Fertility Center helps couple realize dream - Gundersen Health System

Vol. 8, No. 4
‘My child is
sick. Where
should we go?’
Heart care
from the
inside out
Treating
prostate
cancer with
precision
Fertility Center helps
couple realize dream
The Olson family expands by two

I’m part of something
Your cancer treatment is incredibly personal.
So is your relationship with Gundersen Lutheran. We treat you as something
greater than a patient – a partner in your care. Because you support a national leader in
breast cancer treatment and outcomes. And you advance one of the nation’s first centers
to offer a MammoSite TM Radiation Therapy System for shorter treatments.
At Gundersen Lutheran, your greatest triumphs are also ours.
That’s what personal relationships are all about.
For more information or to find a physician, contact Gundersen Lutheran at (800) 362-9567 or visit us at gundluth.org

Helping adults bite, chew
and smile with delight
By Jill Miesen
For the average person, a perfect smile is hard to come by, especially since many of
us are born with mouths too small for our teeth, jaws that aren’t the same size or
crooked teeth which we simply inherit.
Gundersen Lutheran orthodontic specialists Michael Barba, DDS, MS, and John
Patterson, DDS, agree the beauty of this problem is that tooth and jaw alignment can
be corrected at any age.
“There used to be a perception that braces are for kids, but today, we are treating
a greater percentage of adults,” explains Dr. Barba.
Whether you have difficulty chewing, biting or cleaning your teeth; crowded,
misplaced or protruding teeth; jaws that shift or make sounds; or the tendency
to bite the cheek or roof of the mouth or grind your teeth, Drs. Barba and
Patterson can help.
Unlike general dentists, orthodontic specialists complete two to three
years of specialized training in tooth movement and facial development so
they can help you find the smile you’ve been seeking by bringing your teeth,
lips and jaws into proper alignment.
There are many advantages to seeking orthodontic
treatment. Straight teeth help individuals bite,
chew and speak effectively, and also contribute
to healthier teeth and gums for a lifetime. In
addition, properly aligned teeth and jaws may
prevent more serious complications such as
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
which causes headache and neck pain. Finally,
self-esteem often improves when individuals are
confident with the appearance of their smile.
Ideally, the American Association of
Orthodontists recommends that children see an
orthodontist no later than age 7. “This allows us to
diagnose and treat improper bite and jaw relationships
early, in the least extensive way possible,” says Dr. Barba.
“However, we offer the most up-to-date and successful
treatments for adults including fixed ceramic appliances
(clear brackets) and Invisalign® to straighten teeth. We
also make referrals to our colleagues in the Department of
Dental Specialists if you require more comprehensive care.”
If you have questions or would like to schedule an
appointment, call (608) 775-2202 or (800) 362-9567,
ext. 52202 for La Crosse or (608) 775-8152 or (800)
362-9567, ext. 58152 for Onalaska. Gundersen Lutheran
Orthodontics also offers outreach services in Prairie du
Chien and Tomah, Wis., and Decorah, Iowa..
Visit us online: gundluth.org 3

4 Visit us online: gundluth.org
“I wasn’t expecting in-vitro
fertilization to work because
of all our earlier failures, so
I wouldn’t allow myself to
believe it until I was holding
the babies in my arms.”

Fertility Center helps couple
realize dream
By Janet Yearous
Seven miscarriages and three
ectopic pregnancies left Sarah
and Bill Olson frustrated and
discouraged. Their dreams of having
children had all but vanished.
In one final desperate hope, the
Viroqua couple met with fertility expert
Kathy Trumbull, MD, the reproductive
endocrinologist at the Gundersen
Lutheran Fertility Center. Dr. Trumbull
suggested the best option for the Olsons
would be in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
“IVF is the best known assisted
reproductive procedure. Eggs collected
from the woman’s ovaries and sperm
from the man are joined in the lab to
form embryos. Usually, two, sometimes
three, embryos are transferred to the
woman’s uterus. The body takes over
from there to hopefully establish a
pregnancy,” Dr. Trumbull explains.
“Dr. Trumbull and her staff
understood our frustrations and helped
us explore all our options. IVF was our
final realistic shot at having children,”
recall Bill and Sarah.
“As anxious as we were to get
pregnant, Dr. Trumbull transferred only
two embryos. I appreciated her caution,”
says Sarah. Dr. Trumbull adds, “Our
goal is to get good single pregnancies
by transferring fewer embryos. There is
a much lower risk for pre-term delivery
and other complications with single
pregnancies than multiples. Last year
our percentage of transfers resulting
in live births for women 35 years
old and younger was 65.5, much
higher than the 46.1 percent national
average.* We’re able to achieve this high
pregnancy rate even though, on average,
we transfer fewer embryos.”
Couples like the Olsons have more
fertility options than ever. In addition to
having the only IVF program in the Tristate
Region, the Fertility Center offers a
variety of services, including:
• Evaluation of couples seeking
pregnancy
• Ovulation induction
• Insemination using the male partner’s
sperm or anonymous donor sperm
• Minimally invasive surgery such as
laparoscopy and hysteroscopy
• In-vitro fertilization using female
partner’s egg or donor egg
–Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
(ICSI) of a single sperm directly into
the egg—used most often with male
fertility problems
–Gamete intrafallopian tube transfer
(GIFT) positions the egg and sperm
next to each other in the fallopian
tube. Fertilization occurs inside
the woman’s body, so it may be an
option for couples who object to
IVF for religious reasons
–Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
screens for abnormal chromosomes,
which may cause miscarriage, birth
defects or congenital diseases
–Gestational surrogacy
• Tubal ligation reversals
Gundersen Lutheran’s Fertility
Center also offers cryopreservation for
cancer patients and deployed military
personnel. Sperm, eggs or embryos can
be collected and frozen for future use.
Cryopreservation also offers
advantages with IVF and embryo
transfer. “At the Fertility Center, we
generally transfer only one or two
embryos to a woman’s uterus during an
IVF cycle. Remaining healthy embryos
can be cryopreserved for future IVF
cycles,” says Dr. Trumbull.
“By using cryopreserved embryos in
future IVF cycles, women do not have
to go through egg production each time.
This reduces discomfort and costs. Use
of cryopreserved human embryos has
a long proven track record with only a
slightly decreased success rate compared
to fresh embryos and no increased risks
to the mother or baby,” she adds.
The Olsons were lucky. Not only
did the IVF procedure work the first
time, but about six weeks after transfer
they learned they were expecting twins.
“I was on pins and needles up to that
point, but I was elated to learn we
were pregnant…and with twins,” Bill
remembers.
“I wasn’t expecting IVF to work
because of all our earlier failures, so
I wouldn’t allow myself to believe it
until I was holding the babies in my
arms,” Sarah confesses. Despite her
apprehension and some complications
with the pregnancy and birth, on
Oct. 22, 2008, Sarah delivered healthy,
beautiful twin girls—Ilise and Braelyn.
“The entire staff was great. They
celebrated with us, sharing in our joy
and happiness,” says Bill. “We were very
blessed.”
For Dr. Trumbull and the dedicated
staff of the Fertility Clinic, the Olson’s
daughters were two of 38 IVF births
in 2008, marking a very successful first
full year since re-instating the in-vitro
fertilization program at Gundersen
Lutheran.
To learn more, visit gundluth.org/
fertility or call the Gundersen Lutheran
Fertility Center at (608) 775-2306..
*2007 national average, the most recent statistics available
From top to bottom: Braelyn,
Bill, Ilise and Sarah Olson
Visit us online: gundluth.org 5

‘My child is sick. Where should we go?’
By Janet Yearous
Sometimes, kids get sick or injured.
It’s a fact of childhood. Thankfully,
most problems are minor and kids
bounce back quickly. But at the time an
illness or injury strikes, it can be difficult
to know where to go for care.
“When your child is sick, your
first call should be to your primary
care provider in Pediatrics or Family
Medicine,” explains Gundersen
Lutheran pediatrician Steven Manson,
MD. “We make every effort to see our
patients when they need to be seen,
including same-day appointments if
children are sick.”
Gundersen Lutheran uses a model
of care called “Medical Home” which
is supported by the American Academy
of Pediatrics. Your Medical Home is a
primary care setting that provides highquality
planned healthcare, as well as
treating illnesses and chronic conditions.
“Your child is cared for by people
who know your family, your child’s
medical history and can get to the
source of the problem quicker. Studies
show this model is more effective and
efficient,” Dr. Manson adds.
When your child is sick
Expanded hours in La Crosse and
Onalaska give you more opportunities
to bring in sick kids, as well as get
routine care that better fits your
schedule. Kids can also be seen by
family medicine providers at Gundersen
Lutheran clinics throughout the
Gundersen Lutheran service area or by a
pediatrician at the Gundersen Lutheran
– Tomah and Whitehall Clinics. In fact,
“Gundersen Lutheran Pediatrics has
more available clinic hours than any
other pediatric clinic in the state,”
Dr. Manson proudly proclaims.
If your child is sick and the clinic
isn’t open, you also have these options:
• Call the Gundersen Lutheran
Nurse Advisor at (608) 775-4454 or
(800) 858-1050, at any time. They
provide free health information, home
treatments or referrals to get your
child the right level of care.
• If you’re unable to make an
appointment, Gundersen Lutheran
Onalaska Urgent Care is open
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.;
Sat., Sun. and holidays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Visit a Gundersen Lutheran
ExpressCare Clinic for children age 2 or
older (GLExpresscare.org for locations,
hours and services provided).
• In an emergency, go to Gundersen
Lutheran’s Trauma & Emergency
Center in La Crosse.
For advanced care, Gundersen
Lutheran also has pediatric specialists in
cardiology, asthma and allergies, cancer
and blood disorders, otolaryngology
(ear, nose and throat) and others. Your
primary care doctor will help you get
specialty care if your child needs it.
If your child does not have
a primary care provider, call
(608) 775-0601 to establish one.
Don’t wait for illness to strike…
make an appointment for a well-child
visit today..
Clinic hours for routine care and
when your child is sick
Pediatrics
La Crosse: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.;
Friday until 4:30 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 8 – 11:30 a.m.
Onalaska: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.;
Friday until 4:30 p.m.
Family Medicine
La Crosse: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.;
Wednesday until 8 p.m.
Onalaska: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.;
Friday until 5 p.m.
6 Visit us online: gundluth.org

Starving to be thin
One teenager’s journey to
recovery from an eating disorder
By Janelle Roghair
Samantha Thrune is like most young women her age. She’s excited about being
a freshman at Winona State University, enjoys spending time with friends and
sometimes she eats Doritos at 2 a.m. And, it’s the last item on the list that makes the
people who know her breathe a sigh of relief.
A few years ago, Sam wouldn’t have eaten those chips. The Winona teenager suffered
from an eating disorder that took control of her life. “It started right around seventh
grade. It was a big thing to be skinny then,” she remembers.
Sam started isolating herself from friends and family and restricting what she was eating.
No matter how much weight she lost, “I wanted to keep going until everything was ‘perfect.’
It was never enough,” she shares.
She’d try on outfit after outfit, but was never happy. She missed meals, telling her parents
she ate with friends. “There were a lot of excuses,” Sam says.
Those, says Gundersen Lutheran eating disorder specialist Sheryl Gora-Bollom, MS, are all
signs of an eating disorder. Fortunately, Sam’s parents realized she needed help. “They forced me
to go to Gundersen Lutheran for treatment. I wasn’t happy about it, but it’s the best thing they
could have done for me,” she comments.
She still remembers one of her first appointments. Sheryl had Sam use a jump rope to show
how big she thought her thigh was. Then, they measured it for real. “The reality was much
different from how I saw myself,” she recalls.
It was the start to a long and difficult road to recovery. Sam spent about three years meeting
with her Gundersen Lutheran eating disorders team, which included her therapist Sheryl, Judy
Klevan, MD, and registered dietitian Diane Kelbel. She was also hospitalized twice at an eating
disorders center in the Twin Cities. When her parents left her there the second time, Sam realized
things needed to change.
“My dad was crying…I’d never seen that before. It was a turning point for me. I wanted a
life, so I started to get real in my therapy and learned to manage my anxiety and perfectionism,”
she says.
Today, Sam is doing well and has a healthy perspective on her weight. And, she has this
to say to other girls who are struggling with eating disorders. “As hard as treatment is, it’s
something you need to do. I’m proof that it can save your life.”.
Eating disorders are common among people of all ages, not just teenagers. Early
intervention is key to successful treatment. If you are concerned that you or
someone you love may be suffering from an eating disorder, contact Gundersen
Lutheran Behavioral Health at (608) 775-4413 or (800) 362-9567, ext. 54413.
Visit us online: gundluth.org 7

New technology leads to early
diagnoses of eye problems
By Janet Yearous
Optical coherence tomography or OCT is revolutionizing the early detection
and management of some eye problems. In just seconds, this painless test
scans parts of the eye and delivers highly detailed, cross-sectional images.
“Visual symptoms, ranging from common floaters or ‘spots’ to diminishing
vision, can be accurately evaluated with this noninvasive technology. Most often
we use OCT technology to scan the eye in cases of glaucoma, diabetes and macular
degeneration with vision loss,” reports Gundersen Lutheran optometrist Brad
Wolner, OD.
“Our goal for all patients is to preserve vision or delay any vision loss when
possible, and many retinal diseases can be stopped or slowed if caught early,” he
adds.
Typically only available at hospitals and clinics in larger cities, OCT is now
available locally. “Gundersen Lutheran is committed to delivering cutting-edge
technology and superior patient care,” says Dr. Wolner who offers OCT at the
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic – Winona. OCT is also available through the
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinics in Tomah, Onalaska, Prairie du Chien and
Viroqua as well as the Gundersen Lutheran Eye Institute in La Crosse.
Similar to ultrasound imaging, OCT uses light waves rather than sound waves
to capture images of the inside of the eye. OCT technology is used to diagnose
and manage a multitude of other retinal conditions such as macular holes, trauma,
detachments and inflammatory diseases of the retina. Using OCT scanning for
high-risk patients, the doctor can measure and detect subtle changes in the eye
before permanent damage occurs.
According to Dr. Wolner, “With a quick OCT scan, we are able to reduce
or eliminate the need for costly referrals, and the test gives us an instant view
of problem areas that we might not see otherwise, even with a highly magnified
evaluation. Patients really appreciate the immediate results and diagnosis. They also
prefer getting this level of care close to home from someone they know and trust.”
For more information on OCT or for an appointment to discuss your eye care
needs, call the Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic nearest you..
Optical coherence tomography
is currently available at:
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Institute, La Crosse
(608) 775-2191 or (800) 362-9567, ext. 52191
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic - Onalaska
(608) 775-8180 or (800) 362-9567, ext. 58180
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic - Prairie du Chien
(608) 326-6453
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic - Tomah
(608) 372-4458
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic - Viroqua
(608) 637-8281
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic - Winona
(507) 454-4640
In 2010, OCT will also be available at:
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic - Decorah
(563) 382-2639
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic - Waukon
(563) 568-3378
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic - Whitehall
(715) 538-4330
For a complete list of all
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinics,
go to gundluth.org/vision.
8 Visit us online: gundluth.org

Treating prostate cancer
with precision
By Janelle Roghair
Donald and Kay Mueller,
Winona, Minn.
When Donald Mueller visited
his doctor, Wayne Kelly,
MD, at Winona Health for a routine
appointment in 2008, Dr. Kelly
suggested he also have a couple of blood
tests because it had been awhile. One of
those tests was a prostate specific antigen
(PSA) test—a blood test that can signal
prostate problems, including prostate
cancer.
“The results of the PSA were pretty
high, and my numbers had gone up
since the last time I’d had it done,” the
67-year-old recalls.
His doctor wanted him to see
Gundersen Lutheran urologist Joseph
Endrizzi, MD, who travels to Winona
once a week to provide outreach services
to patients closer to home. Dr. Endrizzi
performed a biopsy, which revealed
Donald had prostate cancer.
Fortunately, the cancer was in its
early stages. “Dr. Endrizzi explained that
there were a lot of treatment options for
me to choose from, including surgery to
remove my prostate, radiation from the
outside or radioactive seed implants,”
Donald shares.
Like many men, Donald was
concerned about side effects such as
incontinence (not being able to control
the bladder) and impotence.
“Radiation seed therapy, which
is also known as brachytherapy, is
an excellent option for many men
with low-risk prostate cancer. It is a
minimally invasive procedure with low
rates of complications like incontinence,
which make it an appealing option to
patients like Donald,” says Gundersen
Lutheran radiation oncologist Collin
Driscoll, MD.
He went on to say, “The patient is
asleep during the procedure, and we use
ultrasound to precisely insert around
100 seeds directly into the prostate
through needles. Each seed is about the
size of a grain of rice. There’s no incision
so men are generally back to normal
activities within 48 hours. The longterm
results we’ve seen at Gundersen
Lutheran are excellent.”
After talking over the pros and cons
of each treatment with his wife and
his doctors, he decided radiation seed
therapy was the right choice for him.
In January 2009, doctors at Gundersen
Lutheran inserted the radioactive seeds
into his prostate.
“It was virtually painless. After
I had the seeds put in, there was a
burning sensation for the first month or
so when I used the bathroom, but that
went away with time,” Donald assures.
“Everything seems to be on the right
track today. I’m glad I chose radiation
seed implants. It was the right choice
for me.”.
Gundersen Lutheran’s Radiation Oncology
and Urology team has performed more
than 1,000 radiation seed implants, and
have excellent outcomes. They are the
most experienced team in the Tri-state
Region—an important factor when you’re
considering your treatment options.
To learn more, go to gundluth.org, or call
the Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders
at (608) 775-2385 or (800) 362-9567,
ext. 52385.
Visit us online: gundluth.org 9

Health Beat
Saving on prescription drugs
Many people are feeling the pinch when it comes to their pocketbook, but your
prescriptions don’t have to break the bank. Gundersen Lutheran pharmacist Jim
Bomkamp, RPh, says there are ways to save money at the pharmacy.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. There may be
another medication that does the same thing as
yours, but is less expensive.
• Use generics. Many medications that have been on
the market for a number of years have a generic
version that will cost a lot less.
• If you can, avoid medicines you see on TV or those
that offer vouchers for samples. These medications
are usually new and don’t have a generic equivalent.
• Look for assistance. Many drug companies offer
patient assistance programs. They have strict household income limits, but if you
can’t afford your medication talk to your doctor about this option.
• Check around because prices at pharmacies can vary. But, once you pick a
pharmacy stick with it for all of your prescriptions.
Remember, it’s never a good idea to stop taking a prescription medication unless you
talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist first.
Gundersen Lutheran Pharmacies are located in the La Crosse and Onalaska Clinics
and the East Building..
Why do triglycerides matter?
If you’re over the age of 25, it’s likely your healthcare provider has recommended you
have a blood test to check your triglyceride level. Why do you need the test?
“Studies show there is most likely a relationship between high triglycerides and
heart disease. Elevated triglyceride levels are also one sign of metabolic syndrome—a
clustering of risk factors that may mean you have a higher chance of developing
heart disease, stroke or diabetes,” explains Joseph Caron, MD, Family Medicine,
Gundersen Lutheran – La Crescent Clinic.
The first line of treatment for elevated triglycerides (above 150 mg/dL) is usually
lifestyle changes:
• Control your weight through diet and exercise.
• Cut out alcohol.
• Substitute monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (found in canola oil, olive
oil, peanut oil and liquid margarine) for saturated fats.
• Substitute fish high in omega-3 fatty acids for meats high in saturated fat, like
hamburger.
Your doctor may prescribe another treatment option, such as medication, if lifestyle
changes aren’t effective. Talk to your primary healthcare provider if you have any
questions or concerns about your triglyceride level..
Staying safe on the slopes
Many people will be heading to
the slopes to ski and snowboard
this winter. But when you go,
experts from Gundersen Lutheran
Neurosciences recommend you take
an important piece of equipment
with you—a helmet.
According to Mark Domroese, MD,
PhD, Gundersen Lutheran Physical
Medicine & Rehabilitation, “A
properly fitted ski or snowboard
helmet helps decrease your risk for
a head injury. Without a helmet,
even bumps on the head that seem
minor can be serious. In fact, you
may have suffered a concussion,
which is a traumatic brain injury
that can lead to problems down
the road.”
If you do fall and hit your head,
make sure you’re evaluated by a
medical professional. Gundersen
Lutheran Neurosciences has a
team dedicated to the evaluation
and treatment of traumatic
brain injuries.
And remember, helmets are only
part of the equation. “If you lose
control at a moderate or high
speed and hit a tree or another
skier, a helmet may not provide
enough protection,” Dr. Domroese
cautions. “So, make sure you’re in
control at all times.”
For information on the
services offered in Gundersen
Lutheran Neurosciences, go to
gundluth.org..
10 Visit us online: gundluth.org

Transforming into an athlete
By Janelle Roghair
In September 2008, Jenny Roberge completed her first Ironman ®
triathlon in Madison, Wis.; in 2009 she completed her second.
Finishing a race that involves 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles
of biking and running a marathon is amazing by itself. But, what’s
even more astounding is that just two years before competing in her
first Ironman, Jenny weighed 284 pounds.
The Holmen woman had tried diet programs—at one time
losing 100 pounds—but she always gained the weight back and
more. After attending a seminar at Gundersen Lutheran, she
decided bariatric surgery was a step she was ready to take.
“From the moment you make the decision to have surgery, you
have evaluations and appointments with the Bariatric Surgery team
to prepare you for the nutritional, physical and emotional aspects of
surgery and life after surgery,” she says.
On Feb. 2, 2006, Jenny underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass
surgery. During surgery, Gundersen Lutheran bariatric surgeon
Shanu N. Kothari, MD, FACS, created an egg-sized pouch from
the upper portion of Jenny’s stomach. The surgery was performed
through very small incisions, which leads to less pain, shorter
hospital stays and a quicker recovery. After surgery, Jenny could
only eat a few ounces at a time or risk getting sick.
“The morning after my surgery, Dr. Kothari came into my
room and said, ‘Ok, now make me proud.’ It made me realize he’d
done what he could; now it was up to me,” she remembers.
Two months after surgery, Jenny began working out on an
elliptical machine, then started running and spinning. As she gained
strength and endurance, she lost 160 pounds and found a love for
exercise.
Jenny’s set high goals for herself, but she says, “You don’t have
to train for an Ironman to have success after bariatric surgery. The
team at Gundersen Lutheran gives you the tools you need to lose
weight and keep it off.”.
Since having bariatric surgery
at Gundersen Lutheran, Jenny
Roberge of Holmen has lost
about 160 pounds and gained
a love for exercise.
The Gundersen Lutheran Bariatric Surgery team—
which includes two bariatric surgeons, a physician
assistant, registered dietitians, a psychologist,
clinical coordinator, nursing staff and more—has
performed more than 800 successful surgeries.
Their outcomes have allowed them to be
recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Surgical
Review Corporation and a Level 1a Accredited Bariatric
Center by the American College of Surgeons.
To attend a free Gundersen Lutheran Bariatric Surgery informational
session, call (608) 775-5187 or (800) 362-9567, ext. 55187.
Information is also available at gundluth.org/bariatrics.
Visit us online: gundluth.org 11

Heart care from the inside out
Gundersen Lutheran interventional
cardiologist Julio Bird, MD, points out a
narrowing in a blood vessel discovered using
intravascular ultrasound technology.
By Janelle Roghair
It was 4th of July weekend 2009,
and Eberhard Bosse woke up with
heartburn. While this may not be
alarming for some people, it reminded
Eberhard of another time he had
heartburn three years before…and it
turned out what he was feeling wasn’t
heartburn at all.
“I walked around for about a year
with what I thought was heartburn. It
turned out I had a slight heart attack,”
he remembers.
During a procedure called
cardiac catheterization, interventional
cardiologist Julio Bird, MD, from the
Gundersen Lutheran Heart Institute,
found Eberhard’s artery was 95 percent
blocked. He placed two stents—wire
mesh tubes that expand and press into
the artery wall—to keep it open.
When Eberhard had the same
feeling in his chest again, he decided he
better go in to the Trauma & Emergency
Center at Gundersen Lutheran to get it
checked out. “I didn’t feel really bad,
but I couldn’t forget about the last time
I had heartburn,” the 50-year-old
La Crosse man says.
The tests were inconclusive.
Because of his medical history, doctors
kept him for observation and Dr. Bird
was called in to assist with the case.
Within an hour Eberhard was having
another cardiac catheterization, which
allows cardiologists to see the arteries
and look for blockages. This time, Dr.
Bird used technology called intravascular
ultrasound, or IVUS, to help him
determine if Eberhard needed another
stent.
“IVUS gives us a look at a patient’s
arteries from the inside out. The
catheter has a little ultrasound probe on
the end that we can pass through the
blockage to measure how narrow the
blood vessel is and determine the type
of blockage we’re dealing with,” explains
Dr. Bird.
The information they gather allows
the team to decide if a patient needs
angioplasty and/or a stent or if they
can be treated with medication. In
Eberhard’s case, IVUS showed his artery
was 60 percent blocked and Dr. Bird
placed another stent.
“The extent of blockage is often
very obvious, and we don’t need to
use IVUS. But, there are times, like
with Eberhard, where we need more
information so we don’t over treat or
under treat a patient. IVUS is very
useful in these situations,” Dr. Bird
comments.
Today, Eberhard is feeling great and
is thankful for the care he received at
Gundersen Lutheran. “I was extremely
impressed with everyone I came in
contact with,” he says, “and grateful
that, even on a holiday weekend, they
were willing to do whatever it took to
make sure that I got the care I needed.”
For more information on the
Gundersen Lutheran Heart Institute, go
to gundluth.org/heart..
12 Visit us online: gundluth.org

‘They knew she was capable of more’
By Janet Yearous
When Gundersen Lutheran says “a personal relationship
with medical excellence,” it is more than a slogan.
Eight-year-old Sydney Fitzpatrick of La Crescent, Minn., is
proof of that.
“Due to complications at birth, Sydney suffered damage to
the part of her brain that controls motor function. As a result,
she struggles with cerebral palsy,” explains Physical Medicine
& Rehabilitation pediatric specialist Stacy Her, MD, who has
worked with Sydney most of her life.
With limited control of her muscles, things most people
take for granted—walking, talking, eating—are difficult for
Sydney to do on her own. Despite her challenges, “Sydney is a
social butterfly, happy-go-lucky and has a contagious smile. ‘No’
is not in her vocabulary,” says Sydney’s mother, Vikki.
Dr. Her agrees, “Sydney is very determined and very bright.
She doesn’t let things get in her way.”
“At age 3, Sydney couldn’t sit or crawl, but with therapy and
hard work she learned to feed herself, crawl and walk,” boasts
her mother. Sydney also enjoys adaptive recreation programs
including down-hill skiing, swimming, horseback riding, soccer
and softball. In addition to Sydney’s pluck, Vikki acknowledges
the team of therapists at Gundersen Lutheran, school and Team
Rehab in Decorah for Sydney’s progress.
It was Sydney’s care team at Gundersen Lutheran that
recognized another health concern threatening to rob her of the
abilities she had worked so hard to gain.
Pediatric physical therapist Kim Harbst, PT, PhD, noticed
Sydney’s eyelids were drooping and she was having more
difficulty swallowing and speaking. Kim knew something
was wrong and consulted with speech pathologists Julie
Wise, MA, CCC-SLP, and David Hartman, PhD, BC-
NCD(A). They discussed their suspicions with Dr. Her and
pediatric neurologist John-Peter Temple, MD. Working
together they determined Sydney had myasthenia gravis,
another neurologic disorder that leads to muscle weakness
but is unrelated to her cerebral palsy.
“If not for the team, we would have missed the
diagnosis, especially since it’s uncommon in children.
They’ve worked with Sydney for many years and knew she
was capable of more,” recalls Vikki.
Medication to treat the myasthenia gravis has improved
the fatigue and muscle weakness caused by the disease.
There’s hope the myasthenia gravis will go into remission.
“Through it all, Sydney’s mother has been a great
advocate,” says Dr. Her. In turn, Vikki credits the help and
support she gets from her husband Jason, her
parents Hope and Gary Beisinger,
and the personal relationship
with the caring professionals
at Gundersen Lutheran.
For more information
on Gundersen Lutheran’s
Neurosciences program,
to go gundluth.org..
Stacy Her, MD
Physical
Medicine &
Rehabilitation
John Peter-
Temple, MD
Pediatric
Neurology
David Hartman,
PhD, MC-NCD(A)
Speech
Pathology
Kim Harbst, PT,
PhD
Pediatric Physical
Therapy
Julie Wise, MA,
CCC-SLP
Speech
Pathology
Sydney Fitzpatrick of La Crescent, Minn., has worked to
overcome the challenges presented by cerebral palsy.
But, a rare disease unrelated to cerebral palsy threatened
to rob her of the abilities she’d worked hard to gain.
Fortunately, her care team at Gundersen
Lutheran recognized the signs that
something was wrong, allowing
treatment to begin early.
Visit us online: gundluth.org 13

Is this really healthy?
Debunking health food myths
By Tyler Havens
In today’s health-conscious society, the words “diet,” “low carbs” and “low fat” are
hard to avoid. But, these so called “health” foods are only beneficial if you use them
in the right way.
As a registered dietitian at Gundersen Lutheran, Marisa Silbernagel, RD, hears
health food myths often. Here, she helps debunk three common health food myths to
make it easier for you to truly eat healthy.
SODA
The myth: Diet soda is better than regular.
The facts: Technically diet soda is calorie-free, so when
talking about calories-in versus calories-out, it does limit
some of those extra calories. But, at the same time, diet
soda contains sugar substitutes (artificial sweeteners,
sugar alcohols, etc.) that can have negative side
effects, such as headaches, nausea and even diarrhea,
for some people.
“It is also widely believed that consuming large
amounts of sugar-substitutes may heighten the
body’s craving for sweets, which means you may
consume the calories you avoided with your soda in
another way,” Marisa explains.
Instead of drinking any type of soda, Marisa simply
recommends pure water. It is calorie-free, chemical-free and
the best source of hydration for your body.
100
Calorie
The myth: In order to lose weight you must eat fat-free products.
The facts: In order to lose weight, the calories you take in must be less than
the calories you burn off.
“Baked and fat-free snacks are good for one thing:
reducing calories in,” Marisa says. “But, if that fatfree
dressing is going to keep you from eating
your greens, or the fat-free ice cream and baked
potato chips leave you unsatisfied and going
back for seconds or thirds, then fat-free
products may not be the best solution.”
Instead, consider the option of choosing
a low-fat or full-fat item and use a smaller
quantity or have it less often. “Your
calories will still be less and you will be
more satisfied with your choices,” Marisa
comments.
SODA
SODA
The myth:
100 calorie
packs are the best
solution for mid-afternoon munchies.
The facts: If one 100 calorie pack will
satisfy your mid-afternoon hunger, it’s
an ok option. But, if it takes two or
three or more to satisfy you, then it’s a
problem.
“If your 100 calorie pack leaves you
begging for more,” Marisa says, “you
may want to try a more nutritious snack
for 100 calories, such as a cheese stick,
granola bar, piece of fruit or a handful
of nuts.”
100
Calorie
100
Calorie
For more information on
the nutrition services
offered at Gundersen
Lutheran, go to
gundluth.org/nutrition.
14 Visit us online: gundluth.org

By Jill Miesen
Today’s research.
Tomorrow’s cures.
Amidst the uncertainty of our nation’s changing healthcare system, there is
strength to be found in Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation’s mission and
strong tradition of medical education and research.
Research has always been a vital part of medicine. We’re living longer today than
ever before due, in part, to medical breakthroughs in research. Vaccinations
have eliminated several infectious diseases; antibiotics treat more infections
than ever before; minimally invasive surgical techniques mean quicker
recovery; and treatments for cancer are becoming increasingly successful.
But there is always more to be studied.
“At Gundersen Lutheran, research has long been a part of
what we do and who we are,” says Tim Petersen, RN, manager,
Medical Research. “Many of our physicians, nurses and staff
conduct clinical and academic research related to their practices
throughout our healthcare system. This allows us to bring
leading-edge medical knowledge and technology to the Tri-state
Region.”
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation makes research
accomplishments a reality:
• The Microbiology Research Lab, in partnership with Intervet/
Schering-Plough Animal Health, released a USDA-approved
canine Lyme disease vaccine—Nobivac Lyme—after more
than six years of research. This vaccine represents a major
advancement in the prevention of Lyme disease in dogs. With
the Foundation’s support, further investigations will lead to
even better methods of diagnosis, therapy and prevention of
this infection in both humans and our domestic animals.
• A new cancer research laboratory, created to coordinate basic
science cancer research with Gundersen Lutheran’s Center for
Cancer & Blood Disorders, opened in October 2008 under the
direction of Carl Simon Shelley, DPhil. Dr. Shelley has more than
20 years of experience as a researcher at Harvard Medical School
and expects to identify new therapeutic options for leukemia, breast
and lung cancer patients.
• Thanks to the A.C.V. Elston, III, MD Summer Research Fellows
Program, 10 college students are able to work alongside Gundersen
Lutheran mentors and gain first-hand research experience every summer.
These Fellows contribute to the body of science and medical information that
improves clinical practice at Gundersen Lutheran.
• In 2008, more than 150 patients were enrolled in 25 to 30 ongoing research studies
of new medications, treatments and devices, helping researchers determine their
safety and effectiveness.
“Research is imperative to the continuous improvement of patient care and
future well-being of humankind,” states William Agger, MD, Gundersen Lutheran’s
director of Medical Research. “By conducting research locally, we’re able to offer the
most advanced care for our patients. What we learn today will impact generations
to come.”.
To learn more about the work of Gundersen
Lutheran Medical Foundation and how
you can support our ongoing research
efforts, go to gundluth.org/foundation.
Visit us online: gundluth.org 15

Living & Learning
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Delivering healthcare
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Innovation and quality outcomes have earned Gundersen Lutheran a reputation for medical excellence and a place among
the best healthcare institutions in the nation. But it’s the personal relationships with our patients that have earned us a place
among generations of families who have entrusted Gundersen Lutheran with their care. At Gundersen Lutheran, your health
is our priority. That’s what personal relationships are all about.
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