Patient Story - Robert "Larry" Thompson

Robert “Larry” Thompson is not one to complain.  The lifelong Licking County resident is known by his friends and family as a strong man who worked hard at the same job for over 50 years.  After graduation from a local vocational school, Larry went to work at the former Rockwell Plant in Heath.  He met his wife, Linda, through mutual friends a year later and the two were married within six months.  The couple raised their three children in the area and now are enjoying watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up in Licking County as well. 

Larry retired in 2015 when the automotive, aviation, and electronic components manufacturing plant where he worked was shutting down.  Retirement has allowed Larry to spend more time doing the things he enjoys, such as riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family.  Every year, he travels to Florida for Bike Week.  He had always done his best to maintain his health.

During Labor Day weekend in 2019, Larry and Linda attended Swapper’s Day in Johnstown.  The couple enjoyed the outing and Larry seemed perfectly fine.  The next morning around 5:00 a.m., Larry woke Linda complaining of severe pain in his stomach.  Linda called 911 to have an ambulance sent to their home because she could tell from his pale face and discomfort that something was terribly wrong.  Upon arriving at the Licking Memorial Emergency Department (ED), Richard J. Limperos, M.D., quickly recognized the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). 

The aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, runs from the heart through the center of the chest and abdomen and supplies blood to the body.  If the wall of the aorta weakens, it can develop an aneurysm – an enlarged area that may rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding.  An AAA often grows slowly without symptoms, making detection difficult.  A number of factors can play a role in developing an aortic aneurysm, including:

• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) due to a buildup of fat and other substances on the lining of a blood vessel
• High blood pressure that can damage and weaken the walls of the aorta
• Blood vessel diseases that cause inflammation
• Infection in the aorta
• Trauma, such as being in a car accident

For Larry, the AAA ruptured and he was bleeding into his stomach cavity.  “One look at Larry’s swelled stomach and Dr. Limperos knew exactly what was wrong and went right to work,” Linda shared.  Dr. Limperos performed a bedside ultrasound, offering a rapid diagnosis which is critical in time sensitive cases such as an AAA.  The staff quickly worked to stabilize Larry so that he could be taken by helicopter to a hospital in Columbus for surgery.  At the time, a vascular surgeon who could perform the needed repair to the aorta was not available at LMH.  Time was of the essence to save Larry’s life, and the staff took all the steps necessary to prepare Larry for the required surgery.  “I truly believe LMH ED, yourself, and the nurses with him that morning, played a crucial role in saving my father-in-law's life.  Our family cannot thank you enough for your diligence and urgency,” said Beth Kieber, Larry’s daughter-in-law, in an email to Dr. Limperos.

Dr. Limperos and the LMH staff explained to the family that the AAA surgery was a difficult procedure and there was only a 30 percent chance that Larry would survive.  “I do not think I even really have the words to say what our family is feeling, but we are incredibly grateful to you for the care you provided Larry, even though it was a very short time.  I believe you were the reason Larry survived to make it into surgery.  Thank you for the role you played in saving his life,” Beth wrote.  Linda also said she is grateful for and could not have asked for better treatment for her husband.

Once stabilized, Larry was transferred to Riverside where he underwent a five-and-a-half hour surgery to remove the damaged section of the aorta and replace it with a synthetic tube.  After the surgery, Larry spent another month in the hospital in Columbus to recover.  He was then transferred to the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation unit at LMH where he stayed for a week to develop the skills necessary to return home.  Once back in his own home, members of Licking Memorial Home Care Services visited Larry to change his bandages and continue his care.  Larry continues to recovery and is excited to return to riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family.

Patients brought to the LMH ED with an AAA no longer need to be transferred to a Columbus hospital for surgery.  In February, Licking Memorial Vascular Surgery began treating patients with conditions that affect the circulatory system, primarily diseases of the arteries and veins that affect blood circulation.  Vascular Surgery is staffed by two qualified vascular surgeons, trained to diagnose and treat these disorders, excluding the intracranial and coronary arteries.  They also perform wound care of the lower extremities.  Services offered at Licking Memorial Vascular Surgery include AAA repair.  For more information about Licking Memorial Vascular Surgery, call (220) 564-1965.  The office is located at 1371 West Main Street in Newark.

| Posted On : 9/8/2020 9:48:32 AM