But it was not until he was seen by Ascension Via Christi’s Wound and Hyperbaric Therapy Center team that he realized the connection between the two.
“I had no clue how diabetes and wounds are directly related,” says the 66-year-old Bombardier Learjet retiree.
In February 2021, he began coming to the clinic twice a week to have the staff properly clean, dress and help manage his wound to help put him on the path toward recovery.
Now, he swears by the guidance, care and treatment provided by nurses and staff at the clinic.
“I know there’s other clinics around, but I’m glad I chose to come here,” says Ken. “They give the best the industry has.”
In return, he’s done his best to help the team help him.
“Ken is a model patient and we always enjoy seeing him,” says Jessica Raub, the clinic’s nurse manager. “Our wound care team takes pride in educating how disease processes such as diabetes can hinder wound healing. Ken has been diligent in his plan of care and implementing positive lifestyle changes which attributes to his healing success.”
Ken will finish his treatment in the near future, but he says he will always be grateful for the personalized care, easy-to-follow treatment instructions and support he received at the Wound Center.
“All the nurses and doctors are all on the same page and they work together like a well-oiled machine,” he says. “I can’t overemphasize their collaboration and effectiveness to help people like me.”
Did you know? Nearly 185,000 amputations occur in the U.S. each year, for which one the main causes is diabetes. If you are diabetic and have a wound that won’t heal, talk with your primary-care physician. Referrals are required for the Ascension Via Christi Wound and Hyperbaric Therapy Center. For questions about the center, call 316-268-5881.