I was very compelled to write, when I read the negative comments about
Dr. Koufman, from people that have not even seen her.
I suffered from a chronic, choking and dibilitating cough for 30+ years, I am now 50. I have been to many specialists, including allergists,gastroenterologists, pulmonologists and ENT, and given many different diagnoses and many different meds that did not help me. They did not help because I did not have Asthma, post nasal drip, Sinusitis etc., or even GERD. That was until 2 years ago when I discovered Dr. Jamie Koufman.
She was able to predict what I had before the tests, which was not only LPR but Vagus Nerve damage and a paralized vocal chord, just by her questions she asked and listening to me. Her extensive in office testing proved her predictions. I left there crying out of happiness that someone was actually going to help me.
With the medication, especially Ranitidine for the vagus nerve and her Induction diet, I had significantly improved. Unfortunatly I can not tolerate many of the reflux meds, and I have significant damage from all those years with no treatment, that she has recommended me for surgery. I see the surgeon this Thursday.
My husband is also a patient of hers, after he passed out a few times and landed in the hospital. He too seen many doctors, including ones mentioned above and a Cardiologist. They basically said nothing. One doctor actually told him his neck was too large, not his throat but his neck!!!
When Dr. Koufman scoped him, she couldn't believe that he was still breathing, that the opeining of his throat is like a slit. He has now been on her induction diet for only 1 week and the meds she prescribed and not only has he lost 10 lbs, which was needed, he stopped snoring, stopped coughing and is breathing so much better. I can't wait to go back to see what is throat looks like now.
Some may also think she treats everyone the same. That is not true either. My husband has Reflux but does not have nerve damage or a paralized VC, therefore she is not treating him the same as me. He is even taking different meds and differents doses of the reflux meds.
By the way I have read posts that she doesn't take insurance and she is all about money. As long as you have out of network benefits, she works with you. AND her expensive book someone mentioned was given to me, and I am sure too many other patients.
No one doctor is for everyone, but to me and my husband and countless others, she is our miracle. We live on Long Island, so we have many many excellent doctors close by, but like I said no one diagnosed either one of us correctly before.
I came on this site for support and education from people that have gone and are going through the same thing, especially the surgery, not to brag about the doctor I am fortunate to see, or hear bashings about her, but I had to write this.
If you have an excellent experience with a doctor, or a really bad one or treatment, then I would love to hear it. But please don't talk bad or good about someone you never have seen as a patient by not liking her book. That doesn't help any of us.. We are all here for advice, help and support.
Toni-Ann