Patient Stories

I was in excruciating pain from a herniated lumbar disk and was hospitalized on the 7th floor. Every one of the nurses and the other staff members were absolutely outstanding. They were highly skilled, professional, compassionate and absolutely delightful individuals. I won't soon forget the wonderful care I received from Ula, Micky, Ileana, Krystyna, Barbara B. and Donna from PT, David Kotler, Dr. Onyiuke and several others whose names I can't recall (due to pain meds). Real teamwork was evident. UConn Health Center is truly fortunate to have these professionals on their staff.

Avon, CT
May 2012

I am writing on behalf of my family to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the outstanding care and compassion your staff provided my mother during her prolonged illness. From December 2011, until her death in April 2012, she was admitted numerous times and cared for by many physicians, nurses, nursing assistants and respiratory therapists in the ER, the ICU, and the 3rd, 4th and 6th floor Nursing Units. During each of these hospitalizations, every aspect of our mothers care was planned and explained not only to our mother, but to her nine children who accompanied her during these final months.

The nursing staff that cared for our mother truly represents the best in nursing. I spent 30 years as a nurse in the Air Force Medical Service and can honestly say that the care given throughout UConn Health Center is superb. I wish I could name each and every one, but I would like to recognize some of those who my Mom and our family felt very close to during this time. On the fourth floor, Avery, Sabine and Shannon were the nurses who most often cared for Mom, along with nursing assistants, Denise, Myriam and Jannet. We celebrated our Mom’s 80th birthday on the sixth floor and the staff was wonderful in providing space and seating for so many friends and family who came by. Once we moved her to hospice care on the 6th floor, Mala, Marybeth and Robyn ensured that not only Mom, but the entire family was cared for during her final days. Robyn facilitated eight family members spending the night in Mom’s hospital room and she laughed with us, cried with us and cared for all of us each step of this journey. We will always be grateful to her for such a heartwarming experience. I’m sure we received extra special attention on the 6th floor because our cousin is the nurse manager and we cannot thank her enough, but it is evident that the philosophy of compassionate care is throughout the facility and that is a tribute to the excellence that permeates throughout the UConn Health Center.

We also want to thank the outstanding medical teams who also cared for Mom over many months and years. Dr. Raymond Foley, Dr. W. David Hager, Dr. Michael Steinberg, Diahann Wilcox and Marybeth Barry cared for Mom for many years, through numerous crises and assisted her and all of us with the end of life and hospice decisions. They were very special to my Mom and we are grateful for all they did. In the last three months, Dr. Anat Bergner, Dr. Joanna Grabska, Dr. Momina Salman and Dr. Anthony Dotur cared for her on the units and were very attentive to not only the many medical issues she had, but always allowed her to be in control of her care. They represent the best in today’s health care system.

It is never easy to lose a loved one, but the teamwork and compassion we felt at UConn made this experience one we will never forget. We have asked friends and family to send donations in our mothers name to the UConn Foundation for the Center for Nursing Excellence. We hope in some way we can assist you in continuing to carry the torch for compassionate health care to the community you serve. Thank you again for all you did for Mom and the nine of us.

Florida
April 2012

In 2000, I was working and fell nearly 50 feet from a tree. I landed on my feet but still smashed my face into a tree stump. I lost 21 teeth, my pallet came out of my mouth and into my hand, and the entire left side of my face looked like it was struck several times with a sledge hammer.

One hospital attempted to put me back together but they were not equipped to do so. After two surgeries, I was transferred to John Dempsey Hospital where many dentists, lead by Dr. David Shafer, began to reconstruct my entire face. The job they did was way beyond what I could have expected. The patient care and medical knowledge there is truly the best around.

A very late thank you to all of you – Dr. Shafer, Dr. Duncan and everyone else involved.

New Preston, CT
April 2012

I just wanted to say how wonderful the staff is. It was my first time in UConn ER, and they helped me and comforted me. I would go to this ER again if I needed too.

Canton, CT
January 2012

I was stunned earlier this year when told I had prostate cancer that needed immediate attention. After carefully considering all my options, I decided to undergo a prostatectomy at John Dempsey Hospital. Peter Albertsen, M.D., performed the surgery and was absolutely outstanding every step of the way. He thoroughly explained what I would be going through in easy-to-understand terms, right down to the smallest of details. I couldn't have been in better hands.

The UConn Procedures Center staff was great on the day of my surgery. Everything took place as scheduled and, sensing a bit of pre-surgery anxiety on my part, the nurses and other caregivers were understanding and comforting. Following the procedure I was taken to the 7th floor where I received exceptionally attentive care. The nurses and aids knew exactly what was needed and when. They were experienced, sensitive, friendly and kind – everything a patient expects. My follow up care with Dr. Albertsen and his staff in the months following the surgery has been equally impressive.

The medical outcome is what I and my family had hoped for (I'm cancer-free!) and I am deeply grateful for the care I received at UConn. What a special place!

Avon, CT
December 2011

In 2009, I returned to the soccer field after having my first child. I was excited to be playing again, but my body wasn't in "soccer shape" yet. During my second game of the season, I pulled my hamstring. I took one week off and got back on the field, eager to keep playing. I didn't give my hamstring enough time to heal. I love the game of soccer and just wanted to be on that field, scoring goals, high-fiving my teammates and having a good time. Unfortunately, I continued playing for the next six months. I must have torn that hamstring over a dozen times.

One night, I was awakened by the pain in my muscle and knew it was time to see an orthopaedic doctor. Knowing UConn Health Center has some of the best, I made an appointment. Physical therapy was prescribed and of course, I went. After taking the spring off, I returned to the field. I only lasted one game. My hamstring couldn't take the change of direction, kicking and sprinting. I was devastated. I returned to UConn and was referred to Dr. Trojian for an experimental treatment called a PRP injection.

Dr. Trojian is awesome. The PRP injection worked. My hamstring has recovered and I am able to play soccer and workout as I had in the past. I am thrilled with the care I received and grateful to Dr. Trojian for his work in helping athletes get back in the game. Thanks to UConn and Dr. Trojian.

Newington, CT
November 2011

Please pass along our thanks for the wonderful treatment our Mom experienced at the UConn Health Center from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday. She was admitted by ambulance to the ER and then to the 3rd floor.

Her nurses and CNAs were not only absolutely professional and the “top of their craft,” but most importantly were caring, compassionate and treated her like a member of their own family. They treated us, her family, like members of their own families as well … always keeping us informed, never too busy to answer our questions anytime day or night – and assuring us they were doing all they could to help with Mom’s pain. Both the attending and resident doctors were good as well … we saw them far less often than her nurses, so the nurses really stand out in our minds.

Hartford, CT
June 2011

I was a patient at the UConn Health Center in 2008. I was rushed from Windham Hospital where I had been treated for a placenta abruption. Things turned for the worse and I was brought to UConn where my daughter was born at 24 weeks. She weighed only 1 pound 2 ounces. We were told that she suffered from a level 3/4 brain bleed and had a 50 percent chance of survival. She spent four months at the NICU at UConn. During that time she went through many surgeries due to her brain bleed, and vision issues, but most important she grew stronger.

I want to take a moment to thank all of the doctors and nurses at UConn for all of their help and support, especially to Dr. Naveed Hussain, as well as Cynthia (Cid) Tartaglia. They took such wonderful care of my daughter, and gave me and my family the knowledge and support we needed. I must note that ALL of the doctors and nurses were wonderful, but there will always be a special place in our hearts for Dr. Hussain and Cid, for going far and beyond to comfort my family at such a difficult time.

The March of Dimes provided MUCH needed support to all of the families going through such a difficult time. Jean Lattanzio and Deb Feigenbaum were so incredible and wonderful to work with. Scrapbooking on Mondays was a time of release and a time to support other parents in the same shoes as me. I looked forward to it every week. It was a moment to think about being creative and have fun, and to have the time to focus on something other then the difficult time we were all facing.

The Homewood Suites was a home away from home for many families with preemies. We had the ability to stay no more then five minutes away from the UConn Health Center. Only someone who has had a similar experience would appreciate how wonderful this was. I was able to stay close to my daughter that I couldn't yet hold, and was unsure of what was to happen next. I was able to stay there several times during her stay at UConn. The generosity and the care given to us during our stay at Homewood Suites was amazing. They provided me with food, shelter, and transportation. I am so grateful for all the March of Dimes as well as all UConn has done for me and my family and to all that participated at Homewood Suites to make our stay comfortable.

It has been more then two years since my daughter was born. She has finally reached 20 pounds, happy, healthy and the most wonderful gift from God. She has lost her vision since her stay at UConn due to retinal issues.

I have learned so much from this experience and will continue to use it to help others in the future. It is important to NEVER give up hope, believe in miracles, and take a moment to feel the support and love that is all around you.

Thank you, with all my heart.

Mansfield Center, CT
May 2011

I want to take a moment to thank you and your team at the UConn Health Center for the outstanding care provided to me on a recent visit.

In April, I brought my wife to the Center for Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry. I became ill on arrival at the UConn Health Center. My wife was taken to the Center for her appointment with Dr. Shafer and staff. The nurse at the Dr. Shafer's office, Katy Coyle, immediately took control of a scary, stressful situation and went far beyond the call of duty when I became ill on our arrival.

Because of my history as a heart patient, Katy immediately began monitoring my condition. After consultation with Dr. Shafer, she arranged for me to go to the Emergency Department where I was attended to and immediately put on monitoring equipment. After tests it was determined that I probably had contracted a stomach virus. My wife also contracted the virus which complicated her recover from surgery.

We shall never forget Nurse Coyle's professionalism, gentle caring and concern for me and my family's comfort throughout the the whole ordeal. She is truly a testimonial to the ideals of the nursing profession and the UConn Health Center.

Our appreciation to Nurse Coyle and all staff from the Emergency Department and the Center for Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry. Thank You All! 

New Milford, CT
May 2011