Testimonials

Testimonials Describing the Excellent Outcomes and Care Patients Received Before, During, and After Having Surgery at UNC

The Enhanced Recovery Program at UNC Hospitals was created by the UNC Department of Anesthesiology, with the cooperation of UNC Department of Surgery, to improve the care for patients undergoing extensive surgical procedures. This is the story of one patient’s experience that highlights how the Enhanced Recovery Program improved his care, from pre-op to recovery. He was able to walk virtually pain-free the day after his extensive surgery. Every aspect of his recovery was improved, and his hospital stay was shortened, which also helped to speed up his return to normal daily activities.

Other Patients and Providers say…

“I believe the care I received at the hospital with everyone involved was outstanding. Dr. Kim and his team are absolutely super, delightful, and caring people. How blessed we are to have been in their care.” -GB, September 2014

“He had no pain, which is amazing…he came out to me with a 10-12″ incision with zero pain, which is a rarity.” -PACU nurse Kimberly Meador, RN, December 2014

“I wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for the skilled care and compassion I received during my recent surgery. My recovery has been amazing due in part to the ERAS protocol. While in the hospital, I only used the PAC once, when the recovery nurse recommended it as I was being transferred to a room. The evening of the surgery I was able to stand, and the day after surgery I walked over a mile! In fact both [the doctor and the resident] that saw me following surgery remarked that I did not look nor act like I just had major abdominal surgery. Tylenol, Lyrica, and Celebrex gave me sufficient pain control. I actually returned to work within 2 weeks of the procedure. Thank you in pursuing research into helping patients recover from surgery and for applying that research to my care.” -JA, May 2016

“When I woke up right after surgery, I was not in any pain and was so comfortable that I initially thought I was in my own bed at home and had overslept for my surgery!” -ERAS patient, May 2016

“My recovery has been amazing due in part to the ERAS protocol. While in the hospital, I only used the PAC once, when the recovery nurse recommended it as I was being transferred to a room. The evening of the surgery I was able to stand, and the day after surgery I walked over a mile!  In fact both [the doctor and the resident] that saw me following surgery remarked that I did not look nor act like I just had major abdominal surgery.” ERAS Patient – May, 2016

“It is the morning after my hysterectomy,and I am using the bathroom on my own and not in much pain. I’ve washed my face, put makeup on, and tidied up my room. I’m going home soon, roughly 24 hours after surgery, so it hasn’t been bad!” -JS, May 2016

“Oh, they look great. I think ERAS is amazing. Their pain is better, they’re up moving around.” – Heidi Prestemon, BSN, RN-BC, RD, LDN, May 2016

“I have noticed that Dr. Kim’s patients are well taught in the use of the IS during their pre-procedure visit. They are coming having practiced and often have the IS and log with them.” Acute pain nurse –January, 2018

“They seem to be grasping the importance of post-op IS and are using the IS more confidently due to pre-hospital practice in the relaxes atmosphere of their homes.” -January, 2018

“The ERAS epidural is AWESOME.” ERAS-Thoracic patient –February, 2018