Published Patient Reviews of Dr. Shay Bess

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I have had scoliosis my entire life, and at age 65, I started experiencing significant pain due to my advanced curvature. After extensive research, I decided to see Dr. Shay Bess. Other surgeons I consulted did not recommend this surgery, citing its complexity and a year-long recovery. However, Dr. Shay Bess alleviated my pain, and now, six months later, I am riding my mountain bike, swimming, hiking, and doing light weights. It has required hard work on my part, and I am still healing, but with the support of Dr. Bess, his team, and my physical therapist, I am well on my way to enjoying the activities I love. I highly recommend Dr. Shay Bess for scoliosis treatment based on my positive experience. I am truly impressed with Dr. Bess and his entire team; they are all true professionals!

Dr. Shay Bess performed a c5-c7 ACDF on me after I experienced extreme pain and tingling on the top of my arm, shoulder, and shoulder blade on the right side, following a bad auto accident. Before the surgery, I had suffered for a year, but now, thanks to Dr. Bess and his team's excellent work, there are no longer any tingles in my right arm or shoulder. I am extremely grateful and would highly recommend him based on my positive patient reviews and the exceptional care I received.

I'm 4 years out from a major back fusion with Dr. Shay Bess. My quality of life is great; I'm walking, traveling in Europe, and enjoying retirement. The care I received during my surgery and recovery was outstanding. If you have scoliosis pain, at least do a consult with Dr. Shay Bess, as he is a nationally recognized expert in scoliosis treatment. The patient reviews speak highly of his expertise.

I highly recommend Dr. Shay Bess for scoliosis treatment. From my first phone call to my latest post-operation follow-up visit, I have been truly impressed with the level of care I have received. It is clear that Dr. Bess and his staff genuinely care about the well-being of their patients. When I first arrived at Dr. Bess' office, I had been in pain for years, with my mobility and zest for life decreasing as I became less active due to the pain from scoliosis. As a nature lover, hiker, and a true Coloradan at heart, I had begun to accept that my days of hiking were behind me. On my first visit, Dr. Shay Bess assured me that he could perform surgery on my back with the goal of increasing my quality of life. While I lacked perspective and hope, he did not. Now, three months post-surgery, I can confidently say that Dr. Bess saved my life. I will be hiking mountains again, and I will proudly stand at my son's graduation. My surgery and recovery process involved an exceptionally skilled team of professionals doing God's work. The anesthesiologist called me before my surgery to develop a rapport and introduced himself on the day of the procedure, reassuring me and answering my questions. He expressed pride in working with Dr. Shay Bess and his team. The OR facilities at St. Luke's Presbyterian Hospital are top-notch, and the intensive care unit team is highly skilled. The nursing team is exceptional as well. Every single person I encountered on Dr. Bess' team made me feel safe during this vulnerable healing journey from major surgery. Thank you, Dr. Shay Bess, Audra, Cynthia, Bret, and Jess.

Dr. Bess has spent 11 years providing my daughter with detailed, precise, wholistic medical care for her scoliosis. We avoided surgery through his conservative and sound approach and are forever grateful. Thank you!

An Awesome place for Professional Doctoring, a friendly staff and a Dr. that is truly caring and very knowledgeable of his expertise. Willing to put your mind at ease and gives you options that you the patient may chose what seems best for you. Would recommend to anybody that needs spine help or just some advice.

Talented, caring doctor and staff. Very focused on my medical challenge. Focused on me as a person. Never rushed. All this builds trust and confidence about my future surgery. Thank you.

After 27 years of increasingly excruciating back pain and a multitude of back surgeons who walked into the exam room declaring that they would not touch my previously fused spine with a ten foot pole before I even had an opportunity to explain my symptoms, I made a last ditch attempt to seek care. There are no words sufficient to express my deep gratitude to Dr. Bess for taking my case and aggressively searching for not only a solution but also the reason for my pain.

Finally, in addition to repeating the MRI's, CT scans, and injections that had been previously performed to no conclusion, Dr. Bess ordered a nuclear medicine test that provided a very definitive result. Rather than being "all in my head" or "a pain I'd just have to accept and learn to live with", the nuclear medicine test revealed that my previous spinal fusion had NEVER, in fact, healed! Moreover, because all the hardware from my first spinal fusion had been removed in two separate surgeries due to a surgical error, my spine was essentially free floating! Dr. Bess did not give me back my life, he gave me a life that I never had. My newfound ebullience and deep gratitude for life is nothing short of a miracle.

This man saved my back! I am so happy to be able to walk again. I had my surgery in 2014 and I have still been going strong! I thank God for Dr. Bess! I would recommend him 100 times over :D

I have found Mr.Bess empathetic, professional, caring and truly listens to the patient’s concerns. Even through all of this he addresses everything and answers your questions honestly. Truest in the medical services we have here in Colorado.

For my first visit and coming from out of town, it was very pleasant, easy to get to the office, it was very nice to have the valet service right there as we pulled up. Those in the building were very helpful to show us where the office was, the gentleman actually escorted us up to the office. Everyone in the office was very helpful and kind, like I had talked with them many times before.,from the office staff to the radiology tech. Dr.Bess's team were also very kind and helpful. The instructions given to me for my surgery were clear and helpful. Dr. Bess took time, there was no feeling of rush, rush, let's get this done sort of atmosphere. I learned things that I didn't know about my situation before. His PA was also very kind and explained things. I was treated with respect as a person. They listened even though i might of rambled on sometimes.Thank you for a very nice office visit. Debbie

I am so grateful for Dr. Shay Bess. Five months ago, he performed a spinal fusion and replaced the associated discs (L4, L5, S1). I had been in excruciating, debilitating pain for years. I could not stand for longer than a couple of minutes, couldn't sit on the floor to play with my kids, and struggled to sleep well. I was taking 4-5 muscle relaxers every day for years, in addition to undergoing various injections and nerve ablations. I also tried physical therapy and chiropractic care, but nothing helped at all. After exhausting every other option, I decided to go ahead with the fusion, and honestly, I wish I'd done it years ago. Within weeks, the surgical pain was gone, and I have experienced nearly 100% improvement. Occasionally, I have minor pain when I sneeze or if I over-exert myself, but it’s nothing that even requires over-the-counter medications. Dr. Bess told me before the surgery that he hoped for a 50% reduction in my pain, and I have had basically NO pain. Everyone at his office is friendly, and I've never had any issues. If you’re considering scoliosis treatment or looking for patient reviews on Dr. Shay Bess, I wholeheartedly recommend him.

Everyone at his practice is amazing. They are all very helpful. Dr. Bess and his assistants checked in on me daily after a difficult surgery. Anytime I've had questions I get answers right away. I dont think I've ever met a more caring surgeon in all my years. I've had many surgeries for different things. I'm still healing and improving every day. I would definitely use Dr. Bess again if needed. Just really a wonderful person. Nicole and the other PA s were great also. Kelli the scheduler is a magician..

I've been a patient for awhile now, 4-5 years, Dr Bess and his staff are always friendly and make me feel comfortable. It's also a relief to know the pain I'm having in my lower back will soon be gone. Thanks guys.

Dr. Bess is one of the best there is. I am fused from T2 to my pelvis. Dr. Bess has taken great care of me since the day I walked into his office ...I live in Iowa now but come back once a year to see Dr. Bess for follow up care. I highly recommend him.

Dr.Shay Bess has honestly saved my life. I have had spine problems for about a year with every doctor saying it would just go away. I had seen many doctors and had injections and done everything I could before getting surgery. I met with Dr.Bess and he new I had to get surgery. He scheduled me within 3 weeks and did a great job. I would recommend everyone with spine or disc problems to go to him. He isn't just a great doctor who cares about his patients. He is also an amazing human being.

I am nearly pain free after just five months after my surgery. I had suffered severe back pain for over five years and I’m finally feeling good again!

Dr. Bess and staff truly changed my life. After 3 back surgery’s and one failed, I’m now out of pain and no pain medication. I work out at the gym which is a key to make this surgery even more successful. I also started to play golf again. I’m 73 and living life.

Dr Bess completed both of my spinal surgeries and I have my life back. I am so grateful to be pain free and i think it's a hell of an ephiphany to realize you don't feel pain. I found Dr Bess to be very professional and straight up in his communication, which I really appreciated. There was data presented and options for treatment. I was clear on what to expect during the operations, the follow up needed and I know we're in this til the wheels fall off.

Dr. Bess and his entire staff is wonderful! I had spinal fusion surgery (L4, L5, S1). They listened to me and were always available when I had questions. The procedure was scary and they were with me every step of the way. I knew what to expect. I knew I could always ask questions. Bedside manner was excellent.

Dr. Bess has always been very direct, comforting, and caring. This was my second surgery with him, the first in 2012, and I have been very pleased with the results. He is the expert and I trust his judgement

Dr. Bess recently performed major corrective realignment surgery of my spine, after three failed surgeries performed by other surgeons 10-13 years ago.  Dr. Bess' skill is exceptional, as is his (& his entire staff & team's) professionalism, expertise, & personal care.  The nurses, staff and doctors care at Spalding Rehab was also excellent.  

I appreciate that Dr. Shay Bess took the time to answer all of my questions without using scare tactics. My situation was complex, and he carefully discussed the what-ifs with no pressure regarding my decision. I took 2 months to make my choice, and now, 5 months post-op, I am very pleased with the results. I have shared my positive experience in patient reviews and have referred my sister and a friend to Dr. Shay Bess for their scoliosis treatment.

I doubt you can find a better Orthopedic Spine Surgeon than Dr. Shay Bess. Being on staff at the hospital, I asked other staff members about Dr. Shay Bess, and they unanimously agreed that they would trust him for their treatment without question. I have met many of Dr. Bess's patients, and their reviews consistently highlight his expertise, especially in scoliosis treatment. I look forward to my yearly follow-up to see what he thinks about my current medical condition.

Before I went to see Dr. Shay Bess, I was told by a doctor that I had a serious case of stenosis, was at risk of paralysis, and had to cancel an around-the-world trip. I was devastated. Dr. Shay Bess confirmed I needed surgery, but it could wait. A year later, I had the surgery. My life revolves around hiking, cycling, and being active. It's been almost three years, and thanks to him, I'm still living my dreams. I just had a checkup, and the cervical fusion is perfect; he did a wonderful job. Within four months of my surgery, I was backpacking overnight, hiking, traveling, and doing everything I wanted to. But it's not just his exceptional surgical skills that stand out; he truly cared about me. He showed genuine interest in me as a patient and a person, reassured my concerns, and gave me the confidence—very important—that I would recover. He also helped me with an insurance concern, set me up with outstanding therapists at Atlas Physical Therapy, and he and his staff have always been supportive and professional. If you’re looking for scoliosis treatment or just great care, see Dr. Shay Bess and have faith; think positive! Thank you!

Update. Just had my surgery with Dr. Shay Bess, and everything went great! I have been a patient of his for many years. He's compassionate, fair, and excellent at what he does. His expertise in scoliosis treatment has helped me many times over the years, and I wouldn't consider going elsewhere. Thanks, Doc!

I went to Dr. Shay Bess for a third opinion after the first two surgeons warned me that without surgery within a few days, I risked paralysis. Dr. Shay Bess reassured me that I was at ABSOLUTELY NO risk of becoming paralyzed and advised me to explore nonsurgical treatment options before considering surgery. He recommended an injection in my spine to help alleviate my pain. Sure enough, the injection worked, and I avoided surgery altogether. Thank you, Dr. Shay Bess, for your honesty, integrity, and compassion. I will recommend you to everyone I know who is considering scoliosis treatment or spine surgery!

Dr. Shay Bess performed a laminectomy on me approximately six weeks ago. I woke up with no pain in my legs, which was the main reason for the surgery, and I experienced no pain from the operation itself. He is truly the best, and I highly recommend him based on my patient reviews. This was my second surgery, and thanks to his expertise in scoliosis treatment, I finally have a pain-free life!

I've gone from basically being confined to the couch to being physically active again. Last year, after my scoliosis treatment with Dr. Shay Bess, I took a 5-mile hike rated difficult, scored many miles on my bike, and took up gardening again. All of that would have been impossible before reading the patient reviews about Dr. Shay Bess.

Since Dr. Shay Bess performed my back surgery in June, my recovery has been smooth and free of complications. I started with less pain and nausea from the surgery, and now, three months post-op, I continue to feel great. Dr. Shay Bess and his team effectively minimized my kyphosis and even corrected the nerve tangle that had prevented me from standing on my tippy toes. I’ve read many positive patient reviews about his expertise in scoliosis treatment, and my experience has certainly reflected that.

Dr. Shay Bess is arguably the most ethical, honest, and talented complex spine surgeon in Colorado. He performed scoliosis treatment on my 71-year-old mother earlier this fall, correcting her debilitating condition. After being confined to a wheelchair for three years, she is now walking 2 miles a day following the surgery! Our family is forever grateful to Dr. Shay Bess for his compassionate care. We highly recommend him, as reflected in numerous patient reviews praising his honesty and skill.

After 5 years of suffering with L4-L5 and L5-S1 collapsing, I consulted Dr. Shay Bess. He scheduled surgery for a month later, and I felt like a valued patient throughout the process. Following the spine fusion, I experienced complete relief from the pain. I went to physical therapy, and just two months later, I was elk hunting in the high country, walking, hiking, and hunting like I did in my younger days. I didn’t get an elk, but I am thrilled with the post-op outcome. Thanks to Dr. Shay Bess, I’m back to hiking, hunting, and work, making all my activities enjoyable again! For anyone considering scoliosis treatment, I highly recommend reading patient reviews for Dr. Bess.

My experience with Dr. Shay Bess was great! He was nothing but professional, taking the time to explain my X-rays and the necessary steps for my scoliosis treatment. Both my pre-op and post-op experiences went smoothly without any complications. My hospital stay was pleasant, thanks to the great nurses and excellent care I received. I also want to extend my gratitude to the environmental staff, especially Lucia. As a patient on the eleventh floor, room 1114, I found Dr. Bess's PAs to be exceptional in explaining everything clearly, which is reflected in many positive patient reviews.

Working with Dr. Shay Bess and his staff has been an incredible experience. Their professionalism and compassion towards my scoliosis treatment have alleviated all my worries. I underwent a very complex procedure, and the outcome has exceeded my expectations. My quality of life has improved immensely with the movement I have regained after just four weeks. Based on my experience, I would highly recommend Dr. Shay Bess and his team to anyone seeking spinal surgery, as reflected in many positive patient reviews.

Dr. Shay Bess fixed me up. My issues with spondylitis, scoliosis, spine compression, and broken vertebrae were treated with a S1-L4 bolt ladder. After two prior unsuccessful surgeries, I've been five years on the mend with good results. A caveat; in my experience, Dr. Shay Bess is one of the best doctors I've ever met, as reflected in many positive patient reviews.

What a relief to have a scoliosis consultation with Dr. Shay Bess, a compassionate and intelligent doctor. His staff support team consists of warm and caring people. I'm so glad to have found this provider, especially after reading such positive patient reviews about his scoliosis treatment.

I was referred to Dr. Shay Bess years ago by my doctor and family friend, and we all live in another state. I was initially hesitant to spend the money to fly to Colorado for an appointment, but after reading numerous patient reviews and doing a quick Google search on Dr. Shay Bess, I was blown away by his credentials and expertise. I made the trip, and I'm very glad I did. As a patient, Dr. Bess made me feel at ease and thoroughly explained what was going on with my spine, as well as my options for scoliosis treatment in both the short-term and long-term. I appreciate his approach and his personality—he's serious yet very patient and nice. Dr. Shay Bess is my forever doctor, and he’s always worth the trip for a visit and peace of mind!

Dr. Shay Bess is #1 spine Dr's I've had. He explained EVERYTHING that he is going to do. I would recommend him to ANYONE!!! He is passionate about his Patience and there well being.

Dr. Bess is an outstanding doctor and surgeon. He has been my back and spine doctor since 2016. I wouldn't go anywhere else in this region. The staff is professional, extremely competent, and caring. I highly recommend Dr. Bess.

Outstanding, compassioned doctor. 10 out of 10. When I first met him He listened to my problems then did his exam. I could not walk up a flight of stairs due to disk problems. I can now run up 4 flight of stairs. I worked at PS/L hospital and his other patients have similar or better stories of how He cares about them, listens, then changed their life for the better. Great DR, I have worked with numerous doctors over the years and he is in the top 1% of great doctors. If you have back or spine problems he is the doctor to see!

The best surgeon by far Dr.Bess also cares for his patients and most people tell me they have never seen a scar so straight and clean so thanks again Dr.Bess!

I wanted a kind doctor and a doctor that was talented in his field of scoliosis surgery. Dr. Shay Bess is both. His staff is great!!

Dr. Bess came highly recommended and has lived up to all of the great things I had already heard about him!

Dr Bess is an amazing man. Great surgeon, great disposition, all-around great guy. Facilities are very nice

Dr Bess and his people are sooper nice and very knowledgeable in my situation. Will be trying option 1 first to see if it helps ,if not, surgery is option 2

I felt so important he look me in my eyes when he talk to me he were very detailed and to the point with his explanation I mean concern I felt good and he’s a good looking man. Thank you Dr. Bess

He is the best surgeon around! All the staff is great

Dr Bess is one of the Best! His bedside manner great, and practical caring compassionate suggestions. Thanks 😊

Dr Bess was amazing. He is thorough, professional, and a compassionate doctor. I wouldn't of gone to anyone else!

WELL I HAD A FUSION DONE ON MY LOWER L4/L5 AND I'VE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER 2 YEARS EACH DOCTOR I HAD GONE TO ALWAYS WANTED TO GIVE ME BACK INJECTIONS AND I WAS DOING THAT FOR OVER 2 YEARS I THE ONLY THING WAS WORKING WAS THE NUMBING MEDS THATS ALL SO I HAD SCHEDULE TO SEE DR. SHAY BESS AND MAN WHEN HE TOLD ME HE WAS GONNA TAKE CARE OF ME HE WAS NOT LYING HE I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO I'M ON MY 6TH WEEK AND NOW I WALK WITHOUT NO PAIN AS LONG AS I KEEP DOING THE EXERCISE THE P.T. GAVE ME PLUS WALKING BELEIVE ME I FEEL SO GREAT. THANKS A BUNCH TO YOU AND YOUR STAFF FOR EVERYTHING.
THANK YOU DR . BESS MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP

The absolute best. I never would think I could have a normal life again. Thank you, Dr. Bess!

Very professional and precise diagnosis. Thank you very much!