For over a decade, author and poet Jeffrey McDonald lived with chronic pain caused by lymphedema, venous insufficiency, and painful ulcers. Despite the severity of his condition, he avoided pain medication out of fear of dependency, resorting instead to unhealthy alternatives to manage his discomfort.
McDonald recalls not taking opioids for pain management out of fear of addiction. “I know chronic pain can lead someone to rely on a drug like this, and through only a sincere desire to be free of pain, they inadvertently become addicted,” he said. “I would suffer until bedtime and then drink alcohol to sleep. I know the doctors always say not to do that, but … I have always been able to set aside alcohol for some reason,” said McDonald.
But his life was defined by pain, frustration, and lack of effective care. “Getting a proper night’s sleep was the biggest frustration, especially during the time when my condition was the worst,” McDonald said. “I was an armored truck driver and needed to focus and stay awake. There were days when I called off work simply because I didn’t get the proper sleep, and it would not have been safe for me to drive.”
It wasn’t until he was referred to the Wound Clinic at SSM Health DePaul Hospital – St. Louis that he found healing from his pain and frustration.
From the moment McDonald walked through the doors of the Wound Clinic, he said he experienced a level of care and compassion that he hadn’t known in years. The team of professionals didn’t just treat his symptoms; they took a personal interest in his healing journey. Their goal was clear: to help McDonald heal and restore his quality of life.
“On the very first day, I had two nurses working on me, and another asking questions about my eating habits, diet, exercise, etc.,” he said. “It was like being in a room full of my female cousins fawning over me and getting into my life for my betterment.”
The clinic’s approach was comprehensive and deeply attentive. They addressed his lymphedema and venous ulcers with expert precision, but they didn’t stop there. The care team went above and beyond, recommending dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments that supported his healing from the inside out. Every step of the way, McDonald felt seen, heard, and supported.
“It was shocking in a good way,” said McDonald. “I began to look forward to each visit so I could discuss my progress in my diet and exercise, and life in general.”
Because of the exceptional care he received, McDonald is now pain-free for the first time in 10 years. He no longer relies on harmful coping mechanisms, and he never had to turn to pain medication. The Wound Clinic’s dedication and professionalism transformed his life and gave him the hope he thought he had lost.
“The people in the Wound Clinic, from the front desk to the nurses--Kat, Shelly, and Becky—and Dr. Christensen, have become like a surrogate family,” said McDonald. “They go beyond the condition. They treat me as a friend.”
Tribute Poem
Broken wings
They are angels sent from God above,
to care for people with kindness and love.
With a smile they heal out of faithful devotion,
To first do no harm, their only notion.
Regardless of the characters that enter their domain,
They strive to make them better and seldom complain.
Long hours they work, and grief they endure,
Sometimes never knowing if they're helping for sure.
You see a nurse is an angel with broken wings,
Grounded to endeavor in healing until the heavens sing.
McDonald’s story is a testament to what compassionate, patient-centered care can achieve. The Wound Clinic at SSM Health DePaul Hospital – St. Louis didn’t just treat a condition. Rather, they healed a person. “They have helped me look at my wellness in whole and not just the ailment that brought me to their doors,” said McDonald. “I have a good time while I am there; my soul is refreshed in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie.”
