I am forever endebted to Denver Acute for saving my life.
There are no words to express my gratitude to you and the entire Denver Acute staff. From the moment of my arrival to the time of my discharge, everyone was warm, friendly and genuinely vested in my care, both medically and emotionally. I am forever endebted to Denver Acute for saving my life.
You have provided a nurturing environment in which to begin recovery. The whole team was brilliant in my individualized plan and I am truly honored to have been under the care of the most elite eating disorder professionals in the world.
These amazing professionals work together to restore a patient in all aspects--mind, body, and soul..
ACUTE Center at Denver Health absolutely saved my life! I battled anorexia and bulimia for 27 years and have had Juvenile Diabetes for three years. My life was in severe jeopardy. Dr. G and all of the team of amazing professionals work together to restore a patient in all aspects--mind, body, and soul. There is no judgement--just love. To have my life and health back--well, there are no words to express what that feels like. Thank you Dr. G!
My recovery at the ACUTE treatment center was the most positive and life changing medical treatment I have ever experienced.
Before entering their treatment program at the hospital, I had been suffering for over 10 years of not only my eating disorder, but also mistreatment by other less qualified physicians. I endured what seemed like an endless cycle of arduous medical testing and countless blood draws; all without any diagnosis or any chance at recovering my health and ultimately my life. I missed out on a lot of life experiences that my peers enjoyed and I was in chronic pain both emotionally and physically. By the time I got to the ACUTE center I was at my breaking point. There were many times where I had given up leading a healthy life and given up pursuing my goals in life. My life had all but collapsed from my condition. I had dropped out of college, became totally isolated from my peers, lost my relationship, and struggled to be close with anyone including my family. I felt no one could or would be willing to help me. I felt very alone. After attempting treatment in an outpatient program, it became clear that I would require hospitalization to end my substance abuse, restricting, and exercise addiction. My health was so compromised that without the ACUTE facility, I could have lost my life to my eating disorder.
The thought of a lengthy hospital stay was intimidating, but I truly felt the ACUTE center was the right place for me to get well. Being a young male, I was always concerned treatment would be difficult since it is less common for males to enter these types of programs. They welcomed me with open arms, always staying positive, giving me hope that I wasn’t alone in my fight, and that they would gladly do everything in their power to turn my life around. Everyone at the hospital was outstanding. From all my CNAs, the dieticians, all my nurses, and of course the excellent team of doctors that treated my case. My treatment by: Dr. Bahia, Dr. Cleary, Dr. Gaudiani, & Dr. Mehler was amazing. I finally felt I had found physicians that were experts in the treatment of eating disorders and they proved it every day I was under their care. I never felt judged or just like another patient. I realized how invested the medical staff was to improving my health and my quality of life. With their expertise within about 2 & half weeks, I was recovering, gaining emotional and physical strength, and was ready to move the next stage in my overcoming my eating disorder. Now, I am gaining my life back. I feel a great relief, and continue to get healthier with every passing month. I am finishing college and look forward to pursuing goals I set out to accomplish a long time ago. I am humbled by the care I received and extend my fondest gratitude to my team at the ACUTE center, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!
It is impossible to pick one person who stands out above all others because everyone I interacted with has been absolutely fabulous.
I have never seen or experienced a group of people who are so harmonious, show so much care and support for their patients. I always felt safe, but also watched my strength grow as I worked through my fears with staff. Although my weeks stay was very brief, the care I received felt like a month of love. Thank you to everyone on floor 7. You definitely gave me my fight back and showed me there are loving and nurturing people who truly care for others. I will hold this experience in my heart always.
A chance to live, a chance to fly...
When reflecting back on my time at the Denver Health ACUTE unit it is hard to know where to begin. The entire experience from start to finish was both eye opening and life changing. Upon admission, I was at my lowest point physically, mentally, and emotionally and drained of life and hope. I was far from home, my family, and support and scared to begin what I knew would be a long and arduous journey. Having struggled with anorexia for over ten years and in and out of many different treatment centers, I was exhausted and had lost sight and hope of recovery.
My time at the ACUTE unit, however, was unlike any experience I had had at previous facilities and treatment centers. From the moment I was admitted, I was treated not as a disease but as a person. The wonderful staff from Dr. Mehler and Dr. Gaudiani to the nurses and CNAs embraced me and took the time to truly understand and meet my needs. The care was individualized and complete, addressing both nutritional, physical, and mental aspects. Above all, the treatment team was just that--at team--and always ensured I was an active part of my treatment and recovery.
In the end, I left Denver Health with a renewed spirit and outlook on life. I was truly nourished body, mind, and soul and allowed the freedom to rediscover who I was without an eating disorder. Most importantly, I left knowing it was ok to have fears and uncertainties but not let that keep me from letting go and living life. There is so much more out there beyond the eating disorder once you stop simply existing and start truly living. My sincere hope and wish for those battling with an eating disorder and the decision to seek treatment is that you give yourself a chance--a chance to find yourself, a chance to live, a chance to fly.
I was treated with care and respect....
When I decided to get treatment for my Eating Disorder, I was told I was too sick for Residential Treatment. I was referred to Denver Health and Dr. Gaudiani, and was told they could help get me medically stable. I was severely underweight and was abusing laxatives, and I didn't trust that anybody could help me get off the laxatives, without me suffering severe side effects. When I got to Denver Health's ACUTE program, I was taken care of better than I could have expected. Between the doctors, nurses and CNA's I was treated with care and respect. Dr. Gaudiani, Dr. Mehler and Dr. Mascolo, listened to my fears and concerns, and took great care of me. I was alone, scared and there over the Thanksgiving holiday, and all the staff treated me so kindly. Within in 2 weeks I was medically stable and feeling better. The side effects I had suffered before when trying to get off the laxatives didn't happen, and everything they promised, did! I never thought I would be able to recover from my Eating Disorder, and without Denver Health's ACUTE program, I am not sure I would be in recovery today. They got me medically stable for Residential Treatment. Thank you to the whole team at Denver Health!!
I'm so happy that I dance like crazy every time I hear music.
I just wanted to let you know that I am doing FANTASTIC. In fact, my healthy life has come back completely (and then some!). ... I can't believe how much my life has completely changed in the past several months! I've made SOOO many amazing friends, got a boyfriend, went to amazing parties (including super fun pool parties where I felt confident in a bathing suit), joined a yoga studio, ect. I KNOW for a fact that I am healthy once in for all. ... I'm at a healthy weight, I feel great, and I'm happier than ever! I'm so happy that I dance like crazy every time I hear music. My friends know me as the "Dancing Queen of Denver." ... I definitely want to put the word out there as much as possible about how incredible the ACUTE center is for that final first step in complete recovery!
The care is so individualized and they meet you where you are at.
I cannot say enough good things about my experience here at Denver Health. From the day I was admitted to the day I left it was such a positive, professional, and loving experience. The staff at Denver Health from the CNAs, to nurses, Doctors and Administration all works together as such a strong unit to provide the upmost care of the patients. They went above and beyond their jobs to make me feel at home, cared for, special, and part of the family! I always had the support I needed to get through every day. I was nervous coming in, having never stayed at a hospital before but those feelings soon subsided with the outpouring of care I received. As I am getting ready to depart Denver Health and move on to my next stage of treatment, I have so much confidence, and strength due to the program. I feel that this is truly the only facility with professionals that are capable of treating those that are severely malnourished due to their eating disorder(s) and have all the knowledge necessary no matter what your story is and how long you have been battling your disease. I came here to be supervised during the refeeding process to make sure that there were no side effects and if there were, that I would be in an environment that would and they are the only doctors that I have ever talked with that understand this disease and how to treat it properly. The care is so individualized and they meet you where you are at. They realize that each case is different and spend time getting to know you and what will work best with you to help restore your physical health and wellbeing. The staff is genuinely invested in getting each of us back to a healthy and safe place to continue on to the next stage in battling our eating disorders.
Interview with a successful ACUTE Center patient
The ACUTE center is the stepping stone needed for ultimate recovery...
If it were not for the strong compassion and care of the doctors at Denver Health, I would not be living the wonderful, healthy life that I am now. In fact, I would not be living. I traveled to Denver from Michigan specifically to go to the ACUTE center at Denver Health and that was by far the very best decision I've ever made, since I may not have survived another week. I was very ill, extremely underweight, afraid, and helpless. Dr. Gaudiani, Dr. Mehler, and the rest of the team took me under their wings and helped guide me every step of the way to gain back my health, happiness, and strength. The ACUTE center is the stepping stone needed for ultimate recovery. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone struggling with an eating disorder or any related illness that causes individuals to become malnourished. THANK YOU DENVER HEALTH!
I was treated with the utmost respect...
Battling an eating disorder can be one of the scariest experiences a person (and their family and friends) can face, especially when looking for, and contemplating, treatment. If you are reading this, I’m guessing you understand that statement on a more personal level.
As a young lady who has struggled with an eating disorder for over 15 years, I know first-hand how scary it can be to relinquish control and ask for help. As a family member and/or friend, I also recognize how difficult it can be to watch your loved one struggle with the decision to live or die.
I was faced with this dilemma just a few weeks ago. Basically, I could seek treatment and choose life, or continue unhealthy eating disorder behaviors and risk not waking up in the morning, which became more and more of a reality for me and those who love me so much. Denver Health Medical Center’s A.C.U.T.E. inpatient treatment was recommended. I was hesitant and scared, yet knew I needed some type of intervention and immediate help if I wanted to live, which I desperately do.
From the moment I made the phone call to Denver Health, I was treated with the utmost respect and professionalism by Dr. Mehler, Dr. Gaudiani, and the entire staff. They got information from me and based on the severity of my situation, immediately began to make arrangements and recommendations for me to get to Denver as soon as possible. As a working professional, they were flexible with me as I made personal arrangements with work and family obligations. Dr. Gaudiani made phone calls and corresponded via e-mail to make the option to come to Denver Health a reality. I was completely at ease with her as she gently, yet knowledgably explained the severity of the disease and the need for professional treatment. She is positive and brilliant, yet direct and forthright as to the severity and nature of eating disorders. She truly cared about ME and I felt that before I even met her.
As soon as I walked in the doors of Denver Health, a burden was lifted. I finally felt safe and was able to trust the professionals (because that is what they truly are!) to give ME the treatment I needed. They met with me daily and made adjustments as necessary to my treatment, again to fit ME, my body and my needs. Individuals with eating disorders have similar struggles and the re-feeding process involves common side effects, which the doctors and nurses monitored carefully, once again treating the patient on an individual basis.
Everyone I interacted with has been personal, friendly and are SO knowledgeable about treating not only eating disorders, but truly the individual. Dr. Mehler, Chief Medical Officer of Denver Health and world-renowned expert in the field of Eating Disorders, made a point to visit with me and check on me throughout my stay. Dr. Gaudiani assessed and made daily changes according to my struggles, wants and needs, as well as made adjustments and recommendations pertinent to my care. Nurses and staff were constant, positive and thorough. They truly take a team approach which I so appreciate. They are aware of, and incorporate, cutting-edge research to guide their practice, but more importantly, carefully monitor labs, glucose levels, vitals, electrolytes, weight, etc. to cater treatment to the INDIVIDUAL. I will be forever grateful for the care they took in my medical stabilization so I am ready for the next step in my treatment and road to full recovery!
Anorexia hit me like a ton of bricks...
Anorexia hit me like a ton of bricks after suffering a car accident and other personal issues. My family, friends, kept mentioning the weight but I was not the one with the problem "they were.” I was recommended to DH, and Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani program through my out patient clinic...And of course my husband actually PUT me in the OP clinic. Trust me when I say I was dragged across the United States to "get better." I mean it. I am from Birmingham, Alabama...But one night and DH and Jennifer's wonderful team took me in and helped me see it was what not only I needed but had to do to live at all. The approach was clear...and charming enough to keep me, a true classic woman from the south or any other person there to realize what a horrible disease this is. I fought like a tiger but no matter what the staff kept coming back and regrouped me and helped me once again until I was able to return to Alabama to finish my program. I was told the program was the best, I thought, "Sure," sarcastically, but I am living proof they were. Thank you Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani.
I truly felt cared for and loved...
When I entered the ACUTE program, my family and I both thought that I was going to die and I had lost all faith in myself and in my future. Looking back at my experience, I can firmly say that Dr. Gaudiani and Dr. Mehler saved my life. I had previously been to several eating disorder treatment centers, but nowhere have I been treated with as much respect and compassion. I truly felt cared for and loved and each step of the process was nurturing and nourishing in every way. The program was also very sensitive to my needs and extremely comprehensive and thorough. I truly owe my life to the program and would whole-heartedly recommend it to even the sickest patients without any reservations. There is hope!
They saved me and gave me the precious gift of life...
Upon entering Denver Health, ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders I was at my lowest point. I had hit rock bottom and knew I could no longer continue this perpetuating, terrifying cycle of restricting, overexerting and self destruction. It was killing me and I knew it was time to seek treatment. It was time to choose between life and death and I wanted life more than anything. After doing extensive research I came across Denver Health and immediately knew this was the place for me to start my journey towards health. They saved me and gave me the precious gift of life. Without them I stood no chance in surviving
This is a state of the art facility and I feel privileges to have had the opportunity to work with this team of professionals. They are so knowledgeable have the best doctors and staff in the world.
I know that entering the hospital is terrifying but the staff at Denver Health deserve to be acknowledged for their hard work, compassion, leadership, dedication and sincerity to their professions. They are all so insightful, real, kind, genuine, and trustworthy with positive attitudes and radiate with unconditional love, empathy and warmth. They make the transition as easy as possible.
The staff is caring, attentive and would go above and beyond to make sure that my needs were met. Every one of the staffs presence would light up the room. They are committed to helping individuals move forward and overcome the challenges in life. They addressed my needs promptly and with love and affections I desperately needed. Their hugs and encouragement meant the world to me. The staff here are all one in a million...angels in disguise. They take time to listen with open arms and always said the right things at the right time. They helped me put things into perspective and taught me patience and persistence pays. They encouraged me through the trying and turbulent times without passing judgment and never treated me like a number on a scale. They treated me as a human with a heart, soul and spirit. They never gave up on me even when I felt like throwing in the towel and giving up on myself. They would cheer me on, and offer such inspirational words of wisdom that I'll always remember and keep close to my heart. They helped me to ultimately surrender control to the disorder and be at peace. I came in guarded...wearing a mask and they helped me slowly uncover the mask, open up, be myself, blossom, and released me from my lonely prison.
Their small facility offered individualized treatment which was great and very much appreciated. They showed me I'm capable of recovery and gave me glimmers of hope.
I have nothing but the utmost respect for program and staff from the doctors to the nurses to the dieticians to the CNAs to the sitters. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is currently seeking treatment. I feel blessed to have such extraordinary professionals be a part of my journey of health. This is such a safe place to start recovery!!