Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/844017
AN UNEXPECTED INJURY prompted Sara Jane to seek care at Mercy Medical Clinic three years ago. There, the 30-year-old Bloomeld, Iowa, resident met Cassie Parrish, ARNP, Family Practice Nurse Practitioner. Cassie reviewed Sara Jane's X-rays and put her in touch with a chiropractor and physical therapist who could help treat her injuries. At that time, Sara Jane started seeing Cassie yearly for wellness checkups and to manage ongoing acid reux. To get to the bottom of Sara Jane's gastrointestinal symptoms, Cassie put her in touch with N. Sokol, DO, General Surgeon at Mercy Medical Clinic. After performing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy, Dr. Sokol found that Sara Jane had gastroesophageal reux disease, bleeding ulcers and erosive esophagitis, a condition in which the lining of the esophagus — thetube connecting the mouth and stomach — is irritated or inamed, usually as a result of acid reux. "I've had acid reux all of my life," Sara Jane says. "I put o treatment, and I urge people not to do that because years of putting it o led to my having ulcers and other complications. The providers at Mercy Medical Clinic helped me see reality and let me know I needed to make drastic changes if I wanted to get better." HER BIGGEST ALLIES In addition to her wellness visits, Sara Jane now sees Cassie at least twice a year to control her gastrointestinal symptoms, which sometimes include stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Sara Jane found relief through a combination of medication and a healthy lifestyle. During her most recent visit, Cassie recommended Sara Jane also visit Health Coach Holly A. Bain, MSN, RN. Holly partners with patients to help them manage chronic medical conditions and achieve their wellness objectives. "Often, community members have a health goal in mind but lack the information or support necessary to meet that goal," Holly says. "My role is to work with patients to develop a specic plan to meet their healthcare improvement goals. This may include providing information about their condition in addition to healthy eating tips or exercise plans." Sara Jane wanted to lose weight and improve her diet. The sales and marketing professional is constantly on the move The Makes the Team MERCY MEDICAL CENTERCENTERVILLE /// www.mercycenterville.org 4