Dr. Jack Kartush - Michigan Ear Institute

[iluuvpups]

Hi all.  l've got an appt with Dr. Kartush for March 15.  After doing some research, I thought he would be a good candidate to do my surgery as he seems to do these routinely.  I'll know more after I see him in person.  In the meantime, I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with him?  Thanks.  --Carol Ann

[sues1953]

HI Carol Ann

I have seen Dr. Laruere from MEI and I am seeing Dr. Telian on March 9th, same day as you I believe.  Dr. Katrush is the Top Doc, I'm not sure if he does more AN's that the others do but I would love to know the answere to that question.  I know of one person on this site that had Dr. Katrush do her surgery...Melissa778. 

I am hoping my experience with Dr. Telian is better than the one at MEI.  Good Luck and keep me posted. 

Sue in Michigan

[iluuvpups]

Sue, what went wrong at MEI?

[sues1953]

Nothing went wrong really.  I was newly diagnosed and kinda in shock during the visit with Dr. LaRouere.  I called the office because I wanted more information, past patients that I could talk to especially.  It was very difficult to get the NA to call me back and when she did she was very short with me.  I was a little taken aback.  Dr. LaRouere was on vacation at the time and when he got back he did call me and said that he would ask some past patients of his to call me.  I never got any calls.

I have heard lots of good things about MEI, the Dr's are I believe the most experienced in our area.  I guess I just expected more from him and his office.  I have found out from being on this forum that Dr. Larouere does not coddle his patients, doesn't say more than he needs to say, that kind of thing.  I do want an experienced Dr. but I believe that his office plays a big part.  I can't wait to speak to Dr. Telian I am so much more informed than I was when I was at MEI (Thanks to this forum  ) I have lots more questions.  I have to go with my gut and that's what I am going to do.  I am also anxious to hear what you think.

Sue

[leapyrtwins]

Carol Ann -

MEI is a very reputable place to have AN surgery and I have heard nothing but the best about Dr. Kartush.

Often doc's have "bad" staff - there's more than a few stories here on the Forum - but unless patients complain directly to the doctors, they often have no idea that problems exist.

Good luck with your appointment.

Jan

[iluuvpups]

Thanks Jan!

[sues1953]

 but unless patients complain directly to the doctors, they often have no idea that problems exist.

I made sure that Dr. LaRouere knew exactly why I canceled my surgery 

Sue

 

[Denise S]

CarolAnn,
No matter what your 1st doctor says, I'd let them know you are still getting other opinions and keep your appt. with MEI too.     Always good to get multiple decisions.   

As for Kartush, I had hoped to get him, be the was gone for meetings and booked for most of the timing that worked out for my surgery.   He is the #1 (last I knew) for AN treatments at MEI.

Best wishes!   Be sure you take a note with any of your questions to each place, then take notes while there.

Denise

[iluuvpups]

I will, Denise.  Thank you!

[leapyrtwins]

He is the #1 (last I knew) for AN treatments at MEI.

I have heard this also.

Jan

[iluuvpups]

I saw Dr. Kartush today.  I really liked him and have decided to schedule my surgery with him.  I'm scheduled for May 27th.  Now I have to sit and wait for the surgery to come around. 

[Jim Scott]

Carol Ann ~

Just wanted to pop into the thread and offer you my congratulations on choosing a surgery date with Dr. Jack Kartush.  I assume you'll be having the Translab procedure.  I've taken the liberty of adding the basic information regarding your surgery date to our AN Treatment Calendar.  http://my.calendars.net/an_treatments/d27/05/2010?authenticate=&display=M&style=B  Please feel free to elaborate if you wish.

Jim

[sues1953]

HI Carol Ann

I'm happy that you have your surgery scheduled and that you liked Dr. Katrush.  I have an appt. for all the testing and to see him on March 30th.  I sure hope I will be able to schedule my surgery at that time.  Was that as soon as he could schedule you?  I think once I decide I'm gonna want to get it done as soon as possible.

Oh I talked to Dr. Slattery again and he is sending me for another MRI.  He thinks it will tell if my tumor is an AN or a Meningioma.  Give me a calll so I can hear the details of your appt. if you want to.

Best wishes

Sue

[leapyrtwins]

Congratulations on making your treatment decision, Carol Ann 

I don't have to tell you that this is a big milestone in your AN Journey.  Decisions of this type are never easy, but I'm confident you have made a very good, well-informed choice.

You are in excellent hands.

Best of luck,

Jan

[iluuvpups]

Hmmm.... I thought I already replied, but I don't see it posted.

Thanks for adding me to the calendar, Jim.  Yes, I'm having translab surgery.  What other details would you like to know? 

Sue, that was the soonest he could get me in.  He only does one of these procedures a week and he obviously has a line of people in front of me.

Thanks for your support, Jan.  I just hope I don't second guess myself on this.  I felt really good while I was with Dr. Kartush and I'll need to keep that in mind over the next 2.5 months while I'm waiting for my surgery.

--Carol Ann