NOT IMPRESSED -- I DO NOT RECOMMEND Dr. Michael Raklewicz…read more
I've been having problems with my knees for eons. I had x-rays over 10 years ago and was told by a specialist that I have arthritis in both knees that was probably caused by sitting in a cold drafty area where I worked. A few weeks ago, my one knee went out and I wasn't able to walk on it; it had swelled up and was difficult to bend. I researched orthopedists online and chose Dr. Michael Raklewicz because of his years of experience. I called for an appointment and was able to get an appointment the following week. By this time, my knee was more stable and I could walk on it. I still wanted to find out what was wrong as it had never given out on me like this before. My first appointment, I got x-rays onsite and the doctor told me he would have a hard time finding arthritis even if he looked long, he also "mentioned" lyme disease as I do have some issue with other joints as well. He said he would like me to go for an MRI, but insurance doesn't want to pay for them without a reason?!? I would think that if someone's knee swells up and the x-rays show nothing that that would be a reason. I have never had any problem with my insurance coverage before and I highly doubt that he even checked on what my insurance covers. He also asked how I heard of him, I told him I researched online and that it stated he has 39 years of experience -- He made sure to tell me that that post was incorrect and that he had over 41 years of experience, is the head of this, that, and the other thing! (Very Braggy and Arrogant). He did mention anything about treating my problem in any way, he just whipped out a syringe to give me a shot asking "which one I wanted it in!" He did not tell me what was in the syringe until after I asked; only then did he tell me it was a corticosteroid. By the way, there was a huge bottle with tons of used needles in it sitting on the counter in the room - I wonder how much he gets paid for each of these shots! He Never explained anything about anything. After the shot, he said he wanted to see me back in 2 weeks and that was that. Within an hour of getting this shot, my knee swelled up to the point I couldn't bend it and it got very painful and hot. When I got home, I read online that this sometimes happens to people and it's called a Flare after a shot like this. After a day and a half, the swelling, etc. cleared up. So, even though I really didn't want to go back for my follow up visit, I thought it best that I did. On my second visit, the nurse asked me how things were, I told her about the effects of the shot. She said, oh, you might have had an allergic reaction -- make sure you tell the doctor. She also said "he's going to do the other knee today". (I think NOT!) I heard the doctor talking to someone outside the door about an MRI. So, when he came in (with whom I'm supposing was an intern) I told him about the after affects of the shot -- He just blew me off -- no response at all. He asked how my knee was and I told him I was still having problems especially when I maneuver around things where my knee has to swivel -- no response! In turn, he asked me if I needed surgery?!? My reaction, of course, was to say no. BUT, isn't this why I came to him -- for a diagnosis? After all his bragging, on my first visit, about how great he is and his above average credentials, I would think he would be able to tell me what the problem with my knee(s) is? I am not the orthopedist - He is! He snickered at me and that was that! What a WASTE of MONEY! My impression of Dr. Michael Raklewicz is that He is Very Arrogant and is Looking Only for the BIG BUCKS! Besides trying to make me look foolish in front of his intern, he Did Nothing to Help Me. To sum it all up -- NO! I DO NOT RECOMMEND Dr. Michael Raklewicz!
