Testimonials
“I was most fortunate to have been referred to Dr. Villavicencio in 2006. At that time, I was experiencing chronic pain, numbness, and lack of mobility in my right arm. Dr. V performed two surgeries: July 20 and July 24, 2006, a discectomy and cervical spinal fusion. Following a two-month recovery and physical therapy, my improvement was incredible!
Patricia Vestrand
Boulder, CO
“Knowing you need back surgery is frightening enough without the additional responsibility of finding the best surgeon. At the suggestion of my primary physician, I made an appointment with Dr. Lee Nelson. I was immediately impressed with his genuine concern for my situation and his willingness to take as much time as needed to discuss options, expectations and recovery. I continue to respect his professionalism after my surgery in how he, his PA and his staff are committed to my healing. Dr. Nelson is a rare find in today’s health care system.”
G.Z.
Boulder, Colorado
“On Friday, the 13th of March, I had a very large aneurysm in my brain that burst resulting in a stroke. Fortunately for me, Dr. Alexander Mason was my neurosurgeon. Not only did he save my life, but he found I had cancer. All during my stay Rock Creek, and in my aftercare, he has been very supportive and caring. His bedside manner was wonderful. He took the time to explain things in plain English so that we could understand what was going on. What a wonderful asset you have in him.”
Donita Johnson
Arvada, Colorado
“I want to tell you that although I am back in San Diego, you and your staff are always with me, in my mind and in my heart. I live in gratitude for all that you did to save my daughter and my life. My daughter had an amazing second chance because of you and all the other physicians involved in her care. There are no words to express how I feel and no way to ever thank you enough.
Suzan Finkelstein
San Diego, CA
“After being diagnosed with a form of spinal stenosis, I knew I wanted both state-of-the-art medical care and a concerned and communicative medical team. I found both at Boulder Neurosurgical Associates.
“I initially chose Boulder Neurosurgical Associates because they have an excellent reputation with former patients and members of the medical community. A physician-friend referred me to one of their staff neurosurgeons, Lee Nelson, MD. Anyone facing painful spinal problems experiences some degree of anxiety and vulnerability and needs guidance to understand their specific medical problems and the complexity of treatment alternatives. For two months, Dr. Nelson helped me with this process. He was accessible and responsive each step of the way, very willing to share his thoughts and ideas. Even the support staff was caring and efficient in handling requests and making medical arrangements.
“After trying a couple of conservative treatment options, I decided to have surgery. For me, it was a good decision and my pain is gone. I am very excited about resuming my active lifestyle.
“I am grateful to Boulder Neurosurgical Associates for their expertise and assistance and would recommend them and my neurosurgeon, Lee Nelson, without hesitation.”
Heidi Mountain
Boulder, Colorado
Please also click this link to watch patient testimonial.
"In November 2009, I went to the emergency room with terrible pain in my arm and shoulder. I was introduced to Dr. Mason of Boulder Neurosurgical Associates. He explained that I had degenerative disc disease in my cervical spine. Dr. Mason answered all my questions and used diagrams and models to describe my condition and explained all my possible options. He was very thorough and professional.
Jana M. Christensen
“Long ago, me, my horse and a cliff had a rendezvous over by Steamboat, Colorado. That was the first severe injury to my lower back, though I had treated that part and the rest of my body with less than caution until then. I kept riding bulls (me and Advil), extreme skiing, wrestling, and horseback riding. My back got progressively worse, and I refused to see a doctor. Perhaps it was a trust issue, perhaps denial, and maybe I knew that science was not quite where it needed to be to get the repair work done with the result I would insist on from a surgery. I grinned (not always) and put up with the deterioration over the years, refusing to limit my activities. Then, in December 2006, my back said "enough!" and an additional injury resulted in me dragging my left leg around, and enough pain to make my eyes cross.
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Reid Rosenthal
Sheridan, Montana
"After living with worsening lumbar stenosis symptoms for three years, I made a nervous decision to have laminotomy surgery with Dr. Lee Nelson at Boulder Neurosurgical Associates.
“My nervousness was unnecessary! I am now pain free and play golf again. Dr. Nelson brought to my situation the unique expertise needed to resolve my problem, the commitment to apply the most advanced and least invasive approach to my surgery, and the compassion to communicate effectively with me throughout. I couldn't be more pleased with the results."
Beth Cross
Boulder, Colorado
“I am 34 years old and Dr. V performed a dual microdiscectomy on my lower lumbar back in December of 2004. I had never been in such pain in my entire life. I could not live a normal life, because all I ever thought about was the pain. My right leg and back had shooting pains and I could barely walk much less work. I had some back problems since I was 17 years old on and off. Once the pain became unbearable I was forced to have surgery because it was my only option. I had been opposed to it in the past.
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Damon Sanders
Park City, Utah
“I met Dr. Nelson on a Tuesday. I remember the day clearly because I was in a wheelchair, and in agony due to low back pain and burning ice-fire in my legs and feet. My other physician didn't know what was wrong with me and suggested pain medication and patience. Meanwhile, I was unable to work, cook, clean, or shop. As time passed, I was unable to shower, walk, stand, sit, or lay down without extreme pain. I'd been struggling mightily for four months.
“On the Tuesday I met Dr. Nelson, he listened to my story, performed an examination, and said words I'll never forget: "How about we admit you and do surgery tomorrow?" He also patted my knee and said, "We care about you and we'll take care of you." I wept with relief. He immediately intuited that the lumbar disc was bulging terribly. He immediately knew I needed help, N-O-W.
“The next day I had a double lumbar laminectomy. When I woke, I was utterly, blessedly pain free.
“It's been one month since surgery, and I'm back to work, back to life, already walking a mile and a half each day, and feeling terrific. I'll never forget Dr. Nelson's compassion and expertise!”
H. W.
“After basically collapsing at my office one day in excruciating pain, I learned, through a subsequent MRI, that I apparently had herniated a disk in my lower back some time before. Dr. V. and his team managed to control my immediate pain with medication, but neither the medication, nor a later cortisone shot, relieved the pressure that the herniated disk was placing on a nerve in my back. This pressure caused me pain in my leg and foot, as well as numbness, sensitivity to touch, and weakness in my foot, which affected my walking and other physical activities. After consulting with Dr. V and his staff, I opted to have the damaged pieces of my disc surgically removed.
Walter Goodwin
Boulder, Colorado
I don’t know if you remember me, you operated on my spine. I just want you to know that you saved my life and I can’t thank you enough for doing this for me. You put two metal plates in my neck and I am doing just fine. I just want you to know how very much I have appreciate what you did for me.”
Cecil Tuenge
North Plate, Nebraska
“Sorry, this has taken so long but, I have been running around the country with my family. Obviously, none of this would have been possible without your help. When I came to you last summer, I was in constant pain. I could not walk, stand, sit or sleep comfortably, or for very long. I was scared of another surgery and the long recovery. I am so grateful that you were able to get me in quickly and operate so smoothly and successfully.
Jane Butcher
Boulder, Colorado
“I wanted to write to you personally and thank you for helping me with the stenosis I had in my low back. I started back to work today and although I am moving a bit slower with mild discomfort, I am grateful for the work you have done. The symptoms, I had in my legs and feet are virtually gone and even the “creepy” feeling I was getting is also gone. In fact, my entire experience with your group was extraordinary!
Tom Scriven
Colorado Springs, Co
“I broke my neck during a hockey game when an opposing player broke the rules and checked me when I didn’t see him coming. I have never experienced fear and panic the way I did during the following four days as an inpatient. I was very uneasy around the medical staff during my initial treatment, and had tremendous fear about my ensuing surgery and what it would mean for the rest of my life.
Kevin Churchill
Golden, Colorado
“I was experiencing relentless headaches, pain between my shoulder blades, staggering, dropping things, tingling and numbness in my hands and arms. I saw my primary physician and was advised to consult a neurologist, then three other specialists, each of whom was unable to explain or correct the problems.
Mary Gleason
Boulder, Colorado
“The best of the best is all one needs to know. My first encounter with Dr. V was when I was brought in by helicopter in a "flight for life." Yes, I'm sure he dropped whatever he was doing to speak with the doctors in Wyoming and agree to be available to perform the unscheduled emergency surgery that would prevent me being paralyzed from a broken neck. I'm sorry if it inconvenienced those that might have had scheduled appointments, but I and my family will be eternally grateful.
Professor Jeffrey S. Fox
Department of Mathematics University of Colorado Boulder
“Just wanted to touch base with you by email. You did an L4-L5 fusion on me January 18, 2007. I had broken L4 some 30 years prior, and before the surgery, it had really worn out. I put this operation off for many, many years but it had finally got so bad in December 2006 I decided to have the surgery.
CM
Boulder, Colorado
"Prior to my surgery, it was difficult for me to walk because of the pain I experienced in my legs. I was apprehensive of the surgery because I had never had a "major" surgery before. But after my surgery by Dr V, I have had no more pain in my legs and am enjoying walking from four to six miles every day now! Thank you so much, Dr. V!"
Eileen Blood
Frederick, CO
“Eighteen months ago, Dr. Villavicencio surgically corrected my degenerated disc condition. Since then, I am completely pain free and can enjoy all normal activities. He and Physician Assistant, Alex Ashton, explained the options, procedure and anticipated the outcome in a way that I felt included in the decision-making process. An added plus is the very professional office staff. All my appointments have been on time and follow-up calls have been quickly made. It seems everyone values the patients' time. I could not be more pleased with Boulder Neurosurgical Associates.”
Bob Snell
Lyons, Colorado
“Here is a proof that you can still join the circus at Club Med Bali after four neck surgeries! Show this one to your patients that you do good work! :)”
Dana Dolan
Boulder, CO
“When I think about my experience of having serious back surgery at Boulder Community Hospital, there are many words that come to my mind to describe the absolutely professional care I received from you. Some of those words are competent, compassion, humbleness, and the way you so carefully explained what would be necessary to correct the problem. I so appreciated the way you prepared me for the recovery period. It is so wonderful to be free of pain after several years and I would recommend your services to anyone. Thank you for my new lease on life!”
Barb Wilson
Estes Park, Colorado