Healing with Care: Brett’s Journey After Spinal Fusion
Jennifer/Dan,
I wanted to write to you both to tell you about my experience with the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center and with Dr. Carrie Diulus’ office.
I know that when letters come in, they are not typically positive, but this one is 100% positive.
On my first meeting with Dr. Diulus, we had a 15-minute scheduled Telehealth visit. We got off the computer after a very thorough discussion about my symptoms and my options 1 hour and 15 minutes later. I knew at that point that I wasn’t just a number to her and that I was a person. The level of care that she showed me during that first visit, definitely reflected throughout the rest of my dealings up to this point with Crystal Clinic.
Her medical secretary, Jessica, has also proven to be a joy to deal with. We’ve only spoken twice, but both times, I again felt like my care was their number one priority.
When I checked into the hospital for my pre-op on 2/28/2022, the day before my surgery, the front desk staff was amazing. They were friendly and wonderful to deal with. The pre-op staff was great as well. Never hesitated to answer any questions that came up that I had about what seems to be a pretty major surgery.
The morning of my surgery, the check-in staff was just as friendly as the ladies I dealt with the day before. The pre-op nursing staff was excellent and when Dr. Diulus came in, she answered all the questions that came to mind. I wasn’t really nervous about the surgery, but I truly was made to feel more at ease than I was before. The OR staff was superb as well. I only got to see them for about 3 minutes before they knocked me out, but they were great while we talked on the way to the OR.
The physical therapy and occupational therapy ladies were all amazing as well. The PT I was sent home to do is a great starter PT and really helps me loosen my back each day. The short time that OT was with me, I not only learned different ways of doing things for myself, but it also helped me learn other, safe ways, of doing things for myself as well (toes are excellent grabbers of dropped objects!). I know this is a lot and it may seem redundant with each paragraph, but from a patient perspective, that is really good news. If everyone you come into contact with is a great person, with a great attitude, (oh, I forgot about the housekeeping lady and the food service ladies … also excellent), then that speaks volumes about the people they work for. It also helps when you have a spinal fusion and the only pain you have feels like a pulled muscle in your lower back.
If I have one negative thing to bring up, it’s the fact that you all are not located closer to Southeastern WV! Haha!
I will not hesitate to contact Dr. Diulus or another member of the medical team there if I have another issue. I am located 6 hours from you, and I will still make that drive if needed.
Thank you so much for providing the great care to me that you did. You all are amazing!
Thanks,
Brett