I was referred to Dr. Varma by a pain management doctor. I had tried everything for years, following a serious car accident, I wanted to avoid surgery, I viewed it as a last, particularly as I was only 48.
I would have sought at least a second opinion, possibly a third. However when I met Dr. Varma, I knew immediately, he would be my surgeon. Orthopedic surgeons have a reputation of being terse and insensitive toward their patients. Choosing a surgeon is a tough decision, you vacillate between the best surgeon, which I knew Dr. Varma was, and a kind, caring and empathetic surgeon. With Dr. Varma there is no indecision, no choice, you receive the treatment and care of a top surgeon but also from someone that cares about you and treats you like a valued patient. There is none of that ‘G-d like’ complex you often hear of with surgeons and orthopedics in particular.
I was a bit nervous before surgery. There are a lot of people at the hospital and you are at your most vulnerable. But as hospital staff saw Dr. Varma was my surgeon, they lit up and made a point of saying how great he was. Dr. Varma also arrived early. He ensured I was comfortable. He went through everything with me again. My friends and family adored him post surgery too.
My post surgery care was just as great as my pre surgery care, there were no surprises. Years on, I still feel great. I told Dr. Varma I would be happy to talk to anyone considering him as a surgeon and he could provide my name and number freely, this was how much I liked him and frankly was shocked when all was said and done he exceeded all my expectations. I felt as though I kept waiting for something to happen but it never did.
I can honestly say not only did Dr. Varma changed my life, I miss seeing him, more doctors should be like Dr. Varma. My only regret is I wish I saw him for surgery earlier.