What Patients Say: Ventral/Umbilical Hernias
Brian Stevens
Cottonwood, Arizona

Dear Dr. Grischkan,

This is just a note to say thank you for the wonderful job you did on my recurrent hernia.

As you know, I had an umbilical hernia repaired three times. The first time the stitches tore loose, and the second time I was in pain for seven months.

After the second operation, I searched the Internet and wrote six hernia specialists across the country and in England. The predominant advice I received was to wait another six months to see if the pain would subside.

You were the only doctor who correctly diagnosed the problem and explained that the surgery would only take about half-an-hour.

To tell the truth I was skeptical.

But after talking with you on the phone and asking enough questions to convince myself that you know what you were doing, I went ahead and scheduled the surgery … even though I had to fly halfway across the country to have it.

I’m glad I did. If I had listened to the other specialists I would still be in pain.

The amazing thing to me was that the first two surgeries left me in pain for weeks, and required a six-week recovery period.

With your method I was up and on my feet the next day, and was back to doing my normal activities the day after. What a difference?

Another plus was the fact that you cost two-thousand dollars LESS than the first doctor who did my hernia surgery.

Feel free to share this letter or post it on your website.

My advice to anyone who is considering hernia surgery — call Dr. Grischkan and talk to him about it. After 10,000 plus surgeries he knows what he’s doing. I’m living proof.

P.S. Your office staff – Carol and Beth – were great, and I was pleasantly surprised by how nice Cleveland was.

Ventral/Umbilical Hernia: Brian Stevens, Arizona
What Patients Say: Ventral/Umbilical Hernias
Tiffiney Rigby
Florida

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your time and effort to repair what I had begun to think was un-repairable. For the 2 years and 4 months before seeing you, I had been in and out of the emergency room several times, seen several local doctors, and to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for my condition all to no avail. None of them were willing to repair the damage to my stomach done by the other surgeon in December of 2002. I had heard, “It is something you are going to have to adapt to and learn to live with,” “It is too risky to try and repair unless it is a dire emergency,” “Your skin is thin and that is the best that you can expect,” from various surgeons and GI doctors.

My frustration, anger, and depression grew. Many nights I went to bed in tears because of the intense pain. It felt like hundreds of knives were in my abdomen. I knew that the damage done by the other surgeon was serious and desperately needed repaired. Every day I feared that my stomach or bowels would rapture. I would go from extreme diarrhea for extended periods of time to extreme constipation (causing hospitalization.) I was unable to lie down at night without the help of my husband.

The little things, such as tying my shoes had to be done with utmost caution because I couldn’t just bend over like you or anyone else would. I had to bend just the right way, or it would feel like the mesh and threads were coming right through the skin. If I did turn or bend in the “wrong” way, I would always look and check to see if the mesh had come through the skin. As you know, I have two small children whom are now two and three years old. I was unable to pick them up and carry them without hurting, and could not carry them at all at times. I could not lie on the floor on my stomach or my back and play with them. I could not have them in the vicinity of my stomach without being on guard that they may hit it with their little parts.

Since your repaired me, my husband tells me that I am a completely different person. He is thrilled with the results and said that I was doing better one week after the surgery with you than I was doing the day before the surgery. I feel great, I am working out and walking, I can play with my children, I can have fun with my husband, I can enjoy a good meal because my bowels are working properly, and most importantly of all, I can live without the fear of my stomach or bowels rupturing. I can live again. Thank you again; you have been a true blessing to me and my family. Please feel free to use this letter as a reference any time.

Tiffiney Rigby

Ventral/Umbilical Hernias: Tiffiney Rigby, Florida
What Patients Say: Ventral/Umbilical Hernias
Paul A. Lyden
Vice President, Lyden Oil Company
Ohio

I am writing to express my sincere thanks for an excellent surgery experience. The repair of my umbilical hernia was, by far, the best surgery I have ever had, due to the quick surgery, lack of pain and fast recovery — all without a single scar.

The staff at the Independence Surgery Center is second to none. They made my intake and discharge go smoothly. Your surgical expertise, coupled with the staff’s assistance, allowed me to walk next door for lunch directly after discharge on the day of surgery. The very next day, I went to a wedding reception. I never had to use any prescription pain medication; I only needed to take a few Advil.

In summary, you and the staff at the Independence Surgery Center have far exceeded my expectations. On a scale of 1 to 10, Hernia Center of Ohio would score a 10++. You are highly recommended.

Paul A. Lyden

Ventral/Umbilical Hernia: Paul Lyden, Ohio
What Patients Say: Ventral Hernias
Richard Jacoby
Retired Emeritus Professor of Music
Kent State University (Ohio)

Many thanks for your prompt and personal reply to my recent E-mail. I assumed that, because of your busy schedule, I would get a reply from your receptionist in two or three weeks. What a welcome surprise!

I am now 68 years old and enjoying a great retired life at the beach in Florida. I exercise regularly at a fitness center and was pleased to get your approval that I could include “ANY” type of abdominal exercises in my fitness routine.

I’m not sure if I ever told you how apprehensive (actually scared-stiff) I was about having my ventral hernia repaired. Consequently, prior to the surgery, I talked to several of your former patients, read about hernias and the Shouldice hernia technique. Although I am not qualified to make a judgment, that surgical technique seemed logical to me. That information coupled with your outstanding credentials and massive experience led me to you- ie: THE HERNIA CENTER OF OHIO. My research had paid off! Here I am about twelve years later enjoying the good retired life at the beach in Florida.

Although routine to you, my overly cautious concern following the surgery caused me to call your office several times with questions about the surgery results. In every case you personally returned every call and tried allay my fears or, for my peace of mind, scheduled an appointment in your office. I cannot begin to express how comforting and reassuring that was. Your accessibility and willingness to address my concerns was very thoughtful and I will always remember that!

Your reply to my recent E-mail served as catalyst for me to express this appreciation to you. If anyone would want to contact me, I would be happy to relate my experiences. Please feel free to give them my E-mail address. In my book, Dr. Grischkan is the man!

Richard Jacoby

Ventral Hernia: Richard Jacoby, Ohio