What a 'gem' I discovered

After surviving an abscessed tooth, root canal, thorough a porcelain bridge, two rounds of antibiotics, bladder infection, severe sleep apnea, chest discomfort and soon the loss of my breath, I found this “Gem!”

I always felt I could solve my own problems, plus help others solve their problems.

One night late, I could not walk 115 feet in my own house without pure exhaustion. I told my husband that I was so weak, I was afraid. I didn’t know if I was going to die! Oh, I was old enough to die but I have lots of living to do and so many people that I would miss. So, I asked my husband to drive me to this “Gem!”

It was perched on top of this great big hill, it’s distinctive structure could be seen for miles. The unique design “lit” up like a CASTLE. My husband dropped me off at the ER door, because again, I am old, and Havre’s weather brought slippery ice. When inside I followed COVID protocol and entered the station of a pleasant receptionist ready to make my life easier.

Soon, I was admitted and for the first time in my life, I had to rest when I walked 10 feet, then another 10 feet. I had to weigh, and hate that. It is usually the worst part of the doctoring experience because I realize the cookies or chocolate I devoured had added up too quickly!

Into the examining room things began. Wonderful nurses, X-ray techs who jumped from their warm beds at home, to assist me. The administrative director on duty, Tom Brown, assisted me as needed. After blood draws, urine evaluation, X-rays, low oxygen saturation, it was decided that I would stay the night for further study. Dr. Rutherford and her team made that decision. Tom took my husband and me up the elevator to the fifth floor. Here is where I met many wonderful people. I was welcomed by the nursing staff and given my own room. They didn’t know it but because it was late and I was scared, I was only staying one night!

The next morning, I was greeted with lots of smiled and a great breakfast. You see that I have been married for 54 years and if some one cooks for me, that is a treat! In a short time, Dr. Harada who was a previous child acquaintance, came in the door. His handsome face and warm smile seem to always make me feel loved and respected. We always banter back and forth, and I told him that, “I was not staying overnight again!” He reminded me that it wasn’t a prison and that I could go anytime. But, that I might like to check a few health problems out. Tests were ordered and the process of getting me better was about to begin.

My care team is made up of many individuals starting with Dr. Rutherford, Dr. Harada, Dr. Lien, Dr. Scranton (Dr. Beard), Dr. Ymzon (Dr. Marky Mark), and many nurses, CNAs, RTs, UAP (almost a nurse), or as I called her (the chart gal!). All people of diverse cultures, personalities, ideas, manners, laughs, and contagious laughs. They shared their workload willing to help each other. They are living their goals and are proud individuals.

The first morning, I spotted a little angel! at the bottom of my bed hooking up the air to my pressure socks. she startled me, I hoped I hadn’t died! If you haven’t guessed it, I am a patient at Northern Montana Hospital where they provided excellent care in you own community. Try Havre health care first! It employs splendid people.

Hopefully this “bird” (name for an old woman) is too tough to die just yet and my care team figures the best plan for my health.

Thanks, Northern Montana Health Care, the CASTLE on the hill.

Plenty of smiles and lots of kindness.

P.S. The CASTLE houses generations of health care workers dedicated to serving the Hi-Line

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Mary Martin is a longtime resident of Havre.