Wellstar is more than healthcare

If you looked up the word “active” in the dictionary, you just might find Ulysses Price’s picture.

Between serving on the tennis court, racking up strikes in bowling and learning new moves in martial arts, he defines life by what brings him the most joy: movement.

But all that changed when severe neck and shoulder pain entered the picture. Ulysses could barely do a double take let alone hold play doubles on the court.

“Not being able to do simple things like reach for a bowl in the cupboard or turn my neck were big limitations in my life,” Ulysses said. “I tried to tough it out. But when the pain was non-stop, that’s when I decided I needed medical attention.”

Ulysses turned to Wellstar’s neuro experts to help him take control of his health. Now, after a state-of-the-art neck procedure, Ulysses is back in action and doing his favorite activities — even better than before.

From diagnosis to surgery and recovery, Ulysses formed a lasting partnership with his Wellstar care team and knows he can face any health hurdle with confidence.

Health providers who have your back

When pain became a constant part of Ulysses’ life, he sought help from Wellstar Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Tawian Livingston. For more than a decade, the two have had a healthcare bond that’s been focused on keeping Ulysses feeling his best.

Dr. Livingston explained how having an established primary care provider brings healthcare to the next level.

“A primary care physician has your back and is in your corner,” Dr. Livingston said. “If you have problems with any health issues, they’re the person you go to and build trust together.”

Dr. Livingston took Ulysses’ pain seriously. After an MRI revealed a serious spinal issue, he connected Ulysses with expert neuro care at Wellstar right away.

That’s when Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Phillip Parry joined the team, determined to help put an end to Ulysses’ pain. Dr. Parry stressed how important physicians like Dr. Livingston are when it comes to keeping a keen eye out for potential medical issues.

“The value of having a primary care provider who can identify neck and low back pain cannot be overstated,” Dr. Parry said. “Having these conditions addressed early by the right specialists is extremely important.”

Catching neurological conditions at the start is key to helping patients have the best outcome possible. The same was true for Ulysses, whose spine issues were interfering with his everyday life.

“Ulysses had a narrowing in the cervical canal of his cervical spine, the bony portion through which the spinal cord is transmitted,” Dr. Parry said. “As we age, virtually all patients develop some amount of this compression.”

“In Ulysses’ case, his spinal compression had become so severe that it was causing spinal cord dysfunction,” Dr. Parry explained. “His condition resulted in weakness in his hands, being unable to walk with confidence and feeling very unstable on his feet.”

Working together, the pair discussed the potential treatment options for his pain. Because Dr. Parry always kept an open dialogue, Ulysses felt comfortable being an active participant in his care.

“I always try to be proactive about any medical procedure and do my research to know as much about it as possible,” Ulysses said, sharing how Dr. Parry took time to answer his questions. “Dr. Parry listened and spoke with me about the most up-to-date procedures, and that made me quite comfortable with him as a person and a physician.”

Soon, they created a care plan that would help Ulysses live his healthiest life for years to come.

Every day, Scott Hullihen’s gaze falls on a very unique piece of art hanging in his home.

To the untrained eye, the spiraling streaks across the canvas could be mistaken for an abstract painting in a museum. But for Scott, it holds a much deeper, personal meaning: hope for a cancer-free future.

A closer look reveals a puzzling QR code in the corner of the print and, when scanned, it plays the very voicemail from his Wellstar radiation oncologist that got him through the most difficult days in his cancer journey.

“The picture is his voice in soundwaves. I get to see it every day,” said Scott. “It’s the most thoughtful thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

The ebbs and flows of the piece show how he conquered the highs and lows of his difficult rectal cancer diagnosis, with support from Wellstar as the constant through it all.

Just like the highly personalized art print, his expert team of physicians formed a tailored care plan for Scott, right down to his DNA.

Together with his Wellstar team, Scott beat cancer and is back to living life to the fullest.

A surprising diagnosis

Scott was a typical guy in his 30s, working in technology and spending time with friends and family.

“Everything was normal,” he said. “I’d go to sporting events or concerts.”

But his diagnosis of colorectal cancer at just 35 years old was anything but typical.

“That was shocking,” he said.

In 2020, Scott’s stomach started hurting — and it didn’t stop. He started eating better and cut certain ingredients from his diet. He regularly rode his bike for 15 miles.

“I was getting in good shape!” he said.

But the pain continued, with an urgency to use the bathroom, constipation and blood. His doctor referred him to Dr. Sachin Goel, a gastroenterologist, for a colonoscopy in August. Immediately after the procedure, he learned there was a tumor in his colon.

“It was a quiet car ride,” Scott remembered sitting silently next to his mother, who had driven him there.

That Friday, a biopsy confirmed it was cancer. Scott was immediately referred to Wellstar’s Rectal Cancer Multidisciplinary Program, the first and only treatment center in metro Atlanta accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program by the Commission on Cancer.

Getting the highest level of rectal cancer care

After the weekend, Scott met with Dr. Sahir Shroff, a cancer surgeon.

“People raved about how good a surgeon Dr. Shroff is – I learned he was one of the best in the state,” Scott said. “He saved my life.”

The board-certified and fellowship-trained surgical oncologist reassured Scott.

“This is one of the most subspecialized rectal cancer programs in metro Atlanta,” he said. “Every person with rectal cancer is reviewed at our multidisciplinary meeting to provide the highest level of care.”

Select doctors are designated to stage and treat rectal cancer patients following evidence-based guidelines. The team includes colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists and radiologists. Higher experience in treating rectal cancer leads to better outcomes for patients.

Scott also had a nurse navigator coordinate his cancer staging and treatment. Nancy Page answered questions and scheduled important appointments, such as CT scans and MRIs as well as meetings with various specialists.

A licensed Wellstar genetic counselor was also on Scott’s team. Amy Ekwurtzel found that Scott had two genetic abnormalities that make him slightly more susceptible to colorectal cancer. This information gave the team additional clues about the best way to care for Scott.

As a Hall of Fame basketball star, Dominique Wilkins knows what it takes to stay on top of his game. He’s even nicknamed “The Human Highlight Film” for his legendary slam dunks and athletic ability on the court.

Performing at such a high level, he felt invincible. But after receiving a type 2 diabetes diagnosis at age 40, Dominique was caught completely off-guard.

Turns out, even the pros are at risk for chronic conditions.

“When I was diagnosed with diabetes a year after I retired, it was frightening because both my father and grandfather passed away from type 1 diabetes,” he shared. “It quickly changed my life.”

Dominique didn’t let the news stop him from taking charge of his health. He turned his diagnosis into determination.

Dominique has focused on becoming the healthiest version of himself by eating right, exercising regularly and taking medication.

Ever since teaming up with Wellstar, his rebound has been doubly impressive. Here, he’s found expert care and support to help him live a full, healthy life.