→ Amazing Care

Dr. Tantuwaya,

Thank you so much for the amazing care you and your team gave to me during my recent neck surgery. Your gentle and responsive staff really made me feel safe, secure, and genuinely well-attended. I could not have asked for a better recovery process, and I just wanted to say thank you.

—Paula Arlich,   October, 2010

→ Answer to Prayer

I cannot believe it has been a year and a half since "Dr. T." did my back surgery!

I had suffered for three+ years with pain that limited my activities. I called it my "ing" condition. Anything that ended in "ing" was painful (walking, sitting, standing, raking, sweeping, bending, carrying, etc).

Dr. T was very patient with me. I was reluctant to have back surgery, not believing it would help me. He referred me for every alternative that I asked for. I had physical therapy, traction, TENS unit, and steroid injections.

Finally, I had had enough! February 2010 at Scripps Memorial in San Diego, Dr. T performed a L5 - S1 discectomy and bone graft fusion. When he visited me the next day and asked if I had any pain in my legs, and I had to think. Oh my goodness! For the first time in years my legs weren't aching!

My recovery was quick. In just 3 weeks I wasn't taking any pain medicine. In 5 months I returned to work as an R.N., full duty without restrictions!

Thank you Dr. T and all of your staff. Now, a year and half out from surgery, I continue to be blessed with no sciatic pain! I can do all the "ing" activities!

God took care of me when I found Dr. T.! You and my surgery have been an answer to prayer.

—Jacque Uhrich, R.N.,   July, 2010

→ True Life Miracle

When my back pain began to reach the point where I was no able to benefit from Chiropractic adjustments, I had to come to terms with my fears. I had heard so many horror stories of back surgery gone wrong, that I was very hesitant to resign myself to the knife. However, after seeing the results of my MRI, I began to realize that non-surgical remedies were no longer a realistic option for me.

I am so grateful that I found Dr. Tantuwaya! Upon my first visit to see him, I felt immediately as if I could trust him with my life. He was surprised that I could walk when I came to the office, as my MRI had shown one completely ruptured disk among other less extreme injuries. After having fusion surgery, I felt immediate relief from the excruciating pain I had been experiencing. It was, and I don't use the word "miracle" lightly, a true life miracle. I feel as if I have regained about 20 years of my youth. I had lost a lot of feeling in my leg and my foot was starting to drop a bit, and we were concerned that I may not regain the full feeling in my leg. Dr. Tantuwaya did a great job, and I have already regained almost all of my strength!

I believe with a positive attitude combined with Dr. Tantuwaya's great calming personality and expertise great things can and have happened! I would reccomend him to anyone in need.

—Cheryl Fischer,   back to work in 6 weeks, May 2010

→ At Your Service

I am a former patient of Dr. Tantuwaya. I wanted to let the world know that I have recovered far beyond my wildest dreams under his neurosurgical care. I just wanted to say thank you, Sir. I know you cannot but hope to imagine from your point of view, but my recovery means the world to me. Thank you, and I am at your service.

—Anthony Miele,  January, 2010

→ Vicodin-free and a GREAT SUCCESS!

I had gone through horrible pain for 2 years in my lower back. Not being able to walk, or at to least walk for long distances or periods of time. Not being able to do basically anything without causing terrible pain. Dr. Tantuwaya tried everything before turning to surgery.

I had a lower back fusion at L4-5 in Septemnber 2009, which I can say went wonderfully. Dr. Tantuwaya was very informative before and supportive in everything after surgery and into the healing process.

My pain level has gone from a level 8-9, to 2-3. As of a month and a half ago I am Vicodin-free. (That is a big thing when you took it everyday for over a year and a half). My surgery has been a GREAT SUCCESS!

Dr. Tantuwaya's staff have been friendly, helpful and there for me. My experience with Dr. Tantuwaya, Sophia, and the Staff has been great. I cannot say I have ever had anything that they were not able to help me with.

Thank you so much Dr. Tantuwaya and Staff!

—Taunya Harmon,  Surgery September, 2009

→ Will Discuss Surgery With Anyone

During the late 1990's I began experiencing lower back pain. Late in 1999 I had an MRI and was diagnosed with "spinal stenosis" in the lumbar region. Following consultation I was advised to retire. Doctors advised me I would eventually require surgery but to delay it as long as I could tolerate the pain.

I am sixty-eight year old male, six foot five inches tall and weigh around two hundred eighty pounds. I was a law enforcement officer for thirty plus years.

In 2007 I started experiencing weakness in my lower limbs while I was walking or standing which required I stop and or sit for a short while. As the condition worsened I could only walk a block or two before I had to stop. The doctors requested another MRI and after review recommended surgery. I was given referrals to orthopedic surgeons.

After consultation, I selected Doctor Tantuwaya to perform surgery. After further testing (nerve conduction and a stress treadmill) the results were reviewed and we scheduled the surgery for June 2008. The surgery was performed and I remained in the hospital four days. I was released and began my at-home recovery.

Since September 2008 I have been relatively pain-free. I am able to walk for long distances and my flexibility is excellent. I am pleased I had the surgery.

I am willing to discuss my injury, operation, recovery and current condition with anyone contemplating this surgery. If you would like to talk to a former "patient" feel free to contact Dr. Tantuwaya's office. If you leave your number I will return your call. We can discuss this topic over the telephone or meet in person for coffee or lunch. I reside in East County and I am retired so my time is flexible.

—Richard L. Lane,   December, 2008

→ Virtually pain free and I have my life back!

As a patient who before surgery was in so much pain I could not walk more than 50 feet without my legs giving out and unable to sleep, after surgery I was in a very short time able to walk short distances and then increasing as the healing progressed all without pain and without my legs collapsing on me.

I am able to bend forward farther than Dr. Tantuwaya expected and my side and backward movement are within the range that was explained to me by Dr. Tantuwaya.

I received excellent care from Dr. Tantuwaya and his staff all the way through this journey. The hospital he selected for my surgery was also excellent in the care they gave to me, and the compassion they showed my wife and sister as they waited for the surgery to be completed. The hospital was also able to assist my wife while I was hospitalized. This was above and beyond the normal treatment and care that most hospitals give.

If I ever have to have back surgery or treatment again it will only be by Dr. Tantuwaya and his staff and the facilities that he chooses.

If you have any fear I can confidently say you can put them to rest. Dr. Tantuwaya will explain your procedure until you understand and feel comfortable with it and if you need someone to talk to who has been there done that his staff will put you in touch with me or my wife, Sharon. We will be glad to talk to you and your spouse as to what to expect and we will be there for you for support if you need us.

—Guy K. Money,  Surgery on May 14, 2008

→ Excellent care halts family members' suffering too.

As the wife of a patient of Dr. Tantuwaya I am fully aware of the seriousness of the surgery my husband had. Due to unforeseen damages to my husband's spine the surgery took longer than expected and more involved.

Dr. Tantuwaya and his staff made sure that both before and after the surgery we knew what to expect. His aftercare was in place before the surgery got underway. His durable medical equipment was at our home before we got home. Dr. Tantuwaya and his staff made sure that Guy was a comfortable as he could be post surgery and that he had all the assistive devices he would need for the adjustment to his new limitations.

We are so grateful for the care and support from Dr. Tantuwaya and his staff we cannot express it fully.

I keep telling Dr. Tantuwaya that God has blessed him with the gift of healing that most Doctors do not possess. There is only so much you can learn from books and practice, the rest is a gift from God that only the special few have and Dr. Tantuwaya is lucky enough to be one of those few.

If you need to talk to answer questions or just for support my husband and I will be there for you just ask Dr. Tantuwaya's staff to contact us with your information.

—Rev. Sharon Money

→ My life saver

I am now a 71 year old woman and feel like a very lucky woman. Five years ago I was in so much pain I wanted to die. My back and legs hurt so much I couldn't even sit or walk more than a few minutes.

Then I found Dr. Tantuwaya.

I'd had surgery more than a year before by another man. I had three fusions, but was still in pain. The pain was worse than before he did the surgery. He gave me pain medicine and sent me home to suffer some more.

My lawyer sent me to Dr. Tantuwaya. My life saver. At first he thought I was expecting too much from the first surgery, ordered some tests. Dr. Tantuwaya found that not only did the fusions not take, but that my back was broken.

He went to work; fixed the fusions, when I woke up, I could sit and the pain was so much better I could live with it. A few weeks later, Doctor Tantuwaya put a plate in by back to fix the break. I'm so much better thanks to Doctor Tantuwaya and his staff who were so kind and good to me.

Doctor Tantuwaya is a great doctor. He listens and takes time with you even though sometimes he doesn't have it. So many doctors don't. He cares. I don't think he thinks of medicine as a job, but a love. More should be that way.

I still have pain, but he helps to control it. Many thanks to him and his staff. Thank you isn't enough to say.

—Arnette Larson

→ Heartfelt thanks

Dear Dr. Tantuwaya:

I am the mother of one of your patients, Thomas H. Hill. And I want you to know how deeply our family appreciates your kindness and expertise you've given my son. You are an excellent surgeon and an outstanding human being.

As Tom is to undergo further surgery in the near future, I pray that the Good Lord guides you in a successful operation and Tom can hopefully lead a near normal life.

Again, my heartfelt thanks.

A grateful mother,

—Margaret A. Hill

→ Sincere Appreciation

Doctor Tantuwaya,

This letter is intended to express my sincere appreciation to you and your staff for the remarkable care provided.

On April 7, 2007 my life dramatically changed when I was injured on the job. Thinking that life was bad enough with the injury, it increasingly became worse when I had to deal Worker's Compensation and the questionable care from another neurosurgeon.

Fortunately, one day I visited with a friend who told me about a close acquaintance of hers. She recommended Mary English Lloyd, Attorney at Law. Mrs. English-Lloyd told me about and excellent neurosurgeon located in San Diego, and from my first appointment with you at your La Quinta Office there was a sense of relief.

Thanks to you, Sophea and Beatriz for your concern and quality care. Each doctor's visit in El Centro, La Quinta, or La Jolla for surgery, I felt very confident in you and your staff. Since being under your care I have and will continue to recommend you to family, friends, and co-workers.

Again, thank you. You have been a god-send.

Cordially,

—Daniel Lazenby