How Adena Health Transformed a Patient's Life with Compassionate Care

A Journey of Hope: Kim Riffle's Transformation through Adena Health

In Jackson, Ohio, Kim Riffle battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition known for causing severe breathing difficulties. For Kim, who had grown accustomed to the struggles of living with COPD, the situation took a turn for the worse when a routine visit to the Adena Regional Medical Center exposed a critical condition—a hole in her right lung caused by serious bacterial infections.

After her cousin noticed her alarming gray appearance, Kim reluctantly visited the emergency department in Chillicothe. "I was in pain, but I thought it was due to my back problems, not my lungs," she recalled. However, following initial assessments, doctors informed her of the grim reality: she was septic and suffering from pneumonia. In a desperate attempt to save her life, they performed a bronchoscopy that revealed the alarming hole in her lung.

Faced with the choice of immediate surgery or a mere 20% chance of survival, Kim placed her trust in Dr. Kevin Radecki, a thoracic surgeon at the Adena Heart and Vascular Institute. "Dr. Radecki saved my life," she stated simply, a testament to the profound impact the medical team had on her ordeal.

The urgency of the situation prompted Dr. Radecki to remove the affected lung area right away. "It was a terrifying time for me, but his comforting presence was a tremendous source of strength,