Coordinated Care Guided Alpena Woman’s Road to Recovery
Trauma Patient, Wife, MyMichigan Employee
"My entire health care team across the board was genuinely caring and gave expert, top-notch care. I can’t say enough about how pleased I am with everyone I encountered throughout my journey.”
Renee Eddy, 56-year-old employee at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, gained new perspective of her organization and colleagues after an accident last summer required emergent and ongoing health care. Recovering from a broken hip and ankle took coordinated efforts from emergency medical services, orthopedic trauma surgeons, wound care staff and rehabilitation specialists to help Eddy heal over time.
“I’ve always been hands-on with all projects we do and love helping with construction projects and wood working especially,” said Eddy. When she and her husband decided to re-roof their garage, Eddy had no concerns that they could handle the job. Unfortunately for her, several days into the project, she slid off the roof and dropped to the ground, sustaining an open fracture to her ankle and a broken hip.
After her husband called 911, Nick Harrison, supervisor of MyMichigan Emergency Medical Services in Alpena, arrived on the scene. “I remember waking up at some point and knowing Nick was talking to me, reassuring me that he was there with me. He also had someone with my husband to support him as well. It was a comfort to know he was with me and helping me get the medical assistance I needed.”
After Eddy was evaluated and stabilized by the Emergency Department staff in Alpena, it was decided to transfer her to MyMichigan Medical Center Midland for surgery because of the traumatic nature of her injuries. Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon Gregory Daut, M.D., handled her case. “Dr. Daut and Mark McIntire, P.A.-C, were both amazing,” Eddy said. “While in the hospital, my sister read me their bios from the MyMichigan website, and we both couldn’t believe how blessed I was to have them assigned to my care. I spent four days in the Medical Center and everyone who entered my room was excellent. They delivered amazing care with such kindness. Dr. Daut and Mark followed up with me every day, keeping me informed of my condition and what to expect.”
Eddy was then discharged to inpatient rehabilitation at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena where she was happy to receive both physical and occupational therapy in her hometown. The rehab team in Alpena worked to prepare her for further healing in her own home. Eddy shared, “They explained techniques I would need to be safe in my home – how to manipulate the wheelchair and walker, shower, dress, do steps, etc. They knew all the tips and tricks and educated my husband as well on how to best help me recover.”
MyMichigan Home Care also made visits to her home for rehabilitation in the weeks that followed to monitor and assist with her ongoing therapies. When they discovered an inch-long wound on her ankle that wouldn’t heal, Eddy visited the Wound Treatment Center on the Alpena campus for assistance. “That was a pesky wound but after just four treatments, it healed right up.” Tom Kane F.N.P.-C., M.B.A., M.S.N., vice president of nursing, and Jacob Straley, A.G.A.C.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., worked with Eddy. “They saw to it that I was well taken care of. The wound was debrided, and they used collagen to help the process along. They were fabulous.”
Eddy then continued her rehabilitation at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena with Andrew Zeider, D.P.T., C.S.C.S. Eddy was impressed with Zeider and the other therapists she encountered there during her therapy. “It’s a busy place - you see people coming and going around you, but the therapists never showed signs of a stressful day. They were laser-focused on the patient they were working with and were so positive and encouraging,” Eddy said. “They helped me transition from wheelchair, to walker, to cane, to no assistance.” Eddy shared that it was challenging at times, but Zeider and the other therapists encouraged her to be patient with herself. “Andrew said each time he saw me I was stronger than the last visit, and that really helped me stay motivated to keep a positive outlook on healing,” she said.
It has been a long road for Eddy, but she has completed all physical therapy and continues to recover. She does all she can and rests when needed. She looks forward to having the stamina to take long walks in the woods, enjoy side-by-side trips, travel again with her husband and get back to “normal” life.
“I feel so very fortunate,” said Eddy. “I have had experiences with so many colleagues in departments across MyMichigan Health I never thought I’d encounter, and I’d like them to know how incredible each of them is. I never thought I would be on the receiving end of things. My co-workers, family and friends continue to cheer for me with such support, and my entire health care team across the board was genuinely caring and gave expert, top-notch care. I can’t say enough about how pleased I am with all the hospital departments and staff I’ve encountered throughout my journey. They truly put patients first every step of the way.”
Those who would like information about MyMichigan Health’s comprehensive musculoskeletal care may visit www.mymichigan.org/msk.
