In The News
Patient Stories
Jerry MartinDespite the recommendations of his cardiologist, Jerry Martin, 66, of Manchester wasn’t too concerned when he was told he needed to lose a few pounds. However, in March of 2009 a nuclear stress test, followed by a cardiac catheterization, showed he had a 95 percent blockage and needed a stent put in his heart. One month later, Jerry began cardiac rehab at Margaret Mary Community Hospital.
“I’ll be honest. When I started cardiac rehab, I wasn’t happy about it. I was in denial that anything could really be wrong with my heart. Now, I keep coming three days a week, even though it’s no longer prescribed by my doctor. Barb and Jeff are very good at what they do. They monitor my heart rate and blood pressure while I exercise. We have a great relationship and they know just how much to push me. We started out slowly and have gradually increased my workouts. Not only have I lost weight and improved my cholesterol and blood pressure, but I have a lot better attitude than when I started.” Edna Flannery
At first, Edna Flannery, 88, of Batesville didn’t worry much about her injury when she fell and skinned her shin. Yet, months later when the wound wasn’t healing on its own, Edna found herself in and out of hospitals and doctors’ offices looking for a solution. Mother of 12, Edna rarely complained of pain, and even her children were surprised when she voiced her concerns. Eventually, Edna scheduled an appointment with Margaret Mary Community Hospital’s Wound Care Clinic.
“The wound was really causing me some pain,” said Edna, “but Deb and the staff knew how to take care of me. I met with them every week for several months. At my appointments, they cleaned my wound and made sure it was wrapped real well (a process called compression therapy.) Each week, the wound got a little better until it went away completely. The staff at the wound clinic is good. They sure helped me when no one else could.” Kelly Pettit
Kelly Pettit of Sunman, Ind. was in her mid-40s when her gynecologist found a lump in her breast at her annual exam. A biopsy later confirmed she had breast cancer. Having used Margaret Mary Community Hospital all her life, Kelly knew she wanted to go to The Hansen Center for cancer treatment following her mastectomy.
“The staff at The Hansen Center became like family to me,” said Kelly. “During my chemo, I felt awful, but they worked with me to find ways to ease my symptoms. I knew they cared about me. They took away a lot of my fears. I have friends who drove to Cincinnati to receive chemo treatments, and their experiences were nothing like mine. I tell people that going to The Hansen Center is like going to a spa. I had my own private treatment area with windows and a TV. The staff is incredible. They took such good care of me … bringing me snacks, giving me massages. I would never want to get cancer again, but if I did, this (The Hansen Center) is where I’d want to be.” (Feel free to take out (The Hansen Center) on the homepage.) Michael Bruns
It was Sept. 11, 2009 when Michael Bruns of Batesville and his friends decided to go hiking in the outback. A junior at Notre Dame, the adventurous 21-year-old was spending the semester studying abroad at the University of Western Australia. That particular day, the boys had decided to do some rock climbing. Unfortunately, the rocks gave way, and Michael fell nearly 30 feet, breaking his wrist, hand, shoulder, knee cap and heel. Nine weeks and four surgeries later, Michael was finally stable enough to be flown back to the United States where he continued his physical therapy at Margaret Mary Community Hospital.
“My doctor in Australia said I’m lucky to be alive,” said Michael. “When I came back to the U.S., I was in a wheelchair. With so many broken bones, I needed help to do almost everything. Brian and Kristi have been amazing. They worked with me to increase my strength, flexibility and range of motion. They are encouraging and friendly, yet they know just how much to push me. By mid-December, I was able to walk with crutches, and by New Year’s I could walk unassisted. When I return to South Bend, I just hope my therapists are as good as these guys.” Jane Werner
Last October, Jane Werner of Sunman was loading deer meat into a meat tenderizer when she accidentally stuck three of the fingers on her right hand a little too far into the machine. After her husband helped free her fingers, she wrapped them in a towel and headed for Margaret Mary Community Hospital’s emergency services department where she was rushed to a treatment room. Two hours and 67 stitches later, Jane’s fingers were sewn up and she was free to return home.
“When I arrived, the ER staff acted quickly and everyone stayed calm,” said Jane. “I don’t remember feeling scared. The doctor and nurses were very attentive. They did everything they could to make me comfortable. I didn’t lose any fingers, but it took two hours to stitch the open skin back together. My nurse made sure I wasn’t feeling any pain. Now, my right hand is pretty much back to normal. This experience was a wake-up call though. I now have a greater appreciation for being able to do the small things, like writing or peeling potatoes.” Hope Bohman
With a due date of Jan. 20, Mark and Hope Bohman of St. Peters, Ind. didn’t really think they’d have a shot at delivering the first baby at MMCH in 2010. Yet, Hope’s contractions worsened the day after New Year’s, bringing her into the hospital to deliver little Grant Albert at 3:37 a.m. on Jan. 3. At 8 pounds, 8 ounces, Grant officially had bragging rights as MMCH’s first baby of the new year.
“I have four children, but Grant was the second baby I delivered at Margaret Mary,” said Hope. “This hospital is the best. I’ve had a lot of nurses, but Vicki (Wagner) was my favorite. She was by my side throughout my entire delivery. Even the night before I arrived, I called her with questions on the phone. She was very helpful – never made me feel like I was bothering her. The staff was also great at controlling my pain both during and after delivery. Even with this being my fourth, having a baby is always a little scary. The nurses and doctors did a great job at putting my husband and me at ease.” Clark Sherwood
Clark Sherwood, 35, of Batesville was playing football when he ruptured his Achilles tendon, the large tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Less than 24 hours later, orthopedic surgeon Nicholas Mirkopoulos, MD was in the operating room repairing Clark’s injury.
“The (surgery) staff did everything they could to make me comfortable,” said Clark. “My nurses were knowledgeable and polite. They were always asking me if they could get me an extra pillow or blanket. The hospital is also very clean every time I visit. Several weeks after surgery, I underwent physical therapy with the staff at the Outpatient Rehab Center. My therapists were incredible. I now have full function of my foot and am back playing sports, working side jobs and chasing my kids.”
Alexis Pennington
What started out as a minor playground injury for Alexis Pennington, 7, of Metamora quickly turned into a potentially life-threatening problem when her smashed thumb developed a bone infection called osteomyelitis. Following surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Alexis began receiving regular IV antibiotic treatments at home. MMCH home care nurse Mary Horninger visited Alexis weekly to inspect the wound, change her bandages and draw blood.
“My infection really made me sick for awhile,” said Alexis. “I had to stay home from school and rest for six weeks. Mary came over and took care of my thumb. At first I was afraid it would hurt when she touched it, but she was always gentle. Now, I feel better and I can cheer at ballgames and even do cartwheels. I loved having Mary as my nurse. I miss seeing her every week."