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By: Rob Ogg
I carry an inhaler and take two asthma medications. A couple of times each day, I start coughing and can’t stop. Sometimes it feels like I can’t breathe. So, imagine me getting COVID-19.
Well, I did.
My wife, Sally, first contracted COVID-19. Though we’re unsure how she got the virus, she broke out with a 105-degree fever and tested positive shortly afterward. Two days later, I woke up with a fever and debilitating body aches and pains. Instantly, I knew. I also knew it wouldn’t take much to put my lungs into a dire situation. Would I become the next patient on a ventilator in the ICU?
After testing positive for COVID-19, I slept for a couple of days – barely moving and rarely getting out of bed. The fatigue hit hard. Then I received a call from the Genesis COVID-19 Infusion Clinic. My primary care provider saw my COVID-19 test results and submitted a referral for me to receive an infusion of monoclonal antibodies.
I’d heard about this antibody treatment on the news. I understood that laboratory-made proteins mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens, such as viruses. I also knew only select hospitals had access to the in-demand antibodies, and only high-risk patients could receive them. The fact that my community hospital had the antibodies provided a surge of hope.
A couple days later, a welcoming nurse at the Genesis COVID-19 Infusion Clinic led me to a comfortable chair. For the next hour, Genesis nurses provided blankets, compassion and a treatment that spared me from COVID-19’s dramatic side effects.
As the IV dripped with precious antibodies, I felt impressed with the organization and cheerfulness of the Genesis team during a pandemic. Their happiness spoke volumes. They knew they were doing something good. I knew it too.
The next day my body aches, pains and fever were practically gone. It was miraculous. I don’t know what would have happened without the Genesis COVID-19 Infusion Clinic and Genesis’ leadership throughout COVID-19, but I bet I would have spent time in the ICU on a ventilator. Rob Ogg was soon back at work after receiving the monoclonal antibody treatment, and his wife, Sally, recovered in about two weeks after contracting COVID-19.
Rob Ogg was soon back at work after receiving the monoclonal antibody treatment, and his wife, Sally, recovered in about two weeks after contracting COVID-19.
Genesis is one of the few health systems in the area providing monoclonal antibody infusions, a life-saving and innovative treatment authorized by the FDA.
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic and boost the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens, such as a virus. Receiving the antibodies soon after a COVID-19 diagnosis can boost the immune system, reduce symptoms of the virus, and help patients avoid hospitalization.
Patients who qualify as high-risk can receive a single dose of monoclonal antibody treatment within 10 days of symptom onset and after testing positive for COVID-19.
More than 900 high-risk patients in our community have received the treatment as of early May. Patients who received the monoclonal antibody treatment at Genesis experienced health improvements that reduced their risk of being hospitalized by 76%.
Patient Rob Ogg recounts his battle with COVID-19 and the monoclonal antibody treatment he received at the Genesis Infusion Clinic.
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“It hit me that quick, and then it stuck with me. From that moment on, I had pain every day,” Janet said.
Janet spent months trying non-invasive techniques, like steroid treatments, stretching and anti-inflammatory medication, but the pain subsided only briefly. After receiving the non-invasive treatments at the Genesis Interventional Pain Management Clinic, she was referred to Yasu Harasaki, M.D. Specializing in spine surgery, Dr. Harasaki is a fellowship-trained and board-certified neurosurgeon with the Genesis Neurosurgery Group.
“Janet’s pain was getting in the way of everyday life – going up and down stairs or sitting in a car was painful. The pain also woke her up at night. She needed a long-term solution,” Dr. Harasaki said. After reviewing images of her lower spine, Dr. Harasaki identified a slipped disc pinching several nerves in a very tight space. He considered Janet’s overall health and situation and recommended minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery.
“The longer we’re off our feet, the quicker we become deconditioned and weak – that’s especially true as we age. With that in mind, I knew Janet would benefit greatly from the advanced technique that would only have a minimal disruption to her daily life. A lateral lumbar spinal fusion would be her best option,” Dr. Harasaki said.
Traditional spinal fusion involves an incision on the back and manipulating the muscles to access the surgical site. With the minimally invasive technique, lateral lumbar fusion, surgeons make a smaller incision on the side of the waist. This entry point offers patients less pain with the same desired results. “With a lateral entry, I can get to the structures without irritating back muscles as you do with traditional spinal fusion surgery. That’s why patients experience significantly less pain and faster recoveries with lateral lumbar fusion,” Dr. Harasaki explained. During Janet’s procedure, Dr. Harasaki carefully removed Janet’s damaged disc and replaced it with a titanium spacer. Then, using an advanced computer navigation system, he precisely placed screws and rods through 1 ½-inch incisions in the back to fuse the bones around the spine. “After a major back surgery, I was expecting some pain – but I did not have any pain,” Janet said.
Muscle-sparing minimally invasive procedures like lateral lumbar fusions require specially trained physicians. For example, Dr. Harasaki completed a neurosurgery residency, followed by an extra year of fellowship training in complex spinal surgeries that focused on minimally invasive techniques. “In Central and Southeastern Ohio, not many surgeons perform the lateral lumbar surgical technique,” Dr. Harasaki said. “I feel fortunate to be able to bring this opportunity to our community. Minimally invasive spinal fusions are especially beneficial for patients with other medical problems, like diabetes, and also for our older population. In fact, most of my patients having this surgery are 70 years old or older.”
Janet appreciated Dr. Harasaki’s expertise and taking the time to explain the procedure to her. For instance, after listening to Dr. Harasaki’s detailed explanation of the procedure, Janet mentioned talking with her adult daughters before deciding on
the surgery. “When I said that, Dr. Harasaki asked for their phone numbers. He was going to call them right then and tell them all about it. I could tell he was sincere. We were very impressed, and we continue to be impressed,” Janet said. Janet also appreciated the caregiver teams who helped her feel at ease during the decision-making process, surgery and recovery. The Genesis physicians and healthcare teams are known for communicating and connecting with patients and family members. “I often hear our patients say they’re treated as people here, and they feel listened to,” Dr. Harasaki said. “I think it’s wonderful that we can combine a welcoming feeling with advanced treatments and care for our community.”
When it comes to spinal fusion, a minimally invasive lateral lumbar
approach offers patients a bundle of benefits, including:
• Faster recovery
• Less pain
• Smaller incisions
• Less damage to muscles
• Lower risk of infection
• Decreased use of pain medication
• Shorter hospital stays
Nothing traumatic happened. At 81 years old, nothing traumatic needs to happen. As Janet Doyle routinely descended the steps from her bedroom one morning, an unexpected pain shot into her hip and traveled down her left leg.
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2951 Maple Avenue
Zanesville, OH 43701
United States
2014 - 2018 Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
2018 - 2021 Akron General Medical Center
Emergency Medical Services
2951 Maple Avenue
Zanesville, OH 43701
United States
2013 - 2017 The Ohio State University College of Medicine
2017 - 2018 New York-Presbyterian Queens
2018 - 2021 Rutgers Medical School
955 Bethesda Drive
1st Floor
Zanesville, OH 43701
United States
930 Bethesda Dr
Ste 1
Zanesville, OH 43701
United States
2018 - 2021 Doctors Hospital
2011 - 2015 West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
2015 - 2018 Doctors Hospital
Preventative Cardiology, Valvular heart disease, Vascular and Venous Medicine, Cardiac Imaging, Cardiomyopathy, Cardiac Amyloidosis, Pericardial disease, Myocarditis
Internal Medicine, General Cardiovascular Medicine, Nuclear Cardiology, Echocardiography, Vascular Imaging
Laura Walker eagerly made her first attempt jumping on a trampoline at age 29. Unfortunately, she tumbled out of control, severely injuring her knee. As a result, Laura spent two decades in agonizing pain.
Then a chance encounter and recommendation for Corey Jackson, D.O., changed her life. Dr. Jackson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with the Genesis Orthopedic Group.
“It was my first time on a trampoline and my last time off,” Laura said. As years passed, arthritis aggravated the injury, and she suffered from an excruciating two-inch bone spur. Laura relied on her other knee for support, which eventually resulted in arthritis as well. Ultimately, the pain was too great for Laura to continue an 18-year career at a local restaurant in Cambridge, Ohio, her hometown. She is presently a contract driver for a local transport agency serving non-emergency medical patients.
“I learned to live with the pain,” said Laura, now in her late 40s. “I spoke with several surgeons who insisted I was too young for the surgery.” One day, Laura mentioned her situation to a transport patient experiencing similar symptoms. The patient enthusiastically recommended Dr. Jackson. “I called his office that day,” Laura said.
“Admittedly, Laura is much younger than most patients who require such an extensive surgery,” Dr. Jackson said. “The combination of the injury and time caused her to have a severely afflicted knee with severe osteoarthritis.”
Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. Arthritis causes the cartilage to wear away, exposing the bone in the joint, resulting in extreme pain.
“Our technologically advanced knee surgery is a solution for patients suffering from osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Jackson. The total joint replacement surgery involves removing a small amount of the bone and resurfacing it so patients can be pain-free. “Total joint replacement surgery has proven to be an incredible medical breakthrough,” Dr. Jackson said.
Genesis offers the latest in technology to provide the best in joint replacement surgery regionally. “Our specially trained surgeons and advanced providers provide expertise for patients like Laura to get them back to enjoying life,” Dr. Jackson said. “Plus, our advanced minimally invasive technologies help patients recover faster.”
“I had confidence in Dr. Jackson,” Laura said. “He explained every part of the surgery and recovery clearly and made me feel at ease.”
“The principle goal of this surgery is for patients to walk pain-free,” Dr. Jackson said. “Laura was in misery. She couldn’t
straighten her knee, and every step caused discomfort. Now she is pain-free.”
Laura appreciates Dr. Jackson’s compassionate care that enables her to walk, run and sleep at night without pain. “The knee replacement surgery has been life-changing. I am so fortunate that I found Dr. Jackson.”
Laura Walker severely injured her knee at age 29. She spent two decades in agonizing pain.
Zanesville, Ohio (July 23, 2021) – Genesis HealthCare System held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, July 23, to kick off the construction of the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center. The state-of-the-art facility will provide improved access to high-quality, advanced healthcare to Coshocton County residents. It will open in early 2023.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era of healthcare in the Coshocton area,” said Matthew Perry, President and CEO, Genesis HealthCare System. “This ceremony symbolizes the excitement that is building for the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center. Our new facility will combine superior clinical information technology, advanced clinical equipment, and the latest in healthcare facility design with the best physicians, nurses, technologists and support staff to create the optimum patient experience.”
Located at 48119 US 36, Coshocton, the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center will have 60,000 sq. ft. of floor space in a one-story structure that features a modern design with amenities to enhance the patient experience. Services available include an Emergency Department; Outpatient Surgery Center; overnight observation unit; imaging department; laboratory; pharmacy; cardiac diagnostics; respiratory therapy; physical, occupational and speech therapies; and a medical office building for physician specialists. The facility will be staffed by 200+ full-time employees.
The project is supported by the community through generous gifts from the Montgomery Foundation, the Coshocton Foundation and the Genesis HealthCare Foundation. Community members can watch construction progress via a live feed and time-lapse video at genesishcs.org/Coshocton.
Participating in the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center groundbreaking ceremony were (left to right) Gary Fischer, Coshocton County Commissioners; Don Wells, Tuscarawas Township Trustees; Mark Mills, Mayor of Coshocton; Tiffany Swigert, Coshocton Port Authority; Matt Perry, Genesis HealthCare System; Pat Nash, Genesis HealthCare System Board of Directors; Linda Scott, The Montgomery Foundation; Bob Pell, Coshocton Foundation; and Jerry Nolder, Genesis HealthCare Foundation.
Genesis HealthCare System held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, July 23, to kick off the construction of the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center.