St. John Oakland Hospital

Hi everyone, I was just recently approved for surgery with Dr. Alfred Schneider out of Clinton Township. Whie speaking with his office I was told he recently switched performing his surgeries from St. Joe's East to St. John Oakland. I've heard nothing but horror stories about this hospital and I'm a bit concerned now. If anyone has any info I'd appreciate hearing it!!! I do know my surgeon has had MANY successful surgeries, but my question is, how much wil the hospital effect the outcome of my surgery! Thanks!! Marlo

hi marlo...i had my surgery with dr katz at st john oakland hospital....i was very pleased with everything.....i traveled 500 miles from the u.p. to have my surgery....i did not know anyone down there & had to stay in motel for 2 weeks after all alone...i sure wish i would have know about this site earlier so i would have had someone to talk to while down there.....only problem i had with hospital is they lost my clothes....i had to wear hospital gown home from hospital.....lol....good luck with everything!! kathy

Kathy Thank You so much for your response!! I really needed to hear something positive about that hospital. If the worst thing that happens is I lose my clothes then I consider myself blessed. I really think its all inthe surgeon too.. But I've heard about 5 horror stories so far. You really helped me with your post. Thank you again! How long ago did you have your surgery? Congrats! Marlo

Marlo~ I had my surgery almost 19 months ago with Dr. Katz at St. John's Oakland. My experience was great as far as Dr. Katz and his staff go. The hospital was OK. Nothing terrible happened. I just didn't think it was the greatest facility I've ever been in. I had a student nurse while I was there and she was very helpful. One other nurse was very good but the others didn't seem to care whether I was in pain and requested medication or not. The orderley who took me to the place where I had my leak test made a joke about fat people when he thought I couldn't hear. However, the bottom line is that the surgeon did a fabulous job and the follow-up his team provides is excellent. If I could have changed the hospital I would have but I'm very pleased with how things have worked out for me. When the hospital requested my feedback I told them everything and someone actually called and apologized. At least I know they read what I had to say. Good luck with your surgery. Sandra

Hi Sandra, Thank you for your very open and honest opinion. I really appreciate it. When I first met my surgeon he was doing surgeries out of St. Josephs East in Clinton Township. Now he has switched to that hospital and to be honest I'm a bit nervous about it. It helps to know you had a successful surgery there. Any other advice you may have would be wonderful. Congrats on your surgery and success! Thanks again! Marlo

Margo~ I forgot to tell you something that Sue already mentioned a couple posts after mine. Dr. Katz and/or someone from his staff came to check on me every day I was in the hospital. If I needed anything I could have asked them and it would have been addressed immediately. Ask Tawnya or the new office manager what they have to say about their other patients experiences at St. John's. That may help you make your decision. Also, if you are ever in an emergency situation, you will have an emegency number for your doctor and I'm sure he would do everything possible to make your ER visit quick. I thought I had a blood clot 1 week after surgery. Dr. Katz told me to go right to the ER at St. John's since I was in his office for my one week check-up. He called ahead for me and they took me right in and did an ultrasound. It ended up being nothing to worry about but I was impressed with how quickly it all happened. Also, have you been to a support group meeting for CCWL? That would be a good place to personally ask others their opinion of the hospital. Just something else to consider... Sandra

RUN DON'T WALK. To a another hospital. The service there was HORRIBLE. And I got stuck there for a week after my tummy tuck with some minor complications (severe pain). I then had a horrible experience in the emergency room when I had to be re-admitted. I waited SIX HOURS, for treatment, in severe pain, doubled over and they did NOTHING to get me in faster.

Wow! Now that scares me... I've gotten good and bad responses and I truly dont know what to do. It took 3 months to get my approval. When I first met with my surgeon he was doing the surgeries at St. Joseph's East in Clinton Township. A few days ago I found out that St. John had asked him to come there and do them. So I'm confused. I cant wait to find another surgeon and then go through the approval again. Plus I know of at least 5 people personally who have had successfull surgeries by him. Hmmm.... This is going to take some real research on my end. I'm sorry you had such an awful time there. Are you doing better now? How long ago did you have your tummy tuck? Thanks again for sharing your story. It means alot to me. Take Care, Marlo

Hello Marlo, There is good & bad in every hospital !!!! Trust in your doctor & his staff!!!!! I had my surgery almost one year ago with Dr Siegal .The hospital was great for me . I had a nurse walking the floor with me to make sure I was doing well . I only had one problem and that was they left the drain tube in when the doctor told them to take it out.Some dr's do leave it in when you go home so thats why they did but all in all everything went well. I just went last month to the emergency room I didn't wait more then 15 minutes before they called my name .But Marlo my doctors staff came up every day as well as the doctor to check on my well being thats what means the most to me. hang in there it will be ok. God Bless sue