Robert Craner

Take me to Timpanogos Regional Hospital: They listen, care and heal

 Robert Craner, of Provo, initially sought care at a nearby hospital because he couldn’t urinate. Sadly, this visit nosedived into a downward spiral of mistreated health issues that left Robert despairing, desperate and deformed.

“I had three hernias, two surgeries and a misshaped body. After the surgeries, my lower abdomen and groin area looked like I had a large mountain with a ridge growing along my left side that fell into a concaved area on the right side,” Robert explained. “It was so ugly, and I was very self-conscious, to the point that I was battling depression. I was a wreck.”

Robert sought opinions and help from multiple doctors, including urologists and plastic surgeons, but found no respite. Finally, nearly a year later, a physician connected Robert with Dr. Lee Trotter, Trauma Surgeon at Timpanogos Regional Hospital and head of the Trauma department.

“He looked at my abdomen area and said, ‘You’re in trouble. Something’s wrong. Let’s get you scheduled for surgery right away, but if it gets unbearable in the meantime, go to an Emergency Room,’” Robert recalls.

Robert did end up in the Emergency Room. His right testicle felt like it was going to explode, and the 12 to 15 ibuprofen per day couldn’t touch the pain. This time he chose the Timpanogos Regional Hospital Emergency Room, in hopes that he’d receive care from Dr. Trotter.

Intensive emergency surgery with intensive compassion

The Emergency Room team welcomed Robert and quickly evaluated his situation. Within a short time, Dr. Trotter and his specialized surgical team began operating on Robert’s complex case. Due to the complications and difficulties from his previous surgery, the operation required expert skill, determined patience and intensive team effort.

During the 5.5-hour procedure, Dr. Trotter discovered five hernias in need of repair. Robert suffered from inguinal hernias, ventral hernias and a navel hernia, meaning portions of his intestine or fat bulged through the lower stomach wall. Inguinal hernias typically appear in the groin area, and most commonly affect men.

“When I woke from the surgery, Dr. Trotter came in and told me all about it. He said my body had been a mess, but he straightened me out. I remember looking down and I could see that my mountain ridge was gone. I was in tears. Finally, someone listened and helped me!” Robert said.

Robert had a 14-inch-long incision across his abdomen secured by 31 staples. In addition, Dr. Trotter placed more than 300 stitches internally to repair the hernias and damage from previous surgeries.

“I owe my existence to Dr. Trotter and Timpanogos hospital staff. They treated me with such respect and as if I was their No. 1 priority,” Robert said. “I’ve had a lot of experience at hospitals, and never have I been treated so well.”

Caring healthcare heals physical and emotional wounds

Robert spent five-and-a-half days in the hospital recovering from surgery. During this time, he developed a severe and irritating rash on his back. He also missed his home and his dogs. That’s when the level of compassion and caring increased even higher.

“The nurses and staff expressed such deep concern about me. They’d come talk, help me with the rash and make every effort to ensure I felt comfortable. They were there for me. Half the time I didn’t have clothes on and I felt extremely self-conscious; but no one made me feel bad. They never made fun of how my body looked. Instead, they treated me like a gem,” Robert said. “I was in such a vulnerable place physically and emotionally; I don’t know how well I’d be if I hadn’t received that kind of care from the nurses.”

As Robert continues healing from surgery, he says he finds himself increasing in strength, empathy for others who quietly suffer and enthusiasm for Timpanogos Regional Hospital.

“I have told so many people about this hospital. I say, ‘If you want a good experience, go to Timpanogos. They’ll treat you as if you’re golden,” Robert said. “They listen, care and heal.”