New resident, COPD patient, thankful for St. John's, Libby's kind people

Letter to the Editor,

I have severe emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I am 52 yrs old.

I live in a rural area in Nevada — to be precise, 78 people, and that includes the cemetery.

Seriously, it is the town of Montello, which is three hours from SLC Utah in one direction and two hours from Elko Nevada in the other.

I have been to two pulmonary specialists in Salt Lake City, Utah. Both predicted my death, one said I’d never see 50, and the other that I probably would not be around for three more years.

Well, as I told you, I am 52 and that three years was up five years ago.

I admit, I have been very disappointed in the specialists I have seen. I realize that my COPD is going to kill me eventually, but God will help me die. I want a physician that will tell me how to live. I don’t expect a cure, I am not that naive. I want to improve my quality of life.

While hospitalized for an exacerbation incident, a respiratory therapist in Elko told me that there are several things I could do to help, such as exercise, nutrition, and breathing techniques.

The nearest program to me is in SLC Utah, and that wasn’t possible due to the distance.

My mom lives in Troy, Montana. As a matter of fact, she was recently under critical care in your hospital, that’s how I learned of the program, when I was researching St. John’s facilities.

I came to Troy around the 1st of August. I was so impressed with everyone’s attitude. Nobody, except my local PA and physicians, understand, I am a fighter, I have had COPD since 35, and have been on oxygen 24/7 for quite sometime.

I still cook meals and clean my house, I admit it’s getting harder, but I’m not going to just lay down and die.

Since December 2006, I have had two surgeries for a broken back, and one surgery for a ruptured colon. I have medicare, no secondary insurance. I am constantly researching new ideas for COPD.

I wrote to KC Hoyer, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital hoping I could get into a program. I just wanted someone to help me. She responded immediately, telling me yes, she could and would help me.

My husband and I went to St. John’s to see what I could find out.

Starting with the lady at the desk when I arrived, I truly believe that God led me here.

We then went back to the rehab department, and he introduced me to another lady, Ruth. All of them were friendly and so upbeat, something I’ve never encountered before.

Ruth explained that she could start me in Cardio as soon as I could get a doctor’s referral. Robert informed me there was a waiting list in pulmonary. I would wait as long as necessary, after-all I’ve been waiting for over 10 years.

I made an appointment with Dr. Obermiller in Kalispell. I can honestly say he is the first pulmonary specialist I have seen who hasn’t just given me a death sentence. He actually is helping me learn how I can live a better life with my disease.

I also needed a local doctor, I made an appointment with Dr. Donna Smith. Again, wow, starting with her nurse, I was treated so well, I have been on a medical roller-coaster for many years. Dr. Smith is amazing, she thoroughly examined me, no one has done that in years.

I came out of there, floating on air. For the first time in years, I had hope. I know there isn’t a cure for COPD, and I know it will eventually kill me, but I just want to live with more quality of life before the Good Lord calls me home.

Well, this was all back in August. I have been in the program until recently. Having to take a break due to illness.

I have literally fell in love with Libby. So much so that I have put my home in Nevada up for sale. My husband and I have been living in our 26-foot travel trailer in the meantime.

Ruth Fenn is absolutely an angel sent from heaven, she has not only taken me into the cardio rehab program, but helped me out in numerous ways, even things such as shoveling snow, helping me obtain winter clothing, picking up prescriptions.

However, it only began with Ruth. As I said my husband and I are living in our travel trailer, and we definitely had not come prepared for winter. My husband has limited mobility and as such is limited on the things he can accomplish alone. Another beautiful woman, Liz put her church, Libby Christian, in touch with us. The next thing I know there’s like six guys here winterizing our trailer, putting plywood all around the bottom of the trailer, even painting it white to match the trailer. I cannot remember all their names, but they know who they are, and I hope they know how truly grateful I am.

Even your local grocery store, Rosauers. They not only have the handicapped carts, but every time we shop, there is someone helping us to our vehicle.

These people are young people, most of them I would say in their late teens, early twenties.

Always helpful, and most importantly, always respectful. The staff at the pharmacy remembered my name, from the first time I filled a prescription.

Your people are also to be commended. Everyone smiles and/or takes the time to say hello. Is this because it’s a predominantly Christian community? I can’t say, but I can say, Thank You, and I am so honored to become a member of this community.

I’m sure people here think this is all standard, but I can say from experience, It definitely isn’t. I truly believe, that God led me here.

— Jodi Mueller Casolari

New Libby resident