Looking for a good doctor in Denver, CO

[Nancy Drew]

I am currently seeing Dr. David Kelsall in Denver.  My ENT referred me to him.  Dr. Kelsall said he sees about 45 ANs a year.  Sometimes I think it would be nice to get a second opinion.  I am in watch and wait mode for the past year and a half.  Anyone out there willing to share a name?  Thanks so much.  Nancy

[marg]

Hi Nancy,
    I think a 2nd opinion is a GREAT idea - Especially if you don't have a peace about the recommendation the first Dr.gave you.  The first Dr. gave me advice that I am now soooooooo greatful I didn't take .... My 2nd opinion was much better. Most insurance companies are happy to pay for a 2nd opinion.   I don't know any neurosurgeons where you are ( I'm in S.W. Washington State) but my neurosurgeon does 70 - 100 AN tumors a year (with his team) and has been doing them (and many other types of brain surgery too) for  over 20 + years.   
     You might want to find out what  Dr. Kalsall's success rate is ..... also, how long does he follow up on his patients .  You said he see about 45 ANs a year... how many does he treat a year?   That's the important thing to know.  How much successful experience does he have every year in his treatment.  If you go on line to the Acoustic Neuroma Association you can ask for information and they will send you booklets of info.  One of them gives questions to ask Drs.  Don't be shy about asking any questions you might have............this tumor is in the area of your brain... and you want the best help you can get to take care of the problem . 
Margaret

[robinm]

Hi Nancy,

I did my surgery with Dr. Muckle (Otologist) and Dr.Day (Neurosrugeon). In my case, the result was awesome..no sideeffects or any problems..I got out of the hospital in three days and started driving iin three weeks. Other than one sided hearing loss, my ability and quality of life remains that of a healthy person. I suggest that team..But your doctor can be good too..just do some more research..as our situations can be different..

Robin

[macintosh]

Someone who was on this site recently with the name robynabc did a lot of reporting on her research on Denver docs.

[Nancy Drew]

Thanks for the feedback.  I do think I need to research this doctor a bit more.  His bedside manner is not the best.  I don't know if he even does surgery.  He said of the 45 ANs he sees a year roughly 1/3 watch and wait, 1/3 have gamma knife, and 1/3 have surgery.  He is an advocate of the gamma knife.  I have heard that there is a Dr. Fhees here in Denver who is an "expert" with ANs (special training I'm told).  So I will investigate to see if my insurance covers him.  Congrats Robin on your successful surgery.  I will check into your doctors also.  How did you find them?  As with any doctor, one should only expect the best--this is our "brain" afterall that we are talking about.  Nancy

[robinm]

Nancy,

Carmeng also did her surgery with the same team. Maybe, she can give more feed back. As far as I know, she is doing very fine. I think CNI (Colorado Neurological Institute) has a very good nation-wide reputation too. Dr. Muckle's office is at Denver Ear Association and Dr. Day's at Swedish Medical Center.
Good luck!!

Robin

[carmen g]

Hi Nancy,

Yes, I had retro-sigmoid surgery with Dr Muckle and Dr Day on May 23.  Good results.  Unfortunately Dr. Day is probably gone, I think he was moving to Houston.  But, Dr Muckle has a couple other neurosurgeons he works with.  I also did see Dr. Feese after my surgery as Dr. Muckle left town for the holiday weekend.  He is also with Denver Ear Associates.  He seemed nice enough, but I did see him while medicated!  I think for me, it was best to follow my gut instincts!  Good luck in your pursuit and don't be afraid to ask questions!!
BTW - I was referred from Wyoming to Dr. Muckle by my local ENT.  Also, my sister is an audiologist and works for another ENT in another town, he also refers to Dr. Muckle.
Good luck and hang in there!
Carmen

[arcteryx]

I would highly recommend that you see Dr. Breeze (neurosurgeon) at the University of Colorado Hospital.  He provides great unbiased opinions as he does both surgery & radiation.  He spent over 1.5 hrs with me for my first appointment, even though it was only scheduled for 1 hr.  He answered all my questions very clearly and knows what he's talking about.

Dr. Kelsall has a stellar reputation, so I would definitely take his advice seriously.  In my experience, Dr. Feehs tends to favor surgery.

Hope that helps.  Feel free to write with any other questions.

[Nancy Drew]

Question for arcteryx.  When you said Dr. Breeze, did you mean Dr. Feehs?  Just wondering if the spelling was wrong or if they are different doctors.  Thanks.

Thanks to everyone else also for the names.  Certainly good to know that there are more doctors to choose from.  I also hear that Dr. Kelsall has a good reputation, but I "hear" that his speciality is chochular (sp) implants.  I just need to research him more to feel comfortable.  I think I heard Dr. Feehs has extended training in AN treatment.  So confusing especially since a couple of doctors I know don't really know who the specialists are since ANs are a bit rare, or so they say.  Nancy

[arcteryx]

No, Dr. Breeze and Dr. Feehs are two separate doctors, although I think they both have the first name of "Robert" ... just to add to the confusion.    Dr. Breeze is a neurosurgeon/professor at the University of Colorado Hospital.  Dr. Feehs is an otolaryngologist in private practice.  My recommendation is for Dr. Breeze, but feel free to consult with both and form your own opinion.

I think you've hit the major players in the area:  Dr. Kelsall, Dr. Day, Dr. Feehs, and Dr. Breeze.

Other options are Dr. Jenkins who is head of Otolaryngology at CU-Hospital and Dr. Thramann in Boulder at the Rocky Mountain Cyberknife Center.