For long-time Boscobel resident Brenda Ott, feeling unwell had become the norm. Now a three-year breast cancer survivor, Brenda had gone through radiation before becoming cancer free and had grown accustomed to not feeling 100%.
Most recently, Brenda began struggling with internal bleeding from an unknown source, which led to numerous tests and appointments and impacted her health. One evening, she felt particularly unwell and thought it best to lay down and rest. Upon rising, Brenda knew something was terribly wrong and collapsed while trying to get out of bed. After receiving a call from her father, Brenda’s daughter, Sarah, immediately called 911.
Brenda was taken by ambulance to Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital, during which time she was told paramedics “almost lost her” as she went in and out of consciousness. The situation was more severe than her family had anticipated.
Once at Gundersen Boscobel, the ER staff acted quickly, administering blood and platelets to stabilize Brenda enough for a GundersenAIR flight to the La Crosse Hospital. There, doctors placed a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt to clamp the veins internally that were bleeding.
Soon, Brenda would receive some clarity around her condition; she was diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is an inflammation of the liver caused by a buildup of fat that can cause damage. While the procedure relieved some of the pressure on her liver, Brenda learned that she would live with NASH for the rest of her life.
Despite this life-altering diagnosis, Brenda remains deeply grateful for the medical expertise and fast action that saved her life that day.
“I can’t praise the GBAHC team enough. We are so fortunate to have our hospital,” Brenda says. “If it wasn’t for the fast action by the team in the ER, I wouldn’t have made it that day; they kept me alive. They’re very kind and caring people, and I can’t say that enough.”
Brenda is especially thankful for the exceptional care provided by Primary Care Provider Colleen McCurry, MD; Gastroenterologist James Groskreutz, MD, Nephrologist Balaji Srinivasan, MD; and her nurse, Gio Aguilar.
“Gio is wonderful,” Brenda says. “He’s so good to me and my husband. We’ve seen him outside of the hospital and he always comes to say hello. He is one of the people that told me not to put off care. Take care of it. Don’t wait.”
And that’s the main message Brenda took away from her experience.
“Don’t ignore anything that could lead to worse outcomes,” she says. “Stay on top of routine care, and don’t ignore symptoms. You know your body best.”
Dr. McCurry reinforces this message. “Building a strong relationship with your provider, actively advocating for your health and openly discussing your health concerns are crucial steps in promoting your overall wellbeing.”