In April or 2010, I was in Dr. Leone's surgery center to have a routine removal of a trial spinal cord stimulator. With a couple of well-placed mirrors, I could have done it myself. Dr.Leone, who was in such a hurry that he didn't bother to close the curtain for privacy, instead of just snipping the suture holding the wire in place, also snipped the lead, leaving 8 inches of it inside me, in the vicinity of my spinal column. The result was major surgery to remove the wire and a months-long delay in getting my permanent spinal cord stimulator. I nearly forgot to mention that Dr. Leone did not bother to tell me of his 'error' and let me leave his surgery center believing all was well. He called me later to tell me what had occurred. I would dearly love to put this all behind me, but I have a 4-inch scar in the middle of my back, some numbness, and the sting of being passed off to a surgeon and then ignored as if nothing happened. Knowledge does not always result in quality care. Sad...\r
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