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Patient Stories

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Neuroscience

New Deep Brain Stimulation System Improves Quality of Life for Woman with Parkinson’s Disease

“Everyone there, when I go in, they go the extra mile,” she said. “I see Dr. Thakkar every three months, and he is very caring. When I need something, he takes care of it. I never worry about not being able to get a hold of him. I know that with him, I’ve got it covered.”

After Two Painful Years, Spine Surgery Patient Gets ‘A New Lease on Life’

“I went from a bent-over old man to standing up straight like an old Marine,” said Coppock, 73. “I feel good and confident. I know I’m healed and repaired.”

Heart & Vascular

Cardiac Patient Grateful for Hoag Staff’s ‘Heart’

Robert Fulkerson had worked in health care for more than 30 years, so, as he puts it, “I know good health care instantly, when I see it.” He also knows good nurses, good hospitals and good medical teams. But nothing he has seen in three decades of working as a scrub nurse and an orthopedic … Read More

Cancer

ER Nurse Becomes Cancer Survivor at the Hospital She Trusts

“The whole team at Hoag Family Cancer Institute, most especially the nurse navigators, blew my mind,” she said. “Everyone was incredible. They truly care. I have felt so connected to every one of my doctors.”

First Graduate of Hoag Lifestyle Program Determined to Reach His Goals

My main focus was to lose weight and feel my best again,” said Jim. “After knee replacement surgery, I struggled to get up and down without assistance. I made it my mission to be able to get down on one knee and stand back up on my own.

Despite Pandemic, Mom Had Second Chance at Ideal Birth

“I’ve worked in medical practices before, and sometimes the day to day operations can cause employees to become desensitized to a patient’s anxious or worrisome feelings. At Hoag it’s not like that. They are always a top-notch facility, but in this situation, they were extra respectful of patients’ anxiety,” she said.

Neuroscience

Virtual Reality Gives Hospital Patient an Out-of-Body Experience

“The technology allows me to experience brief moments of zero pain where I can refocus and re-channel positive energy to help me get through spasms. It motivates me to keep going,” Charles said.

Cancer

Oral Cancer Survivor Creates Food Guide to Give Others Hope

“I am grateful to share my food recovery journey,” he said. “The effect of talking with people who have said this guide has given them hope, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Digestive Health

Investment in Crohn’s Disease Gives Patient Comfort and Hope

“I feel like I have the best on my team,” Jason said. “I feel confident in her and in Hoag. Having Dr. Hwang and Dr. Yu, signals to me that Hoag is investing in the care of people in Orange County who have Crohn’s. It’s an opportunity for Hoag to help a lot of people.”

Surf Photographer Learns Valuable Lesson on Water Safety

“I emailed him 20 questions, and within 40 minutes he had answers to every single question,” Jason said. “Dr. Mehta is a champion.”