Fall/Winter 2014
The Benefits of Being a Patient in the Allegheny Health Network Women’s Rehabilitation Specialists 900 Miles to World-class Care at Saint Vincent
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to better care. With the strongest, most experienced network of primary care physicians in our community—backed by an entire health system of trusted specialists—it’s no wonder so many people trust their ongoing care to Saint Vincent. If you’re looking for a new primary care physician, we make it easy to make the switch.
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Board of Trustees
Mark Webb, Chair Jeff Szumigale, Vice Chair Karen Hanlon, Treasurer Helen Baran Terry Cavanaugh Natalie Dwyer-Haller, Esq R. Steven Jones Dennis Prischak Michael Redlawsk Tim Shuttleworth Scott Whalen, PhD, FACHE
contents
Saint Vincent Hospital Vitals Magazine • Fall/Winter 2014
900 Miles to World-class Care
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Life Reclaimed: Women’s Rehabilitation
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Health Happenings
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The Benefits of being an AHN patient
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Jacqueline Bauer William Goldfarb, MD Tony Farah, MD Patricia Liebman John W. Paul
President/CEO
Scott Whalen, PhD, FACHE
ON THE COVER The stories of four area patients who receive world-class care here in Erie, thanks to being patients in the Allegheny Health Network.
cover story
Special pull-out calendar
Read the full story on page 8.
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Questions or Comments Please call the Saint Vincent Marketing Communications Department at 814.452.5706.
Vitals Magazine is a publication of Saint Vincent Hospital
Mark Your Calendar: Festival of Trees
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NEW Infusion Center expands hours, comforts
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A 900-mile journey for minimally invasive surgery at Saint Vincent A determined young woman with a debilitating disease, a chance meeting between two surgeons and a new friend led Kristen Boyle to Saint Vincent Hospital—nearly 900 miles away from home. It’s where she found the surgeon who would perform a highly specialized procedure using minimally invasive techniques. The 34-year-old Springfield, Missouri woman has battled ulcerative colitis for nearly 10 years. As she was facing yet another surgical procedure with a large incision and weeks or months of recovery time, she was determined to find a physician who could perform the surgery in the least invasive way possible. Her search led her to Daniel Geisler, MD, a colorectal surgeon at Saint Vincent. Ulcerative Colitis Kristen Boyle, a mother of four, was just 25 years old in 2004 when she first heard the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. This is a chronic, or long-lasting, disease that causes inflammation and sores—called ulcers—in the inner lining of the large intestine, affecting the entire colon and rectum. Normally, the large intestine absorbs water from stool and changes it from a liquid into a solid. But, for those who suffer from ulcerative colitis, the inflammation causes a loss of the lining of the colon and results in bleeding, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Ulcerative colitis may affect as many as 700,000 Americans. Men and women are equally likely to be affected and most people are diagnosed in their mid-30s.
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Kristen changed her diet and, with medications, was able to control her disease for about four years. Then the medications stopped working and she quickly dropped weight. “I am five feet, nine inches tall and normally weigh about 160 pounds,” said Kristen. “But, I was down to just 100 pounds and, even though I was getting blood transfusions, I was still losing blood.” Kristen sought advice from the Mayo Clinic and eventually underwent a major surgical procedure in Missouri where her large intestine was removed. A secondary procedure then surgically created a method for solid waste to exit her body. This was achieved by using Kristen’s small intestine to form a “J shaped reservoir” called a J-pouch as an alternative way to store and then pass stool. Kristen’s Missouri surgeon, Dr. Jose Dominguez, learned this intricate procedure when he traveled to the Cleveland Clinic to observe Saint Vincent’s Dr. Geisler, who was a surgeon in Cleveland at that time. “I was fortunate to begin my colorectal training at Saint Vincent in Erie and then have an extra year of training at the Cleveland Clinic, one of two places in the United States dedicated to minimally invasive colorectal surgery,” commented Dr. Geisler. “I then headed up the Minimally Invasive Colorectal Section at the Cleveland Clinic, under the leadership of Dr. Vic Fazio, who stressed the importance of innovations in improving and furthering the treatment of our patients. This led to the pioneering of Single Incision Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery.”
Two years after her j-pouch surgery was performed, Kristen began to have complications. Her doctor indicated another major surgery was needed and it would be another open surgical procedure, meaning a large incision and weeks or months of recovery. Pregnant at the time with her fourth child, the last thing Kristen wanted was another surgery—especially one that would leave her with large incisions and scars. “When I left the doctor’s office and was told that my option was an open surgery, I was crushed,” said Kristen. “I couldn’t have major scars or a large wound. I couldn’t endure that procedure. I just sobbed.”
“Dr. Geisler was so supportive and so were the nurses who made sure to take care of our whole family while we were at Saint Vincent,” said Kristen. Kristen had developed a fistula, an abnormal tube-like connection that forms between two organs and it was interfering in the function of the j-pouch. Through one single incision, Dr. Geisler actually performed three procedures. He repaired the fistula, provided a temporary ileostomy so Kristen’s internal organs could heal, and most importantly, he provided a new procedure to repair her j-pouch that would also offer a better healing process. Dr. Geisler used a biologic compound system to help the tissues heal in an area that would otherwise prove to be difficult.
Baby Jonathan, Jeff and Kristen Boyle
In a twist of fate or—as Kristen describes it—a gift from God, a new couple joined the Boyles’ church. After getting to know the couple better, Kristen discovered that she and her new friend shared the disease of colitis. Upon further discussion, her friend told her Dr. Geisler performed her J-pouch surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and it was a minimally invasive procedure. “I was so excited,” commented Kristen. “I knew I would travel to find the best doctor and one who could offer me a laparoscopic or minimally invasive procedure.” It took a bit of research to connect with Dr. Geisler because he had moved from the Cleveland Clinic back to Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie.
“Once I found him and called his office, I was talking directly to Dr. Geisler by the end of the week,” said Kristen. “It was amazing.” Kristen made the 13-hour drive to Saint Vincent with her new baby and husband, leaving her three young daughters at home with family. “Dr. Geisler told me on the phone, ‘we will get it done for you the way you want it,’ and I knew he would,” said Kristen. The procedure Kristen arrived at Saint Vincent on a Monday and following office visits and pre-operative testing, she was scheduled for surgery three days later. Her husband and new baby were always close by, staying in the neighboring Saint Vincent Guest House so that Kristen could continue to nurse her son.
“This is incorporating science to improve healing,” explained Geisler. “We use a biologic mesh, which has layers of tissue with stem cells that actually help the body form new tissues to promote the healing process.” It worked and Kristen was amazed at how well she came through the surgery. “I was up and walking the hallways of the hospital on the same day I had the surgery,” said Kristen. “To me, this went really quick.” Just three days Daniel Geisler, MD later, Kristen was discharged from Saint Vincent and on her way back home to Missouri and her family. “I think it’s important to point out that Kristen’s surgeon, who is a well-respected physician, supported her search for another surgeon who could offer her a minimally invasive option,” commented Dr. Geisler. “Not a lot of surgeons would help you and refer you to another surgeon, especially one who was miles away.” For Kristen, she is thankful for finding Dr. Geisler. “I live with this struggle every day,” said Kristen. “But, I also live life to the fullest and I am thankful that God put Dr. Geisler in my pathway.”
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Life Reclaimed
Specialized Rehabilitation for Women with Loss of Bladder Control For every person who has ever faced a medical challenge in life, there is a rock bottom. For Wendy Gavin of Erie, it was realizing she would not be able to attend her sister’s recent wedding in Baltimore. For five years, Wendy had struggled with painful pelvic floor muscle spasms and progressive loss of bladder control, which eventually meant running to the bathroom approximately every five minutes. The condition prevented her from traveling any further than a quick trip around town. This meant the heartbreak of missing her sister’s wedding as well as a family reunion. The condition also prevented Wendy, 61, from enjoying one of her favorite hobbies—bargain shopping. She also had to say no when she was invited on dates. “If I wasn’t sure I’d be close to a bathroom, it wasn’t happening,” Wendy said. It is estimated that 12 million adults in America suffer from some type of loss of bladder control. Yet many are too embarrassed to seek treatment.
Once Wendy had reached her lowest point, she decided it was time to ask for help. “Enough was enough,” she said. “I was ready to take my life back.” She made an appointment with Saint Vincent urologist Zdzislaw Chorazy, MD, who referred Wendy to Saint Vincent Women’s Rehabilitation Services. There, physical therapist Cheryl Curtis, MPT, WCS, BCB-PMD, a women’s rehab specialist, began a course of therapy that would help Wendy reclaim her life. According to Cheryl Curtis, Wendy’s initial treatment included manual therapy to eliminate pelvic floor muscle (PFM) spasms that were creating her abdominal pain, bilateral hip discomfort and contributing to her need to run to the bathroom. Cheryl also worked with Wendy on bladder retraining and encouraged her to decrease her consumption of bladder irritants such as caffeine, acidic foods and beverages, and carbonated products. “After only four treatments, Wendy began having days without any leakage and her pelvic floor muscle spasms were resolved,” Cheryl said.
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Cheryl also utilized biofeedback therapy—a treatment tool that utilizes electrodes, computer graphs and audible tones to show patients that they are exercising the correct muscles appropriately. This process helped Wendy increase her pelvic floor muscle strength as well as address her PFM coordination deficits. “The therapy seemed difficult at first, but it became easier,” Wendy said. When Wendy saw the results, it encouraged her to increase the amount of time she spent on the exercises and her progress improved. “Three months or so into the process, I could give up the pads I previously had to wear and started living my life again,” Wendy said. “I felt great and continue to feel great!” With her newfound freedom, Wendy is proud that she won’t miss another important family event. She plans to attend another sister’s upcoming graduation from nursing school. “I am so thankful to Cheryl for the treatment she provided. It is awesome,” Wendy said. “I would highly recommend her to anyone with any women’s health problem.”
Saint Vincent Women’s Rehabilitation Services Cheryl Curtis, MPT, BCB-PMD, and Krista Taylor, PT, CLT, of Saint Vincent Women’s Rehabilitation Services, provide treatment specifically designed to meet the unique healthcare needs of women. The program offers innovative treatments and therapies for women with the following conditions: • Incontinence • Lymphedema • Osteoporosis • Pelvic organ prolapse • Pelvic pain • Perimenopause • Pregnancy/Postpartum pain • SI or Pubic symphysis Saint Vincent Women’s Rehabilitation Services is located at 1910 Sassafras Street, Suite 101. For more information on women’s therapy services at Saint Vincent or to schedule an appointment, please call 814.452.7867.
Deliver your baby in comfort, style and privacy At Saint Vincent, our Mother and Baby Center combines the expertise of the region’s most experienced caregivers with the comfort and amenities of a first-class luxury hotel. The Center features beautiful private recovery rooms—each with its own spacious bathroom and shower, providing the privacy new moms desire. Sparkling, new private suites are dedicated to labor, delivery and recovery, offering the privacy and technology families expect, with the expert care of the region’s most experienced nursing team. Mother and baby can feel safe and secure during their stay with Saint Vincent’s Hugs and Kisses security system. Each room is equipped with: • A flat-screen television • Free Wi-Fi for moms, dads and family members to share their exciting news and stay in touch • Storage for personal items • Sleeping space for significant other or support person • Beautiful décor and furnishings that remind you of the comforts of home All parents receive a free welcome gift upon arrival and a free departure gift from the Children’s Miracle Network upon discharge. Saint Vincent is committed to providing a comfortable, relaxing and private atmosphere as parents welcome their newest addition into the world.
Scan the QR code for a video testimonial on the Saint Vincent Mother and Baby Center ahn.org
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All About the Core When: Thursday, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Glutes, Guns, and Guts When: Wednesdays 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Bootcamp and Core When: Tuesdays 4:35 to 5:35 p.m.
Beginner Yoga When: Tuesdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m. Saturdays, 9 to 10 a.m.
R.I.P.P.E.D When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 4:35 to 5:35 p.m.
Sucker Punch When: Mondays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Saint Vincent is dedicated to your good health! Purchase an 10-class pass for $50 at the Saint Vincent Inspired Gift Shop in the main lobby at 232 West 25 Street. Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at the Saint Vincent Fitness Center, Hardner Building, 2315 Myrtle Street, Lower Level. Call 814.452.5655 or email jterrito@svhs.org for more information.
Saint Vincent Fitness Classes
Health Happenings
Refresher Class: February 5, March 5, April 2 and May 7, from 1 to 5 p.m. Where: One West Conference Center at Saint Vincent RSVP: 814.397.3883
AARP Smart Driver Class For drivers over 55 December 3, 2 to 6 p.m. March 9 and 10, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 13 and 14, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Especially for Seniors
When: Wednesday, November 5, at 10 a.m., featuring David German, MD Wednesday, December 3, at 1 p.m., featuring Robert Lupo, MD Where: Saint Vincent McGarvey Learning Center RSVP: 814.866.4845
FREE Living Without Hip and Knee Pain Hip and knee pain can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Learn about the latest treatments from a Saint Vincent orthopaedic surgeon at this helpful seminar. Participants receive a free hot/cold gel pack.
Pull out and post this calendar!
Saturday Preparation for Labor (a two-week class) When: Saturday, November 1 and 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $30 per couple
Monday Preparation for Labor (a three-week class) When: Mondays, December 1, 8, 15, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost: $30 per couple
Newborn Care When: Thursday, December 4, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost: $15
Online eLearning Childbirth Education Class Check out our convenient alternative for expectant parents who cannot attend a conventional prepared childbirth class due to bed rest, scheduling conflicts or time constraints. It can also be a helpful refresher course for repeat parents. Registrants can work with class materials online and also receive a hard copy of the book for future reference. To learn more, scan the code below with your smartphone.
From childbirth to newborn care and even a class for expectant dads, this class series is just what you need when you’re expecting. Beautiful Beginnings classes may be reimbursable, so be sure to check with your health insurance provider. Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at the Saint Vincent Women’s Center, 311 West 24 Street, Erie. Register and pay online at ahn.org
Beautiful Beginnings Classes For Expectant and New Parents
November 5 and 19 December 3 and 17 January 7 and 21 February 4 and 18 March 4 and 18
FREE Bariatric Seminars If you have a significant amount of weight to lose and are struggling with traditional weight loss methods, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery. Learn more about this procedure, which provides new hope for patients, at one of our bariatric seminars. All seminars are held at 6 p.m. on the following dates. Please call 814.452.7800 to RSVP and request seminar location.
When: Thursday, Nov. 13 at noon, Thursday, Feb. 5 at noon Where: Saint Vincent McGarvey Learning Center RSVP: 814.452.7273
FREE Saint Vincent Cardiac Support Group If you’ve experienced a cardiac event, this popular support group will reinforce that you’re not alone. Learn more about important heart care and prevention from a Saint Vincent expert, enjoy the company of others who know what you’ve been through, and receive a free gift.
A full class schedule is available online at ahn.org.
FREE Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Family Support Group When: September 24, 6 p.m. October 29, 6 p.m. December 3, 6 p.m. Where: Saint Vincent Women’s Center
FREE Breast Cancer Support Group When: Third Wednesday of every month Where: Regional Cancer Center, 2400 West 12 Street, Erie RSVP: 814.836.2660
FREE Look Good, Feel Better for Female Cancer Patients When: November 17, 4 to 6 p.m. Where: Saint Vincent Women’s Center, 311 West 24 Street, Erie RSVP: 800.227.2345
Community Cancer Learning and Support
Friday Fusion When: Friday 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Maternity Tours Tours of the maternity floor are part of the Labor Prep classes. However, for those moms and dads who are unable to attend class or who would like another look, tours can also be scheduled by calling 814.452.5664. Scan the code below for a video testimonial on the Saint Vincent Mother and Baby Center.
So, You’re Going to be a Grandparent: A Class for Expectant or New Grandparents When: May 4, 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $10 per person/$15 per grandparent couple
Dads Make a Difference: For Fathers-to-Be When: April 27, 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $10 per dad
CPR for Infants, Children and Adults When: November 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Educational Services Classroom, 224 West 26 Street Cost: $40
Breastfeeding Support Group When: November 19 and December 17, 6:30 p.m. Cost: FREE
Mothers and Daughters: On Growing Up When: Saturday, October 18, 9 a.m. to noon Cost: $20 per mother/daughter couple ($5 for each additional daughter)
Sibling Preparation When: April 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost: $10 for one child; $5 for each additional child
Breastfeeding When: November 13 and December 11, 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $15
The Benefit of Being a Patient in the Allegheny Health Network cover story Nancy, Ramon and Allegheny Health Network: A Perfect Match Kidney Transplant Patients Enjoy the Convenience of Care in Erie Imagine living every day in a state of constant exhaustion. For the past five years, that was the reality lived by Nancy Rodriguez of Erie, 36. Diagnosed with kidney disease when she was 14 years old, Nancy went into kidney failure in 2009. For five years, she endured three-and-a-half hours of dialysis, three days a week. For Nancy’s boyfriend, Ramon Estrada, 37, watching Nancy go through the grueling regimen of dialysis was frustrating. In a superb act of love, Ramon offered to donate a kidney to Nancy. And, in April of 2014, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) transplant surgeons Peter Abrams, MD, and Tom Kusum, MD, performed the transplant in Pittsburgh. However, because of Saint Vincent’s affiliation with AHN, Nancy and Ramon were able to receive most of their care before and after the surgery at Saint Vincent in Erie. Nancy and Ramon shared their story with Vitals Magazine, from both the recipient and donor perspectives.
Nancy Rodriguez, 36, Erie VM: What was life like when you were in kidney failure and receiving dialysis several times a week? NANCY: There is only one word to describe it. Exhausting. Each time I had dialysis, it drained me so much that I would sleep the entire rest of the day. It was also very time consuming. It took about 11 hours a week. I was also dealing with a very restrictive diet. I couldn’t eat any of the foods I had enjoyed my entire life, like rice and beans. And ice cream. VM: How did it make you feel when your boyfriend, Ramon, offered you a kidney? NANCY: At first, I thought he was joking, but when I realized he was serious, I thought ‘Oh, my God, this man is everything to me.’ I always tell people that he first gave me his heart, then he gave me his kidney. VM: How did having your doctors and transplant team members available here in Erie for much of your care impact your life? NANCY: Before the transplant team was here in Erie, the long drive to Pittsburgh was exhausting. They scheduled my appointments on the days when I didn’t have dialysis. I was so tired, I wasn’t able to do anything for a few days afterward. When I realized I could drive only ten minutes from home to see the doctor, I can’t even tell you how great it was.
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VM: How are you feeling now, six months post transplant? NANCY: I feel super duper good now. My energy is not quite 100%, but it is way better than it was before. I can do so much more than before the transplant. I am a happier person. And I can have ice cream again! VM: How do you feel about your transplant team? NANCY: The entire team is just awesome. I love our doctors. They took very good care of us and, really, they changed my life. I trust Saint Vincent and am so glad the hospital made this care available to me here in Erie.
Three stories of patients who received world-class care close to home When Saint Vincent affiliated with the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) in the summer of 2013, the local news media announced that the affiliation would bring area residents access to medical specialists from AHN—including some specialties that were not available in Erie. Over the past year, this access has moved from the headlines of a newspaper into the actual lives of area residents, providing them with the region’s highest level of care right in their own backyards. Vitals Magazine (VM) spoke to four area patients who received world-class care in their community because they are patients of the Allegheny Health Network. Here are their stories:
Ramon Estrada, 37, Erie VM: Tell us why you decided to donate your kidney to your girlfriend, Nancy. RAMON: That answer is easy. She’s my baby. Nancy was always so bummed out that she had to go to dialysis all the time. I was in good health, so I thought maybe I would be a match for her. I had the testing and it turned out I was a universal match for her. VM: Were you nervous about the surgery and recovery? RAMON: I had to admit, I was a little nervous and on edge the day of the surgery, but it all turned out perfectly. I was a little sore for a few weeks, but I am rocking and rolling now. VM: How do you feel about Nancy being able to receive follow-up care in Erie, thanks to Saint Vincent’s affiliation with Allegheny Health Network? RAMON: I think being able to have follow up visits in Erie has really helped Nancy to gain her strength faster because she doesn’t have to deal with the time, trouble and exhaustion of driving to Pittsburgh. It just takes a short ten-minute drive now—to Saint Vincent—which is just so much easier on her.
Care Close to Home: From a Physician Perspective Transplant patients not only benefit from a convenience perspective from receiving care close to home, they benefit from a medical perspective, according to one of the AHN transplant team surgeons who performed surgery on Nancy Rodriguez and Ramon Estrada. “Our ability to offer before and after transplant care in Erie makes it easier on our patients and promotes excellent transplant results. The resources of patients with end-stage kidney disease are already stretched thin by the time they come up for transplant. We don’t want to make things more difficult for them,” said Peter Abrams, MD, Surgical Director of the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program of the Center for Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Disease at Allegheny General Hospital. “The whole point of a kidney transplant is to offer them an opportunity for a new lease on life and a superior quality of life as well. Offering transplant care in Erie is part of our transplant program’s effort in achieving that goal.”
Dr. Abrams described both Nancy and Ramon’s health outlook as excellent. “The medical literature predicts that Nancy’s lifespan has been increased by a decade or hopefully much longer thanks to her successful living donor kidney transplant,” he said. “There are multiple studies which demonstrate that healthy adults like Ramon are Peter Abrams, MD able to donate one of their kidneys without any negative impact on their long-term health. So the health outlook for Ramon was excellent before donation and remained the same after donation. In our eyes, Ramon is quite the hero and deserves our deepest gratitude for his gift of life.”
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Frank Bilotti, 30, Erie Lost 94 Pounds and 500 Travel Miles in Four Months After almost two decades of waging an uphill battle with his weight, Frank Bilotti, 30, decided he had had enough. In 2013, he made the decision to have a sleeve gastrectomy—a bariatric weight loss procedure—at Saint Vincent. Shortly before he was to have the surgery, his doctor moved out of town. Facing a trip to Pittsburgh for his surgery, Frank was relieved to learn he would be able to have his procedure at Saint Vincent because Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network bariatric surgeon, Brendan Marr, MD, travels to Saint Vincent to see patients and perform surgeries.
VM: How are you doing since your surgery?
FRANK: I had my surgery in April and I have lost 94 pounds so far. I feel amazing now. I have more energy. Everything is easier to do. Every once in awhile, my eyes are bigger than my stomach, literally. But, as long as I follow the program, the success just keeps coming.
VM: What was your life like when you were struggling with your weight?
FRANK: I had very little energy. I didn’t want to do anything. My weight took my social life from me and, more important, it was taking my health and possibly my ability to live a longer life. When I hit 377 pounds, I made the decision to have bariatric surgery.
VM: How do you feel about the care that Dr. Marr provided?
FRANK: Dr. Marr is an extremely talented and gifted doctor. He listens. He is there for you. He is truly a “people” doctor.
VM: What did it mean to you to be able to have your surgery and have office visits in Erie?
Frank continues to lose weight and reports that he feels stronger and better every day and that his social life is back in full swing.
FRANK: It was just so convenient to be able to have my doctor right here where I live.
Mark Your Calendar for Happier Holidays: The Saint Vincent Festival of Trees If you want to get into the spirit of the holidays, mark your calendar for the Saint Vincent Festival of Trees and get ready to light up your life.
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The 2014 Festival of Trees will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center from November 26 through November 30, featuring more than 80 uniquely decorated trees, live entertainment, and a bounty of activities for children, including Santa’s Castle, Santa’s Secret Shoppe, live reindeer, holiday displays, and Breakfast with Santa. .
Breakfast with Santa The ever-popular Breakfast with Santa is scheduled for Saturday, November 29 at 9 a.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Only 300 tickets will be available and reservations are required.
Mary Merski of Erie Received Maternal-Fetal Medicine Care in Erie A few months into her pregnancy, Mary Merski of Erie learned that one of her twins had vasa previa, an issue in which a fetal blood vessel runs too close to the opening of the uterus, as well as a related medical issue. Mary’s condition required the care of a specialist, so she was referred to AHN maternal-fetal medicine specialist Ashi Daftary, MD, who is based in Pittsburgh, but travels regularly to Erie to see Saint Vincent patients. Mary was able to see Dr. Daftary every other week just a few minutes from home. VM: What was your reaction to the news of these medical issues with your pregnancy?
MARY: It was very scary. I didn’t know what was going to happen. I was so relieved to know that Saint Vincent was connected to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. VM: How did you feel about being able to see Dr. Daftary here in Erie?
MARY: My husband works third shift, so a trip to Pittsburgh every other week would have been very hard on him. I was also so relieved to know I wouldn’t have to travel during the later stages of my pregnancy—I was worried I might go into labor during the trip.
VM: How would you characterize the care Dr. Daftary provided?
MARY: Dr. Daftary was very knowledgeable and calming at a time when I was very scared and totally freaking out. I am just so impressed and grateful that Saint Vincent made this care available to me—just five minutes from my home. Mary’s twins, Ruby and Scarlet, were born one month premature, but in good health. They were able to go home from the hospital on the same day as their mom.
Take advantage of the benefits of being a patient in the Allegheny Health Network. Visit SwitchToSV.com or call 814.452.SVMG (7864) today.
Adult-only Light Up Night The Festival of Trees Adult-Only Light Up Night is set for Tuesday, November 25 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25, and guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres along with a cash bar. Tickets to the Festival will be available at the door and can be purchased for $9 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Tickets for Light Up Night and Breakfast with Santa can be purchased online at ahn.org/FestivalofTrees, at the Saint Vincent Gift Shop, 232 West 25 Street, or by calling the Saint Vincent Foundation at 814.452.5073. The 2014 Festival of Trees will benefit both the Saint Vincent Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at Saint Vincent Hospital. With your support, we can help provide improved facilities, specialized equipment, funds for research and medical education to care for our patients.
For more information or a full schedule, please visit ahn.org/FestivalofTrees.
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Coming this Fall: AHN Health Finder App An App for Your Health Questions “What should I do when my child falls and gets a bump on the head?” “Should I call the doctor if I’ve had a sore throat for three days?” These are questions each of us has had at one point or another. And, thanks to the new AHN Health Finder App, you’ll have access to the answers to your health questions and concerns right on your smartphone. The AHN Health Finder Symptom Care Guide helps you make smart decisions on what level of care (if any) is needed and how to provide symptom relief for minor illnesses and injuries you can manage on your own. Information on the app is derived from the clinical protocols used by physicians and nurses in 10,000 practices and 400 nurse advice lines in the US and Canada. They have been tested for 15 years on more than 150 million symptom calls. Symptom Checker includes easy three-step navigation:
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Choose the most appropriate symptom care guide.
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Use the symptom decision chart to find the recommended action, including if and when to call your physician, call 911 or manage care at home.
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Follow the self care advice to manage minor illnesses and injuries at home.
The AHN Health Finder App also includes first aid topics, over-the-counter dosage tables, visual images to help you identify symptoms and even a medication and allergy list for your family. The app will be available for download on Android and iPhone this fall. Be sure to watch for it.
Disclaimer: The information provided with this application is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; it is for informational purposes only. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Before using The AHN Health Finder App, all users should read and agree with the full Disclaimer available in the application.
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The New Saint Vincent Infusion Center Expanded Hours and All the Comforts of Home For patients receiving infusions, time can often tick by very slowly. That’s why Saint Vincent has brought many of the comforts of home into its new Infusion Center, located at 2315 Myrtle Street in the Hardner Building. Infusion therapy is an intravenous administration of medicines, blood and blood products, and nutrition. The Saint Vincent Infusion Center provides recliner chairs, televisions, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks and beverages during treatment. Patients can even bring one family member, making it feel even more like home. The Center, which has an onsite weekday pharmacist, also features extended weekday and Saturday hours, as well as a convenient new scheduling and registration process. Prior to developing this new Center, patients received infusions on the hospital’s Short Stay unit. The new Center is located in The Hardner Building, a medical office building located adjacent to the hospital. Patients can take advantage of a parking ramp with an enclosed sky bridge, and a circle driveway directly in front of the building’s entrance for easy pick-up and drop off. Handicap parking and valet services are also available. Patients also enjoy the benefit of extended hours, on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, they can make reservations for the month and conveniently register at the Infusion Center. The Saint Vincent Infusion Center provides: • Antibiotic therapy • Blood transfusions • Central Line dressing changes • Central Line maintenance • Fluids for dehydration • Injections • IV Medications
To schedule your appointment, call 814.452.7848.
Saint Vincent Welcomes New Physicians Geoffrey D. Betz, MD Primary Care Millcreek Family Practice 145 West 23 Street, Suite 101 814.461.6626
Cecilia Crisanti, MD Primary Care Saint Vincent Family Medicine Center 311 West 24 Street, Suite 305 814.454.4484
George Eid, MD Bariatric Surgery Center for Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery 145 West 23 Street, Suite 303 814.452.7800
Leonard Ferreira, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology OB/GYN Associates of Erie 100 Peach Street, Suite 300 814.459.1851
Alfred Jenkins, MD Gynecological Oncology Greater Erie Niagara Surgery 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 290 Erie, Pennsylvania 16502 814.454.1142
Lucy Lot, MD Pediatrics Saint Vincent Family Medicine Center 311 West 24 Street, Suite 305 814.454.4484
Brendan Marr, MD Bariatric Surgery Center for Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery 145 West 23 Street, Suite 303 814.452.7800
Richard E. Redlinger, Jr, MD Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Saint Vincent Vascular and Endovascular Surgery 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 160 814.456.9197
Keven Schattner, DO General Surgery Greater Erie Niagara Surgery 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 290 814.454.1142
Chevelta Smith, DO, FACOG Obstetrics and Gynecology OB/GYN Associates of Erie 100 Peach Street, Suite 300 814.459.1851
Philip St. Julien, DO Primary Care and Sports Medicine Saint Vincent Sports Medicine 4671 West Lake Road 814.835.2035
Christopher Strzalka, MD, FCCP Palliative Medicine Saint Vincent Hospital 232 West 25 Street 814.452.5000
Navalkishor R. Udgiri, MD Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Saint Vincent Vascular and Endovascular Surgery 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 160 814.456.9197
Paul Weinbaum, MD, MS Maternal-Fetal Medicine Greater Erie Niagara Surgery 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 290 814.452.1142
Kelli Wienecke, DO Primary Care Millcreek Family Practice 145 West 23 Street, Suite 101 814.461.6626
Dermatology on Call: A Virtual Visit with a Dermatologist
If you’ve ever waited months to see a dermatologist, a new service provided by the Allegheny Health Network could offer a virtual alternative. With DermatologistOnCallŽ, you can experience dermatology care online and on your time, eliminating the long wait times. A virtual visit, which costs only $59, includes a visit from the comfort of home, a diagnosis and treatment plan within three business days and consultation with an AHN board-certified dermatologist for up to 30 days.
To learn more or arrange a Virtual Visit, go to ahn.org/dermoncall ahn.org
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232 West 25 Street Erie PA 16544
Saint Vincent Earns Accolades
Several prestigious organizations have recently recognized Saint Vincent for quality, safety and excellent care, including: The American Heart Association (AHA) Mission: Lifeline® Receiving Center— SILVER Level Recognition Award The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) awarded the Saint Vincent Heart and Vascular Center a three-star rating for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in its CABG Composite Quality Rating for the period ending December 31, 2013. The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons awarded national accreditation to the Saint Vincent Cancer Care Center for 2013. Highmark Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement
Highmark Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery Highmark Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals AARP Best Employers for Workers over 50 Health Care’s Most Wired for 2013 The U.S. News & World Report 2013-2014 Best Hospitals Guide designated Saint Vincent as a High Performer in cardiology, heart surgery, gastroenterology, GI surgery, geriatrics, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery and pulmonology.
The American Heart Association awarded Saint Vincent its Get with the Guidelines: Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The American Heart Association gave the Saint Vincent Heart and Vascular Center its Get with the Guidelines: Heart Failure Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award. The Hospital & Health System Association of Pennsylvania’s (HAP) Safety Across the Board Excellence Award American Heart Association Fit Friendly Award—Platinum Recognition