Cleaning the garage can be an annoying chore, but for local Chiropractor Ian Chambers, D.C., it became so much more than an irritation on a hot July day. Having recently relocated to White Salmon from Santa Cruz, Calif., he and his family were settling into their new home when his wife Pamela asked him to clean the garage. “I didn’t think twice, even though it was 90 degrees outside, because it needed to be done,” Dr. Chambers said. “I felt tired after completing the job, but didn’t realize the toll this somewhat easy task would take on me until I woke up the next morning. I felt very weak, so weak I couldn’t even make myself get up.”
After losing 20 pounds in just two weeks I was very concerned and knew this was an ailment I couldn’t just get over myself,” he said. “Pamela took me to Skyline Health’s emergency room where I was greeted by a competent and compassionate team. They said they were going to take great care of me, and they did! “I received the most amazing treatment,” he smiled. “Troy Withherite, M.D., the attending physician, was calm, honest and proceeded with caution as he assessed me. The radiology team were like angels guiding me every step of the way. Everyone I came in touch with was genuinely caring, which was a huge part of my healing process.”
Dr. Chambers spent a day at Skyline Health receiving numerous tests, IV fluids and steroids, which helped him turn the corner to good health. And, although a positive diagnosis was not made, it was determined the cause of his health problems could have been toxic fumes – due to heat and exposed pesticides – he inhaled while cleaning the garage. Along with the warmth and expert medical care he received at Skyline, Dr. Chambers took an integrative approach on his road back to health. He also included chiropractic, acupuncture and naturopathy to support his body and mind in regaining its full strength and vitality.
“I feel blessed to have my health back,” he openly shares. Ultimately, Dr. Chambers sees his health crisis as a gift that allowed him to re-focus on what really matters most in his life: family. And it’s helped him become a more sympathetic doctor. It’s given him a deeper understanding of the suffering his patients experience every day. Which, he believes, allows him to serve them even better.
“Skyline was a pivotal point in my recovery,” he continued. “At a very stressful time, I was held up by the strength of others – it felt wonderful to be so compassionately cared for. Everyone should know what a special place Skyline is and how lucky we are to have access to this community hospital. I can’t say enough great things about Skyline and what it means to me.”
