From Associate to Patient: When Trust Makes all the Difference
If it breaks, Jan Peddicord is the person who will try to fix it. Whatever it is.
Before working at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital to support the facilities and maintenance team – most of Mr. Peddicord’s career was spent in the manufacturing industry working at Whirlpool Corporation in Marion.
“I’ve always wanted to stay busy. I can fix a lot. Not anything and everything, but I do fix a lot,” he said.
Recently though, Mr. Peddicord was tasked with a repair job beyond his control. This fix would require a great deal of trust. Simply put -- you can’t heal your heart with a hammer.
“It was mind-boggling for a while but when you have a situation like that, you have to put your trust into somebody. I have a doctor down in Columbus – but I was in Marion. And I only had possibly minutes. With that – at that time – I didn’t have a choice. I had to go for it – and we did,” he said.
Late last year – around the holidays – Mr. Peddicord started to feel extreme fatigue and brain fog. He would get winded walking a few steps. He knew something wasn’t right.
But there was a lot to celebrate at the time. There was a lot riding on that moment in time.
It was December 30th. It was his wife’s birthday. It was also almost New Year’s Eve – and he and his wife were making plans, as they do every year, to celebrate their wedding anniversary. He wasn’t going to let his declining health get in the way. However – he had no choice. He needed help.
“When we don’t go somewhere on New Year’s Eve – it’s kind of shocking. Yes, even at 80 years old,” he said. “We've been married 58 years. The whole essence of this thing is listen to your body. You don’t get second chances.”
On that day – December 30, 2024 – he asked his wife to take him to the Emergency Department at Marion General Hospital.
“I was really feeling worse in that moment,” he said. “So we came out to Marion General and went through the preliminary steps in the emergency room and they did some tests. The next morning the doctor came in and stopped at the foot of my bed and I noticed more providers to his left and right and I thought – ‘this is getting serious’ – and with that they explained to me that I had a blockage. And they said it was 99%. in the widow maker.”
Mr. Peddicord’s life was dedicated to fixing things. But when it came to a potentially life-saving repair – he had to put his trust into the Heart and Vascular team at Marion General Hospital, especially interventional cardiologist specialist Robert Heinl, MD.
“I had a stent put in. And almost right away – I felt better. Like I could breathe better. I knew I was going to be on the upwards swing at that point. And as time went on I have felt much better,” Mr. Peddicord said. “I don’t think that I would have been here if it weren’t for the team that worked on me – top notch. I know it’s what everyone here wants to hear at Marion General Hospital – and at OhioHealth -- but it’s the truth.”
“It’s been remarkable to see his improvement,” said Dr. Heinl. “Jan Peddicord’s story is a testament to the high level of healthcare we provide in Marion. Frequently, patients are surprised by what we offer. It’s part of our commitment to avoid transfers to Riverside Methodist Hospital and keep them close to home.”
Now, Mr. Peddicord is getting ready to celebrate his retirement – again.
“I just can’t sit still. I’ve wanted to stay busy,” he said.
He is retiring from Marion General Hospital at the end of April – after working there for six years. And unlike many others – he’s one associate who has also been a patient there, also. With his heart health in check – he’s ready to get back to doing what he loves. Spending time with family… and oh yeah, fixing things around the house, too.
