Testimonials
Testimonials
Read how we are changing lives.
NANA AMA
Painful periods. Frequent trips to the bathroom. The fear of bleeding in public. Fibroids made life hard for Nana Ama, and she sought an alternative to a hysterectomy. I was diagnosed with fibroids in 2005 when I was pregnant. The pregnancy ended in preterm birth, and I had a myomectomy in 2006. But the fibroids would grow back, this time with a vengeance.
My periods were painful, and I bled a lot with huge clots. My life was a living hell. The bleeding prevented me from many activities because I was afraid I was going to embarrass myself with blood stains on my outfit. I had to wear diapers during my periods to work to avoid embarrassment, but sometimes, the diapers didn’t help.
I made an appointment to see a gynecologist in 2020, and I found out I was severely anemic. I was given a blood transfusion and an iron infusion. I was also given birth control to stop me from bleeding, but that didn’t help. I had headaches and gained a lot of weight, so I stopped taking it.
My gynecologist’s next treatment option was a hysterectomy, but that was not an option for me. I decided to do my own research and found Dr. Rochelle Wolfe at VIE. She gave me hope because all the doctors I consulted with said my only option was a hysterectomy. In December, Dr. Wolfe performed a minimally-invasive procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Dr. Wolfe & her team at VIE are amazing. They took very good care of me and followed up with me after the procedure.
Post procedure, my lifestyle has improved tremendously. I don’t bleed as much. I don’t make frequent bathroom visits. I sleep through the night and wake up refreshed. I’m not tired and depressed, and to top it all off, no more painful periods!
I finally feel healthy, and thank Dr. Wolfe for saving my life. I wish I would have known about her – and UFE – much, much sooner.
Read more “NANA AMA”
Theresa
Theresa felt like her doctors had tried everything, but the wound on her leg wouldn’t heal. My story starts 21 years ago. I was pulling a rolling table into a spot on the factory floor, and I turned to see where it should go. The table hit me in the back of my leg and severed the Achilles tendon.
Then, last year, the wound from that surgery started to open. The Achilles tendon was fine, but the sore, which started out the size of a key hole, kept getting bigger and bigger.
My primary physician sent me to a plastic surgeon to get the wound closed up, but soon after my surgery, it opened again.
After trying a wound clinic, having home health care twice a week, and using a Hyperbaric Oxygen tank, my plastic surgeon decided I needed to see Dr. Michael Cumming at VIE.
Finally, my wound started to close and heal. As it turns out, I have varicose veins, but they couldn’t be seen from the outside of my leg.
I feel like everyone tried to take care of me as best they could, but it was Dr. Cumming and the staff at VIE that helped me the most. Without a visit to them, I think I’d still have an open sore on my leg! I would recommend VIE to anyone going through anything similar.
Read more “Theresa”
John
John was experiencing swelling in his face, neck, and left arm, and his primary care physician was unsure why. My experience with Dr. Michael Cumming and his staff has been exceptional. With no explanation for the swelling I was dealing with, my primary care physician reached out to Dr. Cumming’s office, and I was able to get an appointment the very next day.
After several tests, Dr. Cumming was able to diagnose me with a blood clot that was causing the swelling. Within two days, I had a stent put in during a same-day procedure.
Thankfully, this completely solved my swelling problem, and I have had follow-up visits monthly to monitor my circulation. I am now on a 3-month monitoring schedule and am doing very well.
I have been very satisfied with Dr. Cumming’s ability to explain things to me throughout this process, and his concern for my health needs. I would highly recommend him and his entire team to anyone.
Read more “John”
Marcia
For Marcia, walking was becoming a challenge. Her legs felt heavy and often ached, so she decided it was time to get her life back. Dr. Michael Cumming at VIE was excellent. He gave me a thorough evaluation before deciding I needed a bilateral venous insufficiency treatment. I have a clotting problem, and I was relieved to find out I did not have to go off my blood thinners. Better yet, I had no side effects from the procedure.
VIE also has a great staff. Very professional, empathetic, and compassionate. From the reception area to the exam room, I had a very positive experience.
I am happy with my results. I can breathe better, have more energy, and am walking without the aches & pains. I would highly recommend VIE for their exceptional care.
Read more “Marcia”
Angelique
Angelique calls it a “7-year nightmare” and thought she was all out of options for the intense bleeding caused by uterine fibroids that was destroying her quality of life. VIE saved my life, and Dr. Rochelle Wolfe is my angel.
Back in 2014, a doctor I went to for my fibroids suggested a dilation and curettage procedure because he believed it would stop the bleeding. He was dead wrong.
After 2 blood transfusions, passing out from bleeding so heavily, and feeling weak all the time, I began my own research. I knew I had to change course because my belly was constantly on fire, and it hurt so bad that I got severely depressed. I would confine myself to the house. It felt like I couldn’t have a social life anymore because I would bleed through my clothing and even completely stopped dating.
I also became very aggravated because I’d visit doctor after doctor, and it seemed like no one would take my condition seriously. Thank God for Google! I found Dr. Wolfe at VIE, and since then, my life is back to normal.
I had a uterine fibroid embolization, a non-surgical procedure, and I recovered very well. My body feels absolutely great, however, sometimes my brain still seems stuck in my 7-year nightmare. But I’m working on that every day.
Thank you, Dr. Wolfe and your entire team. I love you all, and mean that from the bottom of my heart.
Read more “Angelique”
Stanley
In early summer, I was diagnosed with cancer. Needless to say, it was a devastating announcement coming from my primary care doctor and then my newly-introduced oncologist. I think anyone… receiving this initial news is very apprehensive when it comes to new doctors, new treatment regimens, new medical procedures, and the list goes on. Not knowing what to expect from these new medical organizations, I was very nervous, apprehensive, and scared. I have never had to go through anything like this by myself or with anyone else. I was referred to VIE for 3 medical procedures. I didn’t know what to expect, who would be directly performing the procedures, and what the VIE personnel would do to encourage me on this newfound journey. To my joy and amazement, VIE’s staff was incredibly kind and welcoming, and overall, kept me comfortable and assured. From the staff members at the registration desk to the physician who performed my procedures, everybody executed their duties with precise care and kind hearts. With all of that thoughtful kindness, I was relieved of my fears and concerns. I left the VIE office with new friends that care for me and my overall health and well being. Read more “Stanley”
Harrison
As a 25-year-old former athlete who loves to stay active, I was worried I would have chronic pain for the rest of my life. I found VIE and Dr. Michael Cumming after spending 6 months with 5 different physicians, undergoing ultrasounds, physical therapy sessions, and CT scans to try and find the source of my pelvic and testicular pain. As a 25-year-old former athlete who loves to stay active, I was worried I would have chronic pain for the rest of my life. I found VIE and Dr. Michael Cumming after spending 6 months with 5 different physicians, undergoing ultrasounds, physical therapy sessions, and CT scans to try and find the source of my pelvic and testicular pain. I felt cast aside by other doctors. They all seemed to accept that some pain you cannot make go away, but when I showed up at VIE, Dr. Cumming was able to articulate what was causing my pain and that he had seen and helped others with the same issue. The same varicocele that 2 urologists and a surgeon told me was not causing my pain, was actually the culprit. Dr. Cumming’s confidence and experience with others who had this pain filled me with hope. I was excited to have this operation and get back to normal life. However, we ran into issues with my insurance provider who rejected the operation and misfiled paperwork, throwing my case into flux. This is where I got to experience a whole new level of personal care and support. Dr. Cumming and his front office staff, Julie in particular, worked with me to submit appeals and communicate with my insurance provider in order to get the operation approved. They worked after hours to compile medical studies supporting the case, and they stuck with it for 4 months, exhausting all appeals and keeping me updated throughout the process. When it became clear that my insurance was working against me rather than for me, and would not approve the operation, I told Dr. Cumming I still wanted to proceed. It was so apparent how much they cared about helping me with my pain, and were going to do whatever they could. Eventually, I was able to have the operation, and 10 days later, I was back to lifting weights 6 days a week and playing basketball 3 days a week. Dr. Cumming is not just a master of his craft, he also has the personal touch. I had basically given up, and now I have no pain and have been able to resume a life that I thought I had lost. VIE has restored my faith in the medical field.
Read more “Harrison”
Allan
For about four years, my life revolved around where a bathroom was or would be. In 2019, I saw a urologist and found out my prostate was about 100 to… 130 (should be about 25 to 40 for my age of 65). I took pills for about a year and saw some improvement, but still could not ever really empty my bladder. I continued to live with it, but in late 2020, a relative was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I went in to see his doctor, and he said I needed a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a procedure that removes the part of the prostate gland that surrounds the urethra and causes obstruction to the urethra. I started looking into alternative procedures, and canceled the TURP. In early 2021, I called several doctors in Florida while on vacation because sleeping became such a challenge. Sometimes, I would wake up to use the bathroom 5 to 6 times and get as little as 20 minutes of sleep. After returning from vacation, things kept getting worse, and ultimately a catheter was inserted to drain urine from my bladder. Needless to say, I needed to do SOMETHING because I could not keep letting this control my life. After hearing about PAE, prostate artery embolism, I started calling around, but couldn’t find any physicians in MN. I talked with a urologist that was on call, and he said he knew of someone right down the block, Dr. Michael Cumming at VIE. Dr. Cumming is outstanding. He is a caring and considerate doctor who looks his patient’s in the eye to make sure they understand what he’s going to do. In May, I went through with the procedure and within 4 hours, I was able to use the bathroom and had the catheter removed. Since then, every week has gotten better, and last night I slept 10 hours! That has become my new normal. I may wake up once a night, but most times, am able to sleep all the way through. Because of Dr. Cumming and VIE, I have gotten my life back and was saved from a lot of pain. I also appreciate how Dr. Cumming’s staff models after him and are very caring and compassionate. Thank you to everyone who was a part of this journey. God bless your business and life, Dr. Cumming. Read more “Allan”
Donald
I was definitely frustrated. For about 10 months, I had an ulcer on my ankle that would not heal and no one could figure out what it was. I saw… my primary-care physician, a dermatologist, and even an orthopedic surgeon. Finally, I was referred to Dr. Michael Cumming at VIE, and he knew exactly what it was right when I showed him! Sure enough, I Googled a Venous ulcer when I got home, and he was spot on. Dr. Cumming told me they had a procedure to fix my ulcer, and it worked! From start to finish, my experience with Dr. Cumming & VIE was fabulous. They are wonderful, kind, and caring people, and I’m very grateful for their expertise. Read more “Donald”
Jeni
After about two years of struggling with abdominal pain, weight gain, major cramping with my cycles, and extreme bleeding, I decided to ask my OBGYN physician what could be causing… these symptoms. After an ultrasound and an MRI, it was determined that I had four fibroids in my uterus. One was the size of a grapefruit! I was referred to Dr. Rochelle Wolfe at VIE, and she covered what I should expect from the minimally-invasive procedure (Uterine Fibroid Embolization) in detail. I was in-and-out of the clinic that same day with only a tiny incision spot. Within one week, I was on the road to feeling more energized. Four months later, my MRI had shown a 50% decrease in the size on my fibroids, and I now have my life back! I cannot express how important it is to get checked out. I have all of my energy and vigor back. All thanks to Dr. Wolfe and her amazing staff! Read more “Jeni”
Jennifer
Before going to VIE, I used to get up 1-2 times per night to go to the bathroom, and now it’s rare. I used to have incredibly heavy periods, and… they have significantly lightened. I even went down a pants size after my uterus diminished back toward normal. The best part is my workouts are so much better following my treatment with VIE. I am extremely active with running, weight training, and riding my stationary bike. I am so grateful to be exercising pain free. My biggest improvement area has been being able to handle running and jump training without incontinence issues. My greatest passion is Colorado mountain hiking, and I am thrilled my bladder allows me to hike for 6-8 miles now, when before I would have to stop every 3-4 miles. VIE’s staff has been incredible to me and so responsive to some minor issues I had come up along the way. I’ve called the clinic a few times, and Dr. Wolfe always gets back to me within an hour or two. I’m thankful that my quality of life is back, and I have nothing but admiration for VIE’s practice and its people! Read more “Jennifer”
Sandy
My ankles and legs were swollen, and I was feeling miserable. My primary care physician was pondering my case and recommended I see Dr. Rochelle Wolfe at… Vascular & Interventional Experts. Right away, Dr. Wolfe knew exactly what my issue was and created a plan. The procedure involved both legs, one at a time. Both procedures fixed the problems, with the added benefit of clearing a bunch of varicose veins. There are only two small scars on each leg for all of the work Dr. Wolfe did. Simply amazing. Dr. Wolfe was forthcoming about the procedures, explained everything, and took the time to answer any questions I had. Kudos to all the staff members, and of course Dr. Wolfe, who were all supportive, encouraging, and followed all COVID-19 guidelines. I never felt as though I was merely a “paying patient,” but rather a valued and respected person. Thank you, Dr. Wolfe, for relieving the pain I was suffering from, for your kindness, and for making me feel comfortable, confident, and at ease under your care. I would very much recommend Dr. Wolfe and VIE to anyone looking for a vascular specialist. Read more “Sandy”