Dr Mario Francispragasam

4 reviews of “Dr Mario Francispragasam”

Mary Armstrong
• 10 February 2023
So after 4 years of struggle with the BC medical system and after an appointment at CPRI, the front for British Columbia saying they have a Pain Clinic, which it is not, I finally get them to refer me to the St Pauls Chronic Pain Clinic. I was supposed to have an appointment with Dr Butterfield, instead they gave me a consultant a Dr who is a Critical Care Emergency Dr not a Chronic Pain Dr. and he is acting as a consultant for St Pauls Chronic Pain Clinic. He completely tries to discredit me from needing pain medication for help with my multiple chronic pain issues that I have had since birth and throughout my life. He makes no mention of the scans and xrays proving my injuries and tries to prescribe an antidepressant which is not recommended for seniors of which I am and also not recommended for anyone with a heart condition, which I have. The order is forwarded to Drs that have no experience with this kind of care and they all laughed at me and the recommendation that he sent them. St Pauls Chronic Pain Clinic will be added to my tribunal case against the Ministry of Health in British Columbia. St Pauls is neglecting it’s Hippocratic Oath to help its patients by pushing me by the wayside to a consultant and not giving me my appointment with a Registered Chronic Pain Dr in their clinic and giving me a wrongful assessment of my condition. I have had an advocate and a witness for four years in my quest for relief from pain as I had come from a Chronic Pain Clinic in Alberta and this is nothing more than a waste of taxpayers money. I am now buying medication on the streets of Powell River in an effort to relieve my pain and am a prime candidate for a fentanyl death which this Dr is also aware of. This is how the opiate deaths in British Columbia are happening to people being refused care by doctors like this and the St Pauls Chronic Pain Department.

Joe John
• 24 September 2023
I saw this doctor at the emergency department. I sure hope I never see him again. I got really aggressive vibes from him. I think he’s the type of guy that should have never gone into medicine (but is now stuck to do that profession). It doesn’t jive well with his personality or his demeanor. He quickly shot down a suggestion that I made and I mean shot down. He could not have been more condescending. 🙂

Tara Wheeler
• 18 December 2023
I saw Dr Mario in a consult with my normal Dr from the pain clinic. Him and Dr Varshney were very understanding and could see why my oringinal Dr who retired had now suggested a more permanent solution to my chronic pain. I had absolutely no issues with him. He explained things matter of factly, asked all the right questions of me. I was then approved for my permanent surgery.

Karen Karington
• 9 April 2024
I saw DR. Mario Francispragasam late 2023. I had been passed around by a handful of doctors not wanting to help me treat my chronic pain because they don’t understand my condition and no one seems to want to take responsibility for someone on pain medication. Even tho I’ve never abused. I have a good medical record with proof.
I spent 6 hours filling out the lengthy intake form. I figured if I was super honest that they would see it and genuinely want to help me. But no. Only option to start was anti depressants and injections, then he mentioned down the road Spinal Cord stimulator. Which I can’t even have if I wanted with my condition. It is an absolute no no. Even my neurologist said no.
I figured I’d jump thru the hoop and start the antidepressants because I really did need help with pain and anxiety and sleep. So I could wake more well rested. He said give them 3 months to fully work. After a month I called back to the office. I was suffering with pain badly. He wouldn’t do a thing for me and said “oh I’m surprised to hear from you so soon” He has put me in some sort of fibromyalgia box and thinks I only feel nerve pain. Won’t give me anything for my break thru pain. Told me he doesn’t treat break thru pain. My GP said I need to be at a pain clinic to help my pain. I have a real diagnosis with no cure and no medical protocol. Dr Mario continues to say “sorry we don’t agree how you feel about your pain” I was in tears by this point. 6 months had already passed since my pain had become sever. I lost 12lbs because of nausea due to pain. He wouldn’t budge. He said perhaps I need a second option about my own condition or I should go to the ER if I am in that much pain. I know damn well not to go to an ER for chronic pain. I have before after my GP denied me and I had to prove to her it’s not the place for me. The ER doctor I saw recently tho IS THE ONE WHO REFERRED ME TO DR. Mario. Francispragasam. So now I’ve done a full circle and NO ONE WILL HELP ME!!!!!!
So I do not recommend this pain doctor. The history intake that I filled out so thoroughly I also finally admitted I was thinking about not being here anymore. I figure again if I was honest I would receive proper care. While I was looking thru my notes to give him some records he asked abruptly “So how would you kill yourself?” I was caught off guard. I told him I fantasize about not being here anymore and then I didn’t bother telling him anymore. He wasn’t being caring.
So your pour your heart and soul out only to be stomped on and thrown into the trash. This guy is clearly just in it for the money and getting us on antidepressants and doing injections. Even though I’ve had a dozen different injections before to try and combat pain at another pain clinic and they never worked. I Had doctor proof. He didn’t seem to care. Very arrogant sitting on his high horse. I’ve suffered 5 extra months now waiting for another place to help me. Been hard for my 2 young kids to see me suffering so.