Leading Edge Technology Patient's Voice

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Leading Edge TechnologyLeading Edge Technology - from a medication dispensing robot to private patient rooms and new floors with full telemetry capabilities, Backus Hospital balances advancements in technology with patient needs.

Patient's Voice

Tracie Fall with her youngest daughter, Abigayle.

Radiology Department

Members of the Interventional Radiology team at the
suite opening.

For four years, ever since my first pregnancy, I suffered the painful effects of fibroids. I had a lot of trouble with heavy bleeding and painful cramping. I was tired all the time — it was a real downer trying to care for the kids in that situation.

At one point, because the fibroids were so large,my physician said I might want to consider a hysterectomy. At the age of 32, I decided I didn't want to do that — there had to be a less drastic way.

My doctor then referred me to the Interventional Radiology Department at Backus Hospital. The first meeting I had with Dr. Herb Lustberg to discuss treatment options was more like having coffee with a friend, rather than a consultation with a radiologist.

We decided that I was a good candidate for a uterine fibroid embolization procedure. With children ages 2 and 3 at home, I was told the recovery time could take a bit longer, but within 10 days of the May procedure, I was out walking, pushing a stroller two miles every day near my Navy housing home in Groton. It wasn't a fast two miles,but it was two miles. And there was no pain at all.

Honestly, it was a life-changing procedure for me, and I had no idea it was even available in the local community. I'm active, pain-free — and pregnant again. Everyone I dealt with at Backus Hospital was just amazing. There were no problems; it was just a really good feeling overall.

I tell all of my friends that if they need to have procedures, they should try to have them at Backus. The entire atmosphere of the hospital is just incredible. I would recommend it to anyone.