Testimonials from Winchester Hospital Patients
Sometimes a hospital’s story is best told by patients who have been there. We are pleased to present these stories and testimonials by Winchester Hospital patients.
Linda Telfer, Breast Cancer Survivor, Stow, MA
“Getting prepared for a mammogram after you’ve had cancer isn’t exactly easy. I had breast cancer 11 years ago and while there are four or five hospitals closer to me, Winchester Hospital is the only place I’d consider.
The staff at the Winchester Hospital Breast Care Center has been with me through five successful biopsies – they know what I need to be comfortable and always go out of their way to make it possible. The nurses who cared for me know what I went through and are still there; they do a great job of making sure patients get the support they need every step of the way.
Everyone at the Breast Care Center has always been reassuring and quick to respond whenever I’ve needed some extra help – this means more than you know. The care at Winchester Hospital is wonderful and I deeply appreciate it.
Barbara Heffernan, Bladder Control Patient, Reading, MA
“I’ve had an overactive bladder and bladder control problems for more than 30 years. Anyone who experiences these symptoms can understand it’s a horrible, embarrassing problem to live with.
I never felt comfortable talking about it, so I didn’t – not even to my primary care physician. I didn’t realize that I had options that could easily alleviate my issues.
Dr. Rajan at Winchester Hospital performed a minimally invasive surgery that literally has changed my life. I was incredibly well-informed throughout the entire experience right through recovery, making it as pleasant as it could have been. I used to have to plan my whole day so I could stop if I needed to. Now, I travel without a second thought.
Women tend to take care of everybody but themselves, but when you improve the quality of your own life, I believe it makes you an even better caregiver.”
Elise Nicholson, Osteoporosis Patient, Stoneham, MA
“I live in Stoneham and teach at a local school. Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute was offering a free bone density screening – something that I had never done in my 44 years. The 8-minute test determined that I had osteopenia (mild to moderate bone loss); this encouraged me to get further testing which revealed that I had osteoporosis (severe bone loss).
If not for Winchester Hospital, it would never have occurred to me to have a bone scan. The programs in their Community Health Institute are encouraging community awareness and impacting overall health – what a wonderful service.”
Theresa Smith, Knee Replacement Patient, Wilmington, MA
“A lot of people said I was too young for a total knee replacement, but I was still miserable with constant knee swelling and pain after two arthroscopic surgeries.
I couldn’t exercise, I couldn’t shop, and I wouldn’t even think of scheduling a trip because it would be a waste of money to go someplace where I had to walk. It’s not an easy operation, but the end result is worth it. You get your quality of life back.
I can’t say enough about the quality care I received from my physician, Dr. Helene Feiler. People kept encouraging me to have the surgery at a Boston hospital, but I had so much confidence in Dr. Feiler that I wouldn’t even consider it.”
Patricia M., Sleep Study Patient, Stoneham, MA
“My sleep issues were so intense that I was waking up constantly and drinking three bottles of water a night because I was so dried out from breathing through my mouth. I was treated at Winchester and advised to use the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for sleep.
In the beginning I didn’t want to use it because I was too vain; I didn’t want my boyfriend to see me wearing the mask. But it really worked for me, so I use it faithfully every night. Now I sleep eight or nine hours straight, and the humidifier on the machine keeps my sinuses from drying out. My breathing is better and I’m not exhausted anymore.
If you keep an open mind, you just may give yourself the chance for a better quality of life.”
Joan Romboli, Manchester, NH, lost 136 pounds following laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery at Winchester Hospital
“My mom was a big lady. And she died of a massive heart attack at 70. I took after her but didn’t want to follow in her footsteps, so I took charge of my life. I said, 'I’m going to change this.’
I went to Winchester Hospital. It’s clear that Winchester Hospital really understands and cares about obese people. I really felt like they were looking after me and my entire health by making sure that surgery was my best option.
I am now totally comfortable and accepting of my body. I feel great now, but it’s still me, Joan.”
Our Center for Cancer at 620 Washington Street in Winchester offers a full range of coordinated cancer treatment services, together in one building, with an onsite nurse navigator to offer help and guidance.
Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Winchester Hospital’s full-service Sleep Disorders Center diagnoses and treats patients suffering from all types of sleep-related problems.
Winchester Hospital is committed to providing the most effective weight management programs and, when appropriate, the most advanced treatment for weight loss surgery.