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8

Patient Perspectives

Arlan Thuringer

Brenda Wilbur Arlan Thuringer was “blowing up like a balloon” but didn’t know why. Oak Harbor

Coupeville “I was up to 204 pounds in July 2017 and at five foot seven inches, that’s not
Brenda Wilbur says she owes a big good,” Thuringer said.
debt of gratitude to general surgeon Thuringer has had asthma all his life and after being treated for it at a
Allison Alberton, MD. regional asthma clinic, a doctor prescribed prednisone.

“I had a potential life-threatening “I couldn’t figure out why I was gaining all this weight, so I took a look at
intestine problem and I was very the medications I was taking, did a little research and realized it was the
fortunate to have Dr. Alberton as my prednisone that was making me fat.”
surgeon,” Wilbur says. When Thuringer expressed his concerns about weight gain from the
prednisone to the allergy clinic doctor he was frustrated by his reaction.
“She was very competent, “I said look at me doc, I look like
compassionate and caring. In a blown up balloon! ‘Well, you
essence: She saved my life.” want to breathe don’t you?’

Sometime later, Wilbur went about That’s what he said to me,”
Thuringer recalled.
her active lifestyle as usual.
He turned to his longtime
“I was overdoing my garden work, primary care provider, PA-C
such as lifting heavy boards, Lauren Bock of WhidbeyHealth
stones and hoeing and Primary Care Cabot Drive, who
I developed a hernia.” advised Thuringer to stop taking
the prednisone and to enroll in
For a second time, Dr. Alberton the Pulmonary Rehab class at
provided Wilbur with surgical WhidbeyHealth Medical Center.
services and Wilbur
was thankful she was “I went to the class for three months and went
from 204 down to 164 pounds in that time,”
on the island.
Thuringer said. “The nurses Kim, Mary and
“She did an Kyrstie were great. They helped me in so many
excellent job for me ways,” he added.
once again. I feel The class helped Thuringer gain control of
WhidbeyHealth is his breathing and his weight by learning
very fortunate to about breathing techniques, medication use
have Dr. Alberton on and nutrition. He also attended a monitored
its surgical team,” exercise program that got him back in shape
Wilbur says. and improved this strength and endurance.
Days on the treadmill, step, stationary bike
In a letter to the administrative team and rowing machines worked like a charm. He also appreciated learning more
and to Dr. Alberton, Wilbur was sure about what really makes up a good diet.
to let them know how thankful she “I enjoy eating, but I eat less now and eat more vegetables. I’ve learned to
was for her care. read labels for sodium, sugar and fat content. I never did any of that before,”
Thuringer noted.
“Thank you, Dr. Alberton and the
entire surgical team for helping me “I’m more active now. I’m not as sluggish as I was before and I even sleep
to regain my full and active lifestyle.” better. I just feel better.”