On October 1, an ambulance pulled away from the Edgewood Convalescent Home, with Kathie Meskimen inside. She was having an increasingly difficult time breathing, and knew it was time to make a visit to the Emergency Room at GMHC. “I’m just thankful for the great job the care center did in getting me ready and transporting me to the hospital,” said Kathie.

“My breathing problems had been slowly getting worse, but I finally was to the point that I could hardly breathe at all,” Kathie replied, “I had to do something. It is a very scary thing, to not have enough air.” 

Kathy explained that she just needed to have some help getting back to her usual regimen so her breathing could improve. Being hospitalized for six days at GMHC was just what she needed. In that time, she saw staff from several departments, and had many visits with the respiratory therapists to get her breathing back on track.

When asked what she would be doing differently after returning home, she said she would keep doing her breathing exercises, follow the instructions from the doctors and take her medications so she could stay healthy!

“I have always doctored at GMHC unless I absolutely had to go elsewhere. My daughter was born here, and my mother came here, too.” Kathie said. “In fact, a lot of people around here like to come to GMHC; they always have. The nurses did everything I asked and answered all my questions. They were very helpful. We are blessed to have care available right here in Guttenberg. I am extremely thankful to everyone for everything they have done for me to help me breathe easier.”