gastroenterology sPeCialty ranKs among best hosPitals


Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin’s gastroenterology specialty was nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Froedtert & The Medical College also rank as the top hospital in metropolitan Milwaukee.


After transplantation, Fleming was brought out of


sedation. “I didn’t feel that bad,” she said, “and I was very emotional.” Two days later, she got out of bed and walked around her room. The third day was even better.


“They told me I could go home when I could handle


the stairs, so I was determined to try,” Fleming said. Under watchful care, she walked all the way around the unit and up and down a flight of steps.


After discharge, follow-up care is coordinated by a


transplant nurse coordinator, who helps patients navigate appointments, prescriptions, lab tests and other needs.


The transplant team monitors patients closely for


signs of rejection, graft function and side effects of medications that suppress the immune system.


“Infections are frequent, and the medications may lead


to high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol, which all need to be managed,” Dr. Gawrieh said. “Transplant patients receive lifelong follow-up, but the first three months are the most intense. After six months, many patients require only one anti-rejection medication. At this point, the majority of patients feel they are completely back to normal.


“While some liver diseases like hepatitis C infection can


return, the majority of liver transplant recipients live long, healthy, high quality lives,” Dr. Gawrieh said.


starting over At home, Fleming follows her medication plan and diet


guidelines. Losing weight is difficult for most patients, but she has managed to take off additional pounds. After just two months, Fleming returned to her job doing computer work for a pharmacy service.


“I think going back to work makes you feel better,”


she said. “You get to talk to people, and you don’t dwell on things so much.”


Fleming skipped many of her favorite activities last


summer to avoid unnecessary exposure to germs while her immune system was suppressed by the medications. No festivals, no State Fair, no gardening or working in the yard. This summer will be better when her medications are reduced as expected. Meanwhile, she enjoys taking care of her grandson, Ethan, one day a week. A longtime quilter, she also makes quilts for fundraisers.


Fleming gets tearful talking about the support she received at Froedtert & The Medical College.


n debbie fleming in front of one of her handmade quilts.


“My caregivers were excellent, very positive and


compassionate,” she said. “I feel very fortunate to have had all the doctors and nurses that I did.”


She’s also thankful for her personal support system – still is.” n


her family and her husband, Jack. “He was there all the time for me,” she said. “And he


If you or a family member need treatment for liver disease, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin can provide you with the information you need to make the right decision. Call 800-272-3666 or visit froedtert.com/transplant to learn more about how our excellent transplant outcomes are enhanced through the resources of an academic medical center.


beCome an organ donor


To sign up to become an organ donor through the Wisconsin Donor Registry, visit froedtert.com/transplant.


froedtert.com Froedtert Today January 2012 13


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