Patients at Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital are noticing the difference that quality surgical care can make. In addition to expert surgical treatment, Lewis & Clark specializes in enhancing a patient’s surgical experience with deliberate attention to “the little things” that mean so much. We are proud to share these stories from our patients, who we thank for choosing us to provide their specialty care.
Calie - ACL Reconstruction
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Calie is a cowgirl who loves to get up in the morning to go outside and ride horses. Her love for horses has led her to participate in accomplished rodeo competitions, including barrel racing, poles, and breakaway roping. However, years of experience with horses has resulted in several broken bones for Calie, so she is no stranger to hospitals.
Calie also gives her all in high school sports such as volleyball, basketball, and track. When her knee was hit during a basketball game, the resulting ACL damage took Calie out of her game. Not willing to slow down, Calie was determined to seek surgical care that would restore her active lifestyle in time for track season.
Calie found more than the typical hospital experience when she chose the excellent treatment provided by Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital. She was pleased to find herself in a home-like environment with comfortable suites, restaurant-style cuisine, and a staff who went above and beyond the call of duty to meet her medical and personal needs.
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Within three months, Calie was back in the saddle, running, riding, and roping. Her recovery is so complete that she is once again able to pursue sports and rodeo as she plans her future in veterinary medicine or nursing. Calie knows that when she plays hard, she pays hard - but Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital will always be there to keep her riding strong.
Question and Answer Session with Calie about her Surgical Experience
Have you ever been in a hospital before?
I was very shocked about the rooms - it’s not a typical hospital room at all! I thought, "Wow, this feels just like home!" And the nurses are really nice. If I have surgery again I’ll go back there.
How did Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital respond to your needs?
They were there for me. Whatever I wanted, they would do. In a regular hospital, the nurses just do what they need to do, but at Lewis & Clark, I think the nurses went above and beyond.
How did your stay at Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital compare to experiences you’ve had at other hospitals?
It felt so homey. I was very surprised about the great service, and I really liked the food.
Tell us more about the food.
It was amazing. It was the best hospital food I’ve ever had. It was GOOD.
Do you have to have another procedure done on your knee?
Many times. I’ve been sick a lot, I’ve had my appendix out, and I’ve had just about every bone in my body x-rayed because of horse accidents.Tell us about your experience at Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital.
No. Dr. Swift did a really good job and it’s really tight. I’ve hit it quite a few times playing basketball and my ACL is still really tight, so I don’t think I’ll need another procedure.
Danette - Shoulder Surgery
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Have you ever spent time in a doctor’s waiting room? It’s not an environment that most people think of as considerate of a patient’s time. And some patients are harder to keep up with than others…… Like Danette. Just ask her kids, her grandchildren, her nieces and nephews, or her brothers and sisters. Ask her co-workers and customers at the Fryin’ Pan Restaurant. Ask her volleyball team, her softball team, her golf partners, or her bowling league. There’s nothing Danette can’t do because her optimism and confidence feeds an energetic commitment to live life actively and passionately.
Danette unfortunately experienced a fall which resulted in a shoulder injury that eventually kept her from sleeping and putting on her coat comfortably. Overcoming the negative stories she’d heard from others about the ineffectiveness of shoulder surgery, Danette found herself at Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital.
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After surgery, the Lewis & Clark physical therapy team kept pace with Danette, recognizing her eagerness for a full recovery and guiding her safely through a program that got her back in action within three months of surgery. Danette returned to work within a week, and proudly accepted an award from her bowling league for the improvement to her game after surgery.
Lewis & Clark immediately became part of Danette’s community of friends and family. She was personally treated by the surgeons, nurses, and physical therapists with the same level of care, concern, and respect as would be given to a mother, an aunt, a friend, a teammate, or a co-worker.
Question and Answer Session with Danette about her Surgical Experience
Where did you grow up?
I’m from Tyndall, South Dakota, and I was born and raised on a farm. I’ve lived around here all my life. My family’s very big. We have 46 people in my immediate family and almost all of them are close by.
Have you ever been in a hospital before?
I had my tonsils out when I was 28. Afterwards, I actually had to go to the emergency room! I couldn’t go back to work quickly like I did with my shoulder surgery.
Tell us about your experience at Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital.
I’d never heard one good thing about shoulder surgery, not one. My experience was the complete opposite. I was on pain medication just while I was in the hospital. They take SUCH good care of you, and they wait on you hand and foot. I’m not used to that!
How did Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital respond to your needs?
They were there around the clock. It was amazing. I didn’t get treated that well when I had my babies! They were very attentive and every hour somebody was there to see if I needed anything, or to see if I was in any pain. I have never been taken care of like that before!
How did your stay at Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital compare to experiences you’ve had at other hospitals?
I don’t think I would have gotten that kind of special treatment somewhere else!
