Where is the Need Greatest?
SPRING RENEWAL: A Fresh Start Post-Pelvic Surgery
L ike many Washington residents, Lynn Sturgeon, an active 75-year-old, has been counting the days to spring. With the warmer temperatures, she’s ready to paddle her newly purchased kayak in the scenic waters near her home. Since having successful pelvic surgery in the fall, Lynn is back to doing all the outdoor activities she loves most. Lynn had been dealing with a prolapsed uterus resulting from childbirth for a couple of years. But, in Aug. 2023, the situation’s urgency became more apparent, with the prolapse suddenly worsening. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is one of the most common pelvic health conditions and can occur when pelvic organs shift out of place, similar to a hernia. As in Lynn’s case, it’s common for women to have no POP symptoms until the prolapse advances to a late stage. Unable to ignore the problem any longer, Lynn consulted with her ob/gyn, who referred her to Kathryn Arendt, MD, a
urogynecologist specializing in robotic and vaginal reconstructive surgery. Since Lynn was experiencing her first episode of prolapse, Dr. Arendt recommended a transvaginal approach to repair. “This approach is the least invasive, safest and has excellent long-term results,” adds Dr. Arendt. Lynn says she had a sense of trepidation facing surgery but recalls Dr. Arendt’s comforting words: “Right before surgery, she looked at me and said, ‘I will take good care of you,’ and I believed that she would,” Lynn reflects. In a transvaginal prolapse repair, the uterus is removed (hysterectomy) through a small vaginal incision—enabling the surgeon to address the weakened pelvic floor and reinforce tissues damaged by prolapse. “This procedure is less invasive than other reconstructive surgeries, reducing pain and making recovery easier,” explains Dr. Arendt. Lynn recalls feeling pleasantly surprised following surgery, “I had absolutely no pain and didn’t need any medication. I was out
I felt I was in such good hands, so safe and could breathe comfortably. – Lynn Sturgeon
If you make charitable contributions, you are probably familiar with the phrase “where the need is greatest.” Organizations, including Overlake, often ask for gifts that can be applied to any part of the budget in need of funds. That open-ended terminology is used because priority needs are quickly moving targets. Some expenses are fixed, some have long been anticipated, and some arise seemingly overnight—hello, pandemic. Where is the need greatest right now? Overlake is in a time of growing, advancing and adding new innovations. Here are just some of the projects at the top of our current fundraising priority list. Innovations in Care • Overlake’s team of urogynecologists and female urologists is transforming life for women with pelvic health challenges. Using the latest diagnostic and therapeutic options, they are addressing many common and treatable conditions that can affect women of any age. • Overlake’s Critical Care Unit (CCU) continues to develop our ability to deploy extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in cases of acute cardiac or pulmonary failure. This technology is a key life-support system that uses a machine to temporarily do the work of the heart and lungs. • In 2023, we added a High-Risk Cancer Surveillance Clinic to the Overlake Cancer Center. This program provides a high level of screening and surveillance to individuals who are at heightened risk of cancer due to personal or family history, genetic predisposition, or many other factors.
Caregiver Advancement • Recruiting and retaining our workforce has been an overriding concern as we move into the future. Current initiatives include programs that provide new nursing graduates and new-to- specialty transitioning nurses with the support and on-the-job training they need to be successful. Technology for Patient Access • Getting in to see your doctor can sometimes be challenging, and we are working hard to make it easier. Technology solutions include increased online scheduling options, remote monitoring devices to facilitate telehealth, and more virtual visits when appropriate. Access for All • Overlake serves as a safety net provider for the Eastside and beyond. Anyone might need medical care and assistance at any time and Overlake is here for them, 24/7/365. We offer a generous financial assistance policy that ensures that everyone in our community has access to care. In the last year, Overlake provided $16 million in uncompensated charity care. Donations to Overlake’s Ensuring Excellence fund are applied “where the need is greatest.” This crucial support makes it possible to serve our community with skill, compassion and agility.
Christmas shopping two days after the hysterectomy,” she laughs. Looking back, Lynn laments that she only has one regret: “I wish I hadn’t waited so long to have the procedure. If I knew what I know now, I would have had it much sooner.”
The Overlake Pelvic Health Clinic has a team of urogynecologists and female urologists who are transforming life for women with pelvic health challenges. To learn more, visit overlakehospital.org/pelvic-health, scan the QR code with your mobile device or call 425.635.3450. • Women’s Pelvic Health Symposium, Thursday, May 16, 5–6:30 p.m. Free . • Pelvic Floor Wellness: Individuals 30+, Thursday, June 13, 6–8 p.m. Free. See class and event descriptions on page 4 under Wellness & Well-being. Visit overlakehospital.org/classes to register. Pelvic Health Classes & Events Discover techniques to improve your pelvic floor and gain practical tips and insights from our experts:
Kathryn Arendt, MD Gynecology, Urogynecology
To make a gift where the need is greatest, scan the QR code with your mobile device or visit overlakehospital.org/giving
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Overlake Medical Center & Clinics | Healthy Outlook
Overlake Medical Center & Clinics | Healthy Outlook
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