Letter to the Editor:

Bess Carnahan
Posted 10/30/24

Who knew what extraordinary services we have In Torrington

It was an accident. No one would do this on purpose! I was in a jam and called 911. The friendly and concerned dispatcher got an …

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Letter to the Editor:

Posted

Who knew what extraordinary services we have In Torrington

It was an accident. No one would do this on purpose! I was in a jam and called 911. The friendly and concerned dispatcher got an ambulance rolling and collected details. In only a few minutes, the ambulance arrived with two efficient, knowledgeable and kind EMTS. They knew their business and in no time, I was in the ER at Community hospital. I was handed off to the ER Doctor Rider and his nurse.  

The displacement of the foot was obvious and a quick assessment determined I was in a lot of pain and needed a trauma orthopedist. Although I was definitely in a situation over the pay grade of local medical help, Dr. Rider prescribed pain meds and in short order, had me set for admission to Regional West Medical Center (RWMC) in Scottsbluff. A different ambulance crew from Torrington (courteous, well trained and caring) took me to RWMC where I went from ambulance to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Thanks to electronics I was admitted without delay and set up for Traumatic Orthopedic Surgery. The care was excellent and Dr. David Samani operated. Bottom line was a shattered ankle and broken tibia bone.

During my 4 days stay at RWMC ICU, the physical therapists worked with me to get me started on rehab. No malingering! I was next sent back to Torrington to the Goshen Care Center for rehab. The care and attention there was excellent and in one week I was released to home to continue recuperation. Luckily my home is all one level with no steps. It was wheelchair compatible.

One month later I was slated for physical therapy. How to get there? No worries. The Goshen Senior Friendship Center offered rides for $2 per stop and they had a van that would accommodate a wheelchair bound patient. For the next month I depended on them for all my outings. Exciting things like PT, pharmacy pickups, etc. The drivers were trained, courteous and on time.

North Platte Physical Therapy here in Torrington got me back on my feet. Yep, it was slow and painful, but necessary. Quinn Carroll PT Manager knows his business. I graduated from wheelchair to walker and Quinn suggested I contact Goshen Friendship Center to borrow a walker. They offered the perfect walker at no charge, just a small donation on return.

In the meantime, groceries became a worry. Who knew? Main Street Market offers free (with $25 or more order) shopping and delivery. I sent in the list and their shopper, Jim, magically appeared with everything on my list…exactly what I ordered, delivered to my kitchen table.

Friends and neighbors filled in the gaps and three months later I am making good progress. Limited walking for now, but well on the road to recovery. Who knew what awesome services we have available here in Torrington? My thanks to everyone who pitched in during my time of need.

Bess Carnahan

Torrington