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Personal Stories
Frequently, we receive letters of thanks from patients, their families and friends. We are very touched by these kind words and appreciate the time and effort made to reach us. We’d like to share excerpts from some of these letters with you.
If you have a personal story you would like to share with us, please fill out the
simple form. To protect your privacy, only your city and state will be posted.
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I brought my son to the UConn Emergency Room in October to get his right
leg examined. Upon entering the ER we were greeted by a very nice nurse and
several assistants. Dr. Fuller examined my son . . . great bedside manner!
Overall it was a great experience, considering . . . my family lives about 2
miles from Dempsey, it's comforting to know a great medical facility is only
minutes away! Thank you Dr. Fuller and staff!
West Hartford, CT
October 2009 |
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First of all, I want to say that normally we would go to St. Francis
Hospital where my husband's doctors are located, however, when we had this
emergency in August, I was not about to drive into Hartford at night. I have
had very positive interventions at John Dempsey with my mom five years ago
and decided to drive him that night to the UConn Health Center.
We have nothing but praise for both the hospital and the medical
personnel who were involved with my husband.
The Surgical Center was a very positive situation and again it was so
gratifying that we were involved with such wonderful and dedicated medical
people from orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Eric Silverstein and his staff to the
personnel who got my husband ready for surgery on his broken ankle.
The emergency staff were outstanding and very concerned.
In September, he was admitted as a patient to John Dempsey Hospital for
IV antibiotics because of a possible infection inside and being a diabetic,
they were concerned.
His experience in the hospital was fantastic ... he was operated on again
to flush out the wound ... I cannot find words to express how grateful we
both are with the staff on the 7th floor ... everyone involved with the care
of my husband was outstanding.
We know that there have been problems financially with the hospital but
we will do everything in our power to get the word out that John Dempsey is
needed and to continue to give the service that they have been doing ... I
want to thank you and the wonderful medical personnel at the hospital.
Windsor, CT
September 2009 |
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My husband was trimming a very tall tree in our yard when the ladder
slipped and he fell several feet on his back. He was very stunned, had cut
his ankle quite badly and complained that his chest hurt. We visited the ER
at UConn, as I feared he had cracked a rib, or worse. The treatment my
husband received from the attending physician was amazing. His physical
examination was extremely thorough and the nursing staff was amazing. He was
given an EKG, a chest and ankle x-ray, a tetanus shot, and his ankle wound
was cleaned and dressed. All of this occurred within the time period of one
hour. From the reception staff to the aid that administered the tetanus, it
was a positive experience. Thankfully, my husband had only sustained a
trauma to his chest and we departed. I can not thank the staff enough for
their kindness and thoroughness.
Farmington, CT
September 2009 |
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I was injured and became disabled. I was told that I would never work again.
When I became disabled, I qualified for the Social Security disability
program but thanks to Dr. Appel and June DePalma in physical therapy, I am
back to work full time and living well with a permanent disability. All that
I can say is with good motivators around you like all of the staff at the
UConn Health Center who helped during my worst times when I was mean and
bitter, I am now successfully employed full time back in the field doing
what I love.
Hartford, CT
July 2009 |
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My daughter was born in May 2009. She was very sick when she was first born
and I live about an hour and a half away. I have been staying at the
Homewood Suites and spend every day here at the NICU unit with her. Being
here has had a huge impact on her getting better and also a big impact on me
emotionally. If it wasn't for the UConn Health Center Auxiliary and their
donation of the Homewood Suites, parents wouldn't be able to be with their
babies to spend time and help in the healing. Thank you for caring. And
please know what a BIG impact you have all made in my and my family's life!
Thank you again!
Hampton, CT
June 2009 |
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I’m writing to express my sincere appreciation for the fantastic care my
aunt received while a patient at John Dempsey Hospital. She was admitted
after a fall and under the expert care of Dr. Tina Gardner she recovered
quickly and was discharged healthier than she has been in some time. I also
want to commend Dr. Gardner on her professional, considerate, caring and
plain manner when dealing with my wife and me. Dr. Gardner fully explained
my aunt's condition and listened to our comments and questions with genuine
interest. It is clear to me that Dr. Gardner knows her specialty and
understands the importance of care and treatment of the family.
Thanks to Dr. Gardner for her professional and considerate treatment of
my aunt, wife and me.
Simsbury, CT
June 2009 |
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Just wanted to thank you for the excellent care given to our daughter, a
transwoman, at UConn. She entered via the ER in April and was discharged
from the psychiatry unit in May. The ER staff was wonderful, and even made
challenging health insurance issues be resolved for best medical care.
Special thanks to Dr. Carolyn Drazinic and her team for their dedication,
expertise, compassion, and outstanding "bedside manners" in communicating
with our family throughout her stay. It was a most difficult experience for
all of us, and Dr. Drazinic always made us feel we could ask questions,
raise concerns, get real answers. She was most professional, and still
smiled – and even laughed – and let us know our child was always in good
hands.
Two others I would like to thank specifically – "student doctor Amy" –
she is well on her way to becoming a strong, compassionate doctor – full of
dedication and compassion for both the patient and the family, and she too,
like Dr. Drazinic, knows the comfort of a smile, and the importance of
communication. A special "sitter" name Barbara – who really added comfort,
depth, understanding, motherliness, and dedication. She was wonderful to be
around.
So thank you for everything. May you all be blessed for the good work you
do.
Terryville, CT
May 2009 |
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I am compelled to inform you of a miracle performed at a place I will
henceforth refer to as "Coach and Pat Calhoun's Home for Broken Hearts." I
was fortunate to arrive at this wonderful place one morning in May, suffering
from a massive heart attack. I was more than a little concerned that I had
seen my last sunrise, but then a marvelously talented collection of
professionals interceded on my behalf and here I am, still on the preferred
side of the grass.
Coach and Pat Calhoun have had remarkable lives, but I truly envy only
one of their accomplishments. Thanks to the skilled and caring heroes I
encountered in Farmington I have a second chance to have a little one call
me Grampa.
In that a diverse group of medical experts saved my life, I believe an
Italian phrase is appropriate. "Sempre in servizio a lei". It translates
literally as, "I will always be at your service", but it means "I owe you a
debt so large I could never possibly repay." To the doctors and nurses that
attended to me in your operating room, ICU and Cardiac Step-Down Unit I
offer my most sincere gratitude and warmest of wishes. God bless you all.
West Hartford, CT
May 2009 |
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I was seen on two occasions in your Emergency Department this month. The
first episode was for evaluation and control of a sudden onset atrial
flutter. The second was for control of post catheterization venous bleeding
related to anticoagulant therapy. I mention both of these because each
required an immediate alert response on the part, of your nursing, medical
and support staff. Having dealt with my own share of surgical/trauma
emergencies over a long career I wish to compliment your entire ED on its
clinical expertise and response capability, heightened even in this era of
medical constraints by a very warm and caring cadre of individuals.
Farmington, CT
May 2009 |
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I was referred to the UConn Health Center after it was discovered that I had
a certain antigen in my blood that was attacking my unborn son. It was
nothing short of a miracle that he was saved by Dr. Winston Campbell and his
expert team. My son was given 7 blood transfusions while still in my womb
using a state-of-the-art ultra sound machine. Many many nights I had a team
of 5 or 6 of UConn Health Center's finest doctors trying to save my unborn
son's life. He was delivered in May 2007 via C-section. He was immediately
transferred to the NICU. Susan was the nurse that took the most care of our
son. Everything was explained to me in terms I could understand. Then as
fate would have it, my C-section incision was infected and I myself was
admitted. The care that I received was the absolute best. A nurse from the
NICU would come and give me a status on my little boy every day, and even
made handmade cards with little footprints and handprints. They saved my
boy's life. He will be turning 2 this May. He is the most beautiful,
healthy, smart, blond boy! You would have never ever thought he had such a
rough start. I wanted to thank Dr. Winston Campbell and his staff for
fighting for my boy's life.
Willington, CT
May 2009 |
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I am a patient at the dermatology and endocrinology departments. I've been
going to dermatology for a few years now. Prior to going, I had acne for 25
years that was somewhat resistant to treatment, probably in part because I
have underlying autoimmune and allergy problems. Dr. Diane Whitaker-Worth and APRN
Karren Slade worked with me and tried a number of medications until my
solution was found. I am in my late 30s and I no longer need a "mask" of
makeup to be presentable when I go out. In fact, I can go out without any
makeup and I get compliments on my skin! I never thought that would happen.
I just cannot thank them enough for the wonderful care I have received and I
highly recommend them.
As for my endocrine problem, I have been a patient of Dr. Tendler's for
several months now and I am very pleased with the care I have received from
her. She is the most courteous doctor I have ever been treated by. Dr.
Tendler is very good about explaining why tests are being ordered, and she
addresses my concerns in a professional way. She explains things in a way I
can understand but does not talk down to me so I feel I can ask her
questions. That is good because my condition is chronic and I want to do all
I can to live well with it. After I see Dr. Tendler, I feel I can keep
moving on with my life. I don't wonder if more should have been done, if
something was missed, because she is very thorough. I feel very confident in
the care I get from Dr. Tendler and I would highly recommend her to others.
Winsted, CT
April 2009 |
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My husband and I want to express our deepest and sincerest gratitude to
you for making our transition into parenthood so smooth. The nurses we saw
more regularly during our stay were Patty, Sharon, and Sue in labor and
delivery; Janine, Susan, Diane and Bobby, the lactation consultant,
post-partum; and Patty, Diane and Margaret in the nursery. We know there are
others, so please forgive us if we have forgotten any names. From the
moment we entered the labor and delivery room to our departure, you were
attentive to our every need—this included helping me with pain management
and resting after the birth, exhaustively answering our myriad of questions
and helping us take care of our newborn daughter. We couldn't have asked for
a more compassionate and competent group of women to ease me into this
incredible life change and we are so grateful to all of you for that.
Because of you, we will remember this experience fondly. All of our friends
and family also marveled at the level of care that we received. The work you
do is incredibly important and we hope you know how much you are
appreciated.
West Hartford, CT
March 2009 |
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In January, I had to have emergency back surgery. Unfortunately my
local hospital couldn't do it. My mom swears by UConn and so I decided to
get the surgery there. I was very impressed with the care I received there
by all the staff. Now I know why my mom would rather go there then any other
hospital. I'd like to especially thank all those who work in surgery 7. You
were so great to me in my time of need, and Dr. Mohr and all those who
helped during my operation. I thank you so very very much. From now on I
will go to UConn if I need any medical attention.
Meriden, CT
March 2009 |
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I spent Christmas Day and the next day in the cardiac unit at UConn Health
Center. We were visiting my wife’s parents for the holidays and I had been
feeling quite ill for a few days. On Christmas Day it was bad enough for me
to have my father-in-law take me to the ER. They thought my symptoms could
be indicative of a heart problem, so they insisted I stay overnight and they
ran a bunch of tests. Turns out it isn’t my heart, but the problem is still
not completely gone. I’ll follow up with my regular doctor later this week.
While I wasn’t happy about spending two days in the hospital, I was very
glad to have the great docs at UConn Health Center working on me. They were
very attentive and left no stone unturned in making sure I was not going to
suffer a heart attack. Glad to know my heart is in such good shape. They
could have given me a quick once-over and told me to take an antacid and
sent me home, but they were very concerned and it showed. Much thanks to the
doctors, nurses, and technicians at UConn who gave up their Christmas to
help folks like me.
Charleston, IL
December 2008 |
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I would like to express my sincere thanks for the excellent
physical therapy treatment I received recently at the UConn Health Center
for a torn meniscus. The staff was very courteous and extremely helpful. I
would especially like to acknowledge Vinnie Tafuto. He is outstanding,
caring and knowledgeable therapist with a wonderful sense of humor who is
genuinely interested in the progress of his patients. He gives each of his
patients his full attention and encourages them to build up their strength
at their own pace.
One of Vinnie’s remarkable qualities is making people feel
comfortable and at ease through his easy going manner. It was truly a
pleasure to work with someone with such high professionalism and passion for
his work. Very highly recommended!
Stafford Springs, CT
December 2008 |
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In December, my wife and I visited the emergency room with
what was eventually diagnosed as a painful groin muscle strain on my wife.
As my wife has been diagnosed with a specific form of dementia I was in
attendance for the entire treatment time. What was gratifying to observe as
I have in past visits to UConn was that in such stressful situations the
kindness and care provided to us by nurses, doctors, and administrative
staff nurtured the sore landscape of the human heart. The smile of nurses
coupled with the caring and professional dispensation of excellent medical
treatment by doctors made the procedure and stay one to appreciate and
remember with fondness.
Avon, CT
December 2008 |
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I felt that my 4 year-old autistic son had something in his
eye. He wasn't rubbing it and he is under sensitive but I felt that this
might be serious. My husband took him to the pediatrician, who gave him
medicine for conjunctivitis, and when I tried to put the drops in his eye I
saw something lodged there. I took my son to a local walk-in clinic to
irrigate his eye and try to get it out. We did everything and still it was
lodged. This emergency physician decided we needed surgery to remove it, and
still my son is showing very little signs of discomfort. He called UConn and
we were very lucky to have Dr. Ehlers willing to take care of my son. Every
doctor and nurse was very willing to let me explain how to give my son
medicines and let me hold him the entire time until he was sedated. Dr.
Ehlers had to do more than scrape the eye, there was actually a piece of
metal lodged in his eye! He gave us the best follow up care and everyone was
truly very caring and accommodating.
Newington, CT
October 2008 |
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I am an over the road truck driver. In early September I was
on my way home from making a pick-up in Cheshire Connecticut when I started
to have very sever stomach pain. Unknown to me at the time I had a hernia. I
pulled off the road and had a gentleman call an ambulance for me. They took
me to the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington where Dr.
Lori Wilson and a team of others performed a hernia operation. During my
recovery I developed a rash from a medication and was having breathing
problems. I come from a small town in Massachusetts with a hospital in the
next town where I have spent some time. I spent two weeks at the University
of Connecticut Health Center and our hospital here does not even come close
to matching the care I got at UConn. So thank you Dr. Wilson and all of the
other doctors, nurses and students that took care of me. You are the
greatest!
Bernardston, MA
October 2008 |
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1981 was a marker year in the lives of my wife and I. We had
a premature baby born at 28 weeks, and went through the Neonatal Unit at
Akron Children's Hospital. Today our daughter is 26 and doing very well with
no residuals because of her rough start.
2008 is again a marker year, as that same young lady, born premature, has
now given birth to a full-term son that ended up at the UConn Health Center
Neonatal Intensive Care Center with respiratory, circulatory, and cardiac issues that
certainly would have ended his life had he not been treated from the moment
of birth, and forward.
As it turns out, he will be released soon, after weeks of
multiple treatments of various kinds. We have every reason to believe that
he will be left with virtually no residual issues, based on his current
positive condition, and every confidence that everything was done properly
and in a timely fashion by all those involved.
We believe this is due to the level of expertise and professionalism that
has been demonstrated by each and everyone of the nurses under your
oversight, and a bit of divine intervention as well.
Certainly the residents and interns, nurse practitioners and others were
also a very significant part of his healing, and we would be remiss if we
didn't mention them as well, but my wife and I have a particularly soft spot
and great appreciation for the nurses that give diligent constant care at
the bedside, 24/7.
Please extend to all the neonatal nursing staff our most heartfelt thanks
and appreciation for their phenomenal performance and tender care, in our
grandson's life.
Wallingford, CT
September 2008 |
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