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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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

In September of 2007, I experienced the worst headache I had ever had. I was subsequently diagnosed with viral meningitis and hospitalized at another area hospital. My headaches continued and eventually I developed double vision. Another inpatient stay (not at UConn) and a few more visits to the emergency room and I was eventually referred to one of the very few neuro-ophthalmologists in the area Dr. David Waitzman. Dr. Waitzman squeezed me into his schedule the day before Thanksgiving and after a thorough evaluation involving another spinal tap in his office, he sent me home only to personally call 45 minutes later to tell me to come to the hospital immediately to be admitted. It was then I learned that I had Cryptococcal meningitis that was causing brain swelling and putting pressure on my optic nerve.

A treatment plan was developed with Dr. Dorsky from Infectious Disease and I was immediately started on IV medication. I remained in the hospital for about two weeks and received incredibly supportive care from my doctors and nurses. This was a very difficult time for myself and my family and we always felt informed and well cared for. My discharge planning was handled well and I received home care for another six weeks. I feel extremely blessed not only to finally know what was wrong but to receive the appropriate treatment that led to a full recovery. I will be returning to UConn this fall... to deliver our first baby.

New Britain, CT
August 2008

 

I gave birth to my daughter in late April by planned C-section. This was my first child, and the nurses and staff were absolutely fantastic! I had a great anesthesiologist who made sure I was doing fine throughout the surgery. My doctor was incredible, and delivered my healthy baby girl with no complications. In Maternity, the nurses were very supportive and a huge help. I got all the help I needed with breastfeeding and learning to care for my daughter. The nurses and staff were very patient with me and answered all of my questions, and took great care of everyone. I felt very well cared for and knew my baby was getting the best care possible. The nursery was great, and the nursery staff was very knowledgeable, and kept me informed of my daughter’s care when she was away from me.

Overall, it was the perfect way to welcome my child into the world. I just wanted to share my experience and give a big thanks to all of the nurses, doctors, and staff that took care of us!!!

Plainville, CT
July 2008

 

I would like to thank all of you in the Emergency Department for caring for my son when he and several other children were sent there to be evaluated after a carbon monoxide scare.

The Emergency Department physician was caring and explained thoroughly to me what had happened, what he did, and what my son would likely experience in the hours to come. He must have explained that to all the parents, but he made ME feel like I was the first parent he talked to. I was very grateful for his caring and competent care while I was away at work.

The woman who fed the kids pizza and soda was extremely nice and compassionate. The security guard also should be noted for the great job he did to make the kids feel safe.

Your efforts should be commended and the staff noticed for the GREAT job they did that afternoon. KUDOS to the hospital and the Emergency Department staff!!!!!

East Granby, CT
June 2008

 

I am writing you this letter to inform you of how pleased I am with the hospital and the staff that works there. I was taken to the Emergency Room one morning suffering from severe headaches, extreme weakness, and nausea. I was taken care of very well. All the tests that I needed were performed and I was told exactly what was wrong with me.

I was referred to a neurosurgeon and I am so happy to inform you that he is as great a surgeon as he is a person. Patrick Senatus, M.D. and David have taken great care of me. The day of my surgery I was very scared but I believed that someone was looking over me. The surgery was a success.

After the surgery, I was brought to the Intensive Care Unit and was very well taken care of, especially by Sue Rosa (the night nurse that evening). Sue took care of me with so much love and respect. She was so good to me. I was so uncomfortable and she tried everything to make me feel comfortable and pain free. I will always remember her. Every time I needed her she was there to take care of me. By looking at her I knew that she truly cared and loved her job. I wish her the best and I hope that she continues being the nurse that she is. She's an angel sent from heaven. Please make sure that she reads this letter and knows how good she is. As soon as I get back on my feet I will go to see her and make sure she knows how thankful I am to her. I will be a frequent patient at your hospital. You guys are awesome.

Hartford, CT
June 2008

 

I recently visited the Emergency Room at John Dempsey Hospital with something in my eye. My condition was certainly not a catastrophic situation, but I felt needed medical attention.

I was greeted promptly and efficiently, and my data was entered into the computer. I was then interviewed by another receptionist, and immediately taken to a treatment room. In a few moments the doctor arrived. He explained what he was going to do, examined the eye, prescribed a remedy, had a nurse apply the medication, and I was discharged.

I do not know if you can describe your body being fixed as a great experience, but it was. The staff was excellent, the doctor and nurse were superb and extremely competent, and the entire process was accomplished expeditiously.

While I hope I never return, if I do, I know I will be in great hands and I will be well taken care of.

New Britain, CT
June 2008

  
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