When hospitalist Dr. Gabriel Johnson and his wife Kathryn moved to Madison in 2016, they were excited about what the future had in store – a new job, a new city, and the prospect of starting the family they dreamed of.
Gabe and Katie met in Kansas City, where Gabe was in residency and Katie was working as a teacher. They were married in 2015, and soon after, Gabe accepted the offer to practice at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital – Madison as a hospitalist.
With the stressors of the wedding and the move to Madison on the horizon, Katie's physician in Kansas City dismissed her initial concerns about the lack of a regular cycle. However, once the couple arrived in Madison, Katie found a new PA at SSM Health who addressed her concerns immediately. After a series of tests, the results showed elevated prolactin levels, and an MRI confirmed that Katie had a 2-centimeter tumor on her pituitary gland.
”Based on the test and imaging results, I suspected a prolactinoma - a noncancerous brain tumor on the pituitary gland that can cause infertility, vision issues and other problems,” recalled Dr. Alan Lozier. ”Due to the tumor size, Katie's age, and their interest in having children, I recommended removing the tumor surgically.”
Although prolactinomas are not life-threatening, the diagnosis of a brain tumor was difficult for the couple to digest. From his physician training, Dr. Johnson knew the condition was treatable with medication. Still, after consulting with Dr. Lozier, he and Katie were reassured and confident that surgery was the best course of action.
Through innovative neurosurgical technology, Dr. Lozier has enhanced magnification, illumination and navigation at his fingertips, for a crystal-clear view to remove tumors successfully. The remarkable non-invasive procedure calls for tiny instruments that navigate up the nasal and sinus cavities and a large microscope to ensure the best visual clarity while safely removing the tumor. After just a few days, Katie was discharged from the Hospital. At home she faced an uncommonly strong reaction to the surgery and required readmission.
”A few days after surgery, I experienced terrible headaches caused by extreme shifts in my sodium levels that required treatment and monitoring.“ Katie remembered. “Thanks to the exceptional care I received - and an extraordinary amount of prayers – after five days, I was finally able to go home pain-free.”
“In Katie's case, the tumor caused her body to produce too much prolactin, as if she were lactating, which disrupted her reproductive system,” explained Dr. Lozier, “Once the tumor was removed, and the sodium issues resolved, Katie's cycle returned to normal like clockwork.”
Four months later, Katie and Gabe were expecting their first child and have since been blessed with two more – three children in three years – Lydia (4), Liron (3) and Levi (18 months).
When Katie reflects on her journey, she vividly recalls touring the hospital during the interview process and finding peace and comfort in the 13-word Mission statement on the lobby wall, “I remember resonating with those powerful words: Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God, knowing that we would be a part of something special at SSM Health.”
Katie added, “And, throughout my experience, I deeply felt God's grace and healing presence extended through all who had a hand in my care. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the nurses, physicians, and caregivers we encountered at every step of the way - from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care. We are truly blessed.”
Katie's journey is just one of many happy endings impacted by innovation in Neurosciences, and the continuum of compassionate care at SSM Health. From early stroke interventions to diagnostics, tumor removal and spine care, investments in state-of-the-art neurosurgical technology deliver life-saving, and life-altering care to those we have the privilege to serve.
Join us in support of excellence in Neurosciences and give the gift of hope this holiday season!
