Testimonials
Ligita Rence, Latvia, 2020
I had a bad experience, my husband had problems with his back and legs for a long time. We visited several doctors (neurologists, rehabilitilogists), but they turned out to be tablet prescribers. Now I am also in trouble. A knowledgeable person give me advise to consult with neurosurgeons. That’s how I came to Dr. R.Mikijanskis. After reviewing the results of my MGR examination and listening to my complaints, he immediately recommended surgery. I was in pain in my lumbar region and when I got up in the morning, the pain went down my legs to nausea. Given my years, I did not even allow the surgery to be possible. But there was no other option and I agreed to the surgery. The doctor said that I will spent one night in the hospital and go home the next day. And so it happened, I can’t believe the other day my legs didn’t hurt. But now I want to tell you about how doctors work in this hospital. I was scheduled for surgery in the morning and will be operated also by other doctor J.Slezins. But there was an emergency surgery and I had to wait. Late in the afternoon doctor Mikijanskis apologized for postponing the surgery, and it was clear to me without words how difficult and complicated their work had been that day. I believe that there are other doctors in this multi-profile hospital that you can trust and they will definitely help you.
Ligita Rence
Svetlana Gedola, Latvia, 2020
Here is writing your patient’s daughter, You performed surgery on her back in August, Valentina Ruskule, 83 years old. We want to thank you from the bottom of our heart! There are no words to express our gratitude! As you also said, after about 2 months, started to go completely to the right. At the moment, my mother feels very good, she exercises every day and goes for a walk (with sticks), moves around the house very freely and easily and always remembers you, your words and suggestions. She wanted me to write to you, greet from the bottom of our heart and say THANK YOU again! For my part, I would like to thank you for your attitude, for your sensitivity and sincerity, for your words “age is not a diagnosis”, for your hope and sense of security. Knowing that there are doctors like you, a brighter view of life. Thank you and your team.
Svetlana Gedola
Indra Spela, Cesis, Latvia, 2021
Many thanks to Dr. Janis Slezins, an anaesthetist and the whole team who performed my disc herniation surgery. Thanks to the professional work of doctors, I am now relieved from unbearable pain, which therefore has allowed me to significantly improve my quality of life. Many thanks to the staff of AIWA Clinic for the support provided after the surgery.
Indra Spela
Jose and Daiga, London, England , 2020
I would like to say a big thank you to myself for two wonderful doctors, dr. J Slezins and dr.R. Mikijanskis, who changed my life in one day with his professional work. I live in London and for more than 6 years I has been suffering from back pain. On 2018 I had L4 and L5 spinal decompression surgery was performed in London, but there was noimprovement. It got worse and worse.So one day My partner decided that in Latvia it is as it is, but the doctors are in capital letters there. Strating corespondence with Dr. J. Slezins everything was settled quickly and very quickly. All my questions werw answered even after midnight Latvian time. As it was in October 2020, after a short break, we finally met dr. J. Slezins. And with the help with these two wonderful doctors the day after the surgery the nightmare of many years, the pain, the restrictions on movement, EVERYTHING ended.Thank you and your Neirokirurgi team for the work, for the attitude you give to each patient, for the time to respond and provide information. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And I can really recommend these doctors to solve your back problems quickly and responsibly.
Thanks to Jose and Daiga
Skaidrite Laizane, Rezekne, Latvia, 2021
Many thanks to Dr. Mikijanskis for his work. Thanks to the doctor’s consultations and recommendations, I was able to get treatment and surgery. Nice, responsive and helpful staff. Opportunity to receive a conclusion and recovery instructions. Thank you very much again for your work. Good health, good luck and love!
Skaidrite Laizane
Livija Millere, Cesis, Latvia, 2021
Very good, modern atmosphere in the clinic. Nurses, nursing assistants are responsive, friendly, if necessary, explain everything. Dr. Slezins – very nice. Everything was explained in detail before and after the surgery. He also came and asked about how I felt. For anyone with spinal problems, I recommend the AIWA clinic. I would like to thank you very much for your sensitivity and responsiveness to the whole team. Endurance and strength for you.
Livija Millere
Leonora Bulatova, Riga, Latvia, 2021
I would like to express my gratitude to the neurosurgeons of the AIWA clinic – dr. Raimonds Mikijanskis and dr. Janis Slezins, an anesthesiologist and the whole support team during the surgery and after surgery phase. Thank you for a successful spinal disc herniation surgery.
Leonora Bulatova
Gunda Bungse, Sigulda, Latvia, 2021
I am very grateful to dr. Mikijanskis for fast and sensitive help organization. I struggled for almost 4 months with severe leg pain and eventually tingling. As soon as I got to dr. Mikijanskis all problems were solved quickly and adequately. Also, my fear of surgery was gone. And many thanks to the staff of “AIWA” clinic – very kind, responsive nurses and nursing assistants. Thanks also to the physiotherapist for my movement and further instructions.
Gunda Bungse
Raimonds Gedertsons, Riga, Latvia, 2021
I would like to thank the medical staff of “AIWA” clinic: Dr. Mikijanskis, Dr. Slezins, anesthesiologist, nurses, everyone for a professional attitude and work. I am glad to met such a team. Good luck in your future growth! The right always wins!
Raimonds Gedertsons
Maija Salmina, Tukums, Latvia, 2021
The first meeting with Dr. Slezins took place 4 years ago … consultation, and removal of a spinal cyst to regain ability to walk and cure back pain, numbness of the legs, etc … The first surgery (performed by both neurosurgeons – Mr. Slezins and Mr. Mikijanskis), was a success and I was very pleased that I am not in pain anymore ….
But at that moment, I didn’t know that we will have to meet again (and I have a habit of keeping mobile phone numbers).
After a while (without details), I started to have a severe back pain which was progressing with each passing day.
When I made an MRI scan, I realised that things are not good … And throwing shame at the edge (and despite tense Covid time) I texted dr. Slezins.
To my surprise doctor remembered me and my operation … I was invited to a consultation, and the verdict was – need for another surgery with implantation of metallic construction with a disc implant, stabilisation of the vertebrae – it sounded scary to me, there were many questions, but the answers and explanation from Dr. Slezins convinced me that this should be done.
The operation was not easy, I think that those are not performed on daily basis …. But what I saw from this doctor makes me think – we still have sensitive, careful, professionals in their field, young doctors.
The doctor is so attentive to his patients that even late at night he went to see how they felt, even being at home, always showed interest in recovery and rehabilitation, and always kindly answers questions that are asked …
I would like to express a HUGE THANK YOU, for the attitude, for the listening and for the work done !!!!
Thank you very much,
Maija Salmina
Spodris Reinholds, Latvia, 2021
I entered the AIWA clinic with terrible pain, had a disc herniation. Dr. Slezins reacted fast and on February 10th I was already in the clinic and there were the surgery for me. In the evening I felt much better, the pain was almost gone. Attitude good, doctor excellent, team helpful.
Spodris Reinholds
Valerij Kirilov, Latvia, 2021
Excellent specialists, very sincere attitude of all employees.
Valerij Kirilov
Wei Li, China, 2021
I wish I could’ve had a brilliant pen at my hand to express my gratitude enough to the Dr. Raimonds Mikijanskis. I am so lucky to encounter such good doctor to reinfuse my life with hope and passion.
I come from China, I have been suffering the illness of numbness, pins and needles in arms and hands and dizzy head for more than 10 years, quality of life slip by, replaced it by countless doctor visit. But not any doctor like Raimonds Mikijanskis was firmly convinced of what caused the illness. He consulted thoroughly my symptoms, ruled out cardiovascular and neurological problems, and had me MRI test, and he concluded that it was the spinal canal stenosis. Then he explained me where my spinal canal is out of shape, how to compress spinal cord and nerve in a very simple language and MRI image.
Only identified the problem can lead right treatment. Dr. Raimonds Mikijanskis decided to give me operation treatment.
The surgery took 3 hours, when I was pushed back to the ward, what I look different only is a less than 5 square inches of wound dress sticking on my right neck, it seemed nothing happened but long good sleep, meanwhile Dr. Mikijanskis and Dr. Slezins intensely carried out the surgery of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at the levels of C4/5 and c5/ 6 ( ACDF) with 8mm height 5 degree lordotic Tristan R-PERK Ti-Coated cages.
The whole operation I felt no pain and fear. After surgery I felt well, no drainage pack, no high temperature, most importantly ages old problems on my hands and head immediately were gone away, like magic. there’s mild pain at surgical site, that was expected and affordable. The wound is small and clean, no extra pills were taken, only one night stayed at the hospital, I WALKED out of the hospital the next day.
What miracle it was they delivered to me, I am not going to live low life any more, I can fully enjoy my life again! Millions thanks to Dr. Mikijanskis’s amazing medical skills and friendly, kind staff at Aiwa Clinic.
Maris Voiciss, Latvia, 2021
Dr. Mikijanskis has performed spinal surgery on me. I am grateful to the doctor, I feel good. Next day after the surgery I was on my feet. Staff in the clinic is friendly and helpful. Thanks a lot everyone and good luck!
Andra,Tukums, 2021
Many thanks to Dr. Slezins and his team for the surgery, which went smoothly. There is a pleasant atmosphere in the clinic, staff is helpful. Detailed information regarding surgery and process of recovery after surgery is explained in detail. I didn’t feel like I am in the hospital. Definitely recommend.
Christopher Matthews, Northern Ireland, UK, 2020
I have suffered for 14 years following an injury at work and had no joy of a diagnosis until I went private in Belfast around 4 years ago to be told I needed ACDF surgery. I was put on the NHS waiting list and told it would be a 1 years wait. 4 years later and still no sign of the operation anytime soon, the surgeon advised me to either go private or source cross border operative care. With the cost of around £12000 – £14000 which we could not afford my wife sourced the procedure needed in Latvia and made contact with Mim.
Mim provided me with all the relevant documentation and in return I provided her with all she required. The date was set for two weeks later. Unfortunately due to covid, things were postponed for 3 weeks.
I had the operation 5 days ago and am now home. I can’t thank Dr Janis Slezins enough, the operation has been a success, he was very good at explaining the diagnosis and going through the MRI showing me where the damage was, he made time for me making sure I understood the procedure, he was very caring and thoughtful and looked after me well in a personal and courteous professional manner.
I am very pleased with the whole experience, it was very well done treating me with respect and ensuring I was a priority at all times.
The nursing staff were attentive, polite and caring.
The hospital was spotless and very clean.
Mim the Co ordinator was fantastic and made sure contact remained throughout.
Arturs was efficient with the organising of transport when required and took the time to explain the contract. Apart from that I didn’t see much of him when I was there.
The only negative was you had to ask for food, I never received a menu and
I needed a neck brace for traveling home and had to go and buy one myself the day after surgery as the hospital didn’t have one.
Overall I would recommend this to anyone needing the treatment. At the price the care and treatment you receive is first class.
Chris Matthews
Aigars Uzulens, Riga, Latvia, 2019
My name is Aigars. I want to share my experience with overcoming back pain. I had long standing back pain, that was caused by spinal disk hernia. Not only did I have pain in my lumbar spine, but the pain also radiated to the right leg. I also experienced numbness and cramps in my leg muscles, which made my everyday life difficult. I had difficulty getting to work because I was all bent over and crooked.
I tried various treatment methods – I saw a chiropractor, I tried medical exercise, I tried various drug therapies and epidural blockades. The results from these therapies were underwhelming or at all non-existent.
During the appointment with neurosurgeon Mr Slezins and after careful examination and analysis of clinical and radiological data, we made a joint decision to proceed with elective surgery.
And so, on January 2, 2019, Mr. Janis Slezins performed the surgery and removed the herniated disc and decompressed the nerve.. The operation went smoothly and just a few hours later my long-standing problem was resolved.
On the first day after entering the clinic and having surgery done, I got up from bed by myself and went home without any problems whatsoever. The pain in the spine as well as in the leg was gone, the cramps and the tingling also disappeared. Sure,the surgical wound let its presence be known, but the postoperative pain was nothing when compared to the pain I had while walking around with a herniated disc.
Many thanks to Mr. Janis Slezins and his team for the work they did, as well as the rest of the staff of the clinic, they were very positive and optimistic, giving me a sense of security while staying at Aiwa Clinic.
Four weeks later, I started visiting a physiotherapist and doing physiotherapy to speed up the recovery from my surgery.
After only three months I was able to return to work and it has to be noted that I do work involving heavy physical labour.
Right now, I am enjoying life without any pain and limitations of movement.
I strongly suggest that if you have a problem with back pain – instead of living with your pain, go to a consultation with Dr. Jānis Šlēziņš – it’s worth it!
Elizabeth Praeter, Northern Ireland, 2020
In August 2020 I visited Aiwa Clinic in Riga to have a back operation on my spine. I arrived with some trepidation as I did not know what standards to expect. I entered the clinic and found the place to be excellent both in cleanliness and care. The nurses took great care of me and nothing was any bother to them.
The surgeon, Raimonds Mikijanskis, who was to carry out the operation visited me in my room the day before the operation and spent over an hour explaining all aspects of the operation to me and my husband which put both of our minds at great ease. After the operation the care I received could not have been better. I was visited after the operation on two occasions by the surgeon who again explained how it had gone again putting my mind at rest.
My experience overall was one of great satisfaction in both the operation and the treatment by all the staff. I would not hesitate to go back in the future should I need any further medical care.
Thank you all. Elizabeth (Preater).
Mr G R. from Northern Ireland
I would be glad to provide a review of the service I received with neurospineriga.
“I was having difficulty walking any more than 25 yards when the pain in my legs and back meant that I had to sit for a few minutes before I could begin again.
I was eventually diagnosed with a L4/5 Spinal canal stenosis confirmed by way of an MRI Scan by the NHS, and was told that I would have to wait three years for surgery. Not satisfied with this wait I searched on the internet and came across the neurospineriga website which offered a solution within a few weeks at a much reduced cost than private surgery at home, approximately half the price.
I contacted Mim Dickens the U.K. patient coordinator for neurospineriga and was blown away with her organisational skills. She arranged everything I needed in Riga with the help of Artur the facilitator, from taxis to and from the airport, hotel and clinic. The hotel accommodation was excellent and the clinic was second to none with my own private room. This was all arranged during the Covid-19 difficulties.
The spinal decompression surgery was performed by Mr Janis Slezins and
Mr Raimond Mikijanskis both excellent neurosurgeons. And after three days and a session with the physiotherapist I was discharged.
The staff in the clinic were friendly and professional and the care I received was superb.
My walking has improved over the short period since my surgery and the prognosis is good.
I would recommend Neurospineriga Aiwa Clinic for any required Neurosurgery for their high quality, their speed of carrying out the surgery and the cost factor.
Mr G R. from Northern Ireland
Lidia Kacare, Dagda, Latvia, 2019
Dear, Dr. R. Mikijanskis!
It’s Lidia, one of your recent patients!
I would like to sincerely thank you for the skill of your hand during my surgery on the 27th February, 2019.
I can say this with confidence – you are a sincere, kind, trustworthy person andabove all a highly skilled professional.
I would like to extend my gratitude not only for the successful complex surgery, but also for the detailed pre-operative consultations and your involvement in the recovery process post-operatively. I thank you for your consultations and support during my recovery!
Thank you for your work and for giving me the opportunity to live a full life!
Dr. Mikijanskis! I wish you strength, endurance, strong health and professional growth!
Lidia Kacare from Dagda
Brigita Pukse, Carnikava, Latvia, 2019
On February 13, 2019, , I underwent spine surgery at the AIWA Private Clinic – additional decompression and extension of a pre-existing transpedicular fixation system in the lumbar spine was performed.
Before the surgery, I suffered from excruciating pain in my lower back for a long time, which limited my movement and ability to perform my daily household and work duties, meanwhile painkillers did not help.
The operation was very successful and the staff atAIWA clinic were very welcoming, professional and competent. Now, some time after the surgery, I do not feel anymore back pain, I have resumed physical activity and I do not need to use painkillers.
I would like to express my gratitude to neurosurgeons Janis Slezins and Raimonds Mikijanskis for their work, excellent professional and caring attitude.
Respectfully,
Brigita Pukse
Raimonds Vilums, Latvia, 2019
I wish that anyone needing a neurosurgeon be as lucky as me when I met Dr. Raimonds Mikijanskis. He is frank and does not sugar-coat anything. But most importantly he is compassionate and professional in his work. I wish all the doctors in Latvia were more like him!
Sigita Fedotova, Latvia, 2019
Thank you Dr. R. Mikijanskis and your team for the opportunity to live a full life again.
Julian Kennedy, Ballymena Northern Ireland, UK, 2018
From my initial contact with my patient coordinator in the UK to getting my surgery done there was only a matter of a few short weeks. I filled in the forms to request a refund for surgery via NHS. The patient coordinator in Riga was excellent and looked after me very well. The clinic, the staff and my surgeon Mr Janis Slezins are all first class and the facilities were excellent. A little minor grump is that unlike UK hospitals/clinics they do not stick to meal times rigidly and that a few of the nurses had rather poor English. A little pointer, it would be nice to see a long handled picker up and a long shoe horn added to the package.
On the whole an amazing service that I would highly recommend to anyone. Do rememember that if travelling from the Uk to bring travel plug adapters for phones, laptops etc. Hotel was superb, great location in the heart of Riga.
Terence Elliot, Derbyshire, UK, 2018
Amazingly stunned by the high quality of service and care that I was given from this outstandingly skilled surgical team!! I thoroughly recommend it.
Valentina Bazanova, Latvia, 2019
Many thanks to the whole team of Aiwa Clinic, especially to the neurosurgeons Raimonds Mikijanskis and Janis Slezins.
Everything was explained very clearly to me, and it seemed that the kindness radiating from these doctors would alone suffice to regain my health. Don’t be afraid of surgeries, it is an investment that will repay itself out there in your lives! May the fortunes smile upon you, and your crafty hands never tire of their work!
Valentina
John Cawley, Ireland, 2019
I was diagnosed with C6-C7 prolapse disc and osteophytes (bone spurs). This was in Ireland where I paid privately for my MRI scan. I had immense pain from my 3 left fingers, arm, elbow and shoulder. Recently it proved unbearable and the pain medication was not working any longer leaving me unable to work.
For the first time in five years the pins & needles in my fingers has gone, it peaking at it’s worst on our recent last holiday. The cost for this type of surgery in Ireland is 13,500 Euros and a pre existing condition in my case would not be covered by our private healthcare providers. The hospital waiting list is in excess of a year. My partner researched online for surgery in Europe and made contact with Mim Dickens the patient coordinator and I am thankful for that even though I was a little sceptical to start with. Everything was excellent start to finish. We were walked through the whole process by Mim, surgeon and team. They were very accommodating with dates. Our transfers were smooth to our beautiful 4 star hotel in the heart of Riga. The clinic was great and we can’t thank enough Mim, Artur, Dr Janis Slezins and Dr Raimonds Mikijanskis our surgeons the Drs nurses and staff for looking after us. If your considering ACDF SURGERY or any other surgery for that matter contact Mim Dickens. A massive thank you to all at Aiwa Clinic!
Oliver Stothert, Manchester, UK, 2019
I have suffered with sciatica pains for over five years and tried a vast array of treatments until surgery was the only route left for me to try. I came across the Aiwa clinic in Riga, Latvia and it had great reviews, the prices reasonable and any of my initial fears of having surgery abroad were totally unfounded!
The staff at the clinic were all very polite, caring, knowledgeable and efficient. Ever step of the way.
My surgeon Dr Janis Slezins is clearly an expert in Neurosurgery. He talked me through the procedure very clearly and in very great detail. I am absolutely delighted with my outcome of my surgery am can now say that I am in no pain at all after such a long time.
I recommend Aiwa Clinic to anyone considering this surgery!
Peteris Danilenko, Valmiera, 2019
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to neurosurgeon Raimonds Mikijanskis, anaesthesiologist Dr. Bartulis and the entire neurosurgical department. I’ve had unbearable pain in my right leg for almost a year. I visited many surgeons, nobody really wanted to perform the surgery stating that I’m not that young anymore and the outcomes could be bad, maybe even wheelchair bad. Some time goes by,and the pain wa getting worse. What could Ido? Then I was advised to see the neurosurgeon Mr Mikijanskis for a consultation. He encouraged me to proceed with surgery. And I decided to trust him. And so, on 18-Sep-19 there was an operation, and the very next day, on 19-Sep-19 I was standing on my own two feet – not only free of any pain, but I was also, obviously,in no need of need of a wheelchair!!! Many thanks to Mr Mikijanskis again! To the people out there struggling with the same thing as I did – don’t be afraid to trust this doctor! As for Mr. Mikijanski, God bless you with health, strength and the desire to help the suffering! Yours sincerely, Peteris Danilenko, Valmiera. Now the happiest person in the world!!!
Olga Nikolaeva, Tukums, Latvia, 2019
I would like to thank Dr. R. Mikijanskis and Dr. J. Slezins for their high degree of professionalism, attention and kindness.
You are the best !!!
Special thanks to Raimonds Mikijanskis!
Your positive and optimistic attitude gives a sense of security!
Kindness, care and an endless desire tohelp are the things that a patient needs in a difficult situation.
I wish you strong health and professional growth!
Greetings to the best doctors!
Mark Langhammer, Belfast, Northern Ireland, 2019
I attended Aiwa Clinic in Riga for lumbar spine decompression surgery.
The experience was excellent and seamlessly organized through UK co-ordinator Mim Dickens.
The surgeon, doctors and staff were meticulous and communicated everything well, with very good English language skills.
I was greeted at the airport, taxied to the hotel (1 night) and then to the clinic – and even taxied back to the airport!
The staff are attentive, and Aiwa has a family feel to it. It could not have been made easier for me.
On day one, post operation the physio instructed on post-operative exercises. I was walking again after a of recuperation.
The rooms are spotlessly clean. I could not find any fault, and can thoroughly recommend Aiwa to others.
Karina Poznakova, Riga, Latvia, 2019
Many thanks to Dr. Slezins and Dr. Mikijanskis for the treatment, for their talent, for the very friendly attitude towards the patients! I wish all doctors could be so sincere and professional!
Aida Silmane, Tukums, Latvia, 2019
In the summer of 2019, I started to suffer from a severe pain in my left leg, the pain progressed to a point, at about two months later, where I could no longer get up from my bed. My colleagues advised me to go to Aiwa’s clinic to see Dr. Slezins or Dr. Mikijanskis. My colleagues had previously undergone surgery in this clinic. I “Caught” Dr. Mikijanski at the Talsi Health Center, I was given a consultation and advised to a surgery. The operation was a success, I can only say all the best about the clinic staff – one-of-a-kind sympathy, kind attitude, constant supervision by medical staff. Both of the young doctors, while being plain charming, are also very experienced, it is obvious that they enjoy and take pride in their work – doing the thing that they like best.
I can only advise that you turn to the qualified staff at the Aiwa clinic for help! I hope your energy and willingness to help never runs out!
Yours sincerely, nurse Aida from Irlavas Red Cross Hospital in Tukums district.
A. Avotina, Madona, Latvia, 2019
Thank you both Dr. Mikijanskis and Dr. Slezins!
Dr. Mikijanskis performed the surgery, but Dr. Slezins was the one to set me on the right path. I owe both of them my thanks!
The beginning was difficult and uncertain. My mommy was getting worse and worse, she got electrical type pain on one side of her face, sharp, stabbing – intolerable pain with every touch gush of air or even a raindrop. Even a smile could be painful. She couldn’t go outside any more on windy or rainy days because the pain was unbearable. She could not wash one side of the face for a day, then the next, then for a week, a month… She paid frequent visits to the family doctor and a neurologist – Finlepsin, a drug, was prescribed and taken to no avail for months and years at a time.
I am no doctor, and I have no insight into her disease, but I could no longer just sit and watch as a joyfull and happy person becomes more and more distraught and desperate,. We had to find the “right doctor”. I decided to act – I found this website (thank you for developing it!) using google. I read research papers in English to somehow understand this method compared to other options – nerve destruction or cyberknife. I also visited other neurosurgeons.
However, Dr. Mikijanski and Dr. Slezins encouraged me to use this method and I do not regret it – the pain disappeared immediately after surgery and no facial paralysis occurred. The operation went smoothly and after three days she was already discharged from the hospital. My Mommy smiles again and rejoices, having regained her joy of life, she feels happy and wants to live. I regret taking no action earlier and trusting doctors who only know to prescribe finlepsin. I regret that I didn’t think to help my mother earlier and did not realise that she has had some odd 78 summers in this world and the internet and google is all but unknown to her. I did not realise at the time that she needs help and the right doctor can – and should be found!
Thankexperts be that there are the right doctors right here in Latvia, knowledgeable and skilled experts of an international level! I would also advise family doctors and neurologists to acquaint themselves with these doctors and this profession, so as to know that there is more to offer when the pill stops helping or doesn’t help at all!
