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US Army Veteran Grateful for VNA Care RN who Goes the Extra Mile

If Ray and Dorothy Roberts had to describe Esther Asdourian, RN, in just one word, it would be “lifesaver.”

Esther came into their lives more than two years ago when Ray needed nursing care at home following a transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Unhappy with the home health care agency that previously cared for him, Ray and Dorothy chose VNA Care, a pioneer in home-based health care services for nearly 140 years.

“I don’t know what we’d do without Esther’s concern, guidance, and knowledge,” said Ray.

Esther’s twice weekly visits largely focus on healing Ray’s stubborn stasis ulcers, wounds on his lower legs that, if left untreated, could lead to severe infection, amputation, or life-threatening sepsis. Ray has no shortage of stories about the ways Esther’s sharp clinical skills and dedication to patient advocacy have made an enormous difference in his life.

The most critical was during a routine visit this spring. Ray’s blood pressure was elevated, and he was experiencing shortness of breath that didn’t improve with rest. Esther contacted Ray’s primary care physician which led to numerous tests, hospitalization, and surgery for the placement of two stents.

“Everything seemed to come into place at that point,” remembered Ray.

He returned home, and Esther monitored his post-surgical recovery and leg wounds. Ray’s blood pressure was under control for several months until Esther found that it had become unusually low. Known as hypotension, severe or persistent low blood pressure can bring such life-threatening complications as stroke and renal failure. Esther reached out to the cardiologist to quickly address the situation through medication changes.

“Esther’s been a lifesaver. I didn’t realize my blood pressure was that high. And I also didn’t realize when it was that low. Dorothy’s convinced that I might not be alive today if I hadn’t had Esther advocating for me with my primary care doctor and cardiologist,” said Ray.

Dorothy added, “Esther goes the extra mile that few people do. If I could clone her, I would.”

Esther is modest about the life-changing care she provides Ray and all of her patients. She’s quick to point out that VNA Care’s nurses and other clinicians are always diligent in keeping patients safe and healthy at home by looking for little symptoms that could signal more serious problems.

Her attention to those “little” things is making headway on healing Ray’s leg wounds. Esther found a white speck in the middle of a cluster of wounds. Ray, who served in the Vietnam War and retired as a major from the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, followed up with a specialist at the Veterans Administration Medical Center. The speck was calcified tissue that the doctor removed. The wounds are finally showing signs of improving.

Dorothy said, “Esther’s become like extended family. When Ray’s legs heal, we’ll miss her greatly. I appreciate her so much. She really has a truly compassionate heart.”