Dr. Eric Nelson, MD

Dr Nelson performed a surgery that became septic. He treated me inpatient for 4 months. Released me because things looked better. For a year I was not right. Couldn’t do PT. He did 2 more surgeries on abscesses. Finally saw another surgeon. I lost my knee entirely and part of my femur due to the infection he ignored. I now have a fused leg. A rod from my hip to my ankle and a permanent infection in my femur. Lots more to this story. But I’m sure you get the idea.

My son broke his finger and after 4 weeks the finger was still swollen so our pediatrician sent us Dr. Nelson. Worst decision ever! Dr Nelson told us that his finger was never broke and that it was just a second finger tip. When I retold him what happened he was condescending and rude. He made me feel as if I was completely delusional! The whole appt he never even examined my son’s hand! Left frustrated and called his pediatrician who sent us to a new surgeon at UW. We were told his finger was broken but was healing fine and should be better in a few weeks. This other appointment wouldn’t have been necessary if Dr Nelson had done his job right in the first place! Feels like a complete was of time and we will not be back!

I saw Dr. Nelson a year ago—the worst mistake. 1) The nurse warned me he was very straightforward. However, he was more than blunt. He was dripping with arrogance. Should have realized how odd it was for a nurse to give a warning like that. 2)He did not believe that I was in actual pain. He thought I was too young (24f) to have shoulder pain—it would be “1 in a million for you to actually hurt your shoulder, like a lightning strike” and “you don’t play professional baseball.” I said, it is weird I’m experiencing pain, but it does hurt. 3)He described my pain multiple times as being “neurological.” 4)He said, even if I’m feeling pain, since I’m getting older that’s what starts to happen. 5)More to it, but no space. I left feeling utter humiliation and anger. I had to live with that pain for another year. Someone else believed my pain, and I’m ok now. There were times I wished I kicked him and said his pain was neurological, esp when I couldn’t sleep due to pain.

Excellent. Thorough exam, good explanation of problems and possible treatments. Courteous. Warm. Answered all questions completely. Was not rushed. Made good eye contact. Made sure at the end of the appt. I left with all pertinent educational materials and that I scheduled a follow up visit. I would recommend him to anyone for excellent care.