Patient Testimonials

Gulfstream
Urology Offices

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

My name is Clarence Clarke. I am a retired 70 year old IT professional. I believe in a higher power, God. My faith is solid, for God is my strength, my understanding, and my constant companion. The presence of God is more powerful than any temporary life condition. God moves in, through, and as every person. I trust the wisdom of God to help and protect me.

I was referred to Dr Adam J. Ball, M.D., of Gulfstream Urology Associates in May, 2009.

Between May, 2009 and May, 2012 I had no known prostate issues. PSA and DRE tests yielded normal results. However, in May, the 2012 PSA result went to 4.0. Dr. Ball explained what that result meant and reviewed my options with me. I decided to wait and have another PSA test before having a biopsy. It was during this time that I began to experience frequent urination, especially at night. I had another PSA test in November, 2012. My PSA had increased to 4.6. I elected to have a biopsy and was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I had a Gleason score of 7. My entire prostate was affected.

Prior to being diagnosed I had been reading as much as I can, talking with people who had been treated for prostate cancer, and familiarizing myself with the disease and my treatment options. I was ready and this made my consultation session very productive. I had my questions and concerns listed. Dr. Ball was patient, listened, explained what had to be done, and reassured me that he understood my fears. (It is important to note that I had never been hospitalized for any reason. Until this point, the most invasive procedure I had ever had was a colonoscopy.) His recommendation, that I have a radical prostatectomy using the Da Vinci robot (Robot - assisted Radical Prostatectomy), was easy to accept. He provided me with his booklet, "A Pathway to Recovery", which detailed everything I should expect before, during, and after the procedure, as well as a CD with information about the Da Vinci surgery.

My surgery was scheduled to be at St. Lucie Medical Center in Port St. Lucie on February 14th, 2013. Dr Ball's office staff was very helpful as well as professional. They scheduled all the necessary XRAYs, scans and MRIs, provided me with pre and post-surgery instructions, and scheduled my pre-op visit with the hospital as well as post surgery home health care. The St. Lucie Medical Center team was also very professional and helpful. They answered all of my questions and I felt as comfortable as anyone can possibly feel going into surgery.

Dr. Ball and his team delivered as was expected. The surgery was a huge success. I was out of my hospital bed and walking the evening of my surgery and was discharged by noon the following day. I had little pain or discomfort. A nurse visited for a few days to check on my scars then I was left to my own devices. The catheter was removed two weeks later. By the end of April I was without incontinence or any other side effects. I had my follow-up visit with Dr Ball on May 21st and was cleared to resume all normal activities.

Before I had been diagnosed I met a gentleman at the gym I attend. In the course of conversation he mentioned that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005 and that a doctor "saved my life.” I thought it dramatic at the time as I listened to him rave about his beloved doctor. He had never mentioned his name and I did not ask. Many months later, when I began to have symptoms, I again talked with him about what I was experiencing and mentioned that I my urologist was Dr. Ball. That is when he got all excited and told me that it was Dr Ball who saved his life. After my surgery, I had an opportunity to meet one of Dr. Ball’s med-school classmates. When Dr. Ball's name came up in conversation he referred to him as a gifted surgeon who was at the top of his class. I now know why they showered such accolades upon him. I am thankful that divine guidance led me to Dr Ball.

Prostate cancer is NOT a death sentence. With the right urologist you can be free of the disease with minimal disruption to your life's daily routines. One of the keys to a successful recovery is reaching a high comfort and confidence level with your urologist and the team. And, remember... You are the most important team member.

Clarence Clarke

I am a retired Navy (SEAL) Captain who spent 30 years in the Naval Special Warfare community, including 3 combat tours to Vietnam with the SEALs and command of SEAL Team SIX from 1990-1992. During my career I received a Master of Arts Degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, graduated from the Navy War College Command and Staff College, and was president of the National War College Class of 1993. Following my retirement from the Navy, I joined a professional services firm in Virginia and filled such positions as Director of Marketing and Division Vice President. Following the sale of the company and my relocation to Florida, I have spent the past 10.5 years with the Wackenhut/G4S armed security services company and have served as the Site Manager of the guard force at two large upscale residential communities near my home in Port St. Lucie.

Based on my age, and on the recommendation of my family doctor, I researched local area urologist in order to select one who would effectively monitor my prostate. Based on that research, I selected Gulfstream Urology and Dr. Adam Ball. After about 1.5 years of ordering and monitoring my PSA level, in early 2012 my level suddenly doubled to 6.6. On that basis, Dr. Ball scheduled a more complete PSA level test and, with confirmation of the increased PSA level, he performed a biopsy of my prostate. With the biopsy confirming the presence of cancer, Dr. Ball ordered a series of advanced medical images to determine whether or not the cancer had spread beyond the prostate (which it had not). In addition, Dr. Ball discussed, in detail, my possible courses of action, possible repercussions of each, and gave me a copy of Dr. Patrick Walsh’s book Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer (Dr. Walsh is considered to be the world’s foremost authority on prostate cancer). In his book, Dr. Walsh addresses the various response options to treat prostate cancer and unequivocally states that the number ONE consideration in any option is the patient’s trust in the skill of the physician based on his knowledge and surgical experience. Based on Dr. Walsh’s advice and recommendations, combined with Dr. Ball’s background and recent surgical successes, I requested Dr. Ball to treat my cancer using the Da Vinci robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy technique, which he performed in July. He operated in the morning, I was walking around the ward that evening, and went home the next day. Dr. Ball will continue to monitor my PSA level to ensure no microscopic cancer cells were left behind. Dr. Ball is well-educated, experienced, patient friendly, and a truly professional surgeon. I strongly recommend he be placed at the top of any list of urologists you make, should you develop prostate cancer.

Ronald E. Yeaw

" I would like to introduce myself, I’m grady

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