The pain started in his left hip and went down his leg. Sometimes the entire leg would feel numb. Richard Heitmueller, 56, of Ocean, typically volunteered with the Allenhurst First Aid Squad but found he couldn't keep up with his volunteer work as his symptoms intensified.
When Richard walked or was on his feet for even a few minutes, the pain would intensify. When he sat, the pain would go away.
He throught the probelm was with his hip, so he visited Roy Mittman, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Ocean Medical Center. Dr Mittman had performed a knee replacement for Richard's wife the previous year. After reviewing Richard's case and performing a CT scan of his spine, Dr. Mittman referred Richard to his partner, Haralambos (Lambro) Demetriades, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Ocean Medical Center who specializes in spine problems.
Richard's symptoms, along with the CT scan, helped Dr. Demetriades confirm that Richard had a pinched nerve -- the result of spinal stenosis.
Spinal stenosis typically affects people older than 50. It is the result of everyday wear and tear on the spine. "As people age, the ligaments of the spine can thicken, bone spurs can form, disks can collapse or bulge, or a vertebra can slip. Any of these problems can lead to pain and is referred to as spinal stenosis," explains Dr. Demetriades. "The good news is that we have minimally invasive options that are effective in 80 percent of the patients I treat."
Typically, doctors first suggest nonsurgical treatment options for spinal stenosis, such as physical therapy and epidural shots. Dr. Demetriades tried these options with Richard, but they did not help alleviate Richard's pain.
Dr. Demetriades then suggested a relatively new minimally invasive surgical procedure called an interspinous process decompression (IPD). During an IPD procedure, a "spacer" made of titanium is implanted through a small incision in the spine. It helps keep the spinal area open to prevent pinching of the nerves.
"The beauty of the procedure is that it typically does not require removing bone or soft tissue, it can be done under local anesthesia, and it does not limit any future surgical or nonsurgical treatment options," says Dr. Demetriades.
In Richard's case, he had same-day surgery at Ocean Medical Center. He went into the hospital in the morning and was on his way home by midafternoon.
"Almost immediately, there was no pain -- it solved the problem," says Richard.
He was back to work nine days later and is still helping out with the First Aid Squad.
About the Doctor
Lambro Demetriades, M.D.
Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery
Brick | 732-458-7866
Friday, October 7, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Isabella's Story - Special Emergency Care for Little Patients
The last place you want to be with your child is in an emergency department (ED). But if your child does require emergency care, there's no place you'd rather be than a pediatric ED, like the new one at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital (KHCH).
Pediatric EDs offer benefits for kids not necessarily found at a traditional ED. For example, crowded adult EDs can involve long waits. They can be a frightening place for young patients.
West Long Branch resident Beth DiResta has seen the benefit of a pediatric ED firsthand. Her 3-year-old daughter, Isabella, has Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause seizures. Beth has been to several area EDs, both pediatric and traditional. "There's just no comparison. It's a whole different level of care in a pediatric emergency department," she says. "They're much mre familiar with how to deal with children and how to comfort parents."
The new pediatric ED at KHCH does just that. With its own lobby and triage areas, eight patient rooms, and a radiology and X-ray room within the department, the pediatric ED is completely separate from Jersey Shore University Medical Center's ED. "We have pediatric equipment geared toward children, such as cribs for toddlers and infants, along with IV and respiratory supplies specially designed to meet our children's needs," says Gail Temple, R.N., a nurse manager of the pediatric ED.
And the fact that pediatric specialists are actually in the ED is an added plus, Beth says. "A pediatrician is right there attending to your child as soon as you walk through the doors," she explains. "Other emergency departments do not have pediatricians on site. You have to wait for one to come down from the pediatric department."
In fact, all the doctors and staff memebers in the pediatric ED are specially trained to work with children, families, and caregivers. "We are equipped to handle any kind of emergency that comes through our doors," says Khoshnood Ahmad, M.D., medical director of the pediatric ED. "And we are a comprehensive children's hospital. So if a child needs to be admitted, we have all the specialty and subspecialty care right here."
For Beth, the high-level care at KHCH is matched only be the compassion and empathy the staff extends to children and parents alike. "It is important that parents have choices, and for us the choice will always be K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital," she says.
About the Doctor
Khoshnood Ahmad, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Neptune | 732-776-4510
Pediatric EDs offer benefits for kids not necessarily found at a traditional ED. For example, crowded adult EDs can involve long waits. They can be a frightening place for young patients.
West Long Branch resident Beth DiResta has seen the benefit of a pediatric ED firsthand. Her 3-year-old daughter, Isabella, has Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause seizures. Beth has been to several area EDs, both pediatric and traditional. "There's just no comparison. It's a whole different level of care in a pediatric emergency department," she says. "They're much mre familiar with how to deal with children and how to comfort parents."
The new pediatric ED at KHCH does just that. With its own lobby and triage areas, eight patient rooms, and a radiology and X-ray room within the department, the pediatric ED is completely separate from Jersey Shore University Medical Center's ED. "We have pediatric equipment geared toward children, such as cribs for toddlers and infants, along with IV and respiratory supplies specially designed to meet our children's needs," says Gail Temple, R.N., a nurse manager of the pediatric ED.
And the fact that pediatric specialists are actually in the ED is an added plus, Beth says. "A pediatrician is right there attending to your child as soon as you walk through the doors," she explains. "Other emergency departments do not have pediatricians on site. You have to wait for one to come down from the pediatric department."
In fact, all the doctors and staff memebers in the pediatric ED are specially trained to work with children, families, and caregivers. "We are equipped to handle any kind of emergency that comes through our doors," says Khoshnood Ahmad, M.D., medical director of the pediatric ED. "And we are a comprehensive children's hospital. So if a child needs to be admitted, we have all the specialty and subspecialty care right here."
For Beth, the high-level care at KHCH is matched only be the compassion and empathy the staff extends to children and parents alike. "It is important that parents have choices, and for us the choice will always be K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital," she says.
About the Doctor
Khoshnood Ahmad, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Neptune | 732-776-4510
Monday, October 3, 2011
Peter's Story - Jersey Shore Helps in a Pinch
Electrician Peter Lubrano, 69, of Toms River, has always been dedicated to his work. In fact, he can't remember the last time he called in sick.
Things changed in early 2008. Peter noticed that the simple wiring he was working on was becoming more difficult -- his thumb and pointer finger would shake uncontrollably. "At first I didn't think anything about it," says Peter. "I thought I was just getting older."
But on March 17, Peter was performing electrical work at Ocean County Mall when his legs began to feel extremely heavy, his arms became very tired, and his fingers went numb. "Out of nowhere I collapsed," he recalls. "I thought I was going to die."
After speaking with his wife and consulting numerous physicians, it became apparent he needed to see a neurosurgeon. He scheduled a visit with Simon A. Salerno, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The diagnosis: cervical stenosis with myelopathy.
Spinal Sensations
Cervical stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal becomes too small for the spinal cord and nerve roots. This can cause damage to the spinal cord, a condition called myelopathy, which means the spinal cord is pinched in the spinal canal. While some people are born with this narrowing, most cases of cervical stenosis occur in people older than age 50 as a result of wear and tear on the spine.
"Symptoms can include neck pain, pain in one or both arms, trouble walking or balancing, an electrical sensation shooting down the back, and numbness of the arms," says Dr. Salerno.
As the condition progresses, as it did with Peter, weakness of the arms, hands, legs, and feet can cause loss of coordination.
The Surgical Option
Many cases of cervical stenosis are treated successfully with nonsurgical techniques such as pain and anti-inflammatory medications. "If nonsurgical measures do not work, or if there is a extreme spinal cord compression as in Mr. Lubrano's case, surgical techniques can be used," says Dr. Salerno.
Because Peter was in such pain and had spinal cord dysfunction, Dr. Salerno recommended surgery. "The goal of this particular surgical decompression treatment was to widen Peter's spinal canal and relieve the pressure on the spinal cord by removing what was causing the compression," he says.
"Patients who have surgery typically can get out of bed the same day surgery is performed. With a few days of inpatient rehabilitation activity, Peter was discharged."
"Since the surgery in early July, I have not had a single spasm," adds Peter. "This was a very emotional process for my wife and me, but from the first moment that I walked into Dr. Salerno's office, I knew that I was in great hands."
About the Doctor
Simon A. Salerno, M.D.
Neurosurgery
Wall | 732-974-0003
Things changed in early 2008. Peter noticed that the simple wiring he was working on was becoming more difficult -- his thumb and pointer finger would shake uncontrollably. "At first I didn't think anything about it," says Peter. "I thought I was just getting older."
But on March 17, Peter was performing electrical work at Ocean County Mall when his legs began to feel extremely heavy, his arms became very tired, and his fingers went numb. "Out of nowhere I collapsed," he recalls. "I thought I was going to die."
After speaking with his wife and consulting numerous physicians, it became apparent he needed to see a neurosurgeon. He scheduled a visit with Simon A. Salerno, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The diagnosis: cervical stenosis with myelopathy.
Spinal Sensations
Cervical stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal becomes too small for the spinal cord and nerve roots. This can cause damage to the spinal cord, a condition called myelopathy, which means the spinal cord is pinched in the spinal canal. While some people are born with this narrowing, most cases of cervical stenosis occur in people older than age 50 as a result of wear and tear on the spine.
"Symptoms can include neck pain, pain in one or both arms, trouble walking or balancing, an electrical sensation shooting down the back, and numbness of the arms," says Dr. Salerno.
As the condition progresses, as it did with Peter, weakness of the arms, hands, legs, and feet can cause loss of coordination.
The Surgical Option
Many cases of cervical stenosis are treated successfully with nonsurgical techniques such as pain and anti-inflammatory medications. "If nonsurgical measures do not work, or if there is a extreme spinal cord compression as in Mr. Lubrano's case, surgical techniques can be used," says Dr. Salerno.
Because Peter was in such pain and had spinal cord dysfunction, Dr. Salerno recommended surgery. "The goal of this particular surgical decompression treatment was to widen Peter's spinal canal and relieve the pressure on the spinal cord by removing what was causing the compression," he says.
"Patients who have surgery typically can get out of bed the same day surgery is performed. With a few days of inpatient rehabilitation activity, Peter was discharged."
"Since the surgery in early July, I have not had a single spasm," adds Peter. "This was a very emotional process for my wife and me, but from the first moment that I walked into Dr. Salerno's office, I knew that I was in great hands."
About the Doctor
Simon A. Salerno, M.D.
Neurosurgery
Wall | 732-974-0003
Friday, September 30, 2011
Leona's Story - Lending a Heart a Helping Hand
In 2006, Leona McGuire, 81, of Howell, N.J., had surgery to treat thyroid cancer and was looking forward to returning home. But when her physician in Pennsylvania discovered problems with her blood work, he required that she have a cardiac catheterization.
The test found nothing, but Leona was experiencing congestive heart failure a week later. This condition can cause swelling in the legs and ankles, fatigue, and shortness of breath. She headed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment. It was there that Kimberly McCourt, R.N., a nurse practioner at Jersey Shore's Heart Faulure Center approached Leona about their services.
"At the center, we help manage heart failure by adjusting medication doses to help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease," says McCourt. "We also provide in-depth education and close follow-up to help patients take control of their condition and to prevent readmission to the hospital."
After she was released from Jersey Shore, Leona followed up every few weeks with the Heart Failure Center for procedures such as receiving intravenous diuretics to help alleviate the buildup of fluid that occurs during heart failure.
But Leona was still having problems. "Kimberly and Eileen Oates, R.N., at the Center informed me that even with aggressive treatment, Leona's health was failing," says Lance Berger, M.D., medical director of the Center. "It was clear we needed to start from the beginning, so we performed a cardiac catheterization, an echocardiogram, and a transesophageal echocardiogram. That revealed two bad heart valves that required surgery."
Dr. Berger followed a multidisciplinary approach to ensure Leona was ready for surgery. He consulted with an oncologist, an otolaryngologist, and a lung specialist. Once cleared, Leona was schedule for surgery with David Johnson, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at Jersey Shore.
"In Leona's case, we needed to replace two different valves to resolve two separate problems," Dr. Johnson. "The aortic valve was narrowed and and obstructed. That affects the blood outflow from the heart and hinders the heart muscle's pumping ability. The mitral valve was leaking. It was working twice as hard." After surgery, Leona's symptoms were greatly relieved.
"We work with heart failure patients and their physicians to control symptoms and prevent future hospitalizations due to heart failure," says Dr. Berger. "Eighty percent of all heart failure hospital admissions are potentially avoidable. Forty percent are due to medication noncompliance, and the other 40 percent are due to a poor diet. This is why education is so important."
Leona's daughter, Karen, agrees. "The ongoing education they provide enables me to look for signs that my mother might need to be brought in for treatment," says Karen. Karen also appreciates the weekly telemonitoring calls from the staff to check on Leona's symptoms, diet, and medications.
"Thanks to the Heart Failure Center, I feel good and I am still able to do all the things I used to do before, like gardening," Leona says.
About the Doctors
Lance S. Berger, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases
Ocean | 732-663-0300
David L. Johnson, M.D.
Board certified in General and Thoracic Surgery
Neptune | 732-776-4618
The test found nothing, but Leona was experiencing congestive heart failure a week later. This condition can cause swelling in the legs and ankles, fatigue, and shortness of breath. She headed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment. It was there that Kimberly McCourt, R.N., a nurse practioner at Jersey Shore's Heart Faulure Center approached Leona about their services.
"At the center, we help manage heart failure by adjusting medication doses to help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease," says McCourt. "We also provide in-depth education and close follow-up to help patients take control of their condition and to prevent readmission to the hospital."
After she was released from Jersey Shore, Leona followed up every few weeks with the Heart Failure Center for procedures such as receiving intravenous diuretics to help alleviate the buildup of fluid that occurs during heart failure.
But Leona was still having problems. "Kimberly and Eileen Oates, R.N., at the Center informed me that even with aggressive treatment, Leona's health was failing," says Lance Berger, M.D., medical director of the Center. "It was clear we needed to start from the beginning, so we performed a cardiac catheterization, an echocardiogram, and a transesophageal echocardiogram. That revealed two bad heart valves that required surgery."
Dr. Berger followed a multidisciplinary approach to ensure Leona was ready for surgery. He consulted with an oncologist, an otolaryngologist, and a lung specialist. Once cleared, Leona was schedule for surgery with David Johnson, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at Jersey Shore.
"In Leona's case, we needed to replace two different valves to resolve two separate problems," Dr. Johnson. "The aortic valve was narrowed and and obstructed. That affects the blood outflow from the heart and hinders the heart muscle's pumping ability. The mitral valve was leaking. It was working twice as hard." After surgery, Leona's symptoms were greatly relieved.
"We work with heart failure patients and their physicians to control symptoms and prevent future hospitalizations due to heart failure," says Dr. Berger. "Eighty percent of all heart failure hospital admissions are potentially avoidable. Forty percent are due to medication noncompliance, and the other 40 percent are due to a poor diet. This is why education is so important."
Leona's daughter, Karen, agrees. "The ongoing education they provide enables me to look for signs that my mother might need to be brought in for treatment," says Karen. Karen also appreciates the weekly telemonitoring calls from the staff to check on Leona's symptoms, diet, and medications.
"Thanks to the Heart Failure Center, I feel good and I am still able to do all the things I used to do before, like gardening," Leona says.
About the Doctors
Lance S. Berger, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases
Ocean | 732-663-0300
David L. Johnson, M.D.
Board certified in General and Thoracic Surgery
Neptune | 732-776-4618
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Mike's Story - Heart Attack Boosts Gift of Gab in Radio Personality
Mike Fitzgerald rarely has been at a loss for words.
A station manager and DJ for a New Jersey radio station, Mike's never had a problem making conversation. but now he had even more to talk about: He considers it his duty to raise awareness about heart health and prevention of heart attacks after he got a second lease on life.
As his interventional cardiologist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Michael A. Wappel, M.D., FACC, told him recently, "You're the only patient I have where I can just turn on the radio to get an update on their condition."
Coming home from a Fourth of July fireworks display in Long Branch, Mike felt pain and pressure in his chest similar to feeling he had been experiencing during the week. During a summer where he had just turned 60 and was going through a divorce, the pressure was nothing new.
But when the feeling did not go away that night, he called 911. He was taken by ambulance to Jersey Shore. Blood tests confirmed a heart attack. With medication controlling his blood pressure, Mike was admitted to the hospital and a cardiac catheterization was scheduled.
"The catheterization helped us pinpoint the diagnosis," explains Dr. Wappel. "Then, angioplasty was needed to clear blockages and restore blood flow to the heart. Several stents were placed in the arteries to maintain these openings."
Mike adds, "I watched the whole procedure on the screen and Dr. Wappel explained everything he was doing. When he inserted a stent, he could show the artery opening right away and told me why he was adding two more on my left side and one on my right."
The angioplasty and stent procedures were a success, and Mike noticed an immediate change in breathing. He was diligent about his two weeks of cardiac rehabilitation, but even rehab didn't stop him from calling in to the radio station.
"I felt a responsibility to share what had happened," he says. "A lot of people shared their stories with us."
"Now I'm in the zone. I honestly feel like I'm 30. But it's important for people to take preventive measures -- the heart attack did cause damage to my heart. I maybe could have avoided this or at least had it happen later in life."
About the Doctor
Michael A. Wappel, M.D., FACC
Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases
Red Bank | 732-219-9300
A station manager and DJ for a New Jersey radio station, Mike's never had a problem making conversation. but now he had even more to talk about: He considers it his duty to raise awareness about heart health and prevention of heart attacks after he got a second lease on life.
As his interventional cardiologist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Michael A. Wappel, M.D., FACC, told him recently, "You're the only patient I have where I can just turn on the radio to get an update on their condition."
Coming home from a Fourth of July fireworks display in Long Branch, Mike felt pain and pressure in his chest similar to feeling he had been experiencing during the week. During a summer where he had just turned 60 and was going through a divorce, the pressure was nothing new.
But when the feeling did not go away that night, he called 911. He was taken by ambulance to Jersey Shore. Blood tests confirmed a heart attack. With medication controlling his blood pressure, Mike was admitted to the hospital and a cardiac catheterization was scheduled.
"The catheterization helped us pinpoint the diagnosis," explains Dr. Wappel. "Then, angioplasty was needed to clear blockages and restore blood flow to the heart. Several stents were placed in the arteries to maintain these openings."
Mike adds, "I watched the whole procedure on the screen and Dr. Wappel explained everything he was doing. When he inserted a stent, he could show the artery opening right away and told me why he was adding two more on my left side and one on my right."
The angioplasty and stent procedures were a success, and Mike noticed an immediate change in breathing. He was diligent about his two weeks of cardiac rehabilitation, but even rehab didn't stop him from calling in to the radio station.
"I felt a responsibility to share what had happened," he says. "A lot of people shared their stories with us."
"Now I'm in the zone. I honestly feel like I'm 30. But it's important for people to take preventive measures -- the heart attack did cause damage to my heart. I maybe could have avoided this or at least had it happen later in life."
About the Doctor
Michael A. Wappel, M.D., FACC
Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases
Red Bank | 732-219-9300
Monday, September 26, 2011
Paige's Story - Managing and Thriving with Epilepsy in the Teen Years
Epilepsy can be hard to diagnose. Symptoms are often subtle and can occur over time. Small tremors or muscle jerks that result in the occasional spilled drink or dropped pencil may not cause alarm, especially when the patient is a child, like Paige Cocchiere. Two years ago, Paige, now 14, started to exhibit some of these symptoms.
Paige's parents grew concerned. They made an appointment with their pediatrician in nearby Bayville, who suggested they see a pediatric neurologist at the Epilepsy Center at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Before her parents could take her there, though, Paige had a mini-seizure. She was rushed to the emergency department (ED) at Jersey Shore, where she was then admitted to K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital for tests under the care of Roopal Karia, M.D., a board certified pediatric neurologist.
Expert Care at the Epilepsy Center
To better treat a potential epilepsy patient like Paige, the medical team must first determine if the person had a seizure and then identify the type of seizure or epilepsy syndrome that best explains the event.
"To make a diagnosis, we performed a video electroencephalography (EEG), which allows us to monitor how behavior during seizures is related to the electrical activity in the brain," Dr. Karia explains. "Based on the results of Paige's video EEG, I prescribed medication to treat myoclonic seizures, which are part of her epilepsy condition and consist of brief, irregular muscular contractions."
That worked for some time. Doctors were able to get Paige off medication because she was doing well and side effects affecting her mood might be reduced. But a few months later, Paige needed to be put back on her antiepileptic medication as she experienced a seizure following a bout of chickenpox.
Dr. Karia continues to follow Paige closely and work with the family to optimize her treatment. She has reviewed seizure precautions with the family and discussed general safety, as well as Paige's treatment options. The goal of treatment remains the same: to eventually get Paige off medications and have her become seizure-free.
Adjusting to Life with Epilepsy
"This has been a roller coaster. It is such an important time in Paige's life," her father, Tom, says. "She had to be homeschooled for a time and hasn't been able to participate in all the activities she wants to do. And there have been plenty of sleepless nights for the whole family."
While Paige continues to need medication for epilepsy, her symptoms are under control. Paige has the attitude that this will not beat her, Tom says. Through perseverance and hard work, she is back in school and thriving. She made the honor roll, plays softball and volleyball, and sings.
About the Doctor
Roopal Karia, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology
Neptune | 732-776-4551
Paige's parents grew concerned. They made an appointment with their pediatrician in nearby Bayville, who suggested they see a pediatric neurologist at the Epilepsy Center at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Before her parents could take her there, though, Paige had a mini-seizure. She was rushed to the emergency department (ED) at Jersey Shore, where she was then admitted to K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital for tests under the care of Roopal Karia, M.D., a board certified pediatric neurologist.
Expert Care at the Epilepsy Center
To better treat a potential epilepsy patient like Paige, the medical team must first determine if the person had a seizure and then identify the type of seizure or epilepsy syndrome that best explains the event.
"To make a diagnosis, we performed a video electroencephalography (EEG), which allows us to monitor how behavior during seizures is related to the electrical activity in the brain," Dr. Karia explains. "Based on the results of Paige's video EEG, I prescribed medication to treat myoclonic seizures, which are part of her epilepsy condition and consist of brief, irregular muscular contractions."
That worked for some time. Doctors were able to get Paige off medication because she was doing well and side effects affecting her mood might be reduced. But a few months later, Paige needed to be put back on her antiepileptic medication as she experienced a seizure following a bout of chickenpox.
Dr. Karia continues to follow Paige closely and work with the family to optimize her treatment. She has reviewed seizure precautions with the family and discussed general safety, as well as Paige's treatment options. The goal of treatment remains the same: to eventually get Paige off medications and have her become seizure-free.
Adjusting to Life with Epilepsy
"This has been a roller coaster. It is such an important time in Paige's life," her father, Tom, says. "She had to be homeschooled for a time and hasn't been able to participate in all the activities she wants to do. And there have been plenty of sleepless nights for the whole family."
While Paige continues to need medication for epilepsy, her symptoms are under control. Paige has the attitude that this will not beat her, Tom says. Through perseverance and hard work, she is back in school and thriving. She made the honor roll, plays softball and volleyball, and sings.
About the Doctor
Roopal Karia, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology
Neptune | 732-776-4551
Friday, September 23, 2011
Robert's Story - Riverview Gets to the Bottom of Spine Injury
After spending a fun day with his grandson on a wave runner during a vacation in Wildwood, N.J., Robert Werner, 53, began noticing that something didn't feel right.
By the time he got back home, pain was radiating from his left arm. After several days, the pain began to travel downward into his back. "I never thought for a moment that anything was seriously wrong," Robert says, explaining that he had concluded it was simply a sore back from sleeping on a thin mattress during a vacation.
But Robert began to worry when, after nearly two weeks of pain, he started experiencing numbness in his fingers. As a lifelong Middletown resident, Robert relies on Riverview Medical Center for care. He immediately made an appointment at the Total Joint and Spine Center at Riverview and met with Keith Rinkus, M.D., a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon.
After initial evaluation, Dr. Rinkus sent Robert for a preliminary MRI. The results were inconclusive, so Dr. Rinkus sent Robert for a more focuses MRI of the upper neck. That MRI showed nerve pinching. By this time Robert was losing strength in his arm and was having a hard time even closing his hand.
"The second MRI revealed an unusual challenge in that both nerve root compression and spinal cord compression at unusual locations from a pre-exisiting condition were made worse from the constant bouncing on the wave runner," explains Dr. Rinkus.
Dr. Rinkus informed Robert that as a conservative option, Robert should try physical therapy, which he did for about two-and-a-half months. But the therapy didn't work, and the strength actually decreased in Robert's hand.
Because of the unsual location of spinal cord pinching, Dr. Rinkus determined that Robert needed to undergo a laminoplasty -- the first perfomed at Riverview. During the four-hour surgery, Dr. Rinkus widened Robert's extremely narrow spinal canal, giving more room to a twisted and pinched spinal cord and nerve roots.
Several weeks later, Rober was back to work with only slight stiffness in his shoulder after excessive use. "Dr. Rinkus explained to me that this would be the only side effect from this surgery," says Robert. "The trust I have for him is a special bond."
Today, Robert is able to enjoy weekends with his family out on the water but refrains from riding anymore.
About the Doctor
Keith Rinkus, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery
Red Bank | 732-741-2313
By the time he got back home, pain was radiating from his left arm. After several days, the pain began to travel downward into his back. "I never thought for a moment that anything was seriously wrong," Robert says, explaining that he had concluded it was simply a sore back from sleeping on a thin mattress during a vacation.
But Robert began to worry when, after nearly two weeks of pain, he started experiencing numbness in his fingers. As a lifelong Middletown resident, Robert relies on Riverview Medical Center for care. He immediately made an appointment at the Total Joint and Spine Center at Riverview and met with Keith Rinkus, M.D., a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon.
After initial evaluation, Dr. Rinkus sent Robert for a preliminary MRI. The results were inconclusive, so Dr. Rinkus sent Robert for a more focuses MRI of the upper neck. That MRI showed nerve pinching. By this time Robert was losing strength in his arm and was having a hard time even closing his hand.
"The second MRI revealed an unusual challenge in that both nerve root compression and spinal cord compression at unusual locations from a pre-exisiting condition were made worse from the constant bouncing on the wave runner," explains Dr. Rinkus.
Dr. Rinkus informed Robert that as a conservative option, Robert should try physical therapy, which he did for about two-and-a-half months. But the therapy didn't work, and the strength actually decreased in Robert's hand.
Because of the unsual location of spinal cord pinching, Dr. Rinkus determined that Robert needed to undergo a laminoplasty -- the first perfomed at Riverview. During the four-hour surgery, Dr. Rinkus widened Robert's extremely narrow spinal canal, giving more room to a twisted and pinched spinal cord and nerve roots.
Several weeks later, Rober was back to work with only slight stiffness in his shoulder after excessive use. "Dr. Rinkus explained to me that this would be the only side effect from this surgery," says Robert. "The trust I have for him is a special bond."
Today, Robert is able to enjoy weekends with his family out on the water but refrains from riding anymore.
About the Doctor
Keith Rinkus, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery
Red Bank | 732-741-2313
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tom's Story - Delicate Surgery Removes Lip Cancer Without a Visible Scar
An avid golfer and fisherman, Tom Hurley, 71, is no stranger to the sun. The Lakewood man also knows when to see the advice of a trusted doctor.
Noticing that a painful cold sore on his lip was not getting better, Tom made an appointment with his family practice physician, John Gumina, M.D., of Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "Dr. Gumina doesn't miss much," Tom says. "I've been going to him for 10 years, and he always knows exactly what I'm there for and what I'm going to need."
Unfortunately, it was more serious than a cold sore. A dermatologist biopsied the growth, and Tom was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the lip, or lip cancer. A surgeon was able to remove some of the cancerous cells, but the lesion continued to grow.
"When someone tells you that you have cancer, you're definitely worried," Tom says. "But that team at Jersey Shore had a plan."
The radiation oncologist, Jonathan Briggs, M.D., and plastic surgeon, Alan Zaccaria, M.D., agreed that the lip lesion was too large to operate on, as it would cause disfigurement.
Instead, the team settled on radiation as a treatment option. "The radiation plan was aimed at shrinking the tumor to eradicate the cancer or help improve the outcome of surgery," says Dr. Briggs.
During summer 2009, Tom visited Jersey Shore five days a week for six weeks to receive radiation therapy. What he realized right away was that the care there was exceptional. "That crew treats you like family -- whether it's the receptionist, a technician, or a nurse," Tom says. "And Dr. Briggs takes his time and lets you know what to expect."
Following radiation, another biopsy was performed to check for cancer. "The pathology showed the squamous cell carcinoma was there but had not spread," Dr. Zaccaria explains. Surgery would be necessary to remove the last of the cancer, which was forunately a much smaller lesion because of the radiation therapy.
Tom was ready for surgery and very confident, thanks to Dr. Zaccaria. "He told me, 'I'm not letting you off that operating table until I get it all and the cancer is gone.'"
Dr. Zaccaria kept his promise, too. Tom's lip cancer is gone, with not even a visible scar to remember it by.
Surgery and recovery were quick. Tom applied topical antibiotic ointment to his lip and had follow-up visits with Dr. Zaccaria.
Today he's back to enjoying his boat and golf. He's careful to stay out of the sun and always uses sunscreen. His advice to other outdoorsmen? "Cloudy days are the worst. You may not think the sun is out, but that's when you have to be most careful," he advises.
About the Doctors
Jonathan H. Briggs, M.D.
Board certified in Radiation Oncology and Radiology
Neptune | 732-776-4404
Alan Zaccaria, M.D.
Board certified in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery
Little Silver | 732-530-8565
Noticing that a painful cold sore on his lip was not getting better, Tom made an appointment with his family practice physician, John Gumina, M.D., of Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "Dr. Gumina doesn't miss much," Tom says. "I've been going to him for 10 years, and he always knows exactly what I'm there for and what I'm going to need."
Unfortunately, it was more serious than a cold sore. A dermatologist biopsied the growth, and Tom was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the lip, or lip cancer. A surgeon was able to remove some of the cancerous cells, but the lesion continued to grow.
"When someone tells you that you have cancer, you're definitely worried," Tom says. "But that team at Jersey Shore had a plan."
The radiation oncologist, Jonathan Briggs, M.D., and plastic surgeon, Alan Zaccaria, M.D., agreed that the lip lesion was too large to operate on, as it would cause disfigurement.
Instead, the team settled on radiation as a treatment option. "The radiation plan was aimed at shrinking the tumor to eradicate the cancer or help improve the outcome of surgery," says Dr. Briggs.
During summer 2009, Tom visited Jersey Shore five days a week for six weeks to receive radiation therapy. What he realized right away was that the care there was exceptional. "That crew treats you like family -- whether it's the receptionist, a technician, or a nurse," Tom says. "And Dr. Briggs takes his time and lets you know what to expect."
Following radiation, another biopsy was performed to check for cancer. "The pathology showed the squamous cell carcinoma was there but had not spread," Dr. Zaccaria explains. Surgery would be necessary to remove the last of the cancer, which was forunately a much smaller lesion because of the radiation therapy.
Tom was ready for surgery and very confident, thanks to Dr. Zaccaria. "He told me, 'I'm not letting you off that operating table until I get it all and the cancer is gone.'"
Dr. Zaccaria kept his promise, too. Tom's lip cancer is gone, with not even a visible scar to remember it by.
Surgery and recovery were quick. Tom applied topical antibiotic ointment to his lip and had follow-up visits with Dr. Zaccaria.
Today he's back to enjoying his boat and golf. He's careful to stay out of the sun and always uses sunscreen. His advice to other outdoorsmen? "Cloudy days are the worst. You may not think the sun is out, but that's when you have to be most careful," he advises.
About the Doctors
Jonathan H. Briggs, M.D.
Board certified in Radiation Oncology and Radiology
Neptune | 732-776-4404
Alan Zaccaria, M.D.
Board certified in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery
Little Silver | 732-530-8565
Monday, September 19, 2011
Roseanne's Story - Ongoing Stroke Rehab Helps Patient Walk Independently
When you ask Roseanne Hudak, 66, of Toms River, what happened the day she had her stroke, she'll tell you all she can remember is that she woke up and couldn't stand up. "I couldn't feel anything on my left side," recalls Roseanne.
Her husband, Stephen, called 911 immediately. The ambulance brought her to Ocean Medical Center, where Roseanne worked at the time as an access service representative.
After several days in the hospital, Roseanne was taken to Shore Rehabilitation Institute (SRI), which is located within the hospital, to start her inpatient rehabilitation.
"After having a stroke, many patients have to relearn daily living tasks," says Noreen Giovannone, physical therapist coordinator at SRI. "As part of her treatment plan, Roseanne had physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy."
After spending about a month as an inpatient at SRI, Roseanne continued her therapy on an outpatient basis. She also needed treatment for spasticity. Spasticity is an uncontrollable tightening of the muscles, and it's frequently seen after someone has a stroke. Roseanne had severe spasticity in her left arm and leg. Because it significatly impacted her function, Roseanne was referred to SRI's spasticity clinic, also on an outpatient basis.
"When a patient has spasticity, there are multiple treatment options available. One treatment option is the use of botulinum toxin injections, which decrease signals from the nerves to the muscles," explains physiatrist Jennifer Scheick, M.D.
Roseanne's recovery included this treatment. Along with the injections, she needed to take antispasticity medications and maintain a therapy regime. "As part of managing a spasticity program, some patients may also need nerve blocks and bracing in order to maintain proper positioning of the involved joint," says Dr. Scheick. Roseanne was evaluated in Prosthetics and Orthotics clinic nad was fitted with a NESS L300 -- an electronic device that stimulates certain muscles in her leg to help her walk.
Roseanne benefited from all these interventions at SRI. "We offer the full continuum of care for inpatients, which also carried over into the outpatient setting," Noreen says. "That means patients like Roseanne receive a smooth transition of care, from inpatient to outpatient, and benefit from having all the specialists and experts they need in one place."
Thanks to the treatments she received at SRI, Roseanne currently walks indepently with a quad cane. "All the care that I have had has been excellent," says Roseanne. "From the doctors to the therapists, I couldn't have gotten better care anywhere else."
About the Doctor
Jennifer T. Scheick, M.D.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Brick | 732-836-4530
Her husband, Stephen, called 911 immediately. The ambulance brought her to Ocean Medical Center, where Roseanne worked at the time as an access service representative.
After several days in the hospital, Roseanne was taken to Shore Rehabilitation Institute (SRI), which is located within the hospital, to start her inpatient rehabilitation.
"After having a stroke, many patients have to relearn daily living tasks," says Noreen Giovannone, physical therapist coordinator at SRI. "As part of her treatment plan, Roseanne had physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy."
After spending about a month as an inpatient at SRI, Roseanne continued her therapy on an outpatient basis. She also needed treatment for spasticity. Spasticity is an uncontrollable tightening of the muscles, and it's frequently seen after someone has a stroke. Roseanne had severe spasticity in her left arm and leg. Because it significatly impacted her function, Roseanne was referred to SRI's spasticity clinic, also on an outpatient basis.
"When a patient has spasticity, there are multiple treatment options available. One treatment option is the use of botulinum toxin injections, which decrease signals from the nerves to the muscles," explains physiatrist Jennifer Scheick, M.D.
Roseanne's recovery included this treatment. Along with the injections, she needed to take antispasticity medications and maintain a therapy regime. "As part of managing a spasticity program, some patients may also need nerve blocks and bracing in order to maintain proper positioning of the involved joint," says Dr. Scheick. Roseanne was evaluated in Prosthetics and Orthotics clinic nad was fitted with a NESS L300 -- an electronic device that stimulates certain muscles in her leg to help her walk.
Roseanne benefited from all these interventions at SRI. "We offer the full continuum of care for inpatients, which also carried over into the outpatient setting," Noreen says. "That means patients like Roseanne receive a smooth transition of care, from inpatient to outpatient, and benefit from having all the specialists and experts they need in one place."
Thanks to the treatments she received at SRI, Roseanne currently walks indepently with a quad cane. "All the care that I have had has been excellent," says Roseanne. "From the doctors to the therapists, I couldn't have gotten better care anywhere else."
About the Doctor
Jennifer T. Scheick, M.D.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Brick | 732-836-4530
Friday, September 16, 2011
JB's Story - Quick Action Prevents Heart Damage
The morning of October 12, 2009, started normally for Lakewood couple JB and Emma Evans.
JB, 69, was sitting on the side of the bed, drinking the coffee Emma had just made for him, while she went into the bathroom. But when Emma emerged, just minutes later, JB was having a seizure. He was lying flat on his stomach, his head was shaking, and he was biting his tongue.
"It is not uncommon for someone to experience brief seizure-like activity when they lose consciousness from an arrhythmia or other cardiac cause," explains Renato Apolito, M.D., the interventional cardiologist on duty at Ocean Medical Center that morning. "This typically only last seconds and happens when blood suddenly ceases flowing to the brain due to a drop in blood pressure that occurs when the heart effectively stops pumping."
Emma acted quickly. She tried to get JB into a sitting position and called his name repeatedly. Her daughter, Ronisha, called 911, while her son-in-law, Joseph, helped Emma. The 911 emergency personnel told them to move JB to the floor. Emma and Joseph started CPR. "Even though JB never had any heart problems, I knew he was having a heart attack," says Emma. "I truly thought he had left me."
The local Lakewood police, ambulance, and emergency medical service (EMS) responders arrived within minutes and used a defibrillator to shock JB's heart back to a normal rhythm. JB was immediately transported to Ocean Medical Center, where Emma met Dr. Apolito in the emergency department (ED).
JB was placed on a ventilator and immediately transported to the cardiac catheterization lab for an emergency angioplasty. This opened up the blocked artery. Then a stent was placed to keep the artery open long term and restore blood flow to his heart. "Everything happened fast -- right in time," says Emma. "The entire time frame from the inital event at our home to the cath lab at Ocean was just under an hour."
"In essence, JB died that day, but because he got to us so quickly and because everyone -- from his wife who started CPR to the EMS workers and the ED staff -- did their part so well, he was able to survive this near-fatal event with essentially no damage to his heart," explains Dr. Apolito. "With medication, diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, he could live a normal and healthy life from here on out. Now that's a small miracle!"
Less than a month later, JB was back to enjoying retirement and spending time with his family.
About the Doctor
Renalto Apolito, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Interventional Cardiology
Brick | 732-262-4262
JB, 69, was sitting on the side of the bed, drinking the coffee Emma had just made for him, while she went into the bathroom. But when Emma emerged, just minutes later, JB was having a seizure. He was lying flat on his stomach, his head was shaking, and he was biting his tongue.
"It is not uncommon for someone to experience brief seizure-like activity when they lose consciousness from an arrhythmia or other cardiac cause," explains Renato Apolito, M.D., the interventional cardiologist on duty at Ocean Medical Center that morning. "This typically only last seconds and happens when blood suddenly ceases flowing to the brain due to a drop in blood pressure that occurs when the heart effectively stops pumping."
Emma acted quickly. She tried to get JB into a sitting position and called his name repeatedly. Her daughter, Ronisha, called 911, while her son-in-law, Joseph, helped Emma. The 911 emergency personnel told them to move JB to the floor. Emma and Joseph started CPR. "Even though JB never had any heart problems, I knew he was having a heart attack," says Emma. "I truly thought he had left me."
The local Lakewood police, ambulance, and emergency medical service (EMS) responders arrived within minutes and used a defibrillator to shock JB's heart back to a normal rhythm. JB was immediately transported to Ocean Medical Center, where Emma met Dr. Apolito in the emergency department (ED).
JB was placed on a ventilator and immediately transported to the cardiac catheterization lab for an emergency angioplasty. This opened up the blocked artery. Then a stent was placed to keep the artery open long term and restore blood flow to his heart. "Everything happened fast -- right in time," says Emma. "The entire time frame from the inital event at our home to the cath lab at Ocean was just under an hour."
"In essence, JB died that day, but because he got to us so quickly and because everyone -- from his wife who started CPR to the EMS workers and the ED staff -- did their part so well, he was able to survive this near-fatal event with essentially no damage to his heart," explains Dr. Apolito. "With medication, diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, he could live a normal and healthy life from here on out. Now that's a small miracle!"
Less than a month later, JB was back to enjoying retirement and spending time with his family.
About the Doctor
Renalto Apolito, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Interventional Cardiology
Brick | 732-262-4262
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Roxanne's Story - A Team Approach to Cancer Treatment
A breast cancer diagnosis is life-altering. Your daily routine is different. Tests and treatments become the norm. You worry about getting better or, even worse, about not getting better.
But it can also alter your life in a positive way. You find strength you didn't know you had. Loved ones become even more precious and dear. And, if you're like Roxanne, 52, your focus shifts just enough so that you no longer fret about the small stuff.
"At first, I focuses on the cancer and worried about it coming back or spreading," recalls Roxanne, a Middletown resident. "But at a certain point, you realize you have had the best treatment and you just have to enjoy every minute you have. I do. I feel better than I did before I was diagnosed."
As a clinical trial coordinator at the Booker Cancer Center at Riverview Medical Center, cancer was something Roxanne knew a lot about. "Because of my job, I am very aware of treatment options and outcomes for breast cancer, and I was confident there wasn't anywhere else in this country I could have gone and received better care," she explains.
Roxanne was diagnoses with stage 2B breast cancer in March 2008 during a routine mammogram at the Jane H. Booker Women's Center at Riverview. Had they not caught the cancer when they did, her fight would have been much tougher.
After her diagnosis, Roxanne knew her physician's next step was Breast Conference, something she says is one of the tremendous advantages of being treated at Riverview.
"At Breast Conference, a multi-disciplinary team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, nurses, and other clinicians meets regularly to review a patient's case," explains Phillipa Woodriffe, M.D. "When I brought Roxanne's case to Breast Conference, I knew my colleagues and I would develop a coordinated, personalized, and optimal treatment strategy."
Roxanne's treatment plan included a double mastectomy with Dr. Woodriffe; chemotherapy with Denis Fitzgerald, M.D.; radiation therapy with Hasmik Diratzouian, M.D.; and reconstruction with Negin Griffith, M.D., and John Taylor, M.D., all physicians affiliated with the breast team at Riverview Medical Center.
Roxanne also opted for genetic testing through Riverview's Family Risk Assessment Program. Many patients opt for genetic testing to learn how likely they are to develop certain cancers. When you know which cancers you may be at greater risk for, you can take extra preventive steps, such as scheduling more frequent cancer screenings or beginning those screenings at a younger age.
Roxanne tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. That gave her children and siblings an opportunity to be tested. Genetic testing provices family members with knowledge to better manage their future health care. For Roxanne, the result meant she would also see Nicholas Taylor, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist affiliated with Riverview. The gene mutation raises the risk of developing ovarian cancer, so she had her ovaries removed as a preventive measure.
Roxanne also counts the unique expertise of Dr. Griffith and Dr. Taylor among her blessings because they were able to do a type of reconstructive surgery that is done at very few hospitals in the state.
"DIEP-flap surgery uses microsurgery to remove excess tissue from a woman's abdomen and transplants that living tissue to create a new breast or breasts without compromising or removing the abdominal muscle," says Dr. Taylor.
"The results for our patients are phenomenal," says Dr. Griffith. "Patients retain strength in their core, and since the tissue comes from the woman's abdomen, many women have results similar to a tummy tuck."
Roxanne counts the birth of her granddaughter as her greatest blessing. "She was born two months into my treatment, and I like to say we grew our hair together," she says. "Losing my hair was one of the hardest changes, but it was sweet to share that special part of my recovery with her."
About the Doctors
Negin N. Griffith, M.D.
Board certified in Plastic Surgery
Holmdel | 732-335-0335
John M. Taylor, M.D.
Board certified in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery
Long Branch | 732-483-1800
Phillipa G. Woodriffe, M.D.
General Surgery and Breast Surgery
Tinton Falls | 732-542-4228
But it can also alter your life in a positive way. You find strength you didn't know you had. Loved ones become even more precious and dear. And, if you're like Roxanne, 52, your focus shifts just enough so that you no longer fret about the small stuff.
"At first, I focuses on the cancer and worried about it coming back or spreading," recalls Roxanne, a Middletown resident. "But at a certain point, you realize you have had the best treatment and you just have to enjoy every minute you have. I do. I feel better than I did before I was diagnosed."
As a clinical trial coordinator at the Booker Cancer Center at Riverview Medical Center, cancer was something Roxanne knew a lot about. "Because of my job, I am very aware of treatment options and outcomes for breast cancer, and I was confident there wasn't anywhere else in this country I could have gone and received better care," she explains.
Roxanne was diagnoses with stage 2B breast cancer in March 2008 during a routine mammogram at the Jane H. Booker Women's Center at Riverview. Had they not caught the cancer when they did, her fight would have been much tougher.
After her diagnosis, Roxanne knew her physician's next step was Breast Conference, something she says is one of the tremendous advantages of being treated at Riverview.
"At Breast Conference, a multi-disciplinary team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, nurses, and other clinicians meets regularly to review a patient's case," explains Phillipa Woodriffe, M.D. "When I brought Roxanne's case to Breast Conference, I knew my colleagues and I would develop a coordinated, personalized, and optimal treatment strategy."
Roxanne's treatment plan included a double mastectomy with Dr. Woodriffe; chemotherapy with Denis Fitzgerald, M.D.; radiation therapy with Hasmik Diratzouian, M.D.; and reconstruction with Negin Griffith, M.D., and John Taylor, M.D., all physicians affiliated with the breast team at Riverview Medical Center.
Roxanne also opted for genetic testing through Riverview's Family Risk Assessment Program. Many patients opt for genetic testing to learn how likely they are to develop certain cancers. When you know which cancers you may be at greater risk for, you can take extra preventive steps, such as scheduling more frequent cancer screenings or beginning those screenings at a younger age.
Roxanne tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. That gave her children and siblings an opportunity to be tested. Genetic testing provices family members with knowledge to better manage their future health care. For Roxanne, the result meant she would also see Nicholas Taylor, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist affiliated with Riverview. The gene mutation raises the risk of developing ovarian cancer, so she had her ovaries removed as a preventive measure.
Roxanne also counts the unique expertise of Dr. Griffith and Dr. Taylor among her blessings because they were able to do a type of reconstructive surgery that is done at very few hospitals in the state.
"DIEP-flap surgery uses microsurgery to remove excess tissue from a woman's abdomen and transplants that living tissue to create a new breast or breasts without compromising or removing the abdominal muscle," says Dr. Taylor.
"The results for our patients are phenomenal," says Dr. Griffith. "Patients retain strength in their core, and since the tissue comes from the woman's abdomen, many women have results similar to a tummy tuck."
Roxanne counts the birth of her granddaughter as her greatest blessing. "She was born two months into my treatment, and I like to say we grew our hair together," she says. "Losing my hair was one of the hardest changes, but it was sweet to share that special part of my recovery with her."
About the Doctors
Negin N. Griffith, M.D.
Board certified in Plastic Surgery
Holmdel | 732-335-0335
John M. Taylor, M.D.
Board certified in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery
Long Branch | 732-483-1800
Phillipa G. Woodriffe, M.D.
General Surgery and Breast Surgery
Tinton Falls | 732-542-4228
Monday, September 12, 2011
Noel's Story - Same-Day Surgery Helps Child Get Back in Action in No Time
When Laura Turek noticed a lump in the groin area of her 4-year-old daughter, Noel, she made an appointment with her pediatrician, Ellen Miele, M.D., of Spring Lake Pediatrics. Dr. Miele diagnosed Noel with a hernia -- one that would require surgery. Hernias in children are not uncommon and are caused by a defect in the abdominal wall, usually present at birth.
Dr. Miele referred the Manasquan residents to Saad Saad, M.D., pediatric surgeon-in-chief and co-medical director at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.
A few years ago, Dr. Saad developed a minimally invasive technique to repair hernias. He performs more than 200 of these procedures a year, so Dr. Miele knew Noel would be in good hands.
"The doctors were very comfortable this would be a routine surgery, but I was nervous especially that day," Laura says. "Dr. Saad understood my anxiousness. He showed Noel what happened by blowing up a balloon, and she got it right away."
"We really focus on being family-friendly at The Children's Hospital," explains Dr. Saad. "Staff are trained this way and have a lot of experience with children."
Dr. Saad was not only great with Noel -- he was also thorough. "Before removing the hernia, I look laparoscopically at the other side to determine whether it also eneds to be repaired. In Noel's case, she was clear. We were done in less than an hour," Dr. Saad explains.
"Dr. Saad came out right away to show us pictures, told us everything went well, and got us into the recovery room to see Noel," Laura says. "At that point, Noel did have discomfort, but the nurses were fabulous. They gave her special care and made sure she had an ice pop and TV to help."
"It took her some time to recover, and we carried her to go to the car to go home. But after a grilled cheese for lunch and three naps, she walked down the steps. By the end of the day, it was like she didn't even have surgery."
In fact, the entire recovery process was fast. "Noel wasn't supposed to run for three weeks, but that was just about impossible," Laura says. "She went to swim school two weeks after the operation was anxious to get back on the two-wheeler she had just learned to ride."
About the Doctor
Saad A. Saad, M.D., FACS, FAAP
Board certified in General Surgery and Pediatric Surgery
Eatontown | 732-776-4226
Dr. Miele referred the Manasquan residents to Saad Saad, M.D., pediatric surgeon-in-chief and co-medical director at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.
A few years ago, Dr. Saad developed a minimally invasive technique to repair hernias. He performs more than 200 of these procedures a year, so Dr. Miele knew Noel would be in good hands.
"The doctors were very comfortable this would be a routine surgery, but I was nervous especially that day," Laura says. "Dr. Saad understood my anxiousness. He showed Noel what happened by blowing up a balloon, and she got it right away."
"We really focus on being family-friendly at The Children's Hospital," explains Dr. Saad. "Staff are trained this way and have a lot of experience with children."
Dr. Saad was not only great with Noel -- he was also thorough. "Before removing the hernia, I look laparoscopically at the other side to determine whether it also eneds to be repaired. In Noel's case, she was clear. We were done in less than an hour," Dr. Saad explains.
"Dr. Saad came out right away to show us pictures, told us everything went well, and got us into the recovery room to see Noel," Laura says. "At that point, Noel did have discomfort, but the nurses were fabulous. They gave her special care and made sure she had an ice pop and TV to help."
"It took her some time to recover, and we carried her to go to the car to go home. But after a grilled cheese for lunch and three naps, she walked down the steps. By the end of the day, it was like she didn't even have surgery."
In fact, the entire recovery process was fast. "Noel wasn't supposed to run for three weeks, but that was just about impossible," Laura says. "She went to swim school two weeks after the operation was anxious to get back on the two-wheeler she had just learned to ride."
About the Doctor
Saad A. Saad, M.D., FACS, FAAP
Board certified in General Surgery and Pediatric Surgery
Eatontown | 732-776-4226
Friday, September 9, 2011
Dakota's Story - Big Care for Little Patients
Going to the emergency department (ED) can be a daunting experience. For young children, the noises and commotion can be especially overwhelming, particularly when they're in need of emergency care.
That's the one reason Ocean Medical Center opened its Pediatric Emergency Center in summer 2009.
Another reason? "children used to be treated as mini-adults, but we have learned that they are completely different," says Khoshnood Ahmad, M.D., medical director of the Pediatric Emergency Center at Ocean. "Their needs are different, their health issues are different, their illnesses are different. The care they receive should be different."
The Pediatric Emergency Center at Ocean is specially designed to meet the needs of children ranging in age from newborn to age 17. It has four sepearate rooms and medical equipment designed specifically for children. There is a pediatric nurse and a pediatrician trained in emergency medicine in the Center seven days a week, from 3:00 to 11:00 p.m., which is when the ED sees the majority of children's visits.
Putting Families First
Jodie Orosz of Toms River has seen what a difference the Pediatric Emergency Center can make. She was getting her two children ready to go to the circus in August 2009 when her 5-year-old son, Dylan, pulled her daughter, Dakota, then 2, by the arm saying, "Let's Go!"
He accidently pulled her elbow out of the socket, which prompted a visit to the ED at Ocean. A nurse quickly walked the family to the adjacent Pediatric Emergency Center.
"We were ushered directly into a room," Jodie says. "It felt like we were at the doctor's office, not a hospital." Within one minute, a pediatric nurse came into the room. "She went directly to Dakota, gave her stickets to calm her down, and asked Dakota to move her arm."
The elbow popped back into place on its own, and the pediatrician was in the room within five minutes. The family was heading home less than 25 minutes after they had arrived at the hospital.
Speedy Attention, Specialized Care
Rapid care is one of the primary goals of the Pediatric Emergency Center. "the longer children and parents wait to be seen, the higher their anxiety and fear grows," Dr. Ahmad says.
Plus, because the Center has the support of experts and resources at the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and the entire Meridian Pediatric Network, "we have a seamless transition should a child require advanced care," he explains.
Local pediatricians are delighted with the new Center. "I refer patients to a pediatric ED over a regular ED because the staff in a pediatric ED is more experienced in working with children," says pediatrician Maria Collado, M.D. "I feel more confident with the diagnosis and management of an ED physician who has pediatric training."
Jodie agrees. "As a mom, it's good to know that, if there is ever a crisis, there is this phenomenal local resource to help us through it."
About the Doctors
Khoshnood Ahmad, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Neptune | 732-776-4510
Maria R. Collado, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics
Brick | 732-899-0008
That's the one reason Ocean Medical Center opened its Pediatric Emergency Center in summer 2009.
Another reason? "children used to be treated as mini-adults, but we have learned that they are completely different," says Khoshnood Ahmad, M.D., medical director of the Pediatric Emergency Center at Ocean. "Their needs are different, their health issues are different, their illnesses are different. The care they receive should be different."
The Pediatric Emergency Center at Ocean is specially designed to meet the needs of children ranging in age from newborn to age 17. It has four sepearate rooms and medical equipment designed specifically for children. There is a pediatric nurse and a pediatrician trained in emergency medicine in the Center seven days a week, from 3:00 to 11:00 p.m., which is when the ED sees the majority of children's visits.
Putting Families First
Jodie Orosz of Toms River has seen what a difference the Pediatric Emergency Center can make. She was getting her two children ready to go to the circus in August 2009 when her 5-year-old son, Dylan, pulled her daughter, Dakota, then 2, by the arm saying, "Let's Go!"
He accidently pulled her elbow out of the socket, which prompted a visit to the ED at Ocean. A nurse quickly walked the family to the adjacent Pediatric Emergency Center.
"We were ushered directly into a room," Jodie says. "It felt like we were at the doctor's office, not a hospital." Within one minute, a pediatric nurse came into the room. "She went directly to Dakota, gave her stickets to calm her down, and asked Dakota to move her arm."
The elbow popped back into place on its own, and the pediatrician was in the room within five minutes. The family was heading home less than 25 minutes after they had arrived at the hospital.
Speedy Attention, Specialized Care
Rapid care is one of the primary goals of the Pediatric Emergency Center. "the longer children and parents wait to be seen, the higher their anxiety and fear grows," Dr. Ahmad says.
Plus, because the Center has the support of experts and resources at the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and the entire Meridian Pediatric Network, "we have a seamless transition should a child require advanced care," he explains.
Local pediatricians are delighted with the new Center. "I refer patients to a pediatric ED over a regular ED because the staff in a pediatric ED is more experienced in working with children," says pediatrician Maria Collado, M.D. "I feel more confident with the diagnosis and management of an ED physician who has pediatric training."
Jodie agrees. "As a mom, it's good to know that, if there is ever a crisis, there is this phenomenal local resource to help us through it."
About the Doctors
Khoshnood Ahmad, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Neptune | 732-776-4510
Maria R. Collado, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics
Brick | 732-899-0008
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tim's Story - Minimally Invasive Treatment an Option for AAA
In January 2009, Tim Keeley, 62, was experiencing what he thought was just an average stomachache, but the pain persisted and his ankles started to swell. "I knew something was very wrong and that I needed to get to the hospital immediately," he says.
The Aberdeen resident went directly to the hospital. After several tests and a CT scan, it became clear that Tim was suffering from an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), or swelling of the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the abdomen.
This type of aneurysm can be caused by a weakness in the artery wall. It affects men more frequently than women. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. AAAs are extremely dangerous as the treat of a rupture could cause life-threatening internal bleeding, so Tim's surgery was scheduled at Riverview Medical Center right away.
Looking into Minimally Invasive Options
Tim's surgeon, Alfonso Ciervo, M.D., a board certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained vascular and endovascular surgeon at Riverview, knew he had to operate. "We tried to correct this very large aneurysm through an endovascular procedure, which would normally go through the groin," says Dr. Ciervo.
This procedure would have taken place at Riverview's new Endovascular Suite, which gives the multi-disciplinary Vascular Team the ability to conduct minmally invasive procedures through techniques such as diagnostic catheterization, stenting, balloon angioplasty, and embolization. These procedures can help treat problems including AAAs, stroke, carotid artery disease, and other peripheral vascular disorders.
The minimally invasive approach means less radiation exposure for the patient, reduced recovery time without the pain of a large incision, and less visible surgical scarring.
Finding a Solution
Unfortunately, Tim was not a candidate for the endovascular procedure due to calcification in his arteries. "It was then that we determined we would have to perform an open surgical repair," says Dr. Ciervo.
For this procedure, Dr. Ciervo relied on the assistance of two fellow Riverview surgeons, Stephen Kolakowski, M.D., and Hung Nguyen, M.D., both board certified in general surgery.
Tim spent 10 days at Riverview recovering from surgery. "I experienced very little pain and felt better each and every day," says Tim. "I was sent home, where I rested for about a week, and from there on out I was back to my old self, working, golfing, and playing with my dog."
About the Doctor
Alfonso C. Ciervo, M.D.
Board certified in General Surgery
Eatontown| 732-380-1222
The Aberdeen resident went directly to the hospital. After several tests and a CT scan, it became clear that Tim was suffering from an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), or swelling of the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the abdomen.
This type of aneurysm can be caused by a weakness in the artery wall. It affects men more frequently than women. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. AAAs are extremely dangerous as the treat of a rupture could cause life-threatening internal bleeding, so Tim's surgery was scheduled at Riverview Medical Center right away.
Looking into Minimally Invasive Options
Tim's surgeon, Alfonso Ciervo, M.D., a board certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained vascular and endovascular surgeon at Riverview, knew he had to operate. "We tried to correct this very large aneurysm through an endovascular procedure, which would normally go through the groin," says Dr. Ciervo.
This procedure would have taken place at Riverview's new Endovascular Suite, which gives the multi-disciplinary Vascular Team the ability to conduct minmally invasive procedures through techniques such as diagnostic catheterization, stenting, balloon angioplasty, and embolization. These procedures can help treat problems including AAAs, stroke, carotid artery disease, and other peripheral vascular disorders.
The minimally invasive approach means less radiation exposure for the patient, reduced recovery time without the pain of a large incision, and less visible surgical scarring.
Finding a Solution
Unfortunately, Tim was not a candidate for the endovascular procedure due to calcification in his arteries. "It was then that we determined we would have to perform an open surgical repair," says Dr. Ciervo.
For this procedure, Dr. Ciervo relied on the assistance of two fellow Riverview surgeons, Stephen Kolakowski, M.D., and Hung Nguyen, M.D., both board certified in general surgery.
Tim spent 10 days at Riverview recovering from surgery. "I experienced very little pain and felt better each and every day," says Tim. "I was sent home, where I rested for about a week, and from there on out I was back to my old self, working, golfing, and playing with my dog."
About the Doctor
Alfonso C. Ciervo, M.D.
Board certified in General Surgery
Eatontown| 732-380-1222
Monday, September 5, 2011
Craig's Story - An At-Home Device Helps Put Snornig to Rest
Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling like you hadn't slept at all? Or has your partner complained that your snoring kept them up all night? For Craig Hock, 45, of Brick, every morning was like this.
For a year and a half, Craig's wife, Susan, noticed that he would choke himself awake at night, gasping for air. He also snored and had gained weight. After many sleepless nights, Craig finally went to his primary care physician, who referred him to Walter Wynkoop, M.D., on staff at Ocean Medical Center.
"Dr. Wynkoop went over my symptoms and sent me for a sleep study to see if I had obstructive sleep apnea," says Craig.
According to the National Institutes of Health, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. Most often it means that the airway has collapsed or is blocked during sleep. The blockage may cause shallow breathing or breathing pauses.
"It can be dangerous," explains Dr. Wynkoop. "If left untreated, it can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and other medical problems."
Craig went to the SleepCare Center at Ocean Medical Center in Brick to have his sleep study done. During a sleep study, patients are monitored throughout the night to see what happens to their bodies during the sleep.
"They were great," Craig says. "During the study, I was having a problem with dryness, so they gave me the CPAP machine with a humidifier built in. I was actually able to get some restful sleep!"
The results showed that Craig did have OSA. Dr. Wynkoop wrote Craig a prescription to get a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at his home to help him breathe during the night. A CPAP machine sends air under pressure through a tube into a mask, allowing air into the upper airways to keep them from collapsing.
Craig called Meridian At Home to order his machine. "I couldn't have asked for better service," Craig says. "They brought the machine right to my home, calibrated it, showed me how to use it, and followed up to make sure that everything was OK."
"Our At Home advisors help our patients determine exactly what they need and have everything delivered conveniently to their doorstep," says Cathy McCudden, R.N., of Meridian At Home. "We are able to provide a full continuum of care at home."
Craig adds, "Now that I use the machine, I am able to sleep better at night. I wake up refreshed, and I have even lost some weight!"
About the Doctor
Walter A. Wynkoop, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Pulmonology
Brick | 732-840-4200
For a year and a half, Craig's wife, Susan, noticed that he would choke himself awake at night, gasping for air. He also snored and had gained weight. After many sleepless nights, Craig finally went to his primary care physician, who referred him to Walter Wynkoop, M.D., on staff at Ocean Medical Center.
"Dr. Wynkoop went over my symptoms and sent me for a sleep study to see if I had obstructive sleep apnea," says Craig.
According to the National Institutes of Health, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. Most often it means that the airway has collapsed or is blocked during sleep. The blockage may cause shallow breathing or breathing pauses.
"It can be dangerous," explains Dr. Wynkoop. "If left untreated, it can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and other medical problems."
Craig went to the SleepCare Center at Ocean Medical Center in Brick to have his sleep study done. During a sleep study, patients are monitored throughout the night to see what happens to their bodies during the sleep.
"They were great," Craig says. "During the study, I was having a problem with dryness, so they gave me the CPAP machine with a humidifier built in. I was actually able to get some restful sleep!"
The results showed that Craig did have OSA. Dr. Wynkoop wrote Craig a prescription to get a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at his home to help him breathe during the night. A CPAP machine sends air under pressure through a tube into a mask, allowing air into the upper airways to keep them from collapsing.
Craig called Meridian At Home to order his machine. "I couldn't have asked for better service," Craig says. "They brought the machine right to my home, calibrated it, showed me how to use it, and followed up to make sure that everything was OK."
"Our At Home advisors help our patients determine exactly what they need and have everything delivered conveniently to their doorstep," says Cathy McCudden, R.N., of Meridian At Home. "We are able to provide a full continuum of care at home."
Craig adds, "Now that I use the machine, I am able to sleep better at night. I wake up refreshed, and I have even lost some weight!"
About the Doctor
Walter A. Wynkoop, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Pulmonology
Brick | 732-840-4200
Friday, September 2, 2011
Karen's Story - Ocean Teamwork Helps Treat Breast Cancer
Karen Paolicelli, 50, is an avid Pop Warner football fan. A mother of five, she has spent years involved with the organization, watching her girls cheer, her three sons play, and her husband coach. So she understands how important it is to a team's success to have skilled individuals who communicate and work well together.
Over the past 24 months, the Toms River resident has come to count on another team: the one that related her breast cancer. That team is made up of physicians affiliated with Ocean Medical Center, including OB/GYN Deborah Saez-Lacy, M.D., surgical oncologist Tarun Bhandari, M.D.; radiation oncologist Nathan Kaufman, M.D.; interventional radiologist David Feng, M.D.; and dedicated breast radiologist Lance Dillon, M.D.
"Some of my family and friends tried to push me to go to New York for treatment, but I wanted to be close to my children," Karen says. "I love all my doctors here. They really took great care of me."
It all began when Karen noticed a lump in her right breast. A mammogram showed a suspicious lesion, which was needle biopsed by Dr. Bhandari. The results were positive. Karen was diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer.
Dr. Bhandari sent Karen for a breast MRI at Ocean. "If a woman's breast is dense or if there is a suspicion of more than one spot, I will request a breast MRI prior to surgery," he explains.
Karen's breast MRI revealed another tumor in the same quadrant of her breast. Her treatment included a lumpectomy to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and, after that weekly treatment with herceptin for five months.
"For the vast majority of women, lumpectomy and radiation allows them to keep their breast, with a very good to excellent cosmetic results and absolutely no compromise in overall cure rate compared with mastectomy," says Dr. Kaufman.
Adds Dr. Amin, "Chemotherapy and herceptin were administered to reduce the future risk of cancer reoccurrence."
Karen has only good things to say about her experience. "After my last radiation therapy treatment, Dr. Kaufman walked me out to my car and told me how well I had done," she says. "It made me feel like I was part of a family."
Today, Karen is feeling even stronger. Recently, she and her family participated in a walk-a-thon to raise money for breast cancer research with her son's Pop Warner team. "I'm so lucky to have found the best team of doctors right here, close to home."
About the Doctors
Girish S. Amin, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology
Brick | 732-840-8880
Tarun Bhandari, M.D.
Board certified in General Surgery
Point Pleasant | 732-701-4848
Nathan Kaufman, M.D., FACRO
Board certified in Radiation Oncology
Brick | 732-836-4109
Over the past 24 months, the Toms River resident has come to count on another team: the one that related her breast cancer. That team is made up of physicians affiliated with Ocean Medical Center, including OB/GYN Deborah Saez-Lacy, M.D., surgical oncologist Tarun Bhandari, M.D.; radiation oncologist Nathan Kaufman, M.D.; interventional radiologist David Feng, M.D.; and dedicated breast radiologist Lance Dillon, M.D.
"Some of my family and friends tried to push me to go to New York for treatment, but I wanted to be close to my children," Karen says. "I love all my doctors here. They really took great care of me."
It all began when Karen noticed a lump in her right breast. A mammogram showed a suspicious lesion, which was needle biopsed by Dr. Bhandari. The results were positive. Karen was diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer.
Dr. Bhandari sent Karen for a breast MRI at Ocean. "If a woman's breast is dense or if there is a suspicion of more than one spot, I will request a breast MRI prior to surgery," he explains.
Karen's breast MRI revealed another tumor in the same quadrant of her breast. Her treatment included a lumpectomy to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and, after that weekly treatment with herceptin for five months.
"For the vast majority of women, lumpectomy and radiation allows them to keep their breast, with a very good to excellent cosmetic results and absolutely no compromise in overall cure rate compared with mastectomy," says Dr. Kaufman.
Adds Dr. Amin, "Chemotherapy and herceptin were administered to reduce the future risk of cancer reoccurrence."
Karen has only good things to say about her experience. "After my last radiation therapy treatment, Dr. Kaufman walked me out to my car and told me how well I had done," she says. "It made me feel like I was part of a family."
Today, Karen is feeling even stronger. Recently, she and her family participated in a walk-a-thon to raise money for breast cancer research with her son's Pop Warner team. "I'm so lucky to have found the best team of doctors right here, close to home."
About the Doctors
Girish S. Amin, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology
Brick | 732-840-8880
Tarun Bhandari, M.D.
Board certified in General Surgery
Point Pleasant | 732-701-4848
Nathan Kaufman, M.D., FACRO
Board certified in Radiation Oncology
Brick | 732-836-4109
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Donald's Story - Beating the Odds Time and Again
Donald von Ohlen is the picture of health. At 70, this Brick resident works out, plays sports, and even won two gold medals in the 2009 New Jersey Senior Olympics. It's even more impressive considering that, over the past 14 years, he had had a heart attack, bypass surgery, a stroke, and seven stents implanted.
On December 31, 1995, Donald suffered a heart attack while preparing for a New Year's Eve party. Within minutes of his wife calling 911, emergency medical services whisked him to Ocean Medical Center's emergency department (ED), where he was stabilized and later transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center to undergo bypass surgery.
Over the next several years, Donald saw his cardiologist, V.P. Kate, M.D., regularly and underwent multiple tests and procedures at Ocean and Jersey Shore. He even suffered a stroke, but prompt medical attention resulted in a full recovery.
In August 2008, Donald felt familiar chest pressure. He told his wife, "Let's go," and they headed to Ocean's ED. Surgery followed at Jersey Shore, and then Donald joined Ocean's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
"Cardiac rehab is an important part of recovery," says Dr. Kate. "Ocean's experts monitor you and help build strength and endurance. As your energy level increases, you feel better and build confidence to be more active."
He also notes that attitude is important. "Donald's positive outlook, hard work, and commitment to a health lifestyle have made a difference."
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program consists of exercise, education, and support to improve the function of the heart. Donald saw steady results, graduated from the program, and joined Meridian Life Fitness -- a fitness center located in the hospital. The benefits of a medically supervised fitness center became clear when he felt dizzy while exercising one day. "The staff whisked me to the emergency department," he says. "Everything was OK, but it's one of the reasons I like working out here."
Donald touts the benefits of having access to such great resources at Ocean and Jersey Shore, and the entire Meridian CardioVascular Network.
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them," he says. "And the people are the best. The attention you get is unbelievable; they can't do enough for you."
Donald still gets choked up when he thinks back to his New Year's Eve experience. "I was only 57 years old when I had my first heart attack," he says. "It was a turning point in my life -- a wake-up call to eat right, exercise, and listen to my doctor."
And the staff made that New Year's one to remember for more reasons than one: They allowed his 10 friends in his room at midnight so that he could ring in the New Year with loved ones.
About the Doctor
V.P. Kate, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases
Brick | 732-458-7575
On December 31, 1995, Donald suffered a heart attack while preparing for a New Year's Eve party. Within minutes of his wife calling 911, emergency medical services whisked him to Ocean Medical Center's emergency department (ED), where he was stabilized and later transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center to undergo bypass surgery.
Over the next several years, Donald saw his cardiologist, V.P. Kate, M.D., regularly and underwent multiple tests and procedures at Ocean and Jersey Shore. He even suffered a stroke, but prompt medical attention resulted in a full recovery.
In August 2008, Donald felt familiar chest pressure. He told his wife, "Let's go," and they headed to Ocean's ED. Surgery followed at Jersey Shore, and then Donald joined Ocean's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
"Cardiac rehab is an important part of recovery," says Dr. Kate. "Ocean's experts monitor you and help build strength and endurance. As your energy level increases, you feel better and build confidence to be more active."
He also notes that attitude is important. "Donald's positive outlook, hard work, and commitment to a health lifestyle have made a difference."
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program consists of exercise, education, and support to improve the function of the heart. Donald saw steady results, graduated from the program, and joined Meridian Life Fitness -- a fitness center located in the hospital. The benefits of a medically supervised fitness center became clear when he felt dizzy while exercising one day. "The staff whisked me to the emergency department," he says. "Everything was OK, but it's one of the reasons I like working out here."
Donald touts the benefits of having access to such great resources at Ocean and Jersey Shore, and the entire Meridian CardioVascular Network.
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them," he says. "And the people are the best. The attention you get is unbelievable; they can't do enough for you."
Donald still gets choked up when he thinks back to his New Year's Eve experience. "I was only 57 years old when I had my first heart attack," he says. "It was a turning point in my life -- a wake-up call to eat right, exercise, and listen to my doctor."
And the staff made that New Year's one to remember for more reasons than one: They allowed his 10 friends in his room at midnight so that he could ring in the New Year with loved ones.
About the Doctor
V.P. Kate, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases
Brick | 732-458-7575
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