Floyd Memorial Hospital will be hosting a free total joint replacement surgery seminar featuring board certified Orthopedic Surgeon Edward Bell, MD, on Tuesday, July 28 at 6 p.m. in the Paris Health Education Center. Discussion will include the benefits of total knee and hip replacement surgery. A physical therapist will also be on hand to explain the role of physical therapy in the recovery process, and an orthopedic nurse will cover what to expect pre- and post-op, followed by an opportunity to tour the hospital’s brand new Surgical Inpatient Unit Orthopedic Wing.

Pre-registration is required to attend, call 1-800-4-SOURCE or visit www.floydmemorial.com to register

Floyd Memorial Hospital is part of a new partnership that includes Louisville Metro EMS, the American Heart Association and several area hospitals. The goal is to shorten the time between treatment by EMS and the opening of coronary artery blockage in a cardiac catheterization lab. Using sophisticated technology, EMS crews will use mobile EKGs to diagnose acute heart attacks in the field. They will then transmit the EKG to the nearest hospital that can perform percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI.

Floyd Memorial Hospital has been performing PCI since our Heart and Vascular and Emergency Center opened in 2006. A special grant from the Indiana State Department of Health enabled the hospital to purchase the EKG transmission technology required to participate in the partnership.

Kelly Hentrup, RN, BSN, MHA, is Floyd Memorial’s clinical manager of Cardiovascular Services. “We have 24-hour coverage of our cardiac cath lab,” she said. “The team includes an interventional cardiologist, specially trained cath lab nurses and radiology technicians.” As Linda Minton, RN, BSN, MS, director of the Emergency Center, explained, “We can have the cardiac cath team setting up to perform an angioplasty, a procedure in which a balloon is used to open blockage in a coronary artery, while the ambulance is still on the way. You have to be excited about a service that will allow us increase heart attack survival rates!”

“Pre-hospital care providers,such as EMS, can now obtain an EKG in the field, identify an acute heart attack, and transmit the results of the EKG to us while they’re on the way. That gives us a heads up to notify the interventional cardiologist and cardiac cath lab so they can be ready when the patient arrives. This quick response has been shown to reduce critical door-to-balloon time. It can be especially important for people who live in more outlying areas of our community.”

Thomas M. Harris, MD, FACEP
Board Certified Emergency
Medicine Specialist
Floyd Emergency Medical Associates

What Is Door-to-Balloon Time?

The time that passes between a patient’s arrival in the emergency room and the restoration of blood flow to the heart through intervention is called door-to-balloon time. According to Minton, “We believe this new prehospital EKG capability will allow us to shave 10 to 20 critical minutes off our door-to-balloon time.”

“Having the ability to receive the EKG from the ambulance is a real advantage. Floyd Memorial has an interventional cardiologist on call 24/7. If we can identify the patient who needs to get to the cath lab before they arrive, we can activate the team iimmediately. When the patient hits our door, the lab can be ready to perform angioplasty, open up the blocked artery and stop the heart attack in progress.”

Syed Raza, MD
Board Certified Interventional
Cardiologist
Kentuckiana Heart Doctors

“This is very exciting because it will allow individuals who are having chest pain to be screened so that those who are actually having an acute heart attack can be identified immediately. The hospital can focus its resources on those patients who need immediate intervention, saving time that can save heart muscle and lives.

Naveen Dev, MD
Board Certified Cardiologist
Cardiovascular Associates of
Southern Indiana

To Register…

The prostate cancer screening is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, call 1-800-4-SOURCE (1-800-476-8723) by September 18.

• Look Good/Feel Better – A program of the American Cancer Society (ACS) in which volunteer cosmetologists meet with cancer patients to share make-up techniques and information about wigs and ways to disguise hair loss.
• Reach to Recovery – An ACS program with survivor-led groups for women facing breast cancer.
• Cancer Support Group and Caregiver Support Group, which meet the first and third Thursdays of each month.
• Breast Cancer Support Group, which meets the second Thursday of every other month.

For more information on any of these programs call 1-800-4-SOURCE (1-800-476-8723) or visit our Classes and Events section online.

When our bodies are finished growing, we don’t expect the sugar to be absorbed quickly anywhere except in the heart, because the heart is always beating, and the brain, because the brain is always thinking. So, when anything other than the heart or brain lights up, it is generally abnormal.” The combination of the CT and PET scans provides an extremely valuable tool.

“One of the types of cancer for which we expect the PET/CT scans to be especially useful is lung cancer, where commonly occurring abnormalities such as scarring often lead to unnecessary, and sometimes risky, biopsies. We also believe patients with lymphomas, esophageal cancer and affected areas of the head and neck will benefit greatly.”

Naveed Chowhan, MD, FACP, CPI
Board Certified MedicalOncologist/Hematologist
Cancer Care Center, Inc. PC

“The images this combination PET/CT scanner produces give us the ability to plan radiation treatments that more accurately target tumors and spare surrounding healthy tissue. They will be particularly advantageous in treating certain types of cancers.”

John Bechtel, MD
Board Certified Radiation Oncologist
Cancer Center of Indiana

• Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation Louisville Affiliate
• Links for Life (Business and Professional Women organization)
• Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County Community Foundation of Southern Indiana
• Harrison County Community Foundation

The grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation will also support the program’s continued work with breast cancer patients experiencing lymphedema, a build-up of fluid in one or both arms that can result from damage to lymph glands.

Along with becoming much happier and feeling so much better about themselves, they greatly improve their health.” Anderson added, “It’s hard for some folks to ask for help, but we have a really great team of highly qualified, caring professionals. Our staff is extremely helpful and very understanding. That makes the process of losing weight much easier.”

For Tom, Losing Weight was Never a Success, Until Now

After many disappointing years of losing weight and inevitably gaining it back, Tom Strohbeck, a 53-year-old contractor from Floyds Knobs, decided to try one more program. Tom joined HMR at Floyd Memorial in February, 2008 and lost 118 pounds within a year,then happily began the maintenance portion of the program. “The best thing about this program,” Strohbeck explained, “is they really stress the importance of exercise. With HMR I’ve finally gotten into the routine of exercising six times a week. And going to meetings gives you accountability for all aspects of the program.”

“There are three main reasons HMR has been so successful for me,” said Strohbeck, “One is the emphasis on exercise. Two is having a support person available to answer questions, help plan meals and discuss challenges and problems on a personal basis. And three, you just never have to be hungry!”

“HMR made a huge difference in my life,” he said, “particularly regarding my health. My blood pressure was very high. Now I’m about to go completely off medication. Before my weight loss, watching TV was about all I did. Now I can really participate in my kids’ lives and enjoy myself.”

The Realize Gastric Band Helped Rick Change His Outlook on Life

Until recently, Rick Bobbitt’s health was admittedly on a downhill slope. “I weighed about 250 lbs., my cholesterol was over 300, I had severe sleep apnea and my blood sugar kept rising. Then I had a heart attack. I was really depressed and wondered why I should lose weight since I figured I wouldn’t live another year anyway.” As Bobbitt, a 59-year-old telephone man from Lanesville, explained, “I’ve probably lost hundreds of pounds over the years, but they’d always creep back.” Finally, just before Thanksgiving of 2008, Bobbitt’s family physician, Dr. Jonathan Grief, recommended the Realize Personalized Banding Solution, a minimally invasive gastric banding procedure, accompanied by a comprehensive support program.

“I was shocked at how fast it all went.” Bobbitt said. “The first step was to work with a dietitian to lose 10 to 15 pounds before the procedure to improve my liver function. But I actually lost 20! It was very positive from the start. On December 15, 2008 I had the procedure, and less than two hours later I felt good enough to go home. I walked laps in the corridors until it was time.”

“This Realize plan is the most wonderful thing,” said Bobbitt. “You can’t believe the difference in your mind set. I used to go to buffets and just graze and graze. Now I have to remind myself to eat. I’ve lost over 80 pounds and I feel fantastic!”

Sharon Broughton was Thrilled to Lose Weight with the HMR Program, but Re-gaining Her Health was Even Better

“Before starting HMR I never ate vegetables. I figured if cows ate them then I got them. If I’d been a dinosaur, I would have been a T-Rex,” laughed Sharon Broughton, a 55-year-old Census Bureau employee from Marengo. “But after 30 years with a weight problem I knew I had to do something. Controlling my sky-rocketing blood pressure was a constant struggle, even with two medications. I had high cholesterol and arthritis. I was falling apart.”

For years, Broughton researched weight loss programs. “I was looking for one with lots of support and the guidance I’d need to be successful long-term. After one HMR information session at Floyd Memorial, I knew I’d found it. “The food plan is working well for me,” Broughton said. “And since HMR stresses exercise, I’m at the YMCA four days a week. I even drag my mom with me and she’s lost 40 pounds. In six months I lost 63 pounds and dropped from a size 22 to a size 12. I’ve maintained the loss for six months. But what I have gained is even better – my health!”

Dave Found a Weight Loss Solution He Can Maintain Through HMR

Dave Grimes, a 52-year-old software developer from Corydon, hadn’t succeeded with diets he tried on his own. “So I was determined to find a program that offered two essential things,” he said. “I wanted someone to coach me, and someone to tell me what to eat. Then Floyd Memorial’s HealthScope, with an article describing HMR, appeared in my mailbox. I rushed right into the program, because I had a firm belief it would work.”

“There are three meal plan options and I chose Decision Free, which was healthy and seemed easy to stick to for a long period. You normally stay on it for 13 weeks, then move on to one with more varied food choices,” said Grimes. “But I really didn’t have any problem continuing the same plan for five months. I lost 80 pounds and have maintained it with exercise and following HMR’s Healthy Solutions plan along with my wife, Debbie. I feel good all the time now. I knew from day one that HMR was going to work. And it did!”

The HMR Program Helped Debbie Lose Over 100 Pounds

“I’ve had weight issues all my life,” said Debbie Grimes, 51. “Whatever I lost dieting,I always gained right back. Overeating wasn’t so much the problem as what I ate.Things I thought were healthy were some of the worst for losing weight.”

Grimes and her husband, Dave, were searching for just the right weight loss program. When they learned about HMR,they joined together. “For the first time,” she said, “I really learned how to eat nutritiously and prepare tasty foods without butter or gravy or sauces. We both exercise regularly now and are completely content with our food regimen. And if a weak moment comes along, we have each other for support.”

Debbie has lost over 100 pounds and is maintaining the loss. Asked what the best thing is about losing the weight, Grimes replied, “There are lots of things,like smaller clothes, not taking up the seat beside me on a plane and actually liking the way I look. I look younger and have more energy than I did 20 years ago. I’m a whole lot healthier, too. HMR really is a life-changing program!”

For more great HMR and Gastric Banding success stories, visit our Weight Management Center Success Stories page.

To Attend a Free Informative Seminar…

To find out more or sign up for a free seminar about the HMR or Realize Gastric Banding programs, please call 812-949-7151 or visit us online at www.floydmemorial.com/weightloss.

Kayla Cook, RN, is the charge nurse in the Surgical Inpatient Orthopedic Unit. As she explained, “More than 90 percent of individuals who undergo TJR experience a dramatic reduction in pain and significant improvement in mobility and their ability to perform daily activities. Our TJR program includes a multi-disciplinary team of medical professionals.

They bring their skills and knowledge together to provide comprehensive care that includes assessment, consultation, diagnosis, education, surgery, pain management, physical therapy and discharge planning. The program leads to proven excellent outcomes. We are happy to report that 70 percent of patients are able to go directly home after their discharge.” Added Cook, “We also utilize the most up-to-date technology available. For example, our knee replacement patients benefit from our use of the new custom-fit OtisKnee replacement, which offers increased comfort,fit, mobility and longevity.

An MRI is done three weeks prior to surgery so that the measurements are precise. This also helps determine the exact size and position of the implant, and preserves more bone and ligaments. The result is a more natural feeling knee, greater range of movement and quicker return to normal activities.”

To attend a free seminar given by an orthopedic surgeon…

A free joint replacement seminar held by an orthopedic surgeon and nurse and a physical therapist will be offered Tuesday,July 28 at 6 p.m. or Saturday, September 19 at 9:30 a.m. in the Paris Health Education Center at Floyd Memorial.  Learn about advanced treatments, medications, exercises,and what to expect with TJR surgery. Family members are encouraged to attend.

Call 1-800-4-SOURCE (1-800-476-8723) or visit www.floydmemorial.com to register.

“I was in excruciating pain and could barely walk. Dr. Bell tried several different treatments, but it got to the point where I needed surgery. I got my first knee in January, and the second in April. I went through the special program Floyd Memorial has for joint replacement patients. Kayla sat down with me and my husband and explained everything. I was completely at ease and felt like they were taking very good care of me.”

“Dr Bell is a great doctor. He’s done all the knees in the family. My husband got one in 1998 and one in 2002. Neither of us would even be walking without the surgery. Now, I’m able to go out in the garden again, which is one of my favorite warm-weather activities. Between the Lord and Dr. Bell, my surgery was a great success!”

Elsie Keeley, 69, recipient of two total knee joint replacements

“Elsie has a wonderful attitude and was a pleasure to take care of. We used a prosthetic knee that performs particularly well in cases of degenerative arthritis like hers. She was very compliant and it has all added up to a good result. I expect her to continue to improve.”

Edward Bell, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

“The pain in my right hip was so intense that I couldn’t sleep without medication. I certainly couldn’t play golf anymore. Dr. Conner told me I needed a total hip replacement. So, at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, February 9, I had my surgery. By 3 p.m., they were helping me stand up. On Tuesday, the physical therapist helped me walk around the corridors. The next day, I went up and down stairs. On Thursday, I got to go home to my wife.”

“Having the surgery was definitely worth it. They explained everything and did all my lab work in one day. Dr. Conner is an amazing surgeon. By April 4, less than two months later, I was able to play 18 holes of golf, which I’ve continued to do every Saturday since! I have no pain at all now.”

Roy D. Light, 81, recipient of a total hip joint replacement

“Roy proves that age alone is not a reason not to have joint replacement surgery. He is in good health, has a positive attitude and was highly motivated to get back to his active life. In fact, he was playing golf less than two months after surgery. We used a prosthetic hip with a new type of plastic insert that is designed to last longer and wear better. It should serve him well.”

John Conner, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

For more information …
If you think you might benefit from TJR surgery, please call 1-800-4-SOURCE
(1-800-476-8723) for a referral to a board certified orthopedic surgeon who can perform a complete evaluation and help you make the decision that’s right for you.

Image-Guided Brain Surgery

“We now have a system in the operating suite that allows us to navigate through the brain using image guidance,” explained Dr.Doyle. “That means MRI images of the brain are displayed on a computer monitor. A series of cameras are linked with the computer and with our surgical instruments, which have light-emitting diodes in their tips. A digital camera senses the position of the instruments in the brain and displays their position on the computer monitor. We can then see exactly where we are within the brain without the need to make a large incision.”

Pinpoint Accuracy

Dr. Doyle said the stereotactic navigation system, called the Medtronic Stealth, works something like a GPS system in your car. “With this, however, we can know within just one millimeter where our instruments are, and where the abnormality in the brain is. We can work directly on the tumor or lesion and see its borders to make sure we do the most complete resection, or removal, possible. We can also see the lesion in relation to other structures in the brain. The instruments give us the precision and control to remove the maximum amount of tumor while minimizing impact on critical brain structures that surround it.”

Stereotactic Biopsies

“The stereotactic system also allows us to do biopsies of lesions in the brain while making only a tiny incision,” added Dr. Doyle. “We can make a tiny hole, pass the needle in, position it exactly into the lesion and remove a sample. We then immediately have pathology look at it and give us vital information while the patient is still in the operating room.”

According to Dr. Doyle, “Years ago, our only option was the open biopsy, which required a large incision through the skull. The early stereotactic systems that came next required the patient’s head to be secured in a large and bulky frame. Today’s stereotactic systems are a great improvement, making the whole process much simpler, safer and more accurate.”

Significant Patient Benefits

Stereotactic brain surgery and biopsies offer significant benefits to the patient:

• Incisions are smaller. Because a surgeon can localize the tumor precisely, he or she can exactly target it during surgery or biopsies.
• Procedures are faster and simpler.
• The surgeon can be more certain of getting a complete resection without damaging
• surrounding structures, which leads to a better outcome.
• Patients recover faster, more completely and with fewercomplications.

“This advanced stereotactic navigation system allows us to see within one to two millimeters of accuracy where our instruments are within the brain. We can also visualize the precise shape and location of the tumor, all without a large incision. It gives us the precision and control we need to remove the maximum amount of tumor while avoiding critical structures in the brain.”

Michael Doyle, MD
Board Certified Neurosurgeon

According to Dr. Bittenbender, “Without that all-encompassing resource, primary care doctors would have to  schedule their patients for different tests and treatments at a variety of locations, wait for the results, evaluate their progress, and schedule more treatments if necessary. There is little we can do in the office to actually eliminate the cause of the pain. As a comprehensive resource, Floyd Memorial’s Pain Management Center is extremely valuable to our patients who are in real need of treatment for pain.”

“Our location on the ground floor of the hospital provides easy access and patient registration is handled within the department,” explained Thelma Thomas,RN,BSN, clinical manager of the Pain Management Center. “Patients first meet with a nurse who reviews their medical history and makes an initial assessment. They are then directed to the appropriate physician for a consultation and treatment plan.

After receiving the prescribed care, they are given clear and detailed discharge instructions to reinforce their understanding of treatment,which can help improve their outcome.” “The atmosphere in the center is very warm and friendly,” continued Thomas, “Our staff knows all the regular patients by name. That type of personal attention and care really means a lot when you’re in pain.”

“If we can get in there early with a diagnosis and complete treatment program, we can often avoid the scenario in which the patient just ends up on an ever escalating regimen of medication to relieve the pain.”

Dean Collis, MD
Board Certified Anesthesiologist
Pain Management Specialist
Interventional Rehabilitation of Kentucky

“What makes the center so great is that it not only offers virtually every state-of-the-art treatment and therapy modality all in one place, but also that the system of diagnosis and treatment is extremely efficient.”

Michael Bittenbender, MD
Board Certified Family Practice Physician
Floyd Memorial Medical Group