Dr. Michael D Tarantino, MD

Difficult to reach during off hours. His bedside manner is nonexistent.

I went in to St. Francis Medical Center with severe hemorrhage from my bowel. I am a Jehovah's Witness and we do not accept blood transfusions or blood products. The hemotologist on call said his hands were tied because of this and that they would just make me comfortable. As Jehovah's Witnesses we have a liaison committee that deal with doctors that give us a hard time about the no blood issue and they work with the doctors to help us out in our time of need. Our liaison got Dr. Tarantino right away. He came to my room that same night. It was very late. My blood count had dropped down to 4 by then because all the hospital wanted to do is "make me comfortable". Dr. Tarantino came in and was so kind and understanding. He listened to what we had to say and said he was going to his lab to do some research to help me. He came back early in the morning after doing blood tests and found out i was deleted in vitamin k, iron, and a cew blood factors. He immediately started me on multiple iv… drips of vitamin k, amicar (to stop the bleeding)and high doses of iron. The last blood count he was able to take was 3.7. We really dont know how low it really got because they were unable to take anymore samples. I was listed in critical condition and my family was told to prepare for the worst. I had friends and family that drove 2 hrs to come and see me to say goodbye. He also started me on a daily dose of EPO, a blood builder. Every morning he would stop in my room when he got to the hospital and stand and just talk to me. He asked how i was doing and he would also just have a conversation with me. Before he left the hospital at night he did the same thing. He is a amazing man and Dr. I could not have asked for a better Dr. And i hold him in very high regard. You cant get any better bedside manner than him. He took the situation as dire as it was and tried to make me smile and i did. Jehovah gave me the strenghth to get through it but if it wasnt for Dr. Tarantino i would have bled to death. He keeps track of me and i have a standing order to get my blood checked every month because they cant find the bleed. But he is on call for me. If i get to hemorraging again i have his phone number and i will go to the hospital here and call him and he will give them instructions on what to do. When i saw him after i was able to travel to get my check-up with him, before i left i gave him a hug and thanked him for saving my life. He humbly said " I dont know about that". I told him that i did know. I have recommended him to others that i know and they were shocked at his bedside manner and he visited them the same way he came into my room every morning and night. Hes the best at what he does. His nurses are just as kind as he is. He is one Dr. I dont dread going to and i have a lot of illness and many Drs. And he is my favorite. That is my experiece with him.

Dr. Tarantino is a compassionate doctor and cares about his patients. I highly recommend the Bleeding and Clotting Institute of Peoria. The entire staff makes you feel welcome and like family!!