Category: Patient Stories

Audie’s Story

Most people who know Audie see him as a quiet person, but behind this demeanor he’s very competitive—especially with himself.

Back in 2019, Audie set an impressive goal for himself: to walk a minimum of 13,000 steps each day, which adds up to just over 5 ¾ miles. This daily challenge was one he committed to wholeheartedly, as he pushed himself to maintain his routine rain or shine. His dedication to his goal was so strong that he didn’t miss a single day until November 27, 2023, when he underwent open-heart surgery—a temporary pause in his journey to better health.

In 2023, during a check-up with Dr. Hoffmann—just one week before the doctor retired—concerning issues came to light. Audie scheduled a follow-up appointment with Cardiologist Dr. Ramabadran (Dr. Ram.) to further investigate his condition, which revealed severe stenosis and a needed aortic valve replacement.

Even though open-heart surgery was the best option for his condition, Dr. Ram believed that Audie’s commitment to daily exercise may have played a significant role in masking the severity of his heart condition. His consistent daily walking routine likely kept his body strong and resilient, making it difficult for him to feel the full impact of the severe stenosis. Audie’s dedication to staying active might have minimized symptoms, underscoring the powerful impact of regular exercise on overall health—even when underlying issues are present.

After his surgery last November, Audie requested to complete his rehab at GMHC. Dr. Ram, who also serves as a cardiology specialist at GMHC, agreed to Audie’s request, making it possible for him to complete his rehab and receive follow-up care right here at home with familiar faces.

“They started me slowly and were incredibly careful, while always encouraging me in my recovery,” reflected Audie. “It was such a blessing to be able to stay local for my rehab. I can’t say enough about the incredible team that we have here. They’re caring, compassionate, encouraging, and they work together so well. Whoever I work with always has a smile on their face and is always helpful.”

As part of his rehab, Audie completed 36 sessions, 2 to 3 sessions per week, spread out over 15 weeks. Upon completion of the program, Audie was granted free access to the GMHC Rehab Gym. Audie took full advantage of this perk and began his next walking streak to maintain his health, continue to improve his cardiovascular fitness, and lose a little bit of weight to enjoy and extend his life.

“Through 11/24/24, I have now met my new revised goal of walking a minimum of 11,300 steps (5 miles) each day for 282 consecutive days. Not only do I enjoy being at GMHC to work out and see the staff who took such great care of me, but I also enjoy opportunities to encourage other rehab patients on their journey back to health.”

Audie’s determination and resilience are truly inspiring as he makes every step count towards his personal goals.

“We choose GMHC for our healthcare needs because they truly put us at the center of everything they do, and I believe that vote of confidence drives them to provide the best care possible,” shared Becky Shaffer.

Originally from Cedar Rapids, Becky and Mike Shaffer have been coming up to Guttenberg since they purchased their Esmann Island get-away in 2005. They spent many long weekends enjoying all of the amenities Guttenberg has to offer.

In 2009, when she slipped on water in her bathroom and hit her head on the wall, Becky had her first experience at GMHC in the Emergency Department. “I was incredibly impressed with the care I received,” recalled Becky. She has also brought friends throughout the years who had experienced mis-haps and as an observer, she was struck by how professional and efficient the hospital was with their care as well.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mike and Becky took advantage of their part-time residence on the island and used it as their full-time home. The couple enjoyed their new lifestyle so much, they decided to make Guttenberg their permanent residence. “The confidence in the care we’d received at GMHC was one of the big reasons we chose to live full-time in Guttenberg,” said Becky, “especially since we’re not getting any younger!”

On the first day of fall in 2022, Becky tripped on her flip-flops and tumbled down the steps of her screened-in-porch, and was unable to move. “Thankfully, our neighbor’s son happened to stop next door and heard me calling out for help. The ambulance arrived and the team was simply awesome. They told me exactly what they were going to do, they were incredibly gentle and paid close attention to every word I said,” Becky reflected. 

When she arrived at the Emergency Department, imaging revealed Becky had shattered her humerus and tore her rotator cuff. “I was in so much pain, but everyone, the EMT, the ER staff and the imaging technician was incredibly cautious and concerned about my comfort. I was so thankful for the professional care I could get right here in Guttenberg!” 

After surgery in Cedar Rapids that included a plate and screws to repair her injuries, Becky came back to GMHC for Physical Therapy. “I can’t say enough about the rehab team! They were tough, they pushed me, and they gave me the use of my arm back. And the receptionist, Trish! What a way to begin my rehab appointment… walking in and being greeted by her.”

Mike and Becky have transitioned most of their healthcare to GMHC. “I love GMHC! I think the biggest difference for me is the way that I am treated here. I feel like a person, not a name on a chart, and I’ve felt this way consistently with the care that I have received here. I feel authentically cared for when I’m here. I’m listened to and not rushed, and yes, it is pretty convenient to park right outside the door, walk right in and rarely wait!”

In fact, Becky appreciated her experiences at GMHC so much, she wanted to be a part of the team as a Volunteer Greeter. Becky’s cheerful, upbeat attitude helps lessen anxiety in the patient waiting area, but she is also very aware that some people would rather be alone. “I have been blessed with conversation skills. I can talk to just about anyone,” she laughed. “I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the hospital for all of the excellent, professional care Mike and I have received here since relocating to Guttenberg. Volunteering gives me a reason to stay active in the community and help others,” Becky commented.

The mission of the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities is to keep the communities served by GMHC healthy and strong to ensure the future of healthcare in Guttenberg. Embracing the mission, Mike and Becky joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in the fall of 2023. “We have experienced first-hand the value of GMHC for our healthcare, as well as all that GMHC does for our community. We want to be a part of helping others appreciate our excellent, local healthcare, and assist in keeping it strong.” shared Becky. “Yes, it is convenient, but more than that, we appreciate the quality care right here in Guttenberg!” 

Gene’s Story

Other than visiting newborn grandchildren who were delivered here, Gene and Betty Kruse had never been to Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics before.

That changed for the couple from Colesburg on July 1st when Betty was assisting Gene into bed and noticed he was very weak and struggling to breathe.

“We called 911 and the ambulance crew suggested we go to Guttenberg Hospital because it was the closest,” said Betty. “Halfway to Guttenberg, a Paramedic met us in Osterdock to treat Gene’s low blood pressure in the ambulance before arriving to the hospital.”

In the GMHC Emergency Department, Hospitalist George Osai, ARNP, and the team immediately began working on Gene. Not only was his blood pressure low, but test results determined Gene was dehydrated and a CT scan revealed two blood clots in his lungs. He was admitted as an inpatient on the Patient Care Unit and after four days transitioned to a Skilled Care patient on the unit.

“I have been so impressed with the people here, so impressed,” exclaimed Gene’s wife, Betty.

In November 2023, Gene was diagnosed with atypical Parkinson’s disease. Atypical Parkinsonian disorders cause muscle stiffness, tremor, and problems with walking/balance and fine motor coordination. “At home, I was stuck in a recliner permanently, only getting up to go the bathroom or bedroom. My whole right side is difficult to move so I just did the best I could,” said Gene.

During his time in Skilled Care, Gene was seen by physical and occupational therapists who taught him a lot of different ways to move. “They guided Gene to use all of his muscles, so they don’t deteriorate so quickly, allowing him to be more independent. They also taught me better ways to move him to save my back,” stated Betty. “They even came to our house for a home safety evaluation and made recommendations to make it easier for Gene to move around. Speech and respiratory therapists also helped Gene with speech, swallowing and breathing difficulties. Each therapist lifted Gene’s spirits so much, they were all fantastic!”

“I thank the Lord that they brought us to Guttenberg,” said Betty. “It was a great experience for both of us.” Gene replied, “Everyone was top-notch!”

Sheila’s Story

Keeping up with her grandchildren is a priority for Sheila Frink.

The recently retired Director of the Anamosa Ambulance Service moved to North Buena Vista in June 2023 to be closer to her daughter’s family.

“We have three grandchildren, ages 10, 8 and 5, that we love to spend time with. In order to keep up with them and all their activities, I had a total knee replacement in Cedar Rapids on January 17, 2024. I was so grateful that I only had to travel 20 minutes for my follow-up physical therapy at Guttenberg Hospital,” said Sheila.

Immediately after surgery, when they got Sheila up and walking on her new knee, she struggled to lift her ankle of the same leg. Two days later, she began physical therapy and after her initial evaluation with Joel Gourley, DPT, she was diagnosed with foot-drop, most likely caused from overstretching the nerve during her surgery. Joel contacted the surgeon to inform her of Sheila’s condition, creating a new plan of care once proper healing allowed.

“I was very frightened that I would never walk normal again,” reflected Sheila. “I came into physical therapy with not just one problem, but with two. Reassuring me that I would recover, my therapists worked on both areas, mostly concentrating on my knee to start with.”

Sheila’s knee rehab included lots of stretching, straightening and strengthening exercises, with visits three times per week, working down to one visit per week. Because the foot-drop was a huge tripping hazard, the therapists taught Sheila a different way to walk, being mindful to pick up her foot so she would not trip.

While Sheila’s knee therapy was wrapping up, another order was placed for physical therapy to strengthen her ankle. After three total months of physical therapy for both her knee and her ankle, and her diligence to do her exercises at home, Sheila’s ability to lift her ankle returned.

“Once I got strength back in my ankle, every advancement was so great! I still can’t lift my big toe, but I do my exercises daily and know it is improving. It will just take time,” she said.

When asked about her experience at GMHC, Sheila exclaimed, “My therapists were great! They were compassionate but tough! They worked me hard and I appreciated it. Their encouragement helped me keep going when I got discouraged. They celebrated my improvements and made sure that I knew I was making progress.”

She added, “I really like the smaller, home-town feel here at GMHC, where I truly feel like I am treated like family.”

And, speaking of family, Sheila is now back in her athletic flip-flops attending her grandchildren’s numerous summer activities, and keeping up just fine.

Merlin’s Story

“The nurses and therapists have been so good to me and the food is the BEST here!” said Merlin Moser, Skilled Care patient at GMHC.

Merlin is a retired farmer from Colesburg. He and his wife, Judy, have been coming to GMHC for their health care as long as they can remember. After 28 years of wintering in Arizona, a few years ago they decided to buy a home in Guttenberg. “It’s a blessing that our home is now so close to the hospital, not only for Merlin, but for me! I’ve had plenty of health issues myself,” said Judy.

In the spring of 2023, around Easter, Merlin noticed a painful toe on his left foot. At his Annual Wellness Visit, his primary care provider at the time, Dr. Hoffmann, referred Merlin to physical therapist Kimberly Franzen so she could take a closer look. “She got on the phone right away and called my cardiologist, Dr. Ram (Ramabadran),” reflects Merlin. “Kim got me in to see him right away!” Merlin was diagnosed with a serious circulation problem in his left foot from peripheral vascular disease.

A podiatrist determined that Merlin would lose all of his toes, and eventually his foot. The best option was to amputate his leg just below his knee. Following the amputation, in July, Merlin returned to GMHC for Skilled Care for three weeks. “Even on a walker, Merlin got around pretty good,” said Judy, “so we just kept coming back to the gym each day and completed the entire Physical Therapy program!” Merlin got his prosthesis the day before Christmas, and continued with physical therapy, working also with a prosthetist. Although he is going to be 86 years old, Merlin was able to get around well with his new leg. 

Merlin’s next admission to GMHC Skilled Care was this past June. He was diagnosed with Endocarditis, a bacterial infection affecting the heart, which requires IV antibiotics several times each day for 8 weeks. Judy walks up daily to spend time with Merlin and play games to pass the time.

“Everyone takes such good care of me here,” said Merlin.

All of my friends say “Judy, you don’t know how lucky you are to have a hospital right here!”

Merlin and Judy couldn’t agree more! 

GMHC Marketing and Development Director, Amy Speed, and the ER team that provided care for her

Amy’s Story

In my marketing role at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics, I get the privilege of promoting our hospital, our services, our family practice clinics, and our team of caregivers. One of the ways we promote GMHC is by sharing grateful patient stories. I was recently one of those grateful patients!

The last week of February, I was sick at home for several days. With high fever, chills and nausea, I thought I was fighting the stomach flu. And, because my career is not medical, but marketing, I really didn’t know any better!

By day five, feeling worse rather than better, my husband and I made the trip from our home in Cascade to Guttenberg to the GMHC Emergency Department. I was immediately taken into an emergency room where Angie Schmitt, RN, and ED/Hospitalist Bryon Bellinger, ARNP, provided care for me without delay. My IV was started and as Hylari Buensuceso, Medical Lab Scientist, gently drew my blood, I shut my eyes and rested, confident I was in good hands as they worked busily to determine what was ailing me.

After several tests and a CT scan by Samantha Bailey, Radiology Technologist, I was diagnosed with a bilateral kidney infection. Bryon explained the CT scan revealed both of my kidneys were inflamed with infection. When he told me I would be spending the night in the hospital on our Patient Care Unit, I got a little emotional. I didn’t realize just how severely sick I was. He assured me that I would feel much better in the morning after an evening of fluids and additional IV antibiotics. He was right! Thank you, Bryon, for your wisdom, professionalism, and reassurance.

Angie delivered me and my left arm’s new friend, the IV, up to my room to get comfy for the night and shortly after, a nice hot supper arrived. Besides childbirth, this was my first night in the hospital and I was impressed with how clean my room was and how incredibly quiet my stay was. I was well taken care of through the night; my water cup stayed filled and I was helped as needed. I barely remember the 4:30am visit from Altair Labagala, Medical Lab Scientist, to collect more blood.

Around 7am Thursday morning, Angie checked back in on me, giving me one more dose of IV antibiotic, and bringing me a yummy breakfast of a banana, oatmeal and toast, satisfying my recently returned appetite.

By 9am, after a visit with ED/Hospitalist George Osai, ARNP, who confirmed my improved lab results, I was released to go home. Angie walked me through my paperwork, my medication, and made me laugh more than once. Yes, laughter is good medicine! Thank you, Angie, for being my nurse and for the great care you gave me! You made me feel like I was your only patient even though I know I was not.

My husband picked me up and I left GMHC feeling much better, with the sun and a smile on my face! On Friday I received an unexpected, but much appreciated call from health coach Jody Pierce, RN, BSN, from Cornerstone Family Practice. Her warm and friendly demeanor and genuine concern for my health warmed my heart. By Monday, I was well enough to go back to work and looked forward to seeing and thanking my co-workers who took such excellent care of me!

My faith confirms that everything happens for a reason. I know that my patient experience will help me better market the extraordinary gift this hospital is to Guttenberg and its surrounding communities. The experience of walking right into our ED and being cared for immediately…WOW! The behind-the-scenes work in lab and imaging, the clean and comfy room, the hot breakfast, the compassionate care by my kind co-workers, all is greatly appreciated.

There is absolutely no place I would have rather been to receive my care than 45 minutes North at GMHC in Guttenberg!

Thank you, team GMHC, for partnering with me on my health recovery journey. I appreciate you all, the important work you do, and I am honored to work alongside and promote each of you.

Amy Speed

“Guttenberg,” Cathy said without hesitation to the paramedics. It was an easy decision. Her doctors were there, and she was already familiar with the quality care she would receive there. 

It was a very rainy morning on April 22, 2022, when Cathy Wiskus stopped on the way to work for gas in New Vienna. She was walking to the entrance of the store to pay when an SUV hit her on the right side of her body. She recalled being up in the air for a bit before landing on her left side, and noticing that her leg had flopped over. She couldn’t move it. Several people came to attend to her needs, cover her with a coat and call 911. The ambulance quickly arrived, and she was on her way to her requested hospital, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital. 

The accident happened near the end of COVID, when getting a hospital to take on new patients was very difficult. Cathy stayed in the ER at GMHC for most of the day as staff made her as comfortable as possible with a broken femur until they could get her transferred. Finally, she was accepted at the University of Iowa and was transferred there promptly.

Surgery was postponed for four days because the break in her femur was at a difficult angle. The surgeon decided to put in a plate and two screws instead of a rod. Soon after the surgery at UI, physical therapy was started so Cathy could keep active, but not a lot could be done yet with the injured leg.

Shortly after the surgery, she was given the good news that she could return to GMHC, but after testing positive for COVID, the trip would have to wait. What might have been a shorter stay at the U of I turned into a much longer one. Visitors were limited to one per day at that time, so her husband and son had to decide who could see her, and with limited visitors, it was a long and tough stay for Cathy. Her friends helped lift her spirits with frequent calls to check on her progress.

After returning to GMHC as an inpatient for skilled care and seeing her primary care provider, Dr. McCaw, Cathy told him how much she missed the special care that GMHC delivers. “I don’t know where I would be if I couldn’t have received that care here, close to home, from people I know,” she explained, “It was hard being in a big hospital away from family during that time.” He answered Cathy with, “Sometimes a big hospital can do what a little hospital can’t, and other times a little hospital can do what a big hospital can’t.”  

On Mother’s Day, Cathy was still in quarantine, and was worried what kind of day she would have. The nurses were still able to make it a special Mother’s Day for her. “And Lynn, the social worker called me every day in my room to see how I was doing. She couldn’t always come in because of visiting restrictions, but she at least always called.” Cathy added.

Physical Therapy was started when Cathy was in skilled care on the patient care unit, and the realization that it would be a long road to walking again sometimes got her down. But the therapists knew how to keep the mood light while still requiring the needed work of rehabilitation. One day when she looked out the window and saw someone walking across the parking lot, Cathy was especially emotional because at the time, that seemed so out of reach for her. Amber, her Physical Therapist Assistant for the day, reminded her that she would get there one day, too, but she would have to go through the small steps to reach that goal. She told Cathy, “Right now, this is part of your journey, and some day you will be able to reflect on it with more understanding.”

A while later, while working with Physical Therapy Assistant, Sydney, Cathy was asked to walk through the parallel bars without holding them, and when she reached the end, Sydney said, “Keep going and walk alone!” Cathy commented, “She gave me confidence and knew how to make me feel good. Really, the people here have hearts of gold.”

Released from skilled care, Cathy returned to her home in Colesburg in June. Occupational Therapist, Karla, and Amber, PT Assistant, went along to make the home as accessible and safe as they could for Cathy. The ramp was a little hard to navigate with her walker, so a friend lent them a wheelchair so she could be at home to recover.

Sometimes, doing her therapy at home was difficult, just like it could be when she was working with the Physical Therapists, but Cathy’s husband helped her stay motivated so she could reach her goals. During this period of rehab, she had one long-distance visit via the computer with her surgeon in Iowa City. In December, she had an in-person visit with him and he said that she wouldn’t need to come back. He was pleasantly surprised at how well and completely the bone had healed.

Cathy has returned to work and other normal activities with only a lifting pound restriction. She tells others about the care she receives at GMHC, adding, “Everyone knows how I feel about GMHC, because I am always talking about it, and recommending it to others. GMHC is my go-to place for local healthcare!”

“I hadn’t really tried anything for the pain,” she replied. “I was just living with it.”

In November 2022, Judi Althoff, Surgery Receptionist at GMHC, had been experiencing pain in her lower back that just seemed to come out of nowhere. It was a very debilitating pain that caused her to have to get ‘psyched up’ just to get out of a chair. “I would then have to get my bearings and I couldn’t walk without pain and limping, so it took me a long time to get anywhere,” Judi added. “I walk for exercise, and it was taking me 25 minutes to walk a mile.” 

Judi had never had back pain in her life before this, and since there is a pain clinic right here at GMHC where she works, she decided to see if they could help her. They first started with trigger points by placing a needle with steroids and numbing medicine in the area that hurt.

Judi then had an MRI which showed a bulging disc and arthritis in her back. An epidural steroid injection was given to treat the pain in these areas but would take 10-14 days to take effect. Once that pain was under control, a different pain emerged in another area of her lower back. For a while, it was treated with Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Lumbar X-rays revealed that a facet joint in her spine was pressing on a nerve and causing the pain.

The next step was to test her left side, since there was more pain on that side which also traveled down her leg. A numbing agent was injected that lasted for 3-4 hours. If her pain stayed away, the test would be repeated. After two successful attempts to keep the pain controlled, she was a candidate for radio frequency treatment (RF).

For the RF treatment, needles were inserted into the nerve that was causing pain, the nerve was “burned” and the pain disappeared. After about a week, Judi’s pain was completely gone. That was in March 2023. Now in October 2023, she remains pain-free. If the pain should return within two years of treatment, she can have the RF again without going through all the pre-testing.

“It is so nice to have this treatment available,” Judi commented. “It has helped me significantly because I am no longer living with all that pain and discomfort. I would recommend anyone with unwanted pain to check out the Pain Clinic at GMHC.” 

April is Organ Donor Awareness month. Former GMHC employee, and current GMHC volunteer, Mary Waterman, recently shared a touching story about her mother, an organ donor, who was from the Greeley area.

Doris (Bissell, Dingbaum) Malicoat, otherwise known as farmwife, mother, and even “the cake lady” (Dorie’s Cakes), left quite an unexpected legacy…that of being an organ donor. Even though she had it clearly marked on her driver’s license for many years, the ripple effect was not fully felt by others until after she died. 

In her early life, Doris worked in a department store when her kids were small. They moved to a century farm near Petersburg where she did a lot of work, including all the morning milking, and raising her four children. She began making cakes for the kids’ birthdays, and then started collecting Wilton pans (365 of them) and selling her cakes. In her busiest year, she baked and decorated 366 cakes! She was featured in the Gazette for her cookies, cakes and collection of cake pans! 

Later in life, she mainly baked cookies for sale and to give away. She would ask the care center what they needed, and then make it and drop it off. The patients and staff at the Veteran’s Hospital enjoyed trays of her cookies at Christmas time, too. Her favorite cookie to decorate was a Santa face cookie. She would always go to her 10-year class reunions with a cake to celebrate and attended the last one with the only other two remaining classmates. 

In 2018, when Doris died, the family honored her by including her cookie recipe in the thank you cards they sent after the funeral. Although none of her grandkids have picked up the cake decorating knack yet, she handed down another thoughtful practice to her offspring. Many of her children and grandchildren signed up to be organ donors by designating it on their licenses. The decision to donate skin is not something that a person can designate ahead of time.

Years ago, when speaking about organ donation, Doris said, “Someone might as well have what they can use, because when I’m gone, I won’t be able to use it anymore!” As she neared the end of her life, her comment was, “They probably won’t even want anything now, because nothing works anymore!” Little did she know…this kind, caring woman who had lived 88 years would still be helping dozens of people, even after her death. 

A letter from the donor network arrived at her son’s home about six months after Doris had died. Mary learned that her mother’s organ donation—mostly skin and tissue—had helped 61 different people! Her family was astonished! They knew that her donation would make a difference for a handful of people, but they had not imagined that it would be so many. Dorie’s selfless act provided skin and tissue for breast reconstructions following mastectomies and temporary ‘skin bandages’ for burn victims, allowing their own skin to regenerate underneath. Other uses for harvested skin include replacing skin and tissue that has been severely traumatized or infected, or tissue that needs to be replaced because of skin cancer.  

So, the end of Doris’s life reflected the way she lived. She gave of herself to help others. What an honorable trait to pass on. 

__________________________

Following are some things you may not know about skin donation:

  • Skin is the largest organ of the body.
  • Skin can be donated within 6 hours of the time of death.
  • There is a total of eight layers of skin, but only 1/8 (the uppermost layer of 0.3 mm) is harvested. 
  • The skin is only taken from the back, thighs and legs and does not in any way disfigure the body.
  • There is no bleeding from the site where skin is harvested from, and doctors bandage the parts where skin was taken.
  • Donor skin can be effectively frozen and stored for up to five years.
  • Blood, skin color or age do not have to be matched. Any person’s skin can be transplanted to another person. 
  • Burn victims receive skin when over 50% of their body has been burned. In 80% of such cases, patients can be saved if sufficient skin is present in skin banks. 

April is Donate Life month. Please become an organ donor today!

https://www.iowadonornetwork.org/register

The before and after photos of Duaine Palas’ legs are hard to believe!

While reading the Spring 2022 issue of GMHC’s “Keeping You Well” newsletter, Duaine Palas realized there may be hope for his legs. The article featured a patient who had found relief for his legs through Lymphedema Therapy offered through the Therapy Services department at GMHC. Everything Duaine was reading described his condition, prompting him to call GMHC.

After first seeing Dr. McCaw at Cornerstone Family Practice for various testing, Duaine was referred for Lymphedema Therapy with Physical Therapist Kimberly Franzen, GMHC’s Certified Lymphedema Therapist. Lymphedema is chronic swelling that results from damage to the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system filters excess fluid through lymph nodes to remove bacteria and debris from the body. When the system is damaged, fluid can build up under the skin, usually in the arms and legs. 

Lymphedema can occur after cancer treatment, infection, surgery, venous insufficiency, or injury. Duaine’s may have resulted from an old farm injury. His swollen legs had been bothering him for years, but he didn’t know what to do about it. Duaine began his therapy sessions on July 7, 2022, and remembered doubting, “There’s just no way this is going to work with my legs, they are not going to respond to the therapy, they are just too far gone.”

But, Franzen proved him wrong. Duaine began therapy with 3 to 4 sessions per week. His treatment included manual lymphatic drainage, exercises and compression wrapping to help reduce swelling and return skin to a more normal condition. During the early stages of therapy, Franzen used short, flexible bandages (changed at every appointment) to wrap Duaine’s lower legs. As his legs became less severe, and reached a certain size reduction the wrap changed to a Velcro one, and as therapy progressed, compression stockings (from the toes to just below the knees) replaced the use of the bandages and the Velcro straps. 

Duaine’s therapy lasted through most of September and was an amazing success. Duaine continues to exercise, wear compression stockings to control the lymphedema, removing them at night and elevating his legs, and regularly checks the skin for ulcers. Since he learned how to take care of his lymphedema from Franzen during his therapy visits, he knows what the signs are that would require him to come for a re-assessment or for more therapy. He commented, “It was really nice to be able to wear my dress pants again. The only thing I could wear were sweatpants, and because my swelling was so bad, I could hardly fit into my shoes.” 

Picture this:  Duaine had an overall size reduction of 26.3% in his left leg, which was smaller to start with, and in his more severe right leg, the overall reduction in size was 34.5%! These numbers are truly amazing, and show just how much progress is possible with lymphedema therapy. 

Duaine is quick to thank Kim Franzen and Dr. McCaw for their careful attention to his care and commented that Franzen was very helpful and taught him a lot about self-care for his lymphedema. He commented, “This therapy was truly life-changing for me! I am active again, and I have a lot to be thankful for. I would encourage anyone who thinks they might have lymphedema to talk to their doctor and come to GMHC for their therapy.”

During this process, an additional health concern was discovered from tests that one of the providers ordered. Originally given to detect if the lymphedema was caused by a heart issue, the test found that Duaine had a 5 cm aneurism and a faulty heart valve. He will undergo surgery in May of 2023, to have it replaced with a biological valve. Duaine commented, “And just think, if I hadn’t come here for treating my legs, I would have never known about the problem with my heart.” Duaine complimented GMHC for the excellent care here, and for the thoroughness of the staff.

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