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Dear Dr Zwahlen,
We want to express our appreciation
for the wonderful care you've given Daniel throughout his clavicle injury and surgery. We especially appreciate
you accomodating him into your busy schedule. It is always a pleasure to make a postitive connection from what may first
be perceived as unfortunate. With gratitude and thanks...
  “A
tibial plateau fracture occurs at the top of the shin bone, and involves the cartilage surface of the knee joint. If there
is a large fragment which is forced out of line with the rest of the joint, the surgeon may opt to elevate this fragment
and secure it to the main body of the tibial plateau with screws.” All of
the above came true for me Thanksgiving 2008. If anyone invites you to a house with a sunken living room, say no thanks, and
say it like you mean it. Dr. Zwahlen performed the surgery on my leg. It involved an eight-inch incision,
a shovel full of synthetic bone, 28 staples, 18 screws and a steel plate. Before and after the surgery Dr. Zwahlen told
me the whole truth and nothing but the truth. He said the leg would never be
100% the way it used to be but that I'd be walking in a year, and without a cane. And so
I am. I do use a cane, but only when outdoors – for stairs, for balance, and to keep the jostlers at bay. Our town
is loaded with people tuned to the disabled and I’m treated just swell. Well, except for the anonymous sadist who left
a banana peel in our handicapped parking space. I can't run a mile but I can walk a mile, and for that I'm so
grateful to Dr. Zwahlen's skill and that of the physical therapists who taught me exercises that keep me in good shape.
Dr. Zwahlen can't take a compliment – it's against his philosophy of no-credit/no-blame – but I can slip
in some gratitude here while he's not looking. By the way,
he's also a doctor who makes eye contact and really listens. How rare is that!
Dr. Zwahlen,
It is simply not enought
to say "Thank You" for all you have done for eme. When I broke my right hip in October of 2008, I was so fortunate
to have you as my surgeon. You told me it was a very severe/mutiple break and you did all you could to repair my injury.
However, the future was uncertain as to what extent I would recover. Due to your skillful surgery and wonderful support
I was walking with a cane by August 2009.
Then the unthinkable happened. On august 30, 2009, I fell once again
in my kitchen and broke my left hip. Again, you came to my rescue. This time I recieved a partial hip replacement
and within sixty days I was back in therapy and working very hard.
Today I walk, cane free with little or no limp.
Very soon I will be back to my old self, thanks to your skilled surgery and the excellent therapy provided by Bob Baumgartnen
of your related therapy center.
Dr. Z you are my HERO and you will be until the day I die. I love you for all you
have done for me and will never forget you. Your biggest fan....
Hi Gaye,
Today my physical therapist
at SOS, said I am doing really well and attributed it to my surgeon's skill, But you already know this! I am happy things
are going well and grateful to Dr. Eppley. Thanks....
Good morning Gaye,
Its always been real
easy to tell how much you care about what I am telling you, as your pretty smile looks me straight in the eye as i'm talking
to you. Thank you for caring, not only about my shoulder but about me.
What I didn't realize until about
a few months ago is how much Dr. Eppley cares about me. Sure i've known he cares about my shoulder, but didn't realize
how much he cares about me having to deal with the shoulder. I would like you to give Dr. Eppley the sincerest thanks,
for ALL the care he has for me....
 I had my left ACL reconstructed by Dr. Eppley in March,
it is now September and my left knee is more stable than my right. I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Eppley,
his team, and the set up they have at the surgery center.
Dr. Eppley has a wonderful bedside manner, he takes
time to explain things and answer questions fully. He explained exactly what he knew was wrong by looking at the MRI, and
also what else could be wrong given his experience with ACL injuries (i.e. meniscus damage etc.). He didn't pressure me
into getting the surgery, he explained that it is elective and I didn't have to have it if I didn't want to. I felt
very comfortable going into surgery knowing that whatever was wrong he would do what he could to clean it up and fix it.
The staff at his practice are pleasant and professional. They gave me a huge packet of material about what to expect
post-surgery so I read up on that and it made me feel better to know the typical complaints. After surgery I had a question
that wasn't answered in the packet (my knee felt like it was burning up on the skin- apparently this is a normal reaction)
so I called the help number and Gaye called back before the end of the day. I also ended up needing an extra prescription
of pain killer and she took care of that right away.
The surgery center was excellent, it was so much better than
having to go into hospital. The staff there were really nice and talked me through everything before I went into the operating
theatre so I wasn't scared or nervous. They were also very kind to my partner who waited patiently to take me home.
Above everything else I think that Dr. Eppley and his staff realize that although the decision to have surgery and
the surgery itself are day-to-day tasks for them, it is (hopefully) a once in a life-time experience for the patient and they
treat it as if it is very important.
I would definitely recommend Dr. Eppley to anyone needing knee surgery.
Take note that at every appointment I had Dr. Eppley was running late, so make sure to bring work/a book/something
to do with you and to block out twice as much time as you think it will take. The excellent service and results are well worth
the waiting time!
Dr. Zwahlen,
How wonderful my two new knees are (total knee replacement), I'm
back doing everything but better NO PAIN!!
The 2009 Alcatraz swim was great. I came in 1st in my age group. (
I'm the only one in my age group)
Thanks for your skill, your gift.
Dr. Zwahlen,
In the mid seventies, I tore the lateral meniscus in my right knee. In the early eighties I was unable to walk and
was in terrible pain. The meniscus had developed more than 25 cysts and it was removed.
Over the years I
developed osteoarthritis, and at the end of the last year it was interestingly painful and limited my normal activites. I
enjoy walking, gardening and hiking and my knee was at the point where it was going to affect my general health.
So at 59, I felt it was time for a total knee replacement. I had the surgery on feb. 28. You did some additional
corrective work to properly realign the knee and I know the procedure was fairly complicated because of the previous surgeries.
It is now mid October and I am able to manage quite heavy gardening work and walk up and down stairs. For me,
the ability to kneel is especially important. I can, but it feels funny with the new knee. But with a gardening
stool or kneeling pad, it feels normal.
Total knee replacement has becomer routine surgery, but it is certainly
major. Yo uneed to go in knowing that it is going to take patience, commitment and effort. You have to do everything
they say. Taking the presurgical workshop was very, very helpful because I learned what to bring to the hopital and
what to expect.
I remember lying in bed some time after the surgery and hearing Dr. Zwahlen tell me not to worry
about putting my weight on my knee. That made a huge difference in how quickly I started to get around. Also,
keeping a positive attitude and being realistic made a big difference.
I have the utmost respect for Dr. Zwahlen
and Dr. Roghair. I really feel they are working to achieve excellence. They are not just incredibly talented and
skilled physicians; I know that they care and wanted the very best for the their patients.
Now I am looking forward
to again riding a bike, which I haven't been able to do for years.
Dr. Eppley and his super-fly crew.
Four months into great physical therapy progress (shoulder mobility issue), improvement kind of just stalled.
A referral and MRI later, I was set for surgery with Dr. Eppley. Dr. E was very personable, thoroughly explaining the
range of possibilities, low pressure on the surgery route. All roads pointed to eventual surgery and I decided it was looking
like time to take the 'stitch in time' to save me the proverbial nine.
Everybody on his (veeery
diverse) staff was at least kind, but even better there was this air of 'we like what we do and it's all gonna be
cool' that just cold-cocked any anxiety I had about the procedure. Which was really good because, ultimately, what I would
experience in the pain department surely needed that balance of the 'competent, caring Epply-nation'.
Fools, rotator-cuff stuff is just no joke!
Fortunately I was dealing with a small tear and a little impingement
so while I didn't get off easy, it could have been worse. All of this I understood thanks to online education, handouts
and 'any further questions, class' type stuff that comes with the Eppley-style treatment.
I also
did research on my own, but the Eppley-zone covered everything else I could find online and chatting up the medical folk in
my life.
I also got this super-sick (as in cool) DVD of the surgery " Fantastic Voyage" style where
they'd inserted this tiny camera into the joint along with wee instruments to slip, snip, clip, shave and stitch stuff
back to near good as new.
Everything was so abstract looking, (or maybe it was the drugs) it was like watching
marbles rolling around and spaceships, their after-burners and laser guns aglow. Hmmm...clearly that was the drugs.
Anyway, Dr. E actually 'narrated', talking directly to me voice-over style;
you'll see here there's
just a little tear which I'm going to stitch up..." etc.
Cooooooooool!!!
To be honest,
at first I was horrified at the very *thought* of just photos, let alone a DVD (you get all of this and more...) of me getting
sliced and diced, but it was actually so well done... although my brother did quietly excuse himself when we watched
on the 'puter once I got home.
Would I do this again if I knew what was recovery would be like? (tabulates
falling on and off busses, sleeping sitting up and various other indignities endured...)
Well...if someone would
work a miracle in exchange for my first born...close call, but I'd do the surgery.
Brad,
Thanks for your help
with my elbow and knee. They both feel great. I'll be back in action soon!! (In preparation for the 2010 US Open
Championship)
Hi Dr. Zwahlen and Brenda: I wan to thank
you for the way you have been handling my broken fibula. Although this routine fracture must be a ho-hum issue
for a surgeon, Dr. Zwahlen, you have gone out of your way to explain, demonstrate and listen. I truly appreciate the
extra time you've taken to explain the x-rays, expected outcomes, etc. I wouldn't have thought an older woman
would receive such caring advice and good listening in a sports clinic... you are a well rounded group indeed!
Dr. Zwahlen, Thank you so much for giving me my life back, minus the pain. After twenty years of suffering with
knee pain, it was time to finally take action. From our first meeting, I knew I was in the right hands. You immediately
put me at ease with your experience, your confidence and your kindness. Before meeting you I had tried arthroscopic surgery,
acupuncture, oral anti-inflammatory drugs as well as cortisone shots and synvisc with very little relief. When we discussed
the options, there were decisions to be made and you took the time to help me decide which way to go. You told me what
I could expect post operatively and long term. I walked our of your office, confident that I had chosen the right surgeon.
My recovery was not nearly as bad as I had heard from so many friends who had the same procedure. I was up and around
in ten days and back to work in fourteen. I attribute my rapid recovery to your excellent work. I highly recommend
you to any one who is in the market for a total knee replacement or arthroscopic procedure.
4 years ago, Dr. Eppley did an Acl on my knee
and it's held up wonderfully, Thank you. I'm still the assistant coach for the high school.
Dear Dr. Eppley and Gaye, I just finished
the North Shore Inline Marathon out of Duluth, MInnesota today. Three years ago I couldn't walk 26 blocks much less
roller blade 25 miles. The knee replacement surgery you performed and the post surgical care without exaggeration changed
my life. Activities that I thought were no longer possible for me are now routine. The dramatic increase in my
quality of life is truly liberating and without you two none of this would be possible. So again thank you so much for
the gift you have given me.
I love Dr. Roghair. He used to do a shift or two at the Urgent Center at TANG when I went to Cal. He's
sweet, and very nice, and fairly direct without being a jerk. He was pretty nice about the fact that I get nervous around
the doctor and tend to grill them with questions about what's going on. He really did make an effort to help me with unusual
symptoms and he got it that because they were unusual they were freaking me out. I thought his bedside manner was one of the
best I've come across. Though he normally practices sports medicine, I thought his general knowledge of medicine was great.
Also, the athletes that I knew agreed with me that he was awesome. So if you're injured and need some TLC, he's the
doc for you.
Excellent Services. I torn my ACL and Meniscus twice. My family doctor recommended them and I started
seeing Dr. Zwahlen as my knee specialist and my surgeon. He did a wonderful job on the surgery. He was willing to take the
time to explain and to answer any questions that would make my second surgery go much better. I wasn't too confident at
first, since the first surgery failed. I wasn't too keen about having a second surgery either. The first one was horrible.
However, the second one, I was able to start putting some light weight on my knee after 2 weeks (still walking on crutches).
Again, excellent assistant of Dr. Zwahlen, Marla. She also made me feel more comfortable about having a second surgery.
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I finally found Dr. Robert Eppley
and everything changed. I felt confident from the minute I met him. I'm a big believer that your health practitioner
should, themselves, be in good physical condition. He is. My logic is: How can you fully know the human body if
your not in touch with your own? I enjoyed my fist meeting with him and knew that I was in the presence of a Master.
Not only was he incredibly knowledgeable, but I could tell that he really cared.
My next appointment was
pre-op with his Physicians Assistant Gaye De Russo who is also incredibly knowledgeable. I immediately had a good feeling
about her as well. She had a lot to do with the overall procedure itself as she made a key observation in our pre-op
meeting. I often times had pain in my AC joint, but did not have pain that day. The AC joint is basically peripheral
to the main source of my problem in the rotator cuff. So, even though I had occasional pain there, I didn't pay
that much attention to it. However, because of Gaye's observation, at the time of surgery I told Dr. Eppley about
it just before the procedure began(as she suggested), and he probed the area immediately noticing some potential scar tissue.
Thus, the procedure was lengthened to clean out the AC joint as well and my shoulder will be even stronger as a result.
The entire procedure was easy and almost completely painless. I had never been anesthetized
before so did not know what to expect. The entire staff worked very well as a team and never missed a beat. From
beginning to end they made it seem almost effortless. When I came to there was someone right there to guide me through
the process. Top notch all the way through.
I am now only two weeks out from surgery and already feel my
shoulder healing. Because of the incredible work done by Dr. Eppley and Gaye De Russo I am anticipating 150% recovering,
meaning my left arm and shoulder will be even stronger than before the original injury. I feel that they did their part,
now it's time to do mine and I am willing to do the work.
I recently dislocated my shoulder playing with
our cat. How I wish that was a euphemism for something far more interesting... but sadly... I was really playing with the
cat fell on my elbow and dislocated my shoulder far enough to tear my rotator cuff.
After a trip to the emergency
room and seeing a great and responsive doctor there (Dr Meredith), I was happily on Dilaudid and referred to Dr Eppley's
office.
Dr Eppley and his P.A. Gaye De Russo, were excellent. Smart, caring, informative and they listened.
I was surprised that I was given the option after the MRI to not have surgery and to see if I can work through my
long history of shoulder injuries with PT.
This experience with my insurance compnay and working with great health
care people the entire way has made what could have been the worst experience of my life more of a anecdotal blip.
As an aside, Dr Eppley has more than a passing resemblence to British Actor Bill Nighy.
And it may have been
my dilaudid induced haze, but I now have a crush on his PA Gaye, who has an incredibly bright and cheery lifeforce...
Dr. Eppley and Gay DeRusseo, PA are amazing. Not only is Dr. Eppley an amazing surgeon, but he is also
very caring and blunt. Gay DeRusseo, PA, is an amazing listener with great advice and care. Together they are
an unbeatable team!
After dealing with an unstable shoulder for 2 years, Dr. Eppley perfomed a capular repair on
my shoulder. It's only been 4 months and I am back to full use and better! I can surf, play softball, yoga,
bike (all stuff that caused problems before).
It is very apparent that Dr. Eppley cares about his patients.
He listens thoughtfully and he offers clear explanations. His surgical work is exceptional. His credentials, peer reviews
and awards are impressive.
I came to know his entire staff as I had my shoulder worked on in '04 and they are
all top people
I had a little problem after surgery with not getting my range of motion back and Dr. Eppley and
Gay quickly acted. They recommended that I switch Physical Therapists, get a cortizone shot, regular massage and had
me stretch 5xs a day (my pt only had me doing limited stretching twice a day) . Within a month, I went from being at
risk for problems to an excellent shoulder.. They were awesome and now 4 months post-surgery I have no pain and my activity
level keeps going up!
Dr. Eppley and staff, Thank
you for my new shoulders. They don't hurt and do everything. (Total shoulder replacements)
Gaye, couldn't
have done it without you! We will always remember what you did for me. You will always be in our thoughts.
Dr. Zwahlen, I wanted to let you know the results of the cortisone injection you gave me. In the weeks before
I got the injection my shoulder was rapidly losing range of motion. The morning after the injection I had dramatically
greater range of motion. More importantly the trend was completely reversed. In the weeks following the injection
my range of motion has continued to increase and at this point a month after the injection. I have almost my entire
range of motion back and am completely pain free. Thank you very much!!
Dr. Eppley, Thank you for fixing
my knee! You were approachable, informative and reassuring throughout the entire process. I was comfortable with you
as a doctor and a person which made me confident going into surgery. Once again, thank you for all your help. I so appreciate
it!
Dr. Eppley was fantastic and even drove an extra prescription all the way to Berkeley on a Sunday morning after
surgery when lauren was having a bad time. He kept in contact while I was helping her recover, which helped me to take
better care of her and helped calm me down when she was having a rough time of it.
Dr. Eppley, just wanted to let
you know how much we appreciate what you did. You probably hear a hundred well deserved thank you's a day, but ours is
more than a thank you. Without your efforts, we would not have been able to go ahead with my surgery, and my pain would
have ruined my life. Our wish for you and your family is to enjoy the things in life that transcend to a higher level
of peace and happiness.
Dr. Zwahlen, I wanted to thank you again for helping me through
this unexpected medical crisis. Your support and expertise has been much appreciated.
Dr.
Eppley, Even though I knew you were the best there is, even before I called your office; Even though it was just 5 weeks ago
that you replaced my second shoulder joint; Even though my kids think these surgeries are proof positive that I really am
an old geezer; Even though my competitive athletic career ended decades ago; Even though I missed this year's ski season;
I FEEL BETTER THEN I COULD EVER HAVE IMAGINED! I HAVE NO MORE PAIN AND I CAN MOVE MY ARMS THE WAY I DID IN HIGH SCHOOL!
I would like to thank you and your entire marvelously talented team, each of whom is a star
in their own right. I started with Dr. Chad Roghair who gently informed me that I was no longer 18 even though
it was my 60th birthday. Then there was Randy, who succumbed to my pleas to schedule my surgeries so quickly.
Gaye DeRusso was also wonderfully patient, explaining each part of the surgical process when I approached her with my long
list of questions. Of course Tiffany and all the others whoses names I never learned, were great too. Lastly,
I need to thank Dr. Zwahlen who deftly slipped in a highly successful arthroscopy of my left knee between the 2 shoulder surgeries
just a few days before Christmas. And, while I didn't dance at the family's Christmas party I could have,
if someone had only asked.
In fact, I feel so good that I think later this morning I'll
play a few sets of tennis and then add a round of golf. Of course, you should look at the date on this letter before
you reach for the phone (april 1). But, maybe if there's some great late skiing somewhere in the world, or perhaps Tuckerman's
Ravine will still be open early this summer, then.....
Thank you so much for everything,
of course my wife thanks you as well.
Dr. Eppley, Thank you very much for saving my right
shoulder. I am thankful God picked you to have such a grand skill and sent me to you.
Dear Dr,Eppley and Gaye DeRusso I just wanted to take a moment out and let you know how I am doing after the total knee surgery. It's been five
months now and I am doing just great. I consider the surgery and after care from the both of you a tremendous success. I've
been back to work for some time now. My range of motion is back to normal,no pain or swelling either.I really started to see
that I was unaware a the knee (a good thing) after about four months. you were right Gaye it was going to take some time. Well that's it for now and again thank you from the bottom of my hart for ending this three year
saga that surrounded this knee problem; It's such a relief to say well done
to the both of you. The end finally. Happy
Holidays to the both of you and all the office staff and Dawn for referring me to in the first place.
Here I am doing handstands in my yoga class. I never thought this would be possible and at first
I was really apprehensive about trying it because I wasn't sure of the strength of my right shoulder. But, as you
can see, thanks to a fantastic job by Dr. Eppley, I am having no trouble at all.
I was thrown off my horse a little over
2 years ago and severly injured my right shoulder and head. I never doubted that I would ride again, but I did
doubt I'd be doing handstands! Through the incredible talent of Dr. Eppley and the terrific follow-up of his caring
staff, I have made a better than full recovery. Oh, by the way, I'm no spring chicken either ...at 57!!
Dr. Eppley,
Once again, I thank you and all your staff for such top notch care. What a great positive
change you have made in me. Can't forget to mention how i haven't enjoyed more, being back on the green and swinging
away! I appreciate it all...
Dr. Zwahlen, After I left your office today, I felt terrible when I realized
I did not get a chance to properly, THANK YOU, for all your efforts to relieve my knee pain. My surgery was at the end
of a long day of surgeries for you and I was a bit concerned that you might be tired...but just seeing your high energy
level ( you are definitely in your element in the operating room) gave me a lot of reassurance. Also, I was awake and
able to watch the entire surgery on the monitor and was most impressed with your surgical skills- your speed and accuracy
with the arthroscope, performing the meniscectomy and microfracture procedures, all while explaining everything to me
- certainly demonstrated your exceptional skill and experience! So thanks again for all your efforts!!
Dr. Zwahlen- I am so grateful you eliminated my "frozen shoulder". It is so marvelous
to be "me" again. When I am swimming using the crawl stroke I think how very lucky I am. The same goes
for when I'm carrying Pelicans around and lifting them up onto a balance to check for weight gain.. As you anticipated,
manipulation under anestheisa (April 2008) led to full recovery and full use of my right shoulder. I discontined physical
therapy at the end of july and had already resumed all normal activities by that time. I continued to stretch and strengthen
and feel absolutely great with my normal right shoulder.
Live
accident free...but, if an accident does happen, see....Dr. Eppley
I received a very nice letter from a Physician
to convey his appreciation and sincere gratitude for the excellent care he recieved. He specifically mentioned you.
In his words, "After 30 years on the medical staff of Alta Bates I recently had my first experience as an inpatient,
I had a total shoulder replacement by the masterful Dr.Robert Eppley and had a perfect Operating Room experience."
He also added that his outcome has been great.
Thank you, Dr. Eppley, for your contribution to providieng such quality
care. You certainly exemplify the goals of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in providing the hightest caliber of service
to our patients.
Warren J. Kirk President & CEO.
I want to thank you and your wonderful staff for
taking care of me throughout the ongoing process fo my shoulder surgery. Thank you for your patience, your goal of perfection
in each case that you deal with and your kindness.
The knee held up well in snowboarding from a snowcat in British
Columbia even though we had to climb to get to fresh powder. More recently, the knee held up well in a power climb on the
Great Wall. I hope to climb Mt. Rainier later this summer. I hope you had a good spring and have a fun summer ahead.
Repair of Clavicle Fracture- Thank you so much for doing my surgery. This was the first bone in
my body that I have broken and also the first surgery i have had. It was a terrifying experience for me and i thank
you for taking care of me.
I know that these past few days were a convention and i can't thank you enough for taking
the time to fix my arm. i know you are extremely busy and that my case was probably not what you expected to have on your
list. Anyways, thank you, than you , for everything you did for me.
ACL Knee Surgery- Thanks for everything, you helped make my hike to the
top of the Schilthorn (Swiss Alps) today possible! The view was amazing, thanks for getting me there.
Capsulorrhaphy Shoulder Surgery- Thanks for getting me thru all 4 years of gymnastics, especially this
last one.
Total Knee Replacement- I have complete faith in you as a health care provider.
Bankart Repair - Your the best. knees, shoulders, wish all my surgeries could of gone so smoothly.
Rotator Cuff Repair- You and your staff have gone above and beyond what I had hoped. I will never
forget what you have done for me. You and your staff actually listen and show general concern, besides giving great care,
something that is missing in most medical offices now a days.
Dear Dr,Eppley and Gaye DeRusso I just wanted to take a moment out and let you know how I am doing after the total knee surgery. It's been five
months now and I am doing just great. I consider the surgery and after care from the both of you a tremendous success. I've
been back to work for some time now. My range of motion is back to normal,no pain or swelling either.I really started to see
that I was unaware a the knee (a good thing) after about four months. you were right Gaye it was going to take some time. Well that's it for now and again thank you from the bottom of my hart for ending this three year
saga that surrounded this knee problem; It's such a relief to say well done
to the both of you. The end finally. Happy
Holidays to the both of you and all the office staff and Dawn for referring me to in the first place.
Here I am doing handstands in my yoga class. I never thought this would be possible and at first
I was really apprehensive about trying it because I wasn't sure of the strength of my right shoulder. But, as you
can see, thanks to a fantastic job by Dr. Eppley, I am having no trouble at all.
I was thrown off my horse a little over
2 years ago and severly injured my right shoulder and head. I never doubted that I would ride again, but I did
doubt I'd be doing handstands! Through the incredible talent of Dr. Eppley and the terrific follow-up of his caring
staff, I have made a better than full recovery. Oh, by the way, I'm no spring chicken either ...at 57!!
Dr. Eppley,
Once again, I thank you and all your staff for such top notch care. What a great positive
change you have made in me. Can't forget to mention how i haven't enjoyed more, being back on the green and swinging
away! I appreciate it all...
Dr. Zwahlen, After I left your office today, I felt terrible when I realized
I did not get a chance to properly, THANK YOU, for all your efforts to relieve my knee pain. My surgery was at the end
of a long day of surgeries for you and I was a bit concerned that you might be tired...but just seeing your high energy
level ( you are definitely in your element in the operating room) gave me a lot of reassurance. Also, I was awake and
able to watch the entire surgery on the monitor and was most impressed with your surgical skills- your speed and accuracy
with the arthroscope, performing the meniscectomy and microfracture procedures, all while explaining everything to me
- certainly demonstrated your exceptional skill and experience! So thanks again for all your efforts!!
Dr. Zwahlen- I am so grateful you eliminated my "frozen shoulder". It is so marvelous
to be "me" again. When I am swimming using the crawl stroke I think how very lucky I am. The same goes
for when I'm carrying Pelicans around and lifting them up onto a balance to check for weight gain.. As you anticipated,
manipulation under anestheisa (April 2008) led to full recovery and full use of my right shoulder. I discontined physical
therapy at the end of july and had already resumed all normal activities by that time. I continued to stretch and strengthen
and feel absolutely great with my normal right shoulder.
Live
accident free...but, if an accident does happen, see....Dr. Eppley
I received a very nice letter from a Physician
to convey his appreciation and sincere gratitude for the excellent care he recieved. He specifically mentioned you.
In his words, "After 30 years on the medical staff of Alta Bates I recently had my first experience as an inpatient,
I had a total shoulder replacement by the masterful Dr.Robert Eppley and had a perfect Operating Room experience."
He also added that his outcome has been great.
Thank you, Dr. Eppley, for your contribution to providieng such quality
care. You certainly exemplify the goals of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in providing the hightest caliber of service
to our patients.
Warren J. Kirk President & CEO.
I want to thank you and your wonderful staff for
taking care of me throughout the ongoing process fo my shoulder surgery. Thank you for your patience, your goal of perfection
in each case that you deal with and your kindness.
The knee held up well in snowboarding from a snowcat in British
Columbia even though we had to climb to get to fresh powder. More recently, the knee held up well in a power climb on the
Great Wall. I hope to climb Mt. Rainier later this summer. I hope you had a good spring and have a fun summer ahead.
Repair of Clavicle Fracture- Thank you so much for doing my surgery. This was the first bone in
my body that I have broken and also the first surgery i have had. It was a terrifying experience for me and i thank
you for taking care of me.
I know that these past few days were a convention and i can't thank you enough for taking
the time to fix my arm. i know you are extremely busy and that my case was probably not what you expected to have on your
list. Anyways, thank you, than you , for everything you did for me.
ACL Knee Surgery- Thanks for everything, you helped make my hike to the
top of the Schilthorn (Swiss Alps) today possible! The view was amazing, thanks for getting me there.
Capsulorrhaphy Shoulder Surgery- Thanks for getting me thru all 4 years of gymnastics, especially this
last one.
Total Knee Replacement- I have complete faith in you as a health care provider.
Bankart Repair - Your the best. knees, shoulders, wish all my surgeries could of gone so smoothly.
Rotator Cuff Repair- You and your staff have gone above and beyond what I had hoped. I will never
forget what you have done for me. You and your staff actually listen and show general concern, besides giving great care,
something that is missing in most medical offices now a days.
Dr. Eppley,
Once again, I thank you and all your staff for such top notch care. What a great positive change you have made
in me. Can't forget to mention how i haven't enjoyed more, being back on the green and swinging away! I appreciate
it all...
Dr. Zwahlen, After I left your office today, I felt terrible when I realized I did not get
a chance to properly, THANK YOU, for all your efforts to relieve my knee pain. My surgery was at the end of a long day
of surgeries for you and I was a bit concerned that you might be tired...but just seeing your high energy level ( you
are definitely in your element in the operating room) gave me a lot of reassurance. Also, I was awake and able to watch
the entire surgery on the monitor and was most impressed with your surgical skills- your speed and accuracy with the arthroscope,
performing the meniscectomy and microfracture procedures, all while explaining everything to me - certainly demonstrated
your exceptional skill and experience! So thanks again for all your efforts!!
Dr. Zwahlen-
I am so grateful you eliminated my "frozen shoulder". It is so marvelous to be "me" again.
When I am swimming using the crawl stroke I think how very lucky I am. The same goes for when I'm carrying Pelicans
around and lifting them up onto a balance to check for weight gain.. As you anticipated, manipulation under anestheisa
(April 2008) led to full recovery and full use of my right shoulder. I discontined physical therapy at the end of july
and had already resumed all normal activities by that time. I continued to stretch and strengthen and feel absolutely
great with my normal right shoulder.
I want
to thank you and your wonderful staff for taking care of me throughout the ongoing process fo my shoulder surgery. Thank you
for your patience, your goal of perfection in each case that you deal with and your kindness.
The knee held up
well in snowboarding from a snowcat in British Columbia even though we had to climb to get to fresh powder. More recently,
the knee held up well in a power climb on the Great Wall. I hope to climb Mt. Rainier later this summer. I hope you
had a good spring and have a fun summer ahead.
Open reduction Internal fixation of clavicle for
old clavicle fracture
I know
I've said this before but i'm eternally grateful to you and Dr. Eppley for my 2005 procedure. My malformed clavicle
was digging into my neck for over a year before I found you. I had been through 3 doctors that told me I was stuck
that way. pain and irritation every waking moment- it was ruining my life. I understand now how awful it is for
people with serious chronic pain. It's the fact that you can never escape it that's so psychologically damaging-no
release, ever. not to mention neck and trapezius always tense on one side=crooked spine, screwed up joint mechanics. etc. I
would have traded everything I owned for that surgery, but it only cost me $1000 with insurance. what a bargain!
Shoulder-
Rotator cuff repair
It has been over three
years since you did my shoulder repair. Since that time I have referred at least 5 people to you because I was
so impressed with the whole process that I went through with your practice. I recently saw an article in the Alta Bates newsletter
about you and finally wanted to write you and tell you what a positive experience I had. I felt the care and time that you
and Gaye and all your staff took in explaining what would happen really kept the experience in perspective. The concern
throughout the follow up visits and weathering my barrage of questions was invaluable. I will continue to refer people to
you with the highest recommendation. Thank you so much and have a wonderful year.
Partial Meniscectomy 20 years after
ACl reconstruction
Just a thank
you for all the expertise and great care and guidance. Surgery isn't the most fun thing to do , but in the grand scheme
of things, I am very fortunate to have had, what I call the "A-team". Thank you for all the time, energy and
patience you've extended over the past few months. I feel so grateful and blessed to have happened upon your team
and want to especially mention, Dawn - my first point of contact, Dee- the glue that holds it all together, Randy- for your
laughter, lightness and thorough attention in finding me a surgery date, Gaye- for your steady tone, eye contact, truck-load
of information that eased my fears and answered my questions and made the process managable, Dr. Eppley- I imagine its hard
to stay humble when you are working so hard and doing such a great job.Your ease of spirit, generosity of time, care in attention
and respect of my unique knee has left me with a gratitude and relief beyond measure. Dina- without a doubt, I'd still
be on crutches if it were not for your support whether to tell me to slow down, or speed up. Your attitude, humor and compassion
has give me such reassurance at every point of this process.
Minor debridement of partial PCL tear, chondroplasty lateral tibia
and medial femur, excision medial plica
Life
is funny sometimes. When something adverse happens like a physical injury, it usually spells out a long dismal
recovery road.
However, thanks to your office of highly organized,
friendly, and efficient staff members-ALL OF YOU- my knee injuries are pleasantly behind me. I am in a quandry as to how to
best express my gratitude in the experience I had each time the Robert Eppley office helped me diagnose and repair my knee. To let you know I appreciate all of your courtesy and expertise is the least I
can offer. I'm very proud to be amongst the Northern Californians here where such primo medical care exists.
You all represent this industry in the finest fashion.
We should all be thankful of the high level of living we're able to have even when it seems we are just "working".
Its made a huge difference to me, thank you very much.
Rotator Cuff Repair
We deeply
appreciate your generosity and caring professionalism. Thank you and your wonderfully attentive staff for everything.
We wish you the best.
Shoulder Replacement
Dr. Eppley thank you for my shoulder. I didn't
feel a thing, everything went so smoothly. I am eternally grateful for my new shoulder and best of all I am now pain free.
Bankart Repair
You made a couple of reconstructions on my son's shoulders. I
trust you will be proud of your excellent work, They won a silver medal in the olympics.
ACL
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