Erlanger: Healing. Teaching. Leading.

Dance partner, Ida Stuart, and Robert Copeland practice a few dance moves.

Robert Copeland arrived at the Erlanger Baroness Campus Emergency Department in early April with severe stomach pains. After an initial diagnosis of abdominal abscess or diverticulitis, his condition rapidly deteriorated and he was admitted to the hospital.

Multiple tests revealed he had a life-threatening infection. Only after 19 days in the hospital was he able to return home with antibiotics, a drain, and doctors’ orders to regain his strength in anticipation of surgery. Joseph Cofer, M.D., surgeon with University Surgical Associates, operated on May 15 and found the infection had spread to areas around Mr. Copeland’s gallbladder, liver, colon, and duodenum. In fact, his gallbladder was never found, seemingly having disintegrated. A second surgery, two days later, was needed to repair a leak in his duodenum.

Mr. Copeland’s life-threatening illness activated a team of Erlanger specialists, including urologists, infectious disease specialists and gastroenterologists, not to mention the surgical team, physical therapy staff, respiratory therapy team, and nurses at every level of care. “The Surgical Critical Care Services at Erlanger deserve the lion’s share of the credit for getting him well and providing excellent care,” said Dr. Cofer.

After another month of recuperation under the watchful eye of surgeons and staff, Mr. Copeland was finally discharged in mid-July, much to the relief of his loving family.

“It is difficult to thank everyone,” said Mr. Copeland. “The whole organization was good to me. Everyone I was in contact with treated me well, was professional, and cared for me.”

Mr. Copeland turned 77 in August and is doing very well today. There are no signs of infection and he only has to watch what he eats. “I have returned to driving, eating out, and attending dances at Senior Neighbors and the American Legion,” added Mr. Copeland.