In April of 2023, I made an appointment with Dr. Verma who specializes in back and neck. He suggested lower lumbar fusion. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, and what to expect as my physician. I felt like he was talking to me as a friend, not as a doctor. I could not feel more comfortable with the decision to go through with the surgery. I was laid up for 3 1/2 months within that time to get me back up and going. He suggested Michael Phelan for physical therapy. Michael knew I was in construction and knew exactly what needed to be done and got me back on my feet. Let’s not forget Tara and Donna at the Morganville office; all the people that I mentioned felt like family, not just a regular doctor’s office. I could not speak any more highly of the professionalism at the Morganville office.
In March, Dr. Chiappetta performed a laminectomy on me. Prior to surgery, I was in a significant amount of pain and discomfort, & was forced to sit and rest after no more than 10 minutes of being on my feet. My legs and feet also started to tingle when I was standing or walking, and then soon went numb. 2 months after this procedure, my wife and I were at Epcot in Disney World, and I was on my feet for over 5 hours without the need to sit down…and I had no pain! Just wanted to thank Dr. Chiappetta for a job well done…
-Stephen
I wish I could have Dr. McDonnell for all my medical needs. I have never met a doctor with his kindness. He has the best bedside manners, explains everything, and took away my Sciatic pain that I have suffered with for 20 years. I was on Opiates, which was the only way I could function, and he explained to me how these would make my intense spinal surgery harder to recover from because of my brain receptors. I had been on Permanent Disability since 2005. I’m 69 and had no quality of life. Knowing he was going to help me, I went home and started detoxing from 20 mg. of Oxycotin, along with 8 Tramadol a day after 20 yrs. Unfortunately, there are doctors who just keep filling your scripts without trying to help you. It wasn’t easy but with my family’s help, I did it! So on the day of surgery, I felt good, and I thanked Dr. McDonnell for this. He was a God-sent. Although the surgery was rough, I no longer have L5/S1 pain, and at 69, I see a light at the end of my tunnel. Thank you so much Dr. McDonnell for fixing me and helping me become drug-free. You are a one-of-a-kind doctor. I wish I found you sooner. Your staff at RWJ, including PAs, nurses, aids, and PTs, treated me with empathy and kindness. They were so accommodating and never made me feel uncomfortable. He can be proud of his staff at the office, and hospital.
-Lois Tarter
I was diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc in 2019, which became symptomatic in the Summer of 2022. The gradually increasing pain eventually incapacitated me. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Chiapetta, his stellar PA Payal Patel, and all the caring and professional staff at UOA and at the Ambulatory Surgical Center, for giving me my active life-style back! Dr. Chiapetta & staff performed a laminotomy and discectomy, and implanted a Barricaid device to help prevent future re-herniation. The surgery was done so well, and the aftercare and follow-up visits have been full of continued kind and professional care. I have been recommending UOA glowingly to friends and family, and am more thankful and appreciative than I can express!
– Tanja Paris
Best surgeon ever. Very professional, honest and cares about his patients. Dr. Verma gave me confidence in having surgery. I’m very thankful and grateful for having him as my doctor. I will always recommend him to others.
– Terrance Briscoe
I want to compliment every person I came in contact with today of the staff at UOA! Everyone is pleasant, friendly, experienced and professional. As a former facility property manager overseeing 1600 employees, this is also my professional opinion. I would highly recommend Dr. McDonnell for any need!
I had been dealing with serious back issues for many years. I’d seen several doctors and had done PT, epidurals, injections and saw no improvement. Surgery was suggested and we came to Dr. Chiappetta for a 2nd opinion. He suggested a laminectomy and spinal fusion. My recovery has been amazing. Six months post-op I was able to take a 10 mile walk!!! There has been little pain and I feel better than I have in years. Thanks to Dr. Chiappetta, RWJUH and everyone involved.