March 2012 - Mercy Medical Center Dubuque

M A R C H 2 0 1 2 D U B U Q U E , I O W A
PHIL’S STORY: Double Hip Replacement after 10 Years of Pain
After suffering from hip pain for 10 years, Phil Denlinger, 45, recently had a double hip
replacement. Phil’s osteoarthritis had left his hips bone-on-bone, even to the point of
wearing away some of his bone. Phil is now back to working construction, even climbing
ladders that previously caused so much pain.
Phil Denlinger had to give up some of his
favorite activities with his kids—running around
the ball diamond, shooting hoops, even just
chasing them. His hips were causing him pain.
At first, it was just his right hip. “It started
giving me trouble 10 years ago,” he recalls. “I
noticed it as I walked up a set of stairs.” Phil
dealt with the pain. And years of favoring his
right hip took a toll on his left hip.
In addition to being a dad, Phil also works
in the physically demanding construction field.
“Going up and down ladders was the hardest
thing I had to do,” he says. “And it got to the
point where I couldn’t even lift my right leg over
something that was on the floor. I’d go around
even a little pile of studs rather than try to step
over.”
Even sitting or lying down didn’t provide
relief. “Laying in bed was really tough. I had
trouble because my right leg wouldn’t straighten
any more,” he says.
A meal-time ritual became the final straw.
Phil’s family eats supper around the kitchen
island, sitting on barstools. “I would try to get
off the stool and be unable to move my right
leg,” he says. “So I had to hobble around a little
bit, stretch it out, lay on the floor, do whatever
I could just to get it to move. It would happen
quite frequently.” He knew it was time to see
Dr. Morrow again.
Medical Associates Clinic Orthopaedic
Surgeon Charles Morrow, MD, had been monitoring
Phil’s hips for years. “In order for Phil
to get better, he needed both hips replaced,”
says Dr. Morrow. “Not only was his cartilage
completely gone but he was wearing away
bone. His hips were completely destroyed from
osteoarthritis.”
Phil opted for replacing
both hips at the same
time. Dr. Morrow stresses
that although this was
the right option for Phil,
everyone’s circumstances
are different. “There’s a
number of different ways Charles Morrow, MD
to treat a hip. Phil’s way
is one way, but it’s certainly not the only way.”
Phil’s young age, good health, and strength
were important factors that contributed to his
treatment options.
Dr. Morrow performed Phil’s double hip
replacement in December. The day following
his surgery, he began physical therapy. “When
it came to the physical therapy part, I had it in
my mind that I’m really going to work hard on
this because I want to get back to walking normally,”
Phil says.
“Phil has been very motivated from day
one,” says his outpatient physical therapist, Ann
Wachter. “We set goals together early on for
when he wanted to return to work, and Phil has
had his eye on that goal ever since. He works
very hard both in the
clinic and at home.”
“In addition to usual
goals for strength, walking,
and mobility, Phil had
the additional challenge
of not only getting back
to work, but getting back Ann Wachter, PT
to a physically demanding
job,” Ann adds. “So he had to work on things
like climbing a ladder, kneeling, crawling on the
floor, and balancing on equipment.”
Just eight weeks after his surgery, Phil is
back to work—even climbing the ladders that
previously caused him so much pain. “He’s
made excellent progress,” says Dr. Morrow.
Phil is pleased with how far he’s come in
such a short time. “I really appreciate all that
Dr. Morrow and Ann did for me.”
If you’re experiencing pain in your hips,
knees, or shoulders, consider attending
our Joint Pain class. See the Community
Calendar on page 4 for details.
Just for You: A Weight Loss Program Based on
Your Metabolism
Do you know how many calories your body
actually needs each day? Do you want to stop
guessing?
With the Just for You Weight Loss Program,
Mercy’s Registered/Licensed Dietitians will measure
your metabolic rate to determine exactly
how many calories your body uses. Then, based
on that number, a dietitian will create a customized
weight loss plan specific to your needs.
“If you can know how many calories your
body needs, it eliminates so much guess work
in knowing how much you should consume to
achieve weight loss,” says Keri Schwenker, RD,
LD.
Mercy’s dietitians will determine how many
calories you need with the use of a calorim-
eter, called the MedGem
(also used on NBC’s The
Biggest Loser). “Many
times when a person
starts a weight loss program
or a diet on their
own, their calorie intake
is too low and their body
Keri Schwenker
thinks they are starving,
or a person is really not eating few enough calories.
The calorimeter eliminates a big chunk of
the trial and error we struggle with in finding the
correct calorie balance to be successful.”
For information on scheduling your Just
for You Weight Loss Program session, see the
Community Calendar on page 4.

Russell M. Knight, President & CEO
I enjoy using this column to communicate with you on a wide range of topics that I hope
are of general interest, including current programs and services offered at Mercy, new
developments underway, and public policy issues affecting the delivery of care. However, in
January and February and now again in March, it has been important to focus on the same
topic each month – the future of advanced cardiac care in our community.
For those who may have missed earlier messages on this subject, here’s what is going
on and why it is so important: The Finley Hospital has submitted an application for approval
from the State Health Facilities Council to establish a cardiac catheterization laboratory.
The request is called a “Certificate of Need” application because the Health Facilities
Council has the responsibility to certify that an unmet need exists and that the applicant’s
proposal is the best way to meet it.
In the case of Finley’s proposal, there is no unmet need because the Cardiology Center
at Mercy is meeting it. We began providing the community with high-quality cardiac cath
lab facilities in 1976. As the need for services grew, we accommodated it. In fact, as
recently as 2004 the community contributed $3.8 million toward a $7.0 million project to
add a second cath lab and locate them both in a newly-constructed, first-class facility on
the second floor of the hospital. If you happened to see the new Cardiology Center when it
opened in the fall of 2005, you know it is an attractive and functional unit.
There was no need to triple our capacity in 2005 by constructing a third cath lab at that
time. Nothing has transpired in the last six years to alter that reality. We have ample
capacity at Mercy to meet the community’s need for cardiac services. The unnecessary
duplication of existing resources will add cost without a commensurate improvement in
access or quality.
Actually, if the Finley proposal is approved and implemented, it could have the opposite
effect – access and quality could both be diminished. It has long been recognized that
certain medical procedures are so specialized they should be concentrated in regional
centers of excellence where a high enough volume is performed to maintain the proficiency
of not just the physician, but of the entire team involved in the procedure. Cardiac
catheterization clearly falls in this category, which is one reason no new programs can
be launched without a Certificate of Need.
In a community the size of Dubuque, splintering the existing work between two
competing programs will make it hard to ensure the best quality at either one, and will
bring instability to a key health care service that, in a town the size of Dubuque, requires
support from the entire community. I am sure Finley’s intentions are good, but this is a
clear example where the unintended consequences could ultimately be harmful to us all.
Health Watch is published for the friends and staff of Mercy Medical Center.
Our goal is to keep the Tri-state area informed of the latest in health care
issues. If you have any questions regarding health information that appears in
Health Watch, please contact your personal physician. Patient admissions, room
assignments and patient services are provided without regard to race, creed,
national origin, disability or age.
President/CEO - Russell M. Knight,
Marketing Staff - Dianna Kirkwood, Jennifer Faley, Barbara J. Runde,
Keri Gockel and Jill Miller.
General Information: (563) 589-8000.
“Miracle Baby” Has a Miracle of Her Own
Brandon and Nikki Bell recently welcomed
their first child, Maddox, into the world at the
Mercy Birth Center. And 27 years ago, Nikki
was cared for by some of the same Mercy staff
who now cared for her son. Nikki was born
at just 28 weeks and weighed 2 pounds, 2
ounces. She spent time in Mercy’s NICU and
was referred to as the “Miracle Baby.” Lactation
Consultant Jayne Schuster recalls how tiny Nikki
was, remembering that Nikki’s father could easily
slip his wedding band over her arm. But that
“fiery little redhead,” as Jayne lovingly refers to
her, was ready to take on the world and grew
stronger each day. Staff still have a bond with
Nikki, and several even attended their wedding.
Mercy Night with the
Fighting Saints
Join us for Mercy Night at the Dubuque
Fighting Saints on Saturday, March 10. The
game begins at 7:05 p.m., and a portion of
ticket proceeds will benefit heart services
at Mercy. To purchase tickets, visit
www.dubuquefightingsaints.com/groups
and enter the password HEART. Be sure to
wear red to show your support for heart health!
We Strive for Quality
Our goal is to provide safe, high-quality care.
We want to know if you have any concerns
about patient care or safety in the hospital. We
encourage you to discuss any such concerns
with members of the team caring for you or a
representative of the hospital’s management.
If your concerns are not resolved, please
“They’re so ecstatic for us,” says Nikki. “And it’s
really come full circle now.” Congratulations on
your miracle, Nikki and Brandon.
Mercy Healthy Living
Facebook Page
Mercy has started a second Facebook
page, this one devoted to the many ways
to improve your health and wellness. Our
own Mercy experts will be providing tips to
help you be the best you can be. The page
is called Mercy Healthy Living. Find us at
www.facebook.com/mercyhealthyliving.
contact Jacquie Brunssen, the hospital’s
safety officer, at 563-589-8086 or by e-mail at
brunssjm@mercyhealth.com. If your concerns
are still not resolved, you may also contact the
Joint Commission’s Office of Quality Monitoring
at 1-800-994-6610 or by e-mail at complaint@
jointcommission.org.

CHARLES’S STORY: Diabetes Led to Vision Loss and Surgery
Charles Hunt, 36, developed blindness due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Surgery
restored vision in his right eye, and he’s now keeping his diabetes under control to prevent
further problems.
“It all started happening around the time I
turned 30, when I found out I had diabetes,”
recalls Charles Hunt. “My left eye started getting
blurry. But I thought maybe it was just
age.”
Charles was living in Texas at the time.
He saw an ophthalmologist who told him he
had diabetic retinopathy and needed to see a
vitreo-retinal specialist.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of
diabetes that results from damage to the blood
vessels in the retina due to poor blood flow. At
first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms
or only mild vision problems. Eventually,
however, diabetic retinopathy can result in
blindness.
Charles did not see the specialist, as his
doctor recommended. “I let it progress, and it
got worse,” he says.
He moved to Iowa last fall, and that’s when
his eyesight took a severe turn for the worse.
After waking from a Thanksgiving Day nap, his
sight was more blurry than usual. And the next
morning, his vision was gone—he could see
light but no color and no definition. “I couldn’t
see the computer; I couldn’t read. I couldn’t
even dial my phone. I couldn’t see,” he recalls.
Charles met with Dr.
Michael Scott, an ophthalmologist
at Medical
Associates Clinic.
“Charles has poorly controlled
proliferative diabetic
retinopathy,” says
Dr. Scott. Proliferative Michael Scott, MD
diabetic retinopathy
(PDR) is the advanced form of the disease.
Charles’s PDR caused vision loss in two
ways: 1) a vitreous hemorrhage, in which vessels
bled into the center of his eye, and 2) retinal
traction that “if left untreated would have
pulled on his retina and caused retinal detachment,”
Dr. Scott explains. Retinal detachment
causes permanent vision loss.
Surgery in his right eye was the best option
for Charles. “We did a procedure called vitrectomy
to remove that traction and get rid of the
blood,” says Dr. Scott. “The surgery gave him
about a 90 percent chance of seeing better
and about a 70 percent chance of preventing
further bleeding down the road.”
The PDR in Charles’s left eye is more
advanced, and he and Dr. Scott are currently
determining the best treatment for that eye.
But in the meantime, Charles is ecstatic
about seeing again and regaining his independence.
He’s also improving his health by
changing his lifestyle and getting his blood
pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes under
control—very important factors for preventing
diabetic retinopathy.
It’s hard for Charles not to have some
regrets, though. “If I could say something to
people who have diabetes, it would be, ‘How
important is it for you to see? How important
is it for you to be independent?’ Now I wish
I could go back to my younger self and say,
‘Take care of your eyes. Listen to your doctors.’
I cherish my vision now.”
Dr. Scott says the best treatment is to prevent
the development of retinopathy as much
as possible. “The tighter you control your blood
pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, the better
you’re going to do—an ounce of prevention
equals a pound of care.”
For more information on treatment
options for diabetic retinopathy, contact
the Ophthalmology Department at Medical
Associates Clinic, (563) 584-4415.
Dr. Scott and Dr. Drew Dixon are offering
clinical trials for diabetic retinopathy as a
research site for the Diabetic Clinical Research
Network (DRCR). The DRCR is an affiliation of
providers of eye care and academic centers,
funded through the National Eye Institute and
the National Institute of Health, offering clinical
trials for the treatment of diabetic eye disease.

Community Calendar Register online at www.mercydubuque.com/events
CLASSES
Just for You Weight Loss Program
(See page 1.) Each participant will receive an
individualized 4-page report that provides information
needed to lose weight and keep it off.
Choose from a 1-hour session for $99 or add a
30-minute follow-up session for $125.
Just for You Weight Loss Program is managed
by the Registered/Licensed Dietitian team at
Mercy Medical Center.
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
To schedule your session, call (563) 589-9655.
Understanding Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of
vision loss and blindness among Americans age
60 and older. Join us to learn about the types
and causes of vision loss in macular degeneration.
We’ll also discuss the treatment options
and what new advances will be available in the
near future.
Presented by Medical Associates
Ophthalmologist Drew Dixon, MD.
Thursday, March 15, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Mercy Sixth Floor Auditorium
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
No fee. Register online or by calling (563) 589-9600.
Autism Training Series: Making Sense of
Sensory Problems
Individuals with Autism often experience sensory
processing challenges. These challenges can
impact an individual’s ability to tolerate selfcare
activities and hamper their participation in
various social, educational, work or play, and
leisure activities. Information will be provided
regarding the various types of sensory problems
and basic interventions that can manage
sensory processing challenges.
Presented by Alyson Beytien, MS-Autism,
and Marie Duster, BS, OTR/L, from the Mercy
Service Club Autism Center.
Tuesday, March 20, 6 - 8 p.m.
Hills & Dales Community Center, 3505 Stoneman
Road, Dubuque (next to Mindframe Theater)
Fee: $5. Space is limited. To register, call
(563) 589-9456.
Itchy Skin? It Might Be Allergies
Skin allergies are common and can be quite
bothersome. Join us to learn about skin diseases
seen in the allergy clinic, including eczema,
hives, and angioedema (swelling). We’ll discuss
treatment options so that you can get relief.
Presented by Medical Associates Clinic Allergist
John Moore, MD.
Wednesday, March 21, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Mercy Sixth Floor Auditorium
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
No fee. Register online or by calling (563) 589-9600.
Joint Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment for
Hips, Knees, and Shoulders
Joint pain can stop us in our tracks. Receiving
a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment
are key steps to returning to a happy and
healthy lifestyle, but education is the first step.
Attend the class to learn about diagnosis and
treatments for your aching hips, knees, and
shoulders.
Presented by Mercy Physical Therapist
Jeff Wachter.
Thursday, March 29, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Mercy Sixth Floor Auditorium
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
No fee. Register online or by calling (563) 589-9600.
SCREENINGS
Stroke Detection Plus
Detect your risk for stroke with three different
non-invasive tests. Screenings for carotid
arteries blockage, abdominal aortic aneurysm
and peripheral vascular disease plus
osteoporosis are $45 each or all four for $135.
Tuesday & Wednesday, March 20 - 21,
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Mercy Ground Floor, 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
Appointments are required by calling Stroke
Detection Plus toll free at 1-877-732-8258.
Colon Cancer Screening
Early detection can save your life. Pick up a
simple test kit to use in the privacy of your
home. This new one-part test is faster, more
accurate and requires no dietary restriction.
Thursday, March 22, 1 - 4 p.m. and
Friday, March 23, 8 - 11 a.m.
• Mercy – Dubuque Visitor Lobby
• Mercy – Dyersville Acute Nurses Station
Fee: $16. Call (563) 589-9600 with questions.
Pediatric Development Screening
Are you concerned about your child’s development?
Does your child have difficulty with communication
and speech; understanding directions;
basic skills such as dressing or feeding
themselves; picky eating; physical abilities such
as walking, running, jumping, or climbing; or
other challenging behaviors that affect daily life?
Consider this free, no obligation screening conducted
by therapists from the Mercy Pediatric
Therapy Department.
Tuesday, March 6, 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Mercy Pediatric Therapy, Professional Arts
Plaza, Third Floor, 200 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
No fee. To schedule a screening, call
(563) 589-9456 and leave a message with the
name and age of the child and the caregiver’s
name and contact info. Please indicate your
primary concern about your child’s development.
You will receive a confirmation phone call
regarding the time of your 20-minute screening.
OUTREACH CLINICS
Children’s Hospital of Iowa Outreach
Pediatric Cardiology Clinic
Friday, March 23, 8:30 - 11 a.m.
Mercy Ground Floor, 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
Call 1 (877) 891-5350 to schedule an
appointment.
Children’s Hospital of Iowa Outreach
Pediatric Gastrointestinal (GI) Clinic
Tuesday, March 27 & April 3,
9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Mercy Ground Floor, 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
Call 1 (877) 891-5350 to schedule an
appointment.
VNA Pediatric Immunization Clinic
For children age 2 months to 18 years, on
Title 19 or without private insurance coverage
for immunizations.
Thursday, March 29, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Mercy Ground Floor, 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
Appointments required. Call (563) 556-6200 or
toll free 1 (800) 862-6613.
Fee: $15 suggested, but not required.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Electronics Fundraiser
Shop a huge selection of electronics—iPads
and tablets, LCD televisions, GPS navigation
systems, laptops, cameras, and more.
Monday, March 12, 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Mercy Conference Rooms 1A/1B
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
Call (563) 589-8772 for more information.
Child Safety Seat Check & Installation
Sponsored by Dubuque Child Passenger Safety
Coalition
Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. - Noon
Anderson-Weber, 3450 Center Grove Drive,
Dubuque. Reservations required.
Call (563) 556-3281 and ask for a Car Seat
Fit appointment. Held rain or shine. Bring your
vehicle, car seat, and child if possible.
Books Are Fun
Books for all ages, plus toys, gifts, and other
items at great discounts
Tuesday, March 27, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.,
Wednesday, March 28, 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
Thursday, March 29, 6:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Mercy Conference Rooms 1A & 1B
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
SUPPORT GROUPS
Brain Injury Support Group
Thursday, March 8, 7 p.m.
Mercy Conference Room 1B
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
Call (563) 589-8164 for more information.
Arthritis Support Group
Monday, March 12, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Mercy Conference Room 1F
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
Call (563) 589-9375 for more information.
Laryngectomy Support Group
Wednesday, March 14, Noon - 1 p.m.
Mercy Conference Room 1E
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
Call (563) 589-9035 for more information.
SHARE Support Group
Support for loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or
infant death.
Wednesday, March 14, 7:30 p.m.
Mercy Sixth Floor Boardroom
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
Call (563) 589-8599 for more information.
Heart to Heart
Thursday, March 29, 7 - 9 p.m.
Mercy Conference Rooms 1A & 1B
Call (563) 589-8080 for more information.
BIRTH EDUCATION
For more information, call (563) 58-BIRTH
(582-4784) or (800) 99-BIRTH.
You may attend our three most popular
pregnancy classes (Birth Preparation,
Make Room for Baby, and Breastfeeding)
for only 1 fee of $30.
Natural Milk Network
Free drop-in support for breastfeeding mothers.
Every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday, 1 - 3 p.m.
Upcoming dates: March 7, 21, April 4
Mercy Sixth Floor Boardroom
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
Call (563) 589-8553 for more information.
Breastfeeding Class
For expectant and new parents.
Second Thursday of every month, 7 - 9 p.m.
Upcoming dates: March 8, April 12, May 10
Register online or call (563) 582-4784.
Birth Preparation for Expectant Parents
Three-session evening classes
(Tuesday or Wednesday, 7 - 9 p.m.) or
one-session Saturday class (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
Upcoming dates:
Tuesday, March 27, April 3, 10
Saturday, March 10
Sessions include a tour of the Birth Center.
Early registration is recommended as class size
is limited. Register online or call
(563) 582-4784.
Sibling Class
For children 3–10 years of age and their
expectant parents.
Second Monday of every month, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Upcoming dates: March 12, April 9, May 14
Register online or call (563) 582-4784.
Make Room for Baby
For expectant & adoptive parents, grandparents,
& teenage siblings
Third Monday of every month, 7 - 9 p.m.
Upcoming dates: March 19, April 16, May 21
Register online or call (563) 582-4784.
Beary Special Baskets
If you are pregnant, tour the Mercy Birth Center
and enter your name in a monthly drawing for a
basketful of gifts for your baby and family.