Patient Stories
‘Pretty Dang Good’: Epilepsy Patient Has Hope for the First Time
Technically, Bryce Hodding was the third patient neurologist and epileptologist David Millett, M.D., saw after he was recruited to Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute at Hoag in 2014 as the program director of Hoag’s Epilepsy Program. But according to Bryce, “Every time you go in there, he treats you like you’re his first patient and you … Read More
Searching for stability: How a Hoag specialist helped patient
Searching for stability: How a Hoag specialist helped patient find answers, get treatment When Virginia Torney started to feel off-balance, she was concerned. The 84-year-old always been active, with pilates, yoga and frequent walks serving as staples in her lifestyle. But three years ago, she started to notice she was walking differently. Virginia at first … Read More
Steven Fink Hadn’t Slept Well in 30 Years
Before he retired, Steven, 65, had been a high-powered salesman and the single father of three boys. When his head hit the pillow at night, instead of drifting off to sleep, he found his mind racing – going over conversations he had had at work, thinking about his kids, planning, reviewing, contemplating. He didn’t feel … Read More
Brain Tumor Survivor is Celebrating Six Years and Counting Thanks To Hoag
For Lindsay Susskind, life is good. Wearing a bright sundress and a sunny smile, Lindsay’s excitement towards life shows as she talks about her recent engagement.
Assessing Your Brain Health: It’s a Family Affair
When you first meet Laguna Beach resident, David Johnson (DJ), his upbeat personality and positive attitude is immediately apparent. Equally transparent is his fondness toward his father, Ken. “He is my best friend and a much better tennis player than I will ever be,” says DJ. Ken is an active 83-year old Corona del Mar … Read More
Acting Fast is the Key to Treating Stroke
Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in adults. The good news is, the faster you seek medical treatment, the better your chance of a full recovery. This was the case for Fountain Valley resident Susie Chew. Susie, a 62-year-old computer programmer, returned to work on Monday morning after a week-long vacation. Getting back … Read More
From a Walker to Walking Freely and Without Pain in One Day
From a life of near paralysis to snatching a 230-pound halibut out of Alaskan waters in less than two weeks is a story Darwin Beckel will always tell. “I was suffering severely because of spinal stenosis,” said Darwin, who had undergone unsuccessful back surgery at another hospital in 2010, and decided to contact Dr. Burak … Read More
Pro-Active Patient of Lewy Body Disease Experiencing Success
Steve Heins tried to cover up his symptoms of Lewy Body Disease, but his Eagle Scout son, Robert, was not about to let his father lose his mind. Steve’s wife, Gincy, will never forget the day – her birthday, Oct. 11, 2009 – when 12-year-old Robert came home and revealed to his mother that dad … Read More
Retired Firefighter Says Dr. Ozgur ‘Does Miracles’
Burak Ozgur, M.D., is the neurosurgeon Ray Macken had been waiting for. For years, Ray, 71, didn’t talk about his back pain. A firefighter in the days when firefighters didn’t have much job security, Ray figured that if he complained about his back, he’d likely get laid off. Once he retired he began seeking help, … Read More