Patient Testimonials

I can’t remember the last time I felt compelled to write a Thank You note to an organization with which I’ve done business.  But then again, the service and care I’ve received from Dr. Billys’ team is worth writing home about.  Every time I come to your office in Brandon, there’s an unbelievable flurry of activity surrounding Dr. Billys; there are patients everywhere; in the lobby… in the halls… in patient rooms… in the x-rays area… well, you get the picture.  But no matter how busy you all are, I’ve always been treated with utmost respect and courtesy.  But that’s not what really prompted me to write this note.  What truly amazes me about Dr. Billys’ team is that despite being covered up with so many patients all day long, every single time I’ve left messages for Louann, Melissa or Laura to call me, they ALWAYS call me back -- sometimes immediately, sometimes by the end of the day – but they always do call back.  WOW!  Do you guys know how rare that is in today’s world?!?!  We all have left messages for people to call us back, and more often than not, our calls go un-returned… and if we’re lucky enough to get a call back, it is days later.  Invariably, when I talk to Laura or Melissa they’re always pleasant, reassuring and ready to help with whatever I need related to my post-surgery questions and concerns.  Louann is simply awesome in handling everything else.  She always has my information at her fingertips, she remembers what we talked about last, what I’m presently taking, the phone number of my pharmacy, what is working and what isn’t, etc. etc.  Truly amazing professionals!  And last but not least, is Dr. Billys.  After doing my pre-surgery research, I knew he was the one.  But it wasn’t until after my surgery that I realized how good he really is.  His knowledge, skills and impeccable bedside manners really put him in a league of his own.  My wife Coky and I love how he takes all the time in the world to answer each and every question or concern we have.  I personally enjoy his fishing stories.  Anyway, sorry for the long winded note.  I guess it goes to show how blessed I feel that you guys have my back – pun intended.

 Oh... I almost forgot, it has been 6 months since my five-level XLIF surgery and I'm 100% pain free.  Not only that, I'm walking 2 to 3 miles every day; working out at the gym; and already played 2 rounds of golf.  Life is slowly but surely returning to "better" than normal.  Prasie the Lord!

 Leo A.Hurtado

I have spinal stenosis.  I had alot of pain in my lower back and right leg.  I was not able to walk very well, no more than 4 or 5 hours a day.  Dr. Barna has given me one spinal injection and I can see a big improvement.  I am scheduled for a second injection and am hoping for even more relief but even if I do not get more relief from the second injection,  I am so much better than I was and am very grateful to Dr. Barna for getting me back to a much more functional life.  Everyone at FOI has been very pleasant and helpful.  I would recommend FOI to anyone.

 Carolyn Jean Lowery

THANK YOU FOR THE CARE & TREATMENT THAT I RECIEVED FROM YOU & YOUR STAFF. I HAD HEARD LOTS OF HORROR STORIES ABOUT SHOULDER SURGERY BUT THE PAIN THAT I HAVE FELT FOR MANY YEARS IS NOW GONE. I APPRECIATE YOU VERY MUCH GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR WORK.

LENORA STARKE

I  am 88 years old and suffer from spinal stenosis.   I had been in severe pain for more than two months.    After one lumbar epidural procedure by Dr. Barna, I am again able to walk and am in physical therapy.    The pain had rendered me practically helpless.    Dr. Barna, his staff, the staff at the FOI Surgical Center were very efficient and professional.     I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Barna to others who suffer from pain.      Thank you, Dr. Barna, for being a "bright spot" at FOI.

Bettie Schaibly

In answer to Dr. Barna's question "Did I help you?"--yes, without question.  With the pain relief I am experiencing I am able to do more each day.  And that feels good!  Thank you!

Dorothy Neuhofer

I had had two spinal surgeries, in 2003 and 2005, in Indianapolis where the orthopedic doctors had advised me that cortisone injections were not feasible for my spinal problems because I am a type I diabetic.  When Dr. Small reviewed my MRI, he recommended that I meet with Dr. Barna to consider the possibility of cortisone injections rather than a significant fusion surgery of two or possibly three joints.  After consulting my endocrinologist, I decided to proceed with the cortisone injections, and Dr. Barna completed those injections a few days later.  The pain began to recede the second day and was completely gone in 5 days. My blood glucose had only a small blip several hours after the injections, but that was easily controlled through my insulin pump.  Now, just ten days after the injections, I have fully recovered from the problem that I had.  I am extremely happy with the dare I received from both Dr. Small and Dr. Barna.

Wray Hiser

Most recently treated by Dr. Barna Explain Your Experience at Florida Orthopaedic Institute: Dr. Barna was very thorough and explained that it was an inflammation in the sacriliac joint and set me up for outpatient surgery and an injection.  He is a most thorough and efficient Doctor who gives you as much time as you need and explains everything in a way that I could understand.  He has a delightful bedside manner and I was most impressed with everything about him.  I have already recommended him to a friend.  FOI is indeed fortunate to have him.

Leslie Peaire

Dr. Barna, gave me my life back.  After 5 years of constant lower back pain, and having surgery, acupuncture, and many other procedures, elsewhere, there was no relief.  Familiar with Florida Orthopaedic Instutute, giving my husband a new hip in November, Dr. Lyons,  it was now time for me to get better.  Dr. Barna, suggested lower lumbar epidural steroid injection.  A week later I was at the FOI surgical center, ready to be pain free, and Dr. Barna did not disappoint.  I am now able to do things I haven't done in 5 years, or thought I may never be able to do.   A week later I was able to take my granddaughter to the zoo and walked for five hours, pain free!!!!   Thank you from the bottom of my heart....

Janet Boyd