Stories

Diabetes: Choices and Decisions
Ms. Leila Dilligard

Mrs. Lelia Dilligard is a petite 75 year-old, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 1996. Seven years later, she developed problems with the blood circulation in her legs. She had surgery in Georgetown to bypass a blocked artery in her left leg, and that went well. A few years later, pain started in her right leg. Her original surgeon was no longer in the area, so she saw another physician at the same medical practice, and he performed a similar bypass on her right leg but used an artificial vein, a tube made of synthetic fabric. A year and a half passed, and she again had foot pain, so she went back to the same doctor for help. Her daughter, Barbara and son-in-law, Reverend Michael Frost, went with her to the doctor, who examined her and did tests and results showed poor blood flow. The doctor concluded nothing could be done except amputation. His advice -- "get some medication" and see how much pain she could bare and for how long. When she couldn’t endure the pain, she would then face leg amputation. Reverend Frost asked the doctor, "Is that all you can do—deal with the pain then cut it off?"

In the Georgetown area, high amputation rates seem to numb both patients and health care providers. For patients with diabetes, health decisions are quality of life matters.

Still reeling from the doctor's decree, Reverend Frost called St. James-Santee Family Health Center. After a medical assessment, Ms. Dilligard was referred to the Medical University of South Carolina with an appointment scheduled in about 30 days. Thinking that would be too long to wait for help, Reverend Frost called MUSC directly and got an appointment for the next day. A surgeon examined her and said he couldn’t promise, but he was going to try to save her leg.

Additional tests were done to measure the blood flow in her leg. Talking through the therapy with Mrs. Dilligard and her family, the surgeon recommended a total bypass from the groin area to the foot. The surgeon said, "We had a meeting." Impressed that the doctor had consulted with colleagues and brought others to her care, Reverend Frost knew there was "wisdom in a multitude of council." More surgery and a lengthy recovery followed. After some time, Ms. Dilligard again had problems with moving her toes on her right foot. The surgeon determined the blood was not flowing into the foot properly, so more surgery was done to increase blood flow into her foot.

At around the same time, another Georgetown resident was on a similar treatment course—a younger man, who was told he needed his foot taken off immediately or he would die. For him, health care meant no referrals, no questioning, no satisfactory answers, no hope. His leg was amputated. He left the hospital to pass away not long afterwards.

The scars on Mrs. Dilligard’s leg run the length of her short leg, but they mean the world to her. Today she walks without a cane or assistance, and is living an active life. She helps her former employer, goes to church, and drives her SUV around. She thinks back on the MUSC physician who touched her feet, showed her compassion, and treated her like she was his own mother. Everyone remembers his words, "I will try" -- three small words of care and hope.

Ms. Florene Linnen, REACH Community Health Advisor for Georgetown, carries Reverend Frost’s message, Ms. Dilligard’s story, and health advocacy throughout her community. Every patient can find someone who cares, and find hope. No patient should be left behind by the health care system.

Reverend Frost is a man of God and family. His brother is a physician, and he knows that doctors are not gods. He prays that all patients will be treated with hope and compassion. The quality of life and life itself depend on it.

Ms. Linnen's Story. Ms. Riley's & Ms. Gilliard's Story.
Mr. Williams' Story . Ms. Harney's Story