Still, he put off doing anything about the abdominal pain he had been experiencing for nearly three years until finally mentioning it to his doctor during his annual check-up.
“I had an idea that for the last year I might have had a hernia, but I wasn’t sure,” says Bill, adding that a seasonal winter cough and cold made the pain more frequent and intense. “My wife, Sheri, and I own about 90 acres of land so I suspect fixing fences and chopping firewood were also big factors.”
His doctor referred him to surgeon Brett Dunbar, DO, who after evaluation scheduled him for surgery at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. Dr. Dunbar has been an employed physician with Ascension Via Christi for eight years.
Bill had once before seen Dr. Dunbar for a colonoscopy, but enjoyed laughter and smiles that come complimentary with his appointments.
“He’s funny, carefree, silly and lighthearted, which makes seeing him an enjoyable experience,” says Bill, whose surgery was scheduled for his and his wife’s anniversary, prompting fun jokes from Dr. Dunbar about the “convenient timing."
“I had outpatient surgery there April 15th and can’t say enough good things about the staff and care that I received,” Bill wrote in a Google review. “I hope that I don't forget anyone but I had wonderful care from Sherie, Damon, Michelle, Aaron, Jenica, Marsha and of course that crazy Dr. Dunbar! Can't forget Mary and the Pink Ladies who got me checked in promptly at 6 a.m.! Keep up the good work guys!”
Now on the mend, Bill is looking forward to getting back to managing the auto parts store where he has worked for the past 30 years, caring for his farmland and playing with his grandchildren.
“All doctors need to be like Dr. Dunbar, I’ll go to him anytime,” Bill says.
But first, he says, he wanted to take time to recognize the exceptional service he received from everyone involved in his care.
“We got it done like clockwork and it was all phenomenal,” he says. “The hospital staff was all smiles before, during and after my procedure.”