December 18, 2020
Dear Dr. Brown,
I wanted to write quickly to thank you once again for all of the kindness and support you have given me over the past 18 months. When I was suffering last year from the immense pain that the mesh on my right side was causing as well as the untreated hernia on my left, you took the time to call me and discuss how you could help. That phone call gave me some hope at a time when I had almost none.
When I flew to California in March to have my initial consult, I could tell right away that you were an extremely skilled surgeon. You identified very quickly not only the hernia only the left, but also an untreated abdominal hernia on my right (which multiple surgeons in Seattle had not identified). Your supportive bed-side manner also gave me confidence that you could fix the hernia on my left without causing the myriad of problems I had with the mesh. And, indeed, I am very happy with the operation you performed. Other than some pain for a few weeks after the operation, I have had no problems. And the former site of the hernia feels extremely secure and strong.
In addition to being a skilled surgeon, the level of kindness you have displayed to me has gone far beyond what I ever expected from a doctor. You offered to take me from the surgery center to my hotel after my operation. You followed up with me every day for a few weeks after surgery. And, you have answered countless emails and phone calls from me about the odd pains and feelings I have had recovering from the mesh removal, which was performed by my surgeon in Seattle.
I am so incredibly thankful to have found such a skilled, kind, caring doctor. As I said in my last phone call, I do think I will elect at some point to have you strengthen the former site of the mesh and remove a small hydrocele for me. But, for the moment, I am living without much pain and able to do most of the activities I want to. So, I did not want to “rock the boat.” Thank you once again for your unbelievable kindness. Please pass along my thanks to your office staff has well.
I wish all of you a happy and prosperous 2021,
ML