Testimonials

Doctor: Arjang Abbasi, DO

“I came to Long Island Spine Specialists for a lower back injury from work and also for a neck injury from a car accident. During my first visit with Dr. Dowling, he did a great job explaining what was wrong and what would take place during my next visit with Dr. Abbasi, the pain management doctor. I was offered epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency treatments, and trigger point injections and decided to go ahead with these treatments. Although the epidurals did not work for me, the radiofrequency and trigger point injections did help.”

What were your expectations of what surgery/procedure would be like?

Everything was explained with epidurals and radiofrequency treatments and trigger point injection

Why did you decide to have surgery/procedure?

Best possible way to get my pain manageable

How was the actual surgery/ procedure? How did you feel after the surgery/procedure?

After the procedure I was a little sore but that was to be expected, but after a few days the pan was just a trace

What advice would you give someone who is considering Spine Surgery/ Injections in the future?

The epidurals did not work for me, the radiofrequency did and so did the trigger point injections, keep trying until you hit the right procedure.

Tell us a little about yourself: What is your profession? What are your hobbies?

I am a retired L.U. #3 Electrician. I like going on vacation and being with my grandchildren.

*Individual results may vary.

Doctor: Thomas J. Dowling, MD

“I made an appointment with Long Island Spine Specialists because I lost my ability to lift my arms and was experiencing unrelenting pain in my lower back and legs. My first visit with Dr. Dowling was very informative and I elected to have anterior cervical discectomy and fusion which gave me back my ability to lift my arms. I also had a second surgery for my lower back and leg symptoms.”

What were your expectations of what surgery/procedure would be like?

I was very well informed as to what to expect after my 2 surgeries

How was the actual surgery/ procedure? How did you feel after the surgery/procedure?

Cervical discectomy and fusion, my ability to lift my arms returned, the second surgery was more demanding and it took longer to recover

What advice would you give someone who is considering Spine Surgery/Injections in the future?

My recommendation for anybody considering spine surgery is to see Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C. They might be all that you need.

Tell us a little about yourself: What is your profession? What are your hobbies?

I am a retired para-professional and now a mother of three and housewife. I enjoy walking, traveling and spending time with my grandchildren.

*Individual results may vary.

Doctor: Laurence E. Mermelstein, MD

We brought Allie to Long Island Spine Specialists to evaluate the curve in her spine and scoliosis. There is a family history of scoliosis.

How was your first visit with your Doctor?

Our visit was emotional, no parent wants to hear that their child has something wrong, Dr. Mermelstein put our minds and hearts at ease. He explained how we were going to treat Allie’s scoliosis as a team and gave us comfort with the plan, Dr. Mermelstein’s details were thorough and easy to follow.

What were your expectations of what surgery/procedure would be like?

We were hoping for time spent, caring care, we were hoping for explanations and plans, we were hoping for knowledge in what was happening and what we could expect, we got all of that

How was the actual surgery/procedure? How did you feel after the surgery/procedure?

Dr. Mermelstein and his team were everything we hoped for. They were kind, reassuring and took as much time as we needed to understand what was happening with our daughter and what was ahead. We left the office feeling less worried and more confident that we could deal with what needed to be done.” -Allie’s parents

Why did you choose Long Island Spine Specialists?

We elected to see Dr. Mermelstein at LISS due to his reputation as well as what we heard from other people’s experiences.

What advice would you give someone who is considering seeking spine care in the future?

Our advice is to seek out the best care you can find, do your homework, learn about what you need and find a team like Long Island Spine Specialists, PC that can confidently bring you through the entire process.

Tell us a little about yourself: What is your profession? What are your hobbies?

Allie is a 7-year-old (she was 4 years old when we first saw Dr. Mermelstein). In or out of her brace, she loves dancing, playing with her Barbies, being a Daisy, playing soccer, singing and being with her friends. She picks her brace colors based on the colors of the rainbow and although she would rather not wear one, she understands why she should and is brave every day with it.

*Individual results may vary.

Doctor: Christopher D. Frendo, DO

In a brief description, what are the type of symptoms that brought you to Long Island Spine Specialists?

Pain due to pinched nerves and bulging discs

How was your first visit with your Doctor?

Great! We hit it off right away

What were your expectations of what surgery/procedure would be like?

A lot of pain

Why did you decide to have surgery/procedure?

The pain became too much

How was the actual surgery/procedure? How did you feel after the surgery/procedure?

Felt great, would do it all over again

What advice would you give someone who is considering Spine Surgery/Injections in the future?

I would definitely recommend Dr. Frendo and his great office.

Tell us a little about yourself: What is your profession? What are your hobbies?

I am in the liquor industry, my hobbies include Nascar and Islanders Hockey

*Individual results may vary.

Doctor: Laurence E. Mermelstein, MD

“I had spinal fusion surgery to correct my scoliosis with Dr. Mermelstein. I’m very athletic so hearing that I had to have surgery was a deal breaker.

The surgery was awesome honestly. I would say it was probably the best thing I ever did because I felt so awesome afterwards, almost like nothing ever happened. [Dr. Mermelstein] is awesome to the patients. Something I always loved about him is that we always joke around and have this funny sense of humor with each other. Once I came out of surgery, I went back to doing everything I loved to do. I played soccer, basketball, badminton. Everything went fine with surgery and I went back to do everything like normal.”

What were your expectations of what surgery/procedure would be like?

I thought it would be a complex surgery and recovery

Why did you decide to have surgery/procedure?

Scoliosis curve was over 50 degrees and still progressing

How was the actual surgery/ procedure? How did you feel after the surgery/procedure?

The surgery went well, Dr. Mermelstein was there for our whole family through the entire process and still is

What advice would you give someone who is considering Spine Surgery/Injections in the future?

These doctors really know their stuff and with the technology today the success rates for these surgeries are really high, keep your head up

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your profession? What are your hobbies?

I am a high school student in 12th grade, I am the Co-Leader for the Long Island Curvy Girl support group where I help young girls like myself through their journey.

Doctor: Joseph T. Sanelli, DO

In a brief description, what are the type of symptoms that brought you to Long Island Spine Specialists?

I came to Long Island Spine Specialists because I had problems in my back and severe pain down both of my legs. I tried physical therapy and it wasn’t doing anything. It was suggested that I try epidural steroid injections with Dr. Sanelli. Within a couple of hours [of the injection], I felt tremendous relief. A series of shots worked wonders for me.”

How was your first visit with your Doctor?

Very positive reassuring

What were your expectations of what surgery/procedure would be like?

Was not scared off, was not put off after procedure was described

How was the actual surgery/ procedure? How did you feel after the surgery/procedure?

Piece of cake during and after, in fact it was done twice

What advice would you give someone who is considering Spine Surgery/ Injections in the future?

In the event that all other approaches have failed and you feel confident in the surgeon and his background and experience, go for it

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your profession? What are your hobbies?

Engineer, education, manufacturing background.

Doctor: Sushil K. Basra, MD

In a brief description, what are the type of symptoms that brought you to Long Island Spine Specialists?

I saw Dr. Basra for lower back pain.

How was your first visit with your Doctor?

I noticed that he was very informative during my first visit with him.

What were your expectations of what surgery/procedure would be like?

Pretty clear forward with great expectations

Why did you decide to have surgery/procedure?

I decided to have surgery to try to decrease my back pain and improve my life.

How was the actual surgery/ procedure? How did you feel after the surgery/procedure?

The surgery went well and I felt relief a couple of weeks later.

What advice would you give someone who is considering Spine Surgery/Injections in the future?

My advice for anybody considering spine surgery in the future is not to be afraid of having a better quality of life.

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your profession? What are your hobbies?

My name is Joe and I work as a UPS driver. I am married with 2 young boys and my hobbies are exercising and handyman work.

*Individual results may vary.

Doctor: Thomas Dowling, MD

In a brief description, what are the type of symptoms that brought you to Long Island Spine Specialists?

I came to Long Island Spine Specialists due to neck and back pain and saw Dr. Dowling initially in 1990. I needed surgery for herniated discs and felt much better afterward.

What were your expectations of what surgery/procedure would be like?

Make me free of pain

How was the actual surgery/ procedure? How did you feel after the surgery/procedure?

4 Surgeries — 2 Neck 2 Back, felt better after

What advice would you give someone who is considering Spine Surgery/Injections in the future?

My advice for anybody seeking spine care is to try Long Island Spine Specialists!

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your profession? What are your hobbies?

I am retired.

*Individual results may vary.

Doctor: Hargovind DeWal, MD

“I came to see Dr. Dewal for intense shooting pain down my arm and shoulder due to a cervical herniated disc. I was told I could benefit from spine surgery. I was scared because it was spine surgery but Dr. Dewal’s confidence put me at ease. I decided to move forward because I just couldn’t live another day in pain. I underwent a cervical fusion and was back to work in 3 weeks and hitting the slopes 5 months after. I feel great!”

How was your first visit with your Doctor?

Dr. DeWal was awesome! Very confident for full recovery, he told me Payton Manning had the same surgery and still plays so it was a no brainer after hearing that

What advice would you give someone who is considering Spine Surgery/ Injections in the future?

Trust your Dr.

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your profession? What are your hobbies?

Construction Professional, Bicycling, Skiing, Hiking & Camping

*Individual results may vary.

Doctor: Sushil K. Basra, MD

“When I saw Dr. Basra, I couldn’t really walk anymore. I couldn’t stand up straight. I was headed for a wheelchair. No other doctor would touch me because I had prior surgery from someone else. An OR nurse recommended Dr. Basra to me.

Dr. Basra said we could do the surgery from start to finish. I said ok. He explained everything to me.

Not many doctors would do that type of surgery. Doctors who I went to who were supposed to be the best in their field told me, “Nobody can do that surgery. It’s too extensive. Plus, you’re too old.” And Dr. Basra, he had the confidence, the knowledge, the skill to be able to do it. And I’m alive and well today.”

Doctor: Christopher D. Frendo, DO

“I came to see Dr. Frendo because of severe neck and lower back pain with numbness in my fingers and legs. My first visit with Dr. Frendo was great. His office staff was incredibly friendly. I was very impressed with Dr. Frendo’s explanation of everything from treatments to surgery. This was very helpful in making my decision to choose surgery as a last option. I felt like a new person after surgery!

I would advise anybody to see Dr. Frendo. He is not just a doctor but he has a God given gift of being a healer.”

How was your first visit with your Doctor?

I fell in love with Dr. Frendo and the office staff is incredibly friendly

What were your expectations of what surgery/procedure would be like?

Listening to the Doctor explain everything from treatment to surgeries, I was very impressed by the information given to me which helped me in making my decision

Why did you decide to have surgery/procedure?

After going through all the medical treatment available and afforded surgery/procedure was the last option

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your profession? What are your hobbies?

I am a retired NYC Correction officer and an avid motorcycle rider as a hobby

*Individual results may vary.