Craig M.Capeci, MD's Reviews

The overall experience was quite seamless and positive. The patient intake staff person, physician's assistant and X-Ray technician were courteous and efficient. A rare experience for me when visiting a physician for the first time. My X-rays were taken at the office and Dr. Capeci reviewed them right away. His approach to treating my condition which involves a shoulder injury and neck is comprehensive but at the same time, non-invasive. Too often, physicians recommend surgery for shoulder injuries. I highly recommend Dr. Capeci.

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in my late 20s and was told I needed total knee replacement at the age of 31. With blinding denial (and a lot pride) I decided to wait on having the surgery…until the pain put my pride into perspective 14 years later. Originally, I was scheduled to have surgery with another (highly recommended) doctor from another hospital who is the head of Orthopedics there. I met with the doctor who had me wait an hour then spent 10 minutes with me. The doctor gave me a VERY brief idea of what to expect and his assistant gave me a package to take home. I distinctly recall him telling me, "Well, you will likely not see me after the surgery but one of my residents will be there. I get a lot of complaints about this but I'm very busy." When I got home, I decided to look up reviews on this doctor and they were terrible (even nurses from his own hospital said they went elsewhere for surgery). It wasn't just his "bedside manner," it was what his patients experienced after the surgery, some even needed to have surgery again to fix what the doctor had done. Long story short, I decided to look for other doctors and found Dr. Craig Capeci.

Dr. Capeci's office was able to schedule me right away to consult with him. His office is very professional and the staff is always helpful and friendly. I was able to get an x-ray done right in the same office and Dr. Capeci was able to review it right away. He listened to my concerns and took the time to explain the surgery and the expected results. This calmed much of my nervousness and fears regarding the surgery. Because I work for the city, there is so much paperwork that must be submitted in order for me to take medical leave. Dr. Capeci also took the time during my visit to fill out the paperwork. Further, when I had to reschedule the surgery due to my angiogram results, he filled out the paperwork again and had them sent to me immediately so that I could resubmit them.

On the day of the surgery, Dr. Capeci once again calmed me down as well as my mother and husband, who were with me. He let my family know what to expect and how long the surgery would take. When I awoke I was in recovery then sent to intensive care where I felt like I was waited on hand and foot! Dr. Capeci came by the very next morning to check in on me. He kept tabs on my progress while in the hospital and even at home, calling me to ask how I was feeling and if I had any questions for him. Each time I've visited with him, there was little-to-no wait time and he accommodated the several requests from my human resources office.

Dr. Craig Capeci is one of the most extraordinary doctors I've ever had the pleasure meet. He is very patient and understanding. He always explains actions that need to be taken. He anticipates the needs of his patients and truly cares for their well- being. I highly recommend him for anyone who needs total knee replacement or any other kind of orthopedic surgery. You will not find a better, more caring surgeon than him! And my new knee is better than ever!

What do I have to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving eve?

While the Good Lord has blessed me many times in my life – beautiful & healthy family, good job, nice home, excellent education, etc – one of the best events, relative to my quality of life, happened earlier this year in June when I was referred to Dr. Craig M. Capeci.

My right hip had been uncomfortable and difficult to function with for nearly 2 years. By April it became painful at all times – walking, sitting, lying down, and normal things like stairs, jogging, swimming and bike riding were nearly out of the question, due to constant severe pain and intermittent shooting pains in my lower back and throughout my right leg, all the way down to the ankle. It was no longer possible to "get comfortable" and sleeping was very difficult.

With apprehension and fear, I agreed to have hip replacement surgery - which Dr. Capeci strongly recommended shortly after viewing my x-rays. This surgery took place on Friday August 15 at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. Here is the rest of the story – for people who may be considering similar hip replacement surgery with Dr. Capeci.

• On the same evening as the surgery I was up on my feet – walking with assistance to the toilet in my room. There was pain during the first night – bone and incision.
• The next morning the NYU therapists had me up again and walking (with a walker) around and around in the halls of the hospital floor. They had a small wooden staircase for me to practice going up and down on, as I live in building without elevators – 5 flights up.
• On Sunday morning the doctors on duty came to speak with me and evaluate my progress – after seeing me walk around the floor they agreed I could be discharged by noon. I was home and upstairs by 2PM.
• Starting the next morning I worked hard on my recovery – up and down the stairs frequently and walking around my block (York Ave – 77th/ 78th Street) and within John Jay park with my wife, two sons, and puggle.
• For me - the pain which I had been suffering from for years was completely gone by Sunday – my hip felt strong and solid, and my back and right leg were completely free of pain. During the initial week of recovery it was difficult to sleep for long periods as I needed to stay on my back at all times and be careful about the stitches.
• Now it is a little over 3 months since the surgery and at times my hip is so strong and pain free that I forget I even had the surgery – all of my normal activities have returned except basketball and sprinting. Swimming, baseball, bike riding (up to 10 miles per ride) and “light football” with my sons are all back as routine activities – completely free of pain or discomfort. I am able to sit in all type of chairs, drive a sports car for hours, and I now sleep like a rock (on either side, back , or stomach).
• One point of reference to consider came as we recently attended a Fordham University Football game vs. Penn at Rose Hill – and I reviewed the game program and previous schedule. The first point is that I vividly remember attending a Fordham baseball game in June with my sons – in constant pain, throbbing at all time. So bad it was challenging to walk, stand or sit – and try to stay happy with a smile on my face.On Friday Night August 29 (two weeks from the date of the surgery) we attended Fordham’s first football game of the current season vs. St. Francis. On that evening we walked from our home on East 77th Street, five avenue blocks to the # 6 train, took it down to Grand Central Station where we caught the Metro North to Fordham – walked to and across the campus to the football game. Watched the entire game on steel bleachers, and did the reverse travel to go home. No walker, no crutches, no cane, and no taxis – 13 days after hip replacement surgery.
• Kudos for Dr Capeci – he is the consummate professional – the best in the business for hip replacement. I strongly recommend his services, skill, and expertise.

Thank you for your attention and time to read my story.

He was able to listen to my health issues and took his time to explain and discussed medical options/procedures. I felt he was sensitive, supportive and understanding to my problem. Thank you for listening Dr. Capeci.

The overall experience was quite seamless and positive. The patient intake staff person, physician's assistant and X-Ray technician were courteous and efficient. A rare experience for me when visiting a physician for the first time. My X-rays were taken at the office and Dr. Capeci reviewed them right away. His approach to treating my condition which involves a shoulder injury and neck is comprehensive but at the same time, non-invasive. Too often, physicians recommend surgery for shoulder injuries. I highly recommend Dr. Capeci.

He has excellent bedside manner and staff courteous and friendly. I would refer Dr. Capeci to anyone if needed.

I have had a myriad of sports related injuries over the years and have dealt with many medical professionals. Dr.Capeci is, in my humble opinion the best. I have never felt so comfortable/confident about course of treatment and pending recovery. Thank you Dr. Capeci for giving me my arm back.