James C. Farmer, MD

Facing my 4th back surgery, I had been told by 2 other doctors I needed 3 level fusion with instrumentation (nuts and bolts). Dr. Farmer disagreed and performed a much less dramatic decompression which has totally relieved me from pain. I was back to normal in a week. He is the best.

Dr James Farmer Is a Miracle worker. In 2000 I was referred to Dr Farmer by A sports medicine Dr In NJ. Joanne Dr Farmers secretary got me in to see him ASAP . Had to wait a bit because he is a very busy man. Dr. Farmer explained in detail after full examination and looking over my MRIs what needed to be done. He was so kind and caring and answered all of our concerns. He was in no rush to see his next patient. Dr Farmer did an L4/5 Discectomy Laminectomy . The procedure was A total success. I was able to stand straight up & walk perfectly. Dr Farmer is my HERO. I have referred many people to him over the years. Everybody loved him. Please take time to see this man if you need surgery.

Dr. Farmer comes across as Mr. Wonderful when you meet him. His motive like most surgeons is the big payday. He was recommended to me by a Top New York Yankee surgeon and his clients are far and wide. I was told by five surgeons I needed a two level fusion and nothing else. Dr. Farmer said I might need a three level fusion so I went for many opinions from other Doctors, some at The Hospital for Special Surgery and some out of state. Everyone came to the conclusion I needed a two level surgery, and no more.

I told the doctor (James Farmer) that I did not want a three level surgery because of the reviews of my medical records by some of the best surgeons in his hospital and in other states and the Chief Radiologist from HSS where he works. I was certain he understood and agreed to comply.

I told him my wishes; and when I woke up after surgery I was told he did a three level surgery. I was shocked and outraged. My pain is worse and extends an additional 6 inches down my back.

He did this without my consent!! I sent him pre op letters in registered mail, via fax and via email and told him not to perform a three level when I was asleep.

He refused to visit me after the surgery until I made a formal complaint. When he came he asked me what the problem was and I told him. He said he is the Doctor and he does what he wants. He told me I was on the 6th floor and his office was across the street and that he was not going to visit me ever again. Being true to his word he never called me in the week I was in the hospital or when I came home. He said his job is to operate and that is all. He said if you want to talk make an appointment. My pain is so bad that after 9 months I am ruined.

He put the fusion plate in crooked and tried to thread a screw in place but the screw could not hit bone, so he left it out. He told me I had a bone deficit, and that is why the screw would not take. He said he tried four times to put the screw in but it could not hit bone. That is because he must have been hung over, blind or maybe he did not perform the entire surgery.

In other words he did nothing wrong it was the fault of my spine. I went to Greenwich CT to the top neurosurgeons in the State and they shook their heads when they looked at this mess he made. The plate was off center, the screws are in between bones instead of in the bone. The told me the screws were too small and placed at the wrong angle.

The Chief of Spine Surgery at Mt. Sinai in NYC told me that Dr. Farmer left the screw out intentionally because there is an artery behind the plate hole; and if he put the screw in he would have killed me because he would have severed a major artery, and I would have bled out. When I told him that Farmer told me that he tried to put the screw in 4 times he told me he refused to comment on my surgery anymore. I made many complaints to Farmer and Lou Shapiro the Hospital President. They sent me a letter and told me never to come back to their Hospital.
All surgeons refused to go on record and say a word against this man because it would mean a lawsuit.

Since most surgeons have low morals no one comes forward to help protect me on the record. Please read the book "UNACCOUNTABLE" by Marty Makary MD. You will see just how dirty surgeons are and how they mess people up and care less. No lawyer will take the case because no Doctor will call the surgery bad on the record. In closing I have disgust for the man and this hospital.
RB

My experience with Dr. Farmer was superb. I had the three injections to the spine at a hospital in New Jersey without success. Three months later, I had a consult with a top--notch neurosurgeon at UMDNJ in Newark, NJ. This 'hot shot' surgeon told me surgery was not an option, that I should lose weight... as if I didn't realize that my inability to walk without pain made walking and exercise of any sort was not possible.

The following month I contacted Dr. Pappagallo, Director of Pain Management and Professor of Anesthesiology at Mt. Sinai. He suggested I contact Hospital for Special Surgery. Through several phone calls, I was referred to Dr. Farmer. My daughter, a registered nurse, drove me to the first appointment with Dr. Farmer, I was a nervous wreck worried he would tell me surgery was impossible. He took the time to explain the surgery to my daughter and me. His confidence and reassurance gave me the courage to have the surgery; spinal fusion and decompression of the spine. He was the only surgeon who took the time to explain the surgery to my daughter, a registered nurse

On December 16, 2011, I had surgery; spinal fusion and decompression of the spine. Although I am still on the mend, I can now sleep through the night and walk pain free.

Words cannot express my gratitude to Dr. Farmer. He is not only a world renowned surgeon, but one of the kindest, caring and personable surgeons I have had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for giving my life back to me.

Catherine Borden
East Brunswick, NJ