Patient Stories: Celebrating the Unique Journeys of All Walks of Life
Every patient's healthcare is unique, resonating with personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs. At Burnett Medical Center, we celebrate these individual narratives across a spectrum of medical services, from Ear, Nose & Throat care to Ophthalmology, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Tobacco Cessation, General Surgery, and Diagnostic Imaging. Each story reflects our commitment to providing compassionate and personalized care to patients from All Walks of Life.
Join us as we embark on a journey through the diverse experiences of individuals who have entrusted us with their healthcare needs, sharing their stories of resilience, hope, and healing.
Lymphedema Therapy at BMC
Barbara lives in Minnesota and is someone who has always cherished an active, hands-on lifestyle. She loves gardening, driving tractors, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and pets. But in the summer of 2025, she began experiencing something she’d never encountered before—sudden, alarming swelling in her right leg.
“I had never heard of lymphedema until my legs started to swell—especially my right one,” Barbara explained. “It felt like my legs had a second set attached. Walking was difficult, and it really limited me from doing my favorite activities.”
After an appointment with Sarah Ogilvie, one of Burnett Medical Center’s Family Practice Nurse Practitioners, in November 2025, Barbara was referred to Burnett Medical Center’s Lymphedema Therapy program. She soon met with an Occupational Therapist for her evaluation just days later and began Lymphedema therapy three times a week.
In less than ten appointments, she noticed meaningful progress—along with the confidence and reassurance she needed. The measurements of her legs have decreased significantly; her right leg is 28cm smaller and her left leg is 29.2cm smaller than before. Her body weight has also dropped 13 pounds!
“This clinic, with Laura and Alicia, has been a Godsend,” she shared. “So much progress has been made in a relatively short time. The exercises they teach you are simple, and compression helps immensely. They are wonderful, compassionate, and truly care—as does the entire staff at BMC…I’m grateful I was referred.”
She believes more people—especially women—should have access to information about lymphedema. “Women are busy with families, working, caregiving… we tend to put ourselves last,” she said. “But we need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others.”
Today, Barbara is feeling lighter, more mobile, and more hopeful. She has already gone from four ace bandages to three and continues her at-home exercises faithfully.
Her message to others who may be uncertain about seeking help:
“Don’t be ashamed to seek help. Be open to what they’re going to do. If your legs feel heavy, if swelling doesn’t get better with diet or exercise—maybe it’s lymphedema. It’s worth the trip to BMC. What’s more important than your health?”
Rehabilitation at BMC
At 57, Steve never imagined he would be fighting for his life. In August 2024, Steve had an appointment with Gretchen Gerovac, Nurse Practitioner, at Burnett Medical Center. The appointment revealed that his blood pressure was dangerously high so he received treatment to lower his blood pressure. In the days that followed, his health started to rapidly decline.
On August 19, after returning home from running errands, Steve suddenly didn’t feel well. He sat on his deck, drank some water, checked his blood pressure— and then collapsed without warning. He had a massive heart attack and was airlifted to the Twin Cities for an emergency stent. During the procedure, he suffered a second heart attack—one doctors couldn’t explain. For the next 72 hours, he was on life support and monitored closely for signs of brain activity.
Steve spent months in the hospital, losing weight, strength, and the ability to move, speak, or eat. “I had to learn everything all over again,” he said. The last memory he had was sitting on his deck; by the time he became aware again, it was Labor Day, and he was waking up connected to tubes and monitors.
Fast forward to December 2024, at that time, he was wheelchair bound, his legs were weak, he could not stand or walk. He dealt with significant pain, including difficulty lying flat so he had to sleep in a recliner. He started physical and occupational therapy at Burnett Medical Center and slowly began rebuilding his strength.
How Steve Is Doing Now
Today, Steve’s progress is remarkable. He has now completed almost 50 occupational therapy sessions and over 60 physical therapy sessions—and is functioning at a level no one predicted early on. “None of my walkers are a necessity anymore,” he shared proudly.
Throughout therapy, he remained committed and motivated by the support of his therapy team. He has even built a home exercise setup with a treadmill, trampoline, and weighted ball so he can work out between therapy sessions. “I do a lot of the exercises at home, over and over, all day long,” he said.
Steve is also working with occupational therapy to practice driving and achieving more independence. And this year, he plans to return to something he loves: “I’m going hunting this year… I wasn’t able to last year.”
His Experience at Burnett Medical Center
Steve gives immense credit to his rehabilitation team for his recovery. “Working with the staff has been great,” he shared. “I depend on both PT and OT. Janelle and Phil work together—they make sure what I do in OT helps me do better in PT.”
He jokes affectionately about his sessions: “Janelle works the hell out of me. She bends my legs—but now I can cross my legs again.” He also praises the other therapists, recommending the whole therapy team without hesitation.
He values having everything he needs—therapy, cardiac services, and primary care—“all under one roof.” He says the team understands him, challenges him, and motivates him.
Therapy Team Perspective
Steve’s rehabilitation team describes him as one of the most motivated and inspiring patients they’ve ever worked with.
Phil Petrowitz, a physical therapy assistant who has worked with Steve since December, shared, “It’s a miracle that he is alive. He weighed 130 pounds and couldn’t move, and now we walked in the hallway 180 feet without hanging onto anything. It’s inspiring. He’s the kind of person that reinforces why I love doing this job. He has pushed me as well… he’s so motivated.”
Alex Mello, Physical Therapist, echoed this:
“When I first started working with him, he was using a walker. Now we’re working on a cane and even nothing. That takes a long time for people to do—especially coming from not being able to walk a year ago. He’s progressing each time he comes in.”
Janelle Smestad, Occupational Therapist, added:
“He’s really challenged me as a therapist. I’ve had to be creative with interventions because he’s so motivated and he likes the challenge. I want him to continue to have that. He’s been a fun patient because he has a fun personality. He has great support—and that’s been key to how successful he is.”
General Surgery at BMC
James Pijanowski has been a resident of Danbury for the past 25 years and a longtime patient at Burnett Medical Center (BMC), with Dr. Novick serving as his primary care physician. For James, BMC has always been his trusted hospital—reliable, conveniently located, and consistently meeting his healthcare needs without ever giving him a reason to look elsewhere.
On Sunday, August 17th, 2025, what began as a normal day quickly changed when James started experiencing some abdominal pain around noon. However, by 11 pm, the pain had intensified to the point that he knew something wasn’t right.
In the early hours of Monday, August 18th, James went straight to the Emergency Department at BMC. From the moment he arrived, the staff impressed him, he states, “all the nurses were friendly, helpful and polite.” He was quickly taken to a room, where blood tests and a CT scan were performed. The diagnosis was clear: appendicitis. His appendix was inflamed and required immediate removal.
The Emergency Department team responded quickly, bringing in BMC’s general surgeon, Dr. Anders Ulland. Dr. Ulland carefully explained the procedure in detail, guiding James through each step. James valued the team’s openness and compassion, noting, “the surgeon was excellent, thorough, and clearly explained what he was going to do.” The anesthesiologist also made a strong impression with their meticulous attention and commitment to keeping James comfortable.
By 10:30 am, James was in surgery. The procedure was performed laparoscopically (a minimally invasive surgery) and went smoothly. Remarkably, he was back home and resting in his own chair by 3:30 pm the same day—less than 12 hours after entering the ER.
James described the care he received as exceptional from beginning to end. He said, “It was a great experience the whole time… From the nurses to the doctors, everyone was polite, respectful, and clearly experienced. I’ve never had an unpleasant visit there. I’ve been in the Emergency Room five times over the years—and every time it’s been efficient and smooth. This experience was no different.”
Just two weeks after surgery, James was back at work. His recovery was straightforward, with only minor restrictions for a short period.
James recommends BMC to anyone facing a medical emergency or surgery. Whether it’s an appendectomy or another surgery, he says patients can count on fast, thorough care—and most importantly, peace of mind knowing they’re in capable hands.
General Surgery at BMC
Feeling comfortable and confident in your medical team is crucial for a positive healthcare experience. At BMC, we understand this importance. That's why our General Surgery department provides comprehensive surgical care, catering to a diverse array of medical conditions. Led by experienced surgeons like Dr. Ulland, our team provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
When BMC's Certified Midwife, Deb Hammer, needed surgery, she trusted her BMC family and co-workers to perform her laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Deb’s experience highlights the care patients receive at BMC, “I feel very comfortable with Dr. Ulland and the OR team. I was very pleased with the care that I received in the clinic, lab, radiology, and surgery. Everyone was wonderful and since I work at BMC, I felt like I was taken care of by my BMC family. I would not hesitate to recommend that my family or friends have this procedure at BMC.”
Transitioning from provider to patient and back to provider again, Deb had a successful recovery and returned to work just a week after the surgery, feeling great. With our expert team and state-of-the-art facilities, BMC ensures that each patient receives the highest quality of care throughout their surgical journey. Visit our General Surgery webpagefor a comprehensive list of surgical procedures offered at BMC.
Tobacco Cessation Program at BMC
We recognize the importance of supporting individuals like Gary "Goob" Coy on their journey to better heart health. Goob's experience underscores the challenges many face in overcoming tobacco addiction. Fortunately, our dedicated team, including Michelle Arneson, a Cardiac Services RN, is equipped to provide comprehensive care and support.
Michelle's dual role as a Tobacco Cessation Specialist allowed her to guide Goob towards our Tobacco Cessation program, which he started in late 2022. Through personalized counseling, Michelle empowered Goob to understand his triggers and adopt effective coping strategies, such as using nicotine lozenges to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Goob remarks on his initial thoughts of the program saying, “I didn’t have much confidence because quitting chew is extremely hard but sitting with her and having her explain to me what’s involved with quitting... She explained triggers and it just clicked— what makes me chew?” With Michelle's guidance and support, Goob successfully conquered his addiction, experiencing improved well-being and a renewed sense of taste. His advice, “get to it, it works! Keep an open mind and want to quit. Please stop and see Michelle, she knows what she’s talking about.”
Goob's testimonial serves as a testament to the effectiveness of our Tobacco Cessation program and the compassionate care provided by our dedicated team. With personalized counseling and evidence-based strategies, our program aims to empower individuals like Goob to break free from tobacco addiction and embrace healthier habits for a stronger heart and overall well-being.
Whether you're a smoker, chewer, or vaper, our program is tailored to meet your unique needs and empower you to live a healthier, smoke-free life. Visit our websiteto learn more about our Tobacco Cessation program and take the first step towards a tobacco-free future.
Cardiac Rehabilitation at BMC
BMC’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program is a cornerstone of our commitment to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from cardiovascular events. Tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, our program combines monitored exercise sessions, educational resources, and peer support to promote holistic well-being.
John Bohlen's inspiring cardiac rehab journey exemplifies the impact of our rehabilitation program. John attests to the compassionate care provided by our team saying, “I am doing so much better. There is not a person at BMC that I don’t love... The people here are so kind, so loving, tender-hearted… they take such good care of me." His heartfelt testimonial underscores the dedication and kindness of our staff, who go above and beyond to ensure every patient feels supported and cared for.
If you or a loved one are navigating the road to recovery from a cardiovascular event, we invite you to learn more about our Cardiac Rehabilitation services by visiting our Cardiac Services webpage. Together, we can embark on a journey towards improved heart health and enhanced quality of life.
Diagnostic Imaging at BMC
Diagnostic Imaging services play a vital role in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions. From X-rays and ultrasounds to MRI and CT scans, BMC’s Diagnostic Imaging services offer a wide range of imaging modalities to meet the diverse needs of our patients. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and equipment, our skilled radiologists and technologists provide comprehensive imaging services to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis.
Jill Meyer, a former longtime smoker, experienced an alarming, persistent cough prompting her to seek help from her primary care provider, Melinda Deye, a Nurse Practitioner, at BMC. Melinda recommended a low-dose CT lung cancer screening due to Jill's symptoms, leading to the detection of an abnormality in her left lung. Further tests confirmed stage 1 lung cancer, prompting surgical intervention.
Jill underwent successful surgery to remove the cancerous tumor, sparing her from chemotherapy or radiation. Grateful for Melinda's thorough care, Jill emphasizes the importance of early detection through screening, stating, “Melinda has been a literal lifesaver for me. She won’t stop until she has the results. She’s so personable and thorough… If it wouldn’t have been for Melinda, I never would’ve done it [the CT scan]. I suggest anybody that has smoked or has a bad cough to definitely have it [CT lung scan] done.” Today, Jill is eight years lung cancer-free! Early detection remains crucial for positive outcomes.
Whether you require imaging for routine screenings or to investigate specific health concerns, you can trust BMC to deliver high-quality diagnostic imaging services tailored to your individual needs. Visit our websiteto learn more about our Diagnostic Imaging services and how we can assist you in your healthcare journey.
Ear, Nose & Throat Services
At BMC, we provide comprehensive Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) services to address a wide range of conditions affecting crucial sensory organs. Our experienced ENT specialist offers expert diagnosis and treatment for issues such as sinusitis, allergies, hearing loss, and throat disorders.
Akira came in to see Dr. Froymovich, an ENT specialist at BMC. Akira’s mother noticed frequent fevers, recurring cases of strep throat, and swollen tonsils. Dr. Froymovich performed a tonsillectomy, and since then, Akira has been feeling so much better, as Akira happily noted, "They took my tonsils out and I got to have ice cream.”
Whether you're seeking relief from chronic sinus problems, require treatment for a complex ear condition, or noticing symptoms similar to Akira's, it may be time to schedule an ENT appointment with Dr. Froymovich. Trust BMC for compassionate and effective ENT care. Learn more about our ENT services by visiting our ENT services webpage.
Ophthalmology at BMC
At BMC our skilled ophthalmologist offers a wide range of specialized care to address various eye conditions and concerns. From eye consultations to advanced surgical procedures, we are committed to providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Kristie Hjort was a little nervous when it came time for her first-ever surgery, but after meeting our wonderful team and Dr. Rice before her cataract procedure she felt completely reassured. Reflecting on her experience, Kristie describes it as, “a wonderful experience and I felt very cared for. Don’t be scared, you’re in the right place at BMC. I can now see driving at night…those headlights don’t bother me at all anymore. It’s just amazing.”
Whether you're seeking treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, or other vision-related issues, you can trust BMC for compassionate and effective eye care. Visit our websiteto learn more about our Ophthalmology services and schedule an appointment today.
These patient experiences are all testaments to BMC's unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional care across a spectrum of medical services and All Walks of Life. From life-changing surgeries to transformative rehabilitation programs and innovative diagnostic imaging, each patient journey serves as a testament to the compassionate expertise of our healthcare professionals and the profound impact of personalized care. Step into BMC - where comprehensive healthcare meets compassion.