Dear Dr. Zak - Thank you for your suport during my recent surgery! You and Dr. Grobelny are an awesome team. You've provided me with a new lease on life. Thanks!
I appreciate the time you took to explain your role in the procedure in advaance. It did put me at ease.

Steve - Mission & Values - May, 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

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Bob - Disc Fusion - May, 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.

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Suzanne - Spinal Abscess - May, 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!

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Linda - Back Pain - May, 2008

Dr. Cerullo,

I am sorry it took me so long to send this message, but I feel it is important for me to at least acknowledge what a fine physician Dr. Robinson is. You should be proud to have such a fine young man in you organization. I have never felt like any doctor has taken the time to listen to my concerns the way he did. His treatment procedures left me feeling
confident that anything that could be done was being done. I realize my condition was not life threatening, but when it leaves you so sleepless and uncomfortable, I really needed some help. With Dr. Robinson's fine help, he was able to relieve the back pain. I do know that it can re-occur, and I know his office is there to help me.

Although I was pleased with the way in which you and your staff assisted me, I thank you for directing me to Dr. Robinson. His location was much easier than trying to come to the city. I'm sure you get your share of complaints, but wanted to let you know how
pleased I was with the this fine doctor.

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Michelle - Brain Tumor - May, 2008

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

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Helen - Brain Tumor, Spinal Stenosis, Neck Stenosis - May, 2008

Dear Dr. Mkrdichian:

You certainly have done a "Job well done" many times over for my family.

Removed a brain tumor from my daughter Susan
Got me out of a wheelchair with the spinal stenosis operation
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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Camie - Brain Tumor - April, 2008

Dear Dr. Cerullo and Dr. Mkrdichian,

Today is April 4th, 2008 and exactly one year since we lost my Dad, Tom to a brain tumor at your hospital. It is a rough day for all of us as we miss him a great deal.

I wanted to call you, however I know you are all very busy so I thought the best thing to do was just to fax you a note to thank you.

Thank you for taking such good care of my Dad while he was at your hospital. For doing all you could do. Thank you to your staff for keeping him as comfortable as possible. You did an amazing job of keeping us updated, staying calm and focused while also showing our family compassion for our sorrow. We will never forget the care my Dad received and the extra efforts each of you put forth to keep my Mom, Marge comfortable as well. Even the valet in front of the hospital was outstanding and hugged my Mom each day.

Today as we honor his memory, I needed to recognize CINN, you as excellent Physicians/Surgeons and your staff for going above and beyond your call of duty. I am very thankful to each of you. Today we will also remember you and keep each of you in our thoughts and prayers.

Best regards and deepest thanks,

Camie
& the family of Thomas

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Diane - Spine Surgery - March, 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. 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

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Pamela - Herniated Disc - March 2008

Dear Dr. Cerullo:

On December 11, 2007, I was operated on by Dr. Noam Stadlan for a herniated disk that had me in the most excruciating pain I had ever experienced. I had been scheduled to consult with you on December 12, but my physician at the Chicago Rehabilitation Institute asked if the appointment could be moved forward because my pain and weakness had increased radically in only a few days. I was very frightened and much relieved to learn that I had an appointment with you on December 6, when you introduced me to Dr. Stadlan. You and he were both compassionate and careful to explain what would happen, reassuring about the surgery, and I was scheduled for the following week.

Coming out of surgery, I was elated to be able to walk without pain for the first time in over a year that I kept getting out of bed and dragging my IV bottle in circuits around the 7th floor. I have thanked you and your team at CINN with every healthy step I have taken since.

I also have to tell you that CINN is a very special place. I haven’t met one person there who is not professional, caring, and committed. This goes from the gentlemen who park your car, to the receptionists who check you in, to the operating room staff who reassure you, to the nurses who take care of you, to the physical therapists who follow up with you, to the administrative staff who work out insurance issues. For people who are, as I was, frightened, alone, and vulnerable, this means the world.

CINN not only radiates state-of-the-art expertise at every level but your staff delivers care with a heart beating behind the brains of those who deliver it.

I am very grateful to you and your colleagues for what you have created and for what you did for me.

With sincere thanks,

Pamela

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