Patient Testimonials

Gulfstream
Urology Offices

Fort Pierce
2100 Nebraska Ave.
Suite 211
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Ph: (772) 465-2020

" I would like to introduce myself, I’m Rich Dector. I am 61, soon to be 62. I have a family history of prostate cancer, my Dad, thus I was closely watching my PSA. At the age of 60 my PSA elevated from 2.35 to 5.35. At that time I had a biopsy of my prostate. I had no symptoms other that the elevating PSA. My biopsy came back 4 on the Gleason scale. In conjunction with my urologist, I chose to “wait & watch”. My PSA remained the same a year later but I felt that I should have another biopsy. My urologist agreed and this time it was a 6 on the Gleason scale. I decided upon surgery, and my urologist recommended that the da Vinci prostatectomy would be the most appropriate approach. I had been spending the summer in NJ when all this occurred but I knew I wanted the surgery to be done in Florida. Recovering in sun and warmth seemed like a very good idea. I searched the internet for physicians who perform the da Vinci procedure and the hospitals that had the appropriate equipment. Dr. Adam Ball was my first choice, he was relatively close to my home, but better than that, he was trained in this procedure, he had been doing it since its inception. His detailed plan of care, available on his website, was exceptionable. The whole experience was positive. I’m in my 4th week of recovery. I haven’t used any pain medication since discharge from the hospital, which was one overnight. Dr. Ball is young, knowledgeable, talented, competent, and compassionate. His nursing and office staff go that extra step to insure your comfort. My thanks to you Dr. Ball and April, a job well done."

Mr. Rich Dector

"In July of 2009, (at age 63 and 9 months prior to this testimonial), Dr. Ball performed da Vinci robotic surgery on me and removed my enlarged prostate, along with the cancer contained therein. Due to the minimally-invasive robotic surgery, I was able to go home the day after the surgery with relatively little pain or discomfort. During the entire procedure, Dr. Ball and his staff were helpful and instructive. After the surgery, if questions arose, I would call the office and get answers and advice quickly. Dr Ball's professional fees were very reasonable and there was never an unreasonable wait at his office. I am happy to say that the post-surgery PSA's confirm that the cancer has been removed and I am able to go on with my life knowing that Dr. Ball will be there if I need him."

Mr. Bruce Shaffner

First the shock of being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, then the period of denial, is the beginning path that we take. Then the question of which is the best treatment to follow.My research indicated that a radical prostatectomy would be the choice to “beat this thing.”Having 20 years experience in healthcare, I knew that the treatment and recovery process has a lot to do with the quality of care of the surgeon, and the trust you have in that individual. I interviewed many surgeons in my search for that right individual that I would allow to touch me. My first meeting with Dr. Adam Ball generated an immediate level of trust in him, and the strong belief that his professional experience would provide me with the best quality of care. Dr. Ball, and his associate Dr. Van Appledorn, completed a da Vinci Prostatectomy on me in the month of June 2007. That very evening after surgery, I was walking around the hospital room. Two days later, I was in my home and back to my hobby. This was the first major surgery that I ever underwent, and I was quite surprised that there was so little discomfort. Today, my worry about prostate cancer is gone. I made the right decision.Adam, Thank You!

Brent C.
Software Engineer - Retired

Messina “Doctors, Doctors, Doctors! How do you pick the right doctor when you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I met Dr. Ball and Dr. Van Appledorn when they were treating my mother-in-law. For 30 years, I owned a medical supply business in Ft. Lauderdale. We sold equipment to doctors and hospitals. So why did I pick these doctors? I think with my experience, I knew doctors who truly cared about their patients and were interested in the latest medical technology and were not stuck using the same procedures on all their patients. I knew what treatment methods were available, and I wanted the da Vinci operating procedure even before I saw Dr. Ball. I checked out both doctors, their credentials, and the da Vinci procedure.
I made the right choice and highly
recommend Dr. Ball and Dr. Van Appledorn.”

Frank J. Messina, C. O. C. Ped.

“Kudos to Dr. Adam Ball for his early detection of my prostate cancer and for performing the robotic prostatectomy with the da Vinci Surgical System. I am grateful to Dr. Ball, who gave me top of the line care. I was out of the hospital in only two days and had very little, if any, discomfort from the surgery. I returned to my daily activities in no time at all. I urge all men who have prostate cancer to investigate this da Vinci Surgical System - it is truly a remarkable procedure.”

John F. Jolley
Retired Professor of History

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, I chose the DaVinci Robotics Surgery at Lawnwood Medical Center with Dr. Scott Van Appledorn, as my form of treatment. I was amazed by the procedure, at how little pain I had and how quickly I recovered. I am a 55 year old construction worker and I returned to full work after only 4 weeks.
Although any type of surgery can be frightening, this type is much less intrusive and the outcome is extremely successful. Please do not wait...make the right choice!

Edward Marrone
E-Mail address deputydog832@adelphia.net

"Thanks to Dr. Ball, Dr. Van Appledorn and the da Vinci my recovery was so much faster and my life was back to normal in just a couple of months."

Thomas Grady
Manager, Gold's Gym
Port St. Lucie, Florida