Catherine, Long Beach

Catherine, Long Beach

When I experienced my first bout with kidney stones. I had no idea what was wrong, the pain was overwhelming and I kept passing out and waking up on the floor. I finally ended up in the ER, who referred me back to my family doctor. However, I did not have a great experience with the first urologist I was referred to, which was very unfortunate. This doctor could not see on my test results that I had a huge stone that was descending, so he gave me samples of Flomax for my symptoms, scheduled me for a regular follow up in two weeks and sent me home.
That weekend, I had two separate attacks of excruciating pain each sending me to the ER. This time, a different ER physician suggested I follow up with Dr. Pugach.  When I mentioned that I already had a urologist I was seeing, the ER doctor leaned over and said, “I heard you, but you really need to see Dr. Pugach – he’s the best.” And, after making an appointment to see Dr. Pugach, I learned why.
Dr. Pugach’s staff worked me into his schedule immediately, where he quickly assessed my situation and I was scheduled for a procedure soon thereafter to get rid of my existing and very painful stones. Also, I have a very sensitive system with little tolerance for prescription pain medication, so he really got me back on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.
Like most people, I have experienced high pain levels from injuries over the years, but I had never experienced the intense level of pain created by kidney stones. I was beside myself and quite fearful of the situation repeating over and over. But, Dr. Pugach had a better idea – to go forward thinking positively and make some changes for a better outcome.
He also introduced me to a terrific nutritionist who visited me at my home to assess my situation and made wonderful recommendations on how to adjust my food intake and also started me on more meaningful vitamins and supplements. I could feel the different almost immediately, because with the changes I became more energized and balanced. I have become a “water baby” and view my new appreciation of water and proper nutrients as part of my personal arsenal to avoid developing new stones.
As a patient predisposed to generating stones. I am still seeing Dr. Pugach regularly. I have learned to love water and a healthier lifestyle. My test results continue to come back as excellent, and if I ever need help with stones in the future, I know that Dr. Pugach and his staff will be there to help me. Kidney stones are far from fun, but the fear and anxiety of having them come back (if they do) is lessened from knowing that I have the best of the best to help me with Dr. Pugach and his staff.

Catherine October 30, 2015