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Article Category: Highlights

Lifesaving Wound Care Treatment in a Family Atmosphere

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital Team Helps Roswell Resident Make Complete Recovery

Published on January 27, 2020

Last updated 05:46 PM August 10, 2020

Heidi Bohlmann (front center) stands with her husband and care team at a medical office.

Heidi Bohlmann (front center), with her husband Steve (back center), and Wound Care Center caregivers, from left, Karen Johnstone, RN, CWON; Melissa Conrad, RN; Debra Gonzalez, RN; and Ricardo Duran, MD.

Two-time breast cancer survivor Heidi Bohlmann was accustomed to successfully facing health challenges. But when stomach pain brought the Roswell resident to Wellstar North Fulton Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED), she faced her ultimate challenge: a torn small intestine, which led to a life-threatening infection.

“I remember being in the ED, then waking up in a hospital room 11 days later with machines all around me,” said Bohlmann, 58. “My family from Wisconsin was there. No one was sure I would pull through.”

Bohlmann underwent surgery to repair her perforated bowel, which included creating a hole in her abdomen so the contents of her small intestine could empty into an external pouch. Called an ileostomy, the procedure allows the intestine to heal.


We were impressed with the care and collaboration. The nurses and doctors worked together to coordinate my care plan, and always took the time to provide thorough explanations.

- Heidi Bohlmann

Patient

The Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center brings lifesaving procedures close to home

Because of her serious infection, surgeons did not close her large stomach wound to eliminate the risk that it would become a breeding ground for more bacteria. Unfortunately, an incision related to a recent breast surgery also became infected. The wounds fused into one large wound, which was treated with negative-pressure therapy, a therapeutic technique that suctions fluid and promotes healing.

“Heidi’s negative pressure therapy wound dressing change took up to two hours, three times a week,” explained Debra Gonzalez, program director for Wellstar North Fulton Hospital’s Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center, and one of Heidi’s caregivers.

“Heidi spent 48 days at North Fulton, first in the Intensive Care Unit, then in a regular room, then in rehabilitation,” said Gonzalez. “For a while, she was on a breathing machine and dialysis because her kidneys shut down, and she needed multiple infusions to treat the infection. Then she began outpatient therapy. When her wounds healed, she underwent an ileostomy reversal. Her body was so weak, she had to learn to walk again. Today, a year later, she’s a walking miracle. She was a model patient.”

Bohlmann said she did everything her clinicians recommended so that she could fully recover. “I followed the advice given by Debra and wound care specialists Melissa, Karen and Angela,” she said. “I did not shower for a year so I could keep my wound dry. I ate plenty of protein and took the recommended supplements.”

Though Bohlmann acknowledges she was an active participant in her care, she and her husband Steve, who was constantly by her side, credit North Fulton’s multidisciplinary team with her recovery.

“So many clinicians were involved in my care, including general surgeon Mark Middleton, MD, infectious disease specialist Manuel Castro-Borobio, MD, assistant director of rehabilitation Brent Clower, DO, Phillip Byrd, MD, interventional radiologist, and cardiologist David Jacoboff, MD,” said Bohlmann. “We were impressed with the care and collaboration. The nurses and doctors worked together to coordinate my care plan, and always took the time to provide thorough explanations.”

“In fact, everyone at North Fulton went above and beyond, from the technicians to the cafeteria staff. Vicky, a cafeteria team member, was impressed with Steve’s dedication to my wellbeing, so she came by to meet me. We felt so cared for, like we were part of the North Fulton family.”

The Bohlmann’s recently brought lunch to the Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center staff and the inpatient rehab team to show their appreciation. “I’m very thankful for the care I received at North Fulton,” said Heidi, who plans to volunteer at the hospital.

“Heidi’s case was very complicated,” said Ricardo Duran, MD, the Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center’s medical director. “Successful wound care involves a multidisciplinary team guided by a board-certified physician and nurses with extensive training and experience in wound management.”

North Fulton Hospital’s nationally accredited Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center offers comprehensive care and management for chronic, non-healing wounds and sores due to diabetes, pressure ulcers, circulatory problems, and open surgical site wounds, such as Heidi’s. Dr. Duran is a board-certified wound care physician, and the Center’s nurses include certified wound specialists.


For more information, contact the Wellstar North Fulton Hospital’s Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center.

 

Tags

North Fulton Medical Center NF - Wound Care Wound Care
Ricardo Mauricio Duran Manuel Eduardo Castro-Borobio David Jacoboff Emergency Care
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Think PINK: Raise Your Breast Cancer IQ

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 316,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. this year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, apart from skin cancer, and second only to lung cancer as a leading cause of cancer death in women.

It’s important for women to know the symptoms and schedule regular screenings to detect breast cancer early. Remember PINK—Prevention, Information, Next steps and Knowledge—to guide your awareness.

P: Prevention

The best way to detect breast cancer early is by staying connected with your healthcare provider and keeping up with regular visits and screenings, including mammograms.

Who should get screened, and when?

Annual mammograms are recommended starting at age 40. Women with additional risk factors or a family history should speak with their provider about starting screenings earlier.

I: Information

Research and learn as much as you can about breast cancer. Knowing the signs and symptoms could save your life.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Some symptoms may be spotted early. Knowing what to look and feel for can help catch breast cancer before it progresses:

  • Lump in the breast or underarm
  • Breast swelling or thickening
  • Redness or flaking skin on the breast
  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk
  • Change in breast size or shape
  • Pain in any area of the breast

N: Next steps

When a mammogram result is flagged for follow-up care, it can feel scary. At Wellstar, you don’t have to face the process alone. Our Comprehensive Breast Health Program offers complimentary concierge services, automatically enrolling patients with abnormal mammogram results. Dedicated nurse navigators guide you through each step of the diagnostic process—helping with scheduling, answering questions and supporting your physical and emotional well-being.

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s important to partner with your care team to plan your treatment.

What happens after a breast cancer diagnosis?

  • Schedule a follow-up visit. Meet with your healthcare provider to ask questions about your diagnosis and treatment options.
  • Consult with specialists. At Wellstar, breast surgeons and oncologists work as part of an integrated team to recommend treatment tailored to your condition. Patients also have access to advanced imaging, leading facilities and experts in surgery, radiology, pathology and oncology.
  • Explore STAT Clinic. At the Breast Cancer STAT Clinic at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, a full team—including a breast surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, genetic counselor and nurse navigator—meets with you in one place on the same day. Together, they create a personalized treatment plan before you leave, helping reduce the time from diagnosis to treatment from months to just two weeks. This patient-centered model brings the specialists to you, ensuring the most seamless, supportive experience possible.

K: Knowledge

Knowing your personal health, family history and risk factors helps your care team determine if you may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

For women ages 24 to 39, Wellstar has partnered with Gabbi to offer a personalized, virtual breast cancer risk assessment. The program provides next-day virtual visits with specialists, coordinated imaging at Wellstar and 24/7 concierge support.

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

  • Age. Risk increases as women get older.
  • Family history. Having a relative with breast cancer—or a male relative with prostate cancer—can increase risk.
  • Previous radiation therapy. Radiation to the chest for other cancers or lymphomas may increase risk.
  • Past diagnosis. A previous breast cancer diagnosis raises the likelihood of recurrence.

Wellstar provides comprehensive breast diagnostic and treatment options, along with support services to help patients and families navigate their journey.

For more information, visit wellstar.org/breastcancer.

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John Elliot smiles after getting control of Parkinson’s symptoms with the Wellstar Parkinson’s and Tremors Program and a procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS).

PeopleCare

JohnElliottCare

John Elliott was a builder who enjoyed meeting with clients and planning their future homes. But the effects of Parkinson’s disease made it hard for him to meet with clients and live his life. Then he found a new sense of hope thanks to the Wellstar Parkinson’s and Tremors Program and a procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS). His experience is a powerful testament to the value of comprehensive care and how his neurologists, functional neurosurgeon and nurse navigator helped him rebuild his life. 

Symptoms that were hard to shake

 

John has been building custom homes in Marietta for 45 years—a career defined by personal relationships with his clients. He loves spending time with his family, hunting, fishing and bushhogging the multi-generational family farm.

But in 2015, John’s hands began to shake. A former client and friend who was a retired neurologist recommended he see Dr. Thomas Holmes, a Wellstar neurologist. 

A DaTscan, a type of nuclear imaging test that takes images of the brain, helped Dr. Holmes see a loss in John’s dopamine-producing neurons, which indicates Parkinson’s disease. The progressive neurological disorder affects a person’s motor functions and movements. 

At first, medication helped. But years after his diagnosis, John’s medications were barely effective.

“A big part of custom home building is your interaction with your client,” John said. “Meeting with the customer became somewhat of a problem.”

His tremors and involuntary mouth movements left him feeling embarrassed.

“I kind of went into a shell and didn't want to see people because they would make comments, particularly about the mouth movement,” he said. “You want to hide.”

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Child flexing arms and posing as a superhero.

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Better Together: Your Child. Our Expert Care.

Some things are just better together: Peanut butter and jelly. Popsicles and summer days. Stethoscopes and superheroes. When it comes to your child’s health, there’s no better combo than your love—and our expert pediatric care. That’s why Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is here to partner with your family.

Playfully styled Wellstar Children's Healthcare of Georgia logo, which incorporates a rainbow and has the feel of a child's illustration.

Our name and logo may have changed, but the mission to care for children, teens and your family remains the same. 

“Our new name represents a powerful collaboration, bringing together more pediatric specialists in Georgia to create a comprehensive system of care,” said Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Valera Hudson.

Where kids’ healthcare is “better together”

At Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, a child’s health is strengthened by a partnership between parents and pediatric specialists. Our physicians and advanced practice providers listen and get to know each child from the moment they’re born into young adulthood, collaborating with parents to deliver tailored care.

“We never forget that you know your child best—from their unique needs to what makes them tick,” said Wellstar Chief Pediatrics Officer Dr. Carrie Stinson. “We trust your instincts, and we’re here to support you as you help your child grow into a healthy, well-prepared and incredible human being.”

A checkup for every child, from toddlers to teens

Every kid should have a well-child exam each year. “When you have babies and toddlers, it’s routine—you’re scheduling these frequently,” said Dr. Stinson. “But when kids get older and busier, these visits may fall off your radar.” Staying on top of these vital checkups helps keep focus on your child or teen’s well-being, including their physical health and development as well as their emotional, social and behavioral health.

Navigating life’s most challenging moments

 

During visits to Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, pediatricians, pediatric specialists, nurses and other dedicated team members use the latest technology and innovative therapies to treat common illnesses and complex conditions. In our Pediatric Emergency Departments and imaging centers, specially trained Child Life Specialists aid children and their families during challenging healthcare moments—helping them understand and cope with unfamiliar or scary situations.

A long legacy of care

 

Our new name builds on a rich history of pediatric excellence throughout Georgia. For decades, we’ve worked hard to make sure our communities have access to the pediatric care they need—from preventive care to emergency care and specialty care, including cardiologists, neurologists, urologists, ENTs, orthopedics, therapists and more. 

Care in Augusta 

Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia in Augusta has been a leader in the state for nearly 30 years. We’re home to: 

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  • A 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department
  • A dedicated Level II Trauma Center
  • A Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • The only Level I Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the region
  • A Level IV Epilepsy Center
  • One of two Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centers in the state
  • Clinical trials for a variety of childhood conditions 
  • Summer camps and support programs for children with specific health conditions

Care in Metro Atlanta
 

Our communities in the Atlanta area have access to:

  • Pediatric primary care and specialty care
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  • An Inpatient Pediatric Unit at Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta 
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Care in West Georgia

In West Georgia and central West Georgia, families can access:

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Our growth chart: how we’re keeping up with your kids

As you measure your child’s growth, we’re growing too! We continue to invest in our teams and facilities across Georgia so your child can have a healthy future.

In Metro Atlanta, Wellstar continues to grow care for Cobb County’s youngest residents. A new tower at Wellstar Kennestone, slated to open spring 2026, will feature an expanded NICU with more beds to meet the needs of our families.

In Augusta, Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia has unveiled a welcoming and fresh child-friendly lobby. Families visiting the campus will soon benefit from the addition of the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness. This new space brings neurology and psychology services together under one roof, providing a dedicated place for families to find help for their children's behavioral health needs.

"We’re passionate about caring for kids,” said Dr. Hudson. “Our dream is to get beyond just treating and intervening when there’s a crisis—we aim to help families thrive.”

Whether preventing illness or treating chronic conditions, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is committed to helping children heal so they can do more of what they love.

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