Barbara Welch

In 2006, 67-year-old Barbara Welch, a mother of three and part owner of a wholesale book distribution company, began experiencing an unexplainable and startling condition that caused her to vomit the food and beverages she consumed. At first it only happened weekly, but soon it progressed to the point where the Lexington, Kentucky native wasn't digesting any food, and she knew she had to act quickly.

"My first reaction was to wonder if I was sick or if certain foods were triggering my reaction," says Barbara. "But it was strange, because I didn't have nausea or any of the symptoms typically associated with acid reflux."

Barbara's doctor ran a series of tests, but was unable to determine exactly what was wrong with her. That doctor recommended inserting a feeding tube into her stomach.

"I said 'no way, I'm not going to do that!'" says Barbara. "I knew I needed to get another opinion, and I'd always heard such good things about the top medical facilities, but Mayo Clinic always stuck out in my mind as being the best. Earlier on in my life, I decided that if there was ever something really wrong with me, that's where I would like to go."

Initially, when seeking an appointment at Mayo Clinic, Barbara met with some resistance from a local physician, but she persisted and eventually a different doctor agreed to refer her.

Diagnosis on Tuesday, surgery on Thursday

After three days of testing at the Mayo Clinic with gastroenterologist Yvonne Romero, M.D., Barbara was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, a condition where the upper portion of the stomach bulges outward and the lower esophageal sphincter (a valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach) loosens, allowing any solids or liquids in the stomach to flow backwards into the esophagus.

After the difficult seven months of testing Barbara had just experienced in Lexington — without a clear diagnosis — she was amazed at the swiftness and efficiency at Mayo.

"At Mayo, I started testing on a Sunday, got the diagnosis on Tuesday and was scheduled for surgery on Thursday," says Barbara. "I couldn't believe it."

Compassion and care help calm Barbara

After her diagnosis, Barbara next met with thoracic surgeon Claude Deschamps, M.D., and his assistant William Neville where together they determined they would move forward with laparoscopic fundoplication surgery. Barbara likens their meeting to an informal gathering of friends around a kitchen table, and left the discussion feeling secure and confident about the surgery.

"I think that Dr. Deschamps is an amazing physician — my guess is that he's one of the best in his field. In addition to taking care of my medical condition, he was also extremely compassionate and concerned about how I was doing emotionally and my comfort level with the procedure."

Barbara also felt calmed by the efficient and caring procedure Mayo Clinic follows when admitting patients for surgery.

"When I went in for my surgery, there were probably 50 people there all waiting to have their own surgeries," she explains. "Yet each person had a Mayo staff person they were assigned to who would stay with them the whole way and get them from point A to point B. That person literally walks you into the operating room. It made me feel at ease that they were with me the whole way through the process."

Laparoscopic fundoplication surgery successful

Barbara's laparoscopic surgical procedure meant that the surgery would take less time and the recovery would be much faster than with conventional surgery. The laparoscope, which is essentially a small tubular video camera, was inserted though a small incision, then four smaller incisions were made in the upper area of her abdomen where thin needle-like tools were inserted to allow Dr. Deschamps to dissect and suture.

"Fundoplication literally means 'to fold or wrap,'" explains Dr. Deschamps. "In Barbara's case, the upper portion of her stomach was wrapped around and sutured to the lower portion of her esophagus. This technique repaired lesions that had formed from stomach acids and allowed her LES pressure to return to normal, which ended the vomiting."

Follow-up care makes a difference; future looks bright

Throughout her experience at Mayo Clinic and after her return home, Barbara's thoughts continue to focus on the helpfulness and care she received.

"When I rang my bell, not just one nurse came, but sometimes three," she explains. "They'd ask, 'Would you like a washcloth for your face? Something to drink? Are you uncomfortable?' I've been in hospitals where 30 minutes after you ring for assistance, you are still waiting. But at Mayo, they come right away."

Today, Barbara is feeling much better as a result of her treatment and appreciates the continued care she receives.

"At first, I was on a bland, almost liquid diet, then I added crackers, and similar foods," she explains. "Now I eat anything I want. Throughout the whole Mayo facility, they are all the best of the best. I am sure of it."