NOHC TESTIMONIALS
Vicki - AVM Treatment - July 7, 2008
Dear Kalani,
I would appreciate it if you could relay our thanks to Dr. Lopes for his speedy reply to us on a holiday weekend. Tim had an incident where he developed blurry and double vision on July 4th, and we called Dr. Lopes immediately. He called us back within three minutes, advised us to take him to Rush, and gave us his cell phone number in case something happened on the way.
We were so amazed that Dr. Lopes, who had met my husband only a day before, would take the time to respond so quickly. The fact that he gave us his cell phone number really surprised us, and it made us feel so much more comfortable knowing that we could reach him if things went badly on the way to the hospital.
Once we got to the Rush ER, the neuro interns gave Tim a complete work-up and explained that his symptoms were probably due to a drug interaction that affected the way the Dilantin was metabolized. We were relieved to get an answer and felt much more confident knowing that nothing serious was brewing.
We only met Dr. Lopes and his staff for a few short hours, but we were so impressed by the personal and caring treatment we received from everyone with whom we had contact. We are looking forward to working with Dr. Lopes and his team as they treat Tim's AVM.
Vicki
Bob - Spinal Fusion - May 28, 2008
For 10+ years I endured extreme back pain, to the point I could not sit longer than 15 minutes. I could not drive any distance, and had to lie down to travel more than 30 miles. But because I didn't have leg pain doctors never took it seriously. I went to dozens of doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and pain clinics in Grand Rapids and at the University of Michigan, and was either told that a)there was nothing they could do, or b) there was nohing wrong with my back. The few doctors who tried injections or other procedures got to the point that they didn't know what else to try. One doctor kept telling me to keep doing what I was doing even as the pain progressively got worse. I was literally to the point that I could no longer go on.
I contacted CINN after an internet search, and immediately noticed a difference in the way I was treated. They took my pain seriously rather than just dismissing it. Dr Hurley came in, and rather than look at the xrays and saying there was nothing he could do, said "We are going to try this, and then this, and then this..." to try to find the cause of the pain. They narrowed it down to the source, and Dr Stadlan performed the surgery to fuse the L4/L5 discs.
It still took a while, but 8 months later the pain has been substantially reduced. I can finally sit through my daughter's school programs and concerts. I can even do yard work again without having pain for a week afterward. It may be cliche`, but I literally have a new lease on life.
Thank you to Drs. Stadlan and Hurley and the entire staff at CINN for giving me back my life. I just wish I had found you earlier.
Steve - Mission and Values - May 26, 2008
Super staff atmosphere and attitudes! Staff is living the Mission and Values to an exceptionally high degree. I'll have more to say when I'm at my own computer.
Thanks,
Steve
Leonard - Spinal Tumor - May 23, 2008
This morning I saw Dr. Cerullo on the morning news. He was speaking about Senator Kennedy’s misfortune and suffering from a brain tumor. In my eyes, Dr. Cerullo is one of the best surgeons we have in our area.
Let me explain why? Back in 1986, I was observing my mother having a tough time maintaining her balance and I would ask her, if she was all right? After, seeing her having a hard time walking. I scheduled her for an appointment at a nearby hospital. At that time they went through the procedures and assigned a neurologist. Well, the neurologist took x-rays of her back and advised us that she had a tumor in her spinal column and if she didn’t have surgery, she would eventually be paralyzed. After the surgery, we walked in the recovery room and she was resting. That same day, the doctor advised us that he couldn’t remove the tumor because it was too close to vital areas and he was afraid that if he started cutting, she wouldn’t have feelings in her legs.
So, I started inquiring about other surgeons and that’s when I found Doctor Cerullo. We scheduled an appointment and he took my mother in, right away. Dr. Cerullo operated on my mother with laser surgery and removed the tumor in her spinal column. My mother recovered and is doing well today.
-Leonard
Suzanne - Spinal Abscess - May 22,2008
Dear Dr. Cerullo and Dr. Mkrdichian, This is extremely long in coming, and I apologize; it is certainly not because I've forgotten! It is now 13 years since my spinal abscess and surgeries. My sister had worked with you, Dr. Cerullo, before, and when my prognosis was looking very bleak at our suburban hospital, you answered her page at 1:30 a.m. one morning in May of 1995.
Your response was to transfer me to CINN, then at Columbus Hospital, by ambulance immediately.
Dr. Mrkdchian performed a similar surgery to the one I'd just had at the suburban hospital, but this time my condition improved and totally healed without any permanent damage. I can never thank you both enough; you saved my life!
Sarah - ACL - May 14, 2008
I came to Dr. Cherf after tearing my ACL on a ski trip in March 2008. From the first appointment I felt like Dr. Cherf and his staff genuinely cared about my recovery. They were warm, friendly, and concerned, and they have personally remembered me at every subsequent visit.
After confirming the tear, Dr. Cherf helped me choose the best course of action based on my needs and lifestyle — an ACL reconstruction using an allograft.
During that decision-making process he was open to my questions, and encouraged me to do my own research to be sure I was confident in my decision.
I had the surgery less than four weeks ago. Dr. Cherf did an excellent job on my knee, and he left minimal scaring.
The evening after my surgery he called to check up on me, and gave me his cell number in case I had questions over the weekend. He has since closely tracked my recovery with follow up visits.
It is obvious to me that Dr. Cherf is a talented surgeon who is equally invested in the physical and emotional recovery of his patients.
With Dr. Cherf's guidance, I chose a physical therapist who has helped me make incredible strides in my recovery. I'm already walking with barely a limp and riding a stationary bike; and my scars are quickly fading away.
I would recommend Dr. Cherf to anyone looking for a knee surgeon.
Diane - Back and Spine Care - March 31, 2008
Dear Dr. Cerullo, Dr. Stadlan and Dr. Villoch,
Once again, thank you for taking the time to listen to me and find the source of my pain. You are all such amazing doctors. I’d like to tell you after my second hospital experience at CINN, that once again your hospital is unlike any other. Your nurses are so attentive. They like their job. They enjoy taking care of the patients. If they are rushed, they certainly don’t pass it on to the patients.
I know when I am there that I feel calm. You just know inside that this is a wonderful, safe place where you are not just a “study” or another body. You care. Both Dr. Stadlan and Dr. Villoch were always checking in.
Annie, Dr. Villoch’s nurse and Tara, Dr. Stadlan’s nurse were so wonderful as well.
Bonnie Whitmore and Katie were my nurses more than one day and went above and beyond to care for me. I received a call from a study that you are participating in. I tried calling the number back 440-397-5480. I had no luck. Initially a woman asked if I would participate in the electronic voice study. I tried. This service never processed my one word answers. You deserve a better service to give you feedback. I assume they are out of Ohio.
Your hospital is so unique and the care is above and beyond any I have received in some of the so called “great institutions” in this city and others. I just want to say thank you and tell you how much I appreciate you.
Sincerely,
Diane
Michelle - Brain Tumor Patient - February, 2007
I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Jan 07. My neurologist referred me to Dr. Mkrdichian at CINN. When I met Dr. Mkrdichian I was so scared and nervous. My family and my husband were all with me as we talked over my options and what possibly could be.. Dr. even showed me my MRI. My family was very impressed by doctor and how assuring he was on that he will take care of me. I was so scared but in my heart I knew I was led to him. I chose to go ahead with the surgery to remove the tumor and two cysts. I still remember the morning so clearly as I arrived at CINN on the day of my surgery. I saw Dr. Mkrdichian and I knew that I was in good hands. During my stay at CINN after my surgery I was in the hands of the most wonderful nurses I have ever met. Being at CINN at a private hospital really makes a difference. It was quiet! All the nurses that took care of me were all compassionate, sweet and caring.
I was diagnosed with a benign tumor. I underwent the Gamma Knife procedure a week later for a small portion that could not be removed. On that day, I still remember the nurses holding my hand and comforting me. Dr. was right along my side. Even, after my surgery everytime I called to ask a question, Mike (Dr's assistant) or one of his nurses would call me back and were so pleasant. They made me feel I was not a bother.
Two months after surgery and Gamma I was back to work. This day, I feel as I was in the best hands possible. I believe the Lord and my grandmother led me to CINN. My grandmother passed away from brain cancer in 2002. I knew she was guiding me to only the best place with the best neurosurgeon!!!!
Thank you CINN for such great care and for providing the best doctors for us. Thank you Dr. Mkrdichian!! Im so grateful and blessed!!
Michelle - Brain Tumor - February, 2008
You have helped me immensely. You have given me a chance at life. I am truly blessed to have had your passion in saving lives touch mine. I will be forever grateful.
God Bless You,
—Michelle
Bob - Brain Tumor - May, 2005
Dear Dr. Rosseau,
I’m sending the attached letter to you, not looking for a donation for my Amvets post, but I'm sending this to say "thank you." Had it not been for you, your staff, your hospital, I doubt very much that I, at age 75, would be able to do what I plan on doing.
I had a very botched surgery for my tumor in December 2004 and when I met with you in May 2005, you stated that I would need this surgery again. You have no idea what a very whipped puppy this guy was when I heard that.
I had surgery, by you, in July 2005 and with my visit to you and MRI in April of 2008, you told me come see me in a year. What wonderful news.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you Dr. Rosseau, you’re my hero.
Be Well and God Bless You,
—Bob
Helen - Brain Tumor, Spinal Stenosis, Neck Stenosis - January, 2007
Dear Dr. Mkrdichian:
You certainly have done a “Job well done” many times over for my family.
1. Removed a brain tumor from my daughter Susan
2. Got me out of a wheelchair with the spinal stenosis operation
3. Took care of my daughter Anne, with the neck stenosis operation last month
I thank you for all of the above and am most grateful. Sincerely, Helen
P.S. Take care of yourself and don’t go away – you have one more, on Anne’s lower back.
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The Neurologic & Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago is the country's first freestanding acute care hospital dedicated exclusively to neuroscience and orthopedic services. It utilizes breakthrough technology and minimally invasive techniques as well as advanced procedures for neurosurgery, orthopedics, pain management, neuro-oncology, sports medicine, and rehabilitation.
