Patient Testimonials
Dr. Etminan
Thanks to Dr. Etminan, after 5 years of chronic
back pain, I am pain free. He's the best. I tell all
my old football colleagues he's the Dr. to see.
Also, he's caring, dedicated, and professional.
Elvin Bethea
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2003
Prior to having surgery to correct my 50% curve caused by scoliosis, I was in excruciating pain every singe day. It was more than difficult for me to sit in the bleachers and watch my son’s weekly football games. I lacked energy to do fun things with my 5 year old son and I was too drained to truly appreciate the company of my husband. I would wake up constantly during the night, only to be exhausted and in pain the next day.
It was a cycle that I thought could never be broken… until my mother who lives in Houston saw Dr. Etminan on a Fox 14 News medical segment. My mother suggested that I contact him. I viewed a clip of the medical segment on the internet and located the RBJC website and instantly was confident that Dr. Etminan was the person I needed to see. My family eagerly took the trip from our home in Louisiana to Texas with me. It was apparent that Dr. Etminan was a very caring and detail oriented doctor from the first time I met him. He took time to explain my condition and my options. I chose surgery because I wanted a permanent solution to the pain.
The first week after this major surgery was challenging, but my recovery did not take long. My recovery has been remarkable. I am now working full-time five days a week. I am participating in a Country Line Dance class at the local university and the best thing is that I am able to be myself again, enjoying and actively participating in the many activities of my husband and two sons.
In addition, the staff and Physician Assistant at RBJC were all superb. I appreciate their support and kindness.
Tonja Johnson
Monroe, LA
5 Months Post Surgery:
Prior to the surgery I thought I was going to die or be paralyzed. I could not move and I was emotionally drained. Now, after the surgery I feel like a new man! I can walk and do things I use to do.
Nimesh Patel
1 Month Post Surgery:
I was in severe pain in my left thigh and could not walk or stand for more than a minute without leaning on something or bending over. Post surgery I am pain free, can walk, and ride a bicycle. I can also sleep without pain. This surgery has changed my mood from one of depression to joy!
Mickey Altman ( L3-4 Anterior and Posterior Fusion)
2 months post surgery:
Before Dr. Etminan performed the surgery I was in excruciating pain and could not stand or walk without shooting pains. I now can walk around my block twice with no pain or numbness at all.
Ashley Higgs
2 years post surgery:
Prior to surgery I had excruciating pain in my legs and numbness in my feet. I am completely back to normal, it’s almost as though it never happened.
Laura Yarber (Anterior Fusion)
As an employee of Richmond Bone and Joint Clinic, I hold our group of doctors in the highest regard. Our doctors are extremely well-qualified and approachable. They work well together and consult one another. I have always felt comfortable bringing myself and my family to RBJC for treatment.
On August 14, 2008, because she had back pain, I brought my then 6-year-old daughter Emma to see Dr. Liang. He did a physical exam, got x-rays, and consulted with Dr. Etminan, one of RBJC’s spine specialists, who recommended an MRI. Everything looked normal and pointed toward muscle strain/sprain. Our visit could have ended there, with some samples of anti-inflammatories and recommendation of a heating pad. But it didn’t.
Drs. Liang and Etminan went the extra mile, with Dr. Liang asking about Emma’s pain tolerance, considering her usually bubbly personality, and assessing her coloring. STAT blood work was recommended, to be on the safe side.
Imagine how I felt when Dr. Etminan called me at home less than two hours later to tell me that Emma’s lab work was suspicious. He insisted that we go immediately to Texas Children’s Hospital and assured me they would admit her for a full work-up. He and his nurse helped me get all of Emma’s records together and even gave me directions to the hospital.
On August 18, 2009, Emma was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. At the hospital, we were told how fortunate we were that her labs were drawn so early and that Emma had only been in pain for 1 day before beginning the diagnosis process. It is much more routine for kids to have pain or fever for weeks before labs are finally recommended.
Drs. Liang and Etminan played a pivotal role in getting my daughter’s cancer diagnosed quickly, and with an absolute minimum of suffering. As an employee, I am proud to be a part of RBJC. As a patient, I have assurance that I am in considerate, capable hands. Most importantly, as a Mommy, I am forever grateful.
Lori Woodle, Transcription, RBJC
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