Adena Health Patient's Remarkable Journey Back to Pain-Free Living

A Life Transformed: Tammie Finley’s Journey with Adena Health

For nearly ten years, Tammie Finley battled crippling leg pain that seemed to doom her to a life of immobility. Living in Washington Court House, Tammie was gradually confined to a wheelchair, watching friends and family enjoy activities she could no longer partake in. "I accepted that I might never be comfortable walking again," she recalls, her words tinged with despair.

The turning point came during a follow-up visit with Dr. Rahul Kar, a vascular surgeon at the Adena Heart and Vascular Institute. Tammie's plight resonated with him immediately, as she expressed her frustrations about her leg condition.

"To my surprise, Dr. Kar didn’t dismiss my concerns. Instead of leaving, he sat down and actively listened to what I had to say. That moment ignited a spark of hope, and I decided to give one last attempt to regain my mobility," she shared, gratitude evident in her voice.

After undergoing a carotid endarterectomy procedure to clear a life-threatening blockage in her carotid artery, Tammie returned for a follow-up appointment that would inevitably alter her course of life. Impressed by Dr. Kar's attentiveness, she urged, "Let’s discuss my leg next time."

Dr. Kar wasted no time. He swiftly scheduled additional tests and performed a lower extremity angiogram. His findings ultimately led to an angioplasty and atherectomy—two minimally invasive procedures that restore vital blood flow to damaged arteries. Just a week following the operation, the changes were remarkable; Tammie stood up and took her first steps towards a pain-free life again.

"I was ecstatic! I couldn't believe it. For the first time in years, I walked without pain. It felt like I reclaimed my life," she beams. Tammie’s newfound mobility was more than physical; it transformed her overall mental and emotional state. "I was depressed, but now I’m back to joking and being myself around friends and family. They were astounded by the change. "What happened to you?" they’d ask. I’d just tell them, ‘I met a great doctor.’"

Now, Tammie engages in activities she once assumed lost forever. She spends her days gardening, baking, and anxiously awaits spring to go fishing—a beloved pastime she hasn’t enjoyed for years. "Ultimately, I want to return to hiking in the woods of Gatlinburg, something I used to do annually," she mentions, her eyes shimmering with excitement.

For Tammie, the experience with Dr. Kar hasn’t just been about physical recovery. It has been a complete rejuvenation of her spirit; she reflects, "My whole life changed. As long as Dr. Kar is around, he’s my doctor! I wouldn’t want anyone else."

Her story highlights the profound impact one dedicated medical professional can make in the life of a patient. Adena Health continues to advance its mission of community service, not just through cutting-edge medical interventions but also by fostering strong patient-doctor relationships that drive transformation.

To learn more about the specialized services provided by Adena Health, you can visit their website at Adena.org/thoracic. With over 125 years of experience, Adena Health stands as a pillar in the community, committed to enhancing the health and well-being of its residents through comprehensive care and innovation.