Licking Memorial Health Systems - Measurably different...for your health
Patient Story - Justin Wolfinger

For Justin Wolfinger, the past few years have brought challenging health issues, and discovering that he had diabetes became an added hurdle on his journey to healing.  In 2022, just before Thanksgiving, Justin was experiencing heavy coughing when he felt a pop on his left side.  Later, he noticed a great deal of discomfort in the area when inhaling and feared he had broken a rib.  During a visit to an emergency room, X-rays were taken, and the treating physician informed Justin that he had sustained internal bruising and suggested that the muscle around the ribs would heal on its own.

Justin was raised on a farm and spent most of his early life in Fairfield County.  After moving to Licking County, he attended Central Ohio Technical College and The Ohio State University at Newark to learn electrical engineering.  After many years in Information Technology, he felt he wanted to do more to help people.  Justin had accepted a position at an adult daycare facility.  He tried to continue to work after the injury he sustained, but the pain worsened.  

After visiting other area hospitals, Justin made an appointment with Charles L. Geiger, D.O., at Licking Memorial Family Practice – Tamarack.  Dr. Geiger ordered laboratory testing including an A1C test, a blood test that measures glycated hemoglobin, or blood sugar.  Test results reflect the average blood sugar level of the past two to three months and can be utilized to diagnose diabetes.  Target levels for A1C vary based upon age and other factors; however, the goal for most adults is less than 5.7 percent.  Justin’s A1C results showed his blood sugar level was over 11 percent.  Dr. Geiger prescribed medication to lower his A1C and referred Justin to the Licking Memorial Medication Therapy Clinic.

The Medication Therapy Clinic assists patients taking diabetes medications to create a treatment plan to manage care and offer education about the correct dosage, the importance of close supervision by a healthcare team, and the signs and symptoms of complications from the medication.  Clinical pharmacists, nurses, and dietitians with specific knowledge and training in diabetes work together with the patient to reach personal goals for better health.  A variety of methods for monitoring and reporting glucose levels are also offered to the patients.

Reducing his A1C level became critical to Justin’s treatment for the pain in his side.  Further exams revealed that Justin had fractured several of his ribs.  Due to the diabetes, it was harder to heal such injuries.  Working with a physical therapist also was not helpful in the healing process.  It was determined that Justin would require surgery to repair the damage; however, the surgery was not possible as long as Justin’s A1C was so high.  His care team wanted Justin to reduce his A1C to lower than 8 percent.

Working with the staff at the Medication Therapy Clinic, Justin began utilizing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a device with a sensor that automatically estimates blood sugar levels throughout the day and night.  The pharmacists assisted in managing medications, and a dietitian worked with Justin to modify his diet.  After his blood sugar levels were properly managed, Justin was able to receive surgery.  
“I learned so much from everyone at the Medication Therapy Clinic.  I began consuming healthier proteins, more fruits and vegetables,” Justin shared.  “It did not take long to lower my A1C with their help, and the lifestyle changes have been more than beneficial.  It was lifesaving.  I would not have been able to undergo the surgery necessary to repair my ribs.  I believe they saved my life.”

During the surgery, the surgeons discovered that pieces of the broken bones from Justin’s ribs were stabbing into his lungs.  He received bone grafts and titanium rods to repair a number of the ribs.  Since the surgery, Justin has continued to monitor and manage his blood sugar and is now able to maintain an A1C of 6.1 percent.  Justin is grateful for the LMHS staff and his mother, Darlene, for driving him to his many appointments.

“I was so impressed with the way everyone treated Justin.  They were kind and worked diligently to determine the underlying causes of his coughing and pain,” Darlene shared.  “You could just tell they were concerned about him.  Even if he did not have an appointment, if a staff member thought of something that could help him, they would call him personally and discuss their ideas with him.  It was so nice to witness their dedication to Justin.”

In addition to the staff of the Medication Therapy Clinic, Justin also wanted to share his gratitude to the numerous other specialists for their assistance during the past few years.  The staff of Licking Memorial Pulmonology worked to assist with Justin’s breathing issues including sleep apnea.  Members of the Hematology/Oncology Clinic also assisted in searching for underlying causes of Justin’s coughing.

| Posted On : 11/26/2024 3:36:44 PM