Dr. Friedberg,

I just wanted to say thank you for making my very first experience with anesthesia so pleasant!!! "Going under" was one of my biggest fears and I am so happy that my experience was not at all scary!

I remember laying on the operating table and thinking, "I don't feel anything. It's not working!!" The next thing I know I heard my name being called and I was told "You're all done!" I couldn't believe it had been 3 hours. I didn't feel sick or bad at all. I was disoriented, but I just felt like I was woken up from a deep, Ny-Quil induced nap! And I recovered so quickly. I went from feeling a little dizzy, groggy and out of focus to alert and coherent in no time! I even dreamt while I was asleep (and they were normal dreams; nothing weird). I was not in any pain when I woke up. I have had very little pain in fact. The only pain I experienced was back pain and dry mouth (due to nose packing) for the first two days. I am now about 8 days post op and I feel great! I took Vioxx and Tylenol for the first few days, but I haven't needed any pain medication for the last two days.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to my parents and set their minds at ease. My dad is a big worrier and was freaking out before he talked to you. Keep in mind that he was a nervous wreck when I had my baby. He was sure something awful would happen even though I had a perfectly normal pregnancy. So you can imagine what was going through his mind the morning of my surgery!

I am very happy with my new nose and, although my breasts look weird right now, I am sure I will love them soon! You and Dr. Isse make a great team and I will certainly recommend you two to anyone I know who is looking into getting cosmetic surgery.

Thanks again,

C. L.
  

Dear Dr. Friedberg:

First of all, let me apologize for the tardiness of getting this letter to you. I plea that I have been recuperating and also trying to form my thoughts to convey to you the amazing and unbelievable anesthesia, administered by you. Unfortunately, my vocabulary seems so inadequate to express my appreciation for you and the incredible PK procedure.

I must compliment you, not only on your professionalism, but also, your compassion, warmth and understanding. Thank you for emailing me before my surgery, and also for letting me bare my fears and anxiety without judgment. You demonstrated a gentle human side, something that can be an arduous task to find in other medical professionals who deal with cosmetic surgery.

You appreciated the fact that not only was I an RN (and you know what they say about nurses and doctors being the worse patients)! but also, my apprehension and reluctance to subject myself to elective surgery after undergoing over 30 surgeries for an unrelated serious illness. You not only reassured me by explaining everything, but you gave me strength, support and alleviated my fears by holding my hand until after induction.

In all my previous surgeries (including outpatient), I have always had severe post op nausea and vomiting...so bad that after a previous cosmetic procedure I was almost hospitalized. When I awoke from my procedure by you, I felt like I had just woken up from a good night's sleep. I had even forgotten that I had just had surgery. I wasn't in pain, wasn't nauseated. The only thing I remember was that I was thirsty. My friend that accompanied me brought me a smoothie and I had no problem drinking it or keeping it down. I recall telling the staff to please extend to you my compliments and gratitude for making it a good event. As my friends and colleagues ask about my procedure, I make it a point to sing your praises by stating "it was the best anesthesia I have ever had!"

I just wish that I could have you for my personal anesthesiologist for any future surgeries I might have to sustain. You and your procedure are fabulous!

My credos to you Dr. Friedberg! You are truly wonderful!

Sincerely,
Jan, RN
 

I just wanted to write a letter to tell you how impressed I was with the level of professionalism and courteousness I received from you during my surgery. I would never have expected to feel so respected and appreciated during any type of operation. I have had seven surgeries in my life that have required anesthesia and none of my other experiences were at all pleasant. In fact, the most unpleasant part of my surgery experiences were the harsh and unfriendliness of the staff inserting my IV's and administering my medication. I was very pleased with the level of attention and care I received and appreciated the way you explained everything to me step by step so that I would know what to expect. I will definitely request to have you as my anesthesiologist for any of my future needs and would recommend you to other patients. Feel free to use me as a reference for your future patients.

Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for making my experience
enjoyable.

Sincerely,

Monique
 

Thank you very much for your excellent work yesterday. Since I have had surgery before, I'd like to give you my comparison between conventional "tube" way and your method.

First, the relaxation pill helped quite a bit. I did not feel the burn that I was so afraid of either. Unfortunately I did not dream of anything pleasant, yet no nightmares either. I typically see dreams every night.

From the conventional way that I've had the job performed before, I was tense… the biggest difference for me was that I did not have to sit in the recovery room for two hours to get my act together. I did not feel sick and did not have that heavy "head from drugs" reaction, which lasted for 24 hours with my prior surgery. I'd say I felt more hyper intoxication in this case, where I felt more energy…after surgery.

Today I feel great, I regret I can't leave the house due to my look, but it seems from the shape of my nose that I think it's finally a good job that I expected from the start.

I will definitely keep you in mind for my future reference. I live in LA and people here are very prone to surgeries of all kinds.

Thank you again,

Irene
 

For some time I've been meaning to send you a note thanking you for being my anesthesiologist on May 1st of this year.

My cosmetic surgeon was performing some touch-up surgery and I wasn't looking forward to the anesthesia because of a previous experience. I vomited for two days, and my hand was swollen and bruised from the IV. My surgeon assured me it wouldn't happen with you as my anesthesiologist, and he was absolutely right.

The medication given to me prior to going into surgery was wonderful; I was completely relaxed going into the OR. In the OR, the combination of drugs you used, and your method of administering them slowly, and as necessary, instead of "knocking me out with a hammer” worked just as you said. I awoke easily, without any nausea. In fact, I remember my first thought was to ask the nurse to thank you!

I can't tell you how much I appreciate you. I was pleased with the experience. Thank you again.

Bernie
 

Thank you for taking such good care of me during my surgery on July 9, 2001.

I was nervous but you reassured me. The IV start was painless and I never felt like I was "slipping away." The anesthesia is always one of the scariest parts for me, yet I was never fearful this time while in the OR. In fact, I don't remember a thing!

Thank you for your kindness and professionalism.

Sincerely,

Linda
 

Thank you for the great anesthesia on my daughter, Christina, on 5/14/02. We both appreciate your expertise.

Nice website, also.

M.M., MD
 

Dr. Friedberg:

I had to let you know, although I probably already did, that you give the best IV's ever. You handled my anesthesia at Dr. Isse's office on Tuesday, July 16 in Burbank. The IV didn't even hurt. I was so thankful after having bad experiences in the past. That was also my first experience with anesthesia, but it was a great one. I was not sick or nauseated afterward-even on the two hour car ride home. I was in a lot of pain afterward, but only in my back due to being wrapped so tightly. My sister had foot surgery in Van Nuys the previous week and was vomiting the whole way home. I feel very fortunate that you were my anesthesiologist. I appreciate how you explained everything to me prior to the procedure as well. Thanks again and take care.

Sincerely,

Angela