Patient Testimonials

I was in an auto accident in 1971, sustaining several fractures and partial paralysis.  I have been to several ortho surgeons and Pain Management doctors.  I have had approximately 40 surgeries.  I went to a Pain Management doctor who put me on Oxycontin, Durogesic patches, etc.  He finally put in a pain pump, filled with morphine.  He did not read my pump or ever check it.  I was allergic to morphine.

I finally found Dr. Assil (best day of my life).  He changed my meds, has done epidurals, and put dilaudid in my pain pump, and I feel great.  I am now a very active 78-year-old woman, (still on crutches, they are permanent).

His whole office and surgical staff are fantastic.  They are very polite, kind and caring as well as skillful.  I have recommended Dr. Assil to my family members and my friends who also now see Dr. Assil.

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this man and his staff. I would talk to anyone who has any questions about any of the procedures Dr. Assil recommends.

 

"His whole office and surgical staff are fantastic.  They are very polite, kind and caring as well as skillful."

 

I recall when the most important thing in my life was filling the glass on my nightstand with water before I went to sleep so that when I woke up in the morning I could take my first pain pill of the day without having to move. The constant roller-coaster of slight euphoria when each pill finally started to work and then the chills, sweats, headaches and desperate pain during the last hour or two before I could take the next pill.

In 2003, my internist referred me to Conejo Pain Specialists for an expert opinion. After taking a detailed history, reviewing my x-rays, MRI's and CT scans, and gaining a genuine understanding of what and how I felt, Dr. Assil recommended that I undergo a diagnostic injection to determine if an implanted pain pump would work on me. After that first test, I knew not only that it had worked but also that the entire Conejo team and the team at Saxon Surgical genuinely cared about me as a person, not just as another case or file. My first pump was implanted in February of 2004 and within a few weeks I no longer required any oral opioids. Gone were the roller-coaster symptoms, the lack of focus and ability to concentrate, the constipation, and the constant clock watching waiting for time to take the next pill. In the next weeks and months that followed, I took back control of my life. I completed physical therapy and joined a gym where I've managed to lose more than 25 pounds and I no longer need a wheelchair to do the shopping or go to the park.

Although the implanted pump does not fix the underlying mechanical problems in my spin or heal the decades of damage to the nerves in my spine, it has enabled me to return to a productive and almost pain free life. Every two months or so, I return to Saxon Surgical Center where the pump is refilled and the program reviewed and updated if needed. Recently, I had my original pump replaced as the older models had a battery life of only 4-5 years. The latest pumps can last as long as 7 years between replacements. Although an implanted pump may not be the answer for everyone, I know that Dr. Assil and his team can help every patient find the right solution and that they will not give up until your issues are fully resolved.

 

"Dr. Assil and his team can help every patient find the right solution and that they will not give up until your issues are fully resolved."

 

I was referred to Dr. Assil by my internist due to severe pain in my leg and back due to an accident plus scoliosis. The first time I met him I felt that my pain level would be reduced. I had a series of epidural shots, which helped me temporarily. I could barely step down on my left leg when I first went to his office. Then I decided to have the spinal cord stimulator implanted. It was an easy procedure. My pain level decreased dramatically. I just returned from a Mediterranean cruise where I did a fair amount of walking and climbing on and off the ship. We will continue to enjoy life and traveling while under Dr. Assil's care.

 

"We will continue to enjoy life and traveling while under Dr. Assil's care."

 

I came to you with severe pain in my left knew due to surgery twice on my left knee. You and your staff have helped me a great deal with this matter. Your attitude on treating my case is always positive and with this positive attitude you have put me back on the right track of being able to work again and provide for my family. You are truly a great doctor and you staff are also truly great. I will always recommend you to family, friends, and associates, if they ever need a great doctor. I would like to thank you very much for all that you have done for me - not only physically, but mentally. And thanks also for the words of wisdom that you have told me. Once again thank you very much!

 

"Thank you very much for all that you have done for me - not only physically, but mentally."

 

I have had headaches and neck pains for years now. I have also been to neurologists and various pain specialists over the years. After the few MRIs I've had done over the years (I have degenerative disc disease), and the suggested epidurals I have been recommended, I finally decided to listen to a doctor (also in the area) and had an epidural. Well, it didn't help. In fact, I ended up getting a migraine after a few days, which I haven't had in years. I finally found Dr. Assil. He is the first doctor who actually decided to examine me, ask more questions and feel the muscles in my neck. His original thought was that all the problems I have are muscular. So he did some simple trigger point injections during my office visit. Although I didn't have immediate relief, I had relief in a couple of days. The second month I went back for more trigger point injections.? I was absolutely amazed!? I had NO headaches and NO neck pain for 6 whole weeks!? For me, this was absolutely incredible!? I have been dealing with neck pain on a daily basis, and headaches almost as frequently. I told Dr. Assil he is my favorite doctor. Another local doctor - well he just wants to keep sending me to his surgery center telling me that all these expensive procedures will probably help me. I still have my issues with pain and flare-ups, but I know I can manage them better once I am able to get back for another set of trigger point injections. And I only trust Dr. Assil :-) (Taken from Yelp)

 

"[Dr. Assil] is the first doctor who actually decided to examine me, ask more questions and feel the muscles in my neck... I only trust Dr. Assil."