For Gail Christensen, even a minor bump into a doorway or car door can result in a serious wound.
“I’m a walking bruise most of the time,” Gail said. “My skin just tears.”
After undergoing both a heart and a kidney transplant following cancer treatment, Gail has spent years managing the side effects of medications that prevent her body from rejecting those organs. While lifesaving, these medications have also left her skin extremely fragile and slow to heal.
That was what first brought her to the Wound Care team at Pipestone County Medical Center.
“I’ve been here for my legs four or five times,” she said. “I trip and stumble into things, and then my skin just tears.”
Over the years, Gail has dealt with everything from deep wounds caused by falls to skin tears from everyday accidents. One of her most severe injuries occurred after she tripped outdoors and struck a concrete step.
“That one took about five months to heal,” she recalled. “But they helped me so much.”
Gail credits PCMC’s Wound Care team — Wound Care provider Melissa Scotting, APRN, CNP, WCC; Corbin Surat, RN; and Alyssa Ploen, RN — for helping her heal physically and for giving her the confidence and knowledge to care for herself at home.
“They explained everything so well so that I know what I’m doing,” Gail said. “I remembered everything they told me, and this last time, part of my skin healed because of what they taught me.”
The team worked closely with Gail on wound care techniques, compression therapy, dressing changes, and products to promote healing and reduce swelling. Just as importantly, Gail said they made complex care instructions easy to understand.
“I’m sure what’s going on is complicated, but they can make it easier,” she said. “They’ll help you with any questions and explain things so you understand. They’ll write things out if you need them.”
For Gail, receiving that level of care close to home has made a significant difference.
“Before, I had to drive to Sioux Falls, and it was a long haul,” she said. “I really appreciate that they provide wound care in Pipestone.”
Today, Gail says she feels comfortable and cared for every time she walks through the doors of PCMC.
“I feel at home,” she said. “They’re very nice people.”
For patients living with chronic wounds, slow-healing injuries, or skin conditions requiring specialized care, Gail hopes her experience encourages others not to wait.
“I would say they’re wonderful to work with,” she said. “It’s a blessing.”
For more information, visit https://www.pipestonehealth.org/services/wound-care/ or call PCMC Wound Care at 507-825-7225.
Pictured L to R: Corbin Surat, Gail Christensen, and Melissa Scotting