Patient Testimonial

Tim Weaver, Monroe Resident

Tim came through the doors of our Emergency Department in 2009 with an infection on his shin that was not getting better with antibiotics that had been prescribed to him by his family medicine physician. The infection was so severe that he was admitted to MSTU to be seen by Dr. Jonathan Borjeson, a general surgeon and Wound Healing Center Medical Director.

“It was clear that Tim needed surgery to remove the infection from his leg,” states Dr. Borjeson. It wasn’t until Tim was in the OR that it was discovered he had necrotizing fasciitis (flesh eating disease). “Tim is very lucky,” states Dr. Borjeson. Many who contract this infection lose limbs and in the most severe cases, die.

Unfortunately, a large section of Tim’s shin and underlying tissue had to be removed – but the good news is that Tim’s leg and foot were saved and today Tim is 100% completely healed.

Dr. Borjeson and the staff at the Wound Healing Center provided Tim with state-of-the-art therapies and treatment. Part of the success of Tim’s story is that he was able to come to the hospital for multiple hyperbaric treatments. “Tim’s outcome was so successful,” states Dr. Borjeson, “Part of the reason why is because of the HBO treatments.” The mortality with necrotizing fasciitis ranges from 33 to 75% without hyperbaric oxygen, and is improved to an average of 20% with it. Tim came to VGH five times a week, for multiple weeks for treatment. Imagine if he had to drive to the next closest hospital in Edmonds or Seattle?