Randy Mattern- Chronic Wound Patient Experience

Five Years With a Wound That Would Not Heal

Think about everything you did yesterday.

Now imagine doing it all while living with a large, painful wound on your abdomen—a wound that would not heal.

Imagine living that way not for a few weeks or months, but for five years.

For one man, that was everyday life. He went from provider to provider looking for answers, but his wound continued to worsen. At times, he felt dismissed and wondered whether anyone would truly listen.

Then, after moving with his family to Dayton, Washington, he made a phone call that would change his life.

His story began in 2013 following a hernia repair. The surgical site became infected and never fully healed. Despite repeated medical visits, the wound remained open for years.

In 2018, while living in Dayton and helping care for family, he called Dayton General Hospital and asked a simple question:

“Do you have a wound care center?”

The answer was yes.

He had reached Columbia County Health System’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center. After hearing his story, a member of the Wound Care team scheduled him for an evaluation. No referral was required.

For the first time in years, he felt someone was listening.

At his initial appointment, the team carefully reviewed his medical history and examined the wound. Further investigation revealed that a piece of surgical mesh from his original hernia repair had become infected.

The Wound Care team coordinated with a surgeon to have the infected material removed. Because the infection had been present for so long, a significant amount of tissue had been damaged. After surgery, the wound measured approximately eight inches long, two inches wide, and two inches deep.

The healing process would take time, but now there was a clear plan.

Over the following months, he received specialized treatment that included regular wound evaluations, debridement and negative pressure wound therapy. His progress was monitored closely, and his care plan was adjusted as the wound healed.

By the middle of 2019, the wound had completely closed.

After five years of living with a chronic wound, he was able to return to a more normal life.

His experience represents the approach our Wound Care team brings to every patient: listen carefully, investigate the cause and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Chronic wounds are often connected to underlying medical conditions, infections, circulation problems or complications from previous procedures. Effective treatment may involve more than caring for the wound itself. It can also include patient education, prevention strategies and coordination with primary care providers, specialists and other members of the patient’s healthcare team.

Throughout each patient’s healing journey, our goal is to provide consistent care, clear communication and compassionate support.

You or someone you love should not have to face a chronic wound alone.

Advanced wound care is available close to home at Columbia County Health System’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center in Dayton, Washington.

No referral is required.

To speak with our team or schedule an evaluation, call 509-382-8422.