Posts Categorized: Patient Stories

Lifestyle change results in weight loss

Robyn Couture is improving her life by achieving one small goal at a time. She decided to change the way her life was heading last year after starting a blog called, Edmonton Tourist, and talking to her niece who had bariatric surgery. In December, Robyn asked her physician to refer her to Weight Wise. “I…

Patient battles with a common addiction

Don Kupina isn’t ashamed to admit that he’s an addict. It’s an addiction he’s been struggling with for most of his life. “If I was a drug addict, I would stop taking drugs and that’s it. If I was a smoker, I would stop smoking. If I was a drinker, I would stop drinking. But…

Patient candidly describes battle with depression

When Gary Krutzfeldt started feeling so empty and helpless, he turned to his family doctor for help.Dr. Don Korzenowski of Millwoods Family Medical Clinic prescribed anti-depressants for Gary but told him this was only half the answer and he needed to see a behavioural health specialist from Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network. “I have to…

PCN workshop helps calm anxious patient

Anxiety has plagued Sheila Hilderbrandt for most of her life. She would lie awake all night worrying about her health issues. She wouldn’t leave her home except once a week to get groceries. Her mind wouldn’t shut off and she couldn’t control her thoughts. “It started with my diabetes. I had to go on insulin….

Medical experience gives patient insight

A traumatic medical experience forced Beverley Anne McAmmond to change the way she approached her life.After recovering from five surgeries involving diverticulitis, a severe fungal infection and hernia, Beverley was dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Her family doctor referred her to Crystal Degenhardt, a mental health specialist at Edmonton Southside Primary Care…

Chronic pain requires supportive care

Compassionate care is what has helped Dave Lidgett through one of the toughest health challenges in his life.Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network (PCN) clinical staff provided Dave with a listening ear and guided him through the health system. The 52-year-old was in a serious car accident in December 2008 where he went through the window…

Workshops provide seniors with insight

Larry and Louise Cousins are armed with more information after attending two Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network workshops aimed at educating seniors. They discovered the Housing for Seniors workshop after seeing a poster for it in their family doctor’s office. The couple, who have been married for 42 years, wanted to ensure they are prepared…

Quick referral results in healthier patient

Bill Bedwin is motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle after eliminating severe leg pain and keeping his diabetes in check. He started off 2013 by being rushed to a medical clinic because his sugar levels and blood pressure shot up. Bill began experiencing pain in his legs the following month and was referred to several…

Family benefits from multi-generational care

It’s challenging enough to manage your own health care needs. What happens if you are responsible for a parent’s health too? Bill and Carol Matthews, both 69, are caring for Carol’s 95-year-old mother. However, the whole family has benefited from the multigenerational care and workshops offered from Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network (PCN). “We didn’t…

Vegetables replace butter in patient’s diet

Before improving his health, Don Siddons loved slathering butter on everything he ate and needed a cane to walk.He was suffering from pain in his hips and his family doctor, Dr. Don Korzenowski, at Mill Woods Family Clinic first suggested taking cortisone injections. When the injections didn’t work, Dr. Korzenowski recommended physical therapy and that…