I have been a patient of the VA clinic on Hancock Street in Bangor for more than two years and in July, I was diagnosed with a left ingranal hernia.

An appointment was made for me to have my condition confirmed at Togus Veterans Hospital the following week. It was confirmed and surgery was scheduled for Aug. 21.

Needless to say, I was quite apprehensive about this as I have read in the Bangor Daily News numerous letters critical of Togus.

I drove to Togus the morning of Aug. 21 with all this in mind, not knowing what to expect, but perhaps the worst.

It is now Tuesday, Aug. 25, and I would like to report that my hernia operation was successful, and all of my fears and apprehensions were unfounded.

To the staff at Togus who treated me with respect, friendship, support and professionalism, and specifically, Dr. Michael Lisanti who performed the surgery, thank you for a job well done. Sandy Pasternack Bangor