Archive for the ‘Patient Story’ Category

Beth Mathis knew something wasn’t right when a simple task left her completely out of breath. Last August, while moving a heavy picture frame upstairs with a friend, she found herself unable to catch her breath, a moment that deeply concerned her. At her next appointment with her primary care doctor, she shared what had […]

When Teresa Mauldin began her journey with SGMC Health Berrien’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, walking to her mailbox felt like climbing a mountain without enough oxygen. Living with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), even simple tasks were a struggle. But with the guidance of Amanda Skinner, Respiratory Therapist, Teresa found tools and techniques to regain her […]

Steve Wise, a 70-year-old retiree from Dallas, Texas, found himself in Valdosta volunteering with the Minuteman Disaster Response team following Hurricane Helene. Steve joined the organization in 2017, dedicating his time to disaster response and cleanup efforts, helping communities recover from hurricanes and tornadoes. As part of the volunteer group based in McKinney, Texas, Steve […]

When 89-year-old Maurice Wiggins began feeling worn out and needing frequent naps, he knew something wasn’t right. Already having a preexisting condition of Atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm, he went in for a routine checkup with his primary care physician to discuss the issue. While listening to Maurice’s […]

In October 2023, Laurens County Sheriff’s Department Captain Chris Bracewell was involved in an off-duty car accident that changed his life forever. The morning of October 15, he was stopping for his regular morning cup of coffee when his truck collided with another. He doesn’t remember anything about the events of that day.  Emergency Medical Services […]

When 67-year-old Rita Watters began feeling tired all the time, she knew something was not right. Usually on the go, she began having no energy to do daily tasks. After only 5 minutes of doing something simple, she needed to sit down and catch her breath.  Rita admits that sometimes she hesitates to go to […]

In 2009, out of nowhere, Jimmie Luckey began having heart trouble. He was in his late 60s when he had a heart attack and received stents to open his arteries and supply his heart with oxygen-rich blood.  A few years later, he received “one of the best referrals he’s ever had” in the form of […]

At 41 years old, Randolph Bass’ life took an unexpected turn. He came to the emergency room at SGMC Health Main with flu-like symptoms, including trouble breathing. He tested positive for the flu. A week later, his symptoms had not improved, and he suspected something else was going on.  Randolph had experienced heart issues before […]

When Elaine Lewis went in for her routine mammogram in November 2022, she had no idea of what the next year had in store for her. That mammogram showed an area of concern, and she was asked to return for another mammogram and ultrasound.   A few days later, there was another phone call from the […]

Stacey Lutz is no stranger to cancer. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2017 after a regular visit to her OBGYN, Roy Swindle, MD, when through a routine mammogram it was discovered that she had two lumps.    She underwent surgery locally with David Parker, MD, to remove the lumps and thankfully caught them early enough that […]