Debbie's Story
I felt like I was staying with relatives.
For more than 40 years, Debbie Blinkhorn was constantly on her feet every day as the owner of a busy dry cleaning business. This strain helped lead to the eventual prolapse (dropping) of her bladder.
“My gynecologist, Dr. Michael Pelekanos, encouraged me to have surgery and I traveled from my home in Level Green to Penn Highlands Connellsville to have Dr. Pelekanos perform the procedure,” said Debbie.
While the distance from her home to the hospital was only 33 miles each way, the experience at Penn Highlands Connellsville was very different from what she was expecting from a hospital stay.
“I didn’t feel like I was in a hospital — it felt more like I was staying with relatives,” the grandmother explained. “The staff was so welcoming and friendly. My son immediately noticed an open Bible which was comforting.”
She continued, “My surgery took twice as long as expected. Dr. Pelekanos told me out of the nearly 6,000 operations he performed, mine was the worst one because I let my condition go too long.”
Now, more than a year post surgery, Debbie is doing great.
“The surgery gave me more freedom. I recommend Dr. Pelekanos and Penn Highlands Connellsville to all of my friends.”
