was obvious that I was having serious pain in my left shoulder. So they tried to help me be as comfortable as possible before the surgery. After I woke up from surgery I was in excruciating pain from my shoulder which really concerned the doctor so they gave me pain meds. I was in the recovery room for over an hour while they try to get the pain for my shoulder under control. I told them that doctor Anthony Carantzes refuses to manage my pain before surgery. I was then advised not to continue with a doctor who refused to manage my pain. And was referred to another Orthopaedic doctor who would take care of me.
I called the office and immediately cancel the surgery that was scheduled for this Thursday. I then called Monday yesterday to make sure that they got my message. And since Britney rarely returns a phone call, I had to call the front desk. I spoke to a young lady at the front desk who was very professional. And told her why I was canceling my surgery appointment. And she said trust me they will be calling you in reference to this. They did call and I told the gentleman I was speaking to the same story all over again. That doctor Anthony Carantzes is very uncaring, to say the least and that I refuse to allow him to operate on me when he doesn't even care enough to treat my pain as the hospital clearly did.
Coincidentally, I just found out that 2 of my other friends are also being treated by him and he also refuses to give them stronger pain meds. However, he did offer Percocet to one of his other patients. So it's clear that he's being selective.
I didn't want to give any stars to this doctor, however, the young lady at the front desk was very professional. read more