Methodist Healthcare System | Keeping Well | Winter 2019

THE BLOOD AND marrow transplant program at Texas Transplant Institute, a department of Methodist Hospital, celebrated its 25th anniversary with an exhibit of photographs by a Pulitzer Prize finalist. The exhibit depicts how transplants gave four patients a second chance at life, from adopting a child and giving him a loving family to founding an impactful local nonprofit organization. The exhibit, by photojournalist Lisa Krantz, is dedicated to the courageous patients who fought for their survival, their families and staff who cared for them, and to the beautiful souls who left us much too soon. It is a traveling exhibit available for display throughout the community. At the anniversary celebration, held in August, Fred LeMaistre, M.D. , one of the founders of the program, was honored with an award presented by his first patient, Terri Jones. “Methodist Hospital and Texas Transplant Institute were an integral part of what saved my life,” said Sandra Lantrip, one of the patients honored. “I asked to be kept alive for my three children, so that I could see them get married and have grand- children.” In November, Lantrip welcomed her first grandchild. “Dr. LeMaistre, Dr. Shaughnessy, and Dr. Bachier all helped make that happen for me,” she said. In addition to Lantrip, other patients honored were David Jones, Terri Jones and Pastor Jeff Hunt. The blood and marrow transplant program at Texas Transplant Institute is nationally recognized for the life-saving treat- ment it brings to children and adults. It is the only accredited bone marrow transplant program in the area and the first FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy) accredited in North America. Right: Fred LeMaistre, M.D., one of the founders of the program, was honored at the celebration with an award presented by his first patient, Terri Jones, whose photos are part of the exhibit. Left: Pastor Jeff Hunt and his wife, Nikki, view Hunt’s photos. Hunt used his second chance at life to adopt a son, and he and his wife are now loving parents. Call-A-Nurse for Children from Methodist Children’s Hospital 210-22-NURSE (210-226-8773) Monday–Friday, 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Weekends and major holidays When your child has a medical need, Call- A-Nurse for Children from Methodist Children’s Hospital, a campus of Methodist Hospital, has specially-trained pediatric nurses to assist you with medical advice concerning your child. What You Need to Know About Sepsis and the Flu Doctors have found that rates of sepsis and severe sepsis tend to go up during the flu season. Sometimes incorrectly called blood poisoning, sepsis is the body’s often deadly response to infection or injury. According to the Sepsis Alliance, sepsis kills and disables millions and requires early suspicion and rapid treat- ment for survival. Sepsis and septic shock can result from an infection anywhere in the body, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections and viral infections like the flu. Worldwide, one-third of people who develop sepsis die. Many who do sur- vive are left with life-changing effects, such a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain and fatigue, organ dysfunction (organs don’t work prop- erly) and/or amputations. There is no single sign or symptom of sepsis. It is a combination of symptoms, which can include any of the following: S Shivering, fever or very cold E Extreme pain or general discomfort (“worst ever”) P Pale or discolored skin S Sleepy, difficult to rouse, confused I “I feel like I might die” S Short of breath If you suspect that you or a loved one has sepsis, call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital and tell your medical profes- sional, “I am concerned about sepsis.” For a person with the flu, any infec- tion that is anywhere in your body can lead to sepsis. It is important to understand the difference between influenza and colds. With the common cold, symptoms usually come on gradu- ally, but with the flu, symptoms appear quite suddenly. They can include fever and chills, coughing and/or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, body aches, headache (sometimes se- vere), fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. To learn more about sepsis, visit www.SAHealth.com . IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS FOR YOUR HEALTHCARE NEEDS HealthBus and Well Waldo’s Wheels 210-MHS-RIDE (210-647-7433) Do you worry about how you will get to your next doctor’s appointment? Do you use a wheelchair and need a little extra assistance getting to the hospital for outpatient test- ing? Do you have a child with special needs and lack a vehicle that can accommodate your child’s medical transportation needs? Methodist Healthcare has the answer. HealthBus for adults and Well Waldo’s Wheels for children and expectant moms provide transportation from your home to your doctor’s office or hospital and then pick you up later and take you home. For information on how to schedule a ride and specific hospitals and zip codes served, please phone 210-MHS-RIDE. MOVING PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBIT CELEBRATES 25 TH ANNIVERSARY OF TRANSPLANT PROGRAM W I N T E R 2 0 1 9 7 K E E P I N G W E L L M e t h o d i s t H e a l t h c a r e