JoAnna Koller

Relief and Renewal: JoAnna’s Journey

As a mom of three, JoAnna Koller was used to putting others first. But when a cyst began interfering with her daily life, she realized it was time to prioritize her own health. That decision led her to St. Elizabeth, and a care experience that JoAnna now wishes she had started even earlier.

From Discomfort to a Decision

JoAnna’s journey began with a cyst that had become bothersome. “It was slightly uncomfortable and affecting my everyday life,” says JoAnna. “It was something that I put off for a long time. So, I finally said, ‘We’ve tried every other treatment. Let’s do this.’”

She was referred to Dr. Audrey Ertel, MD, a General Surgeon practicing at St. Elizabeth and scheduled her first surgery. Though the recovery wasn’t easy, JoAnna said everything went as expected. “It healed great and everything went well,” she says. “I’m sad that I didn’t do it six months earlier.”

Dr. Ertel remembers JoAnna’s first visit clearly. “You were so sweet to everyone, thanking everyone and being so kind and appreciative,” she recalls. “It just encapsulated who you are.”

A Second Surgery

About six months later, JoAnna noticed another cyst — this time on her scalp. It wasn’t painful, but it was inconvenient. “I’d notice it when I wanted to get my hair done,” she remembers. “It was just kind of bothersome. I’d have to tell my hairdresser every time.”

Knowing how well her first procedure went with Dr. Ertel, JoAnna scheduled a second surgery. “I again wish I had done it sooner,” she says. “The healing was amazing.”

This time, she opted for topical anesthesia and stayed awake during the procedure. “It was quite entertaining,” JoAnna says. “We had a good conversation. I don’t want to use the word fun, but it wasn’t nearly what I would think of when thinking of surgery.”

Seamless Care and Support

JoAnna’s recovery was smooth. “I was doing so well, Dr. Ertel said there was no office follow-up necessary, but to let her know if I needed anything,” she says. “It was so simple.”

She praises the seamless coordination between departments. “Dermatology was very connected with the surgery office and what was going on. It was all a really quick turnaround.”

JoAnna felt prioritized every step of the way. “From the people who answer the phones to the people in the room with you during surgery, I always felt like I was cared for,” she says. “Everyone was on the same page. Everybody cared about me.”

Dr. Ertel said that kind of connection is what makes her work meaningful. “The level of care I would want for my own family is what I want for my patients.”

Living and Learning

For JoAnna, her surgeries meant more than just physical relief. “It was something that just made everyday life better,” she says. “It meant fewer hiccups in my day and less to worry about. I could be a better me.”

She is also thankful she can give her all to her family again. “When you’re in pain, you can’t give 100% to your kids,” she says “You want to do all you can for them. But there’s times when you just have to say I can’t take you here and there.”

Now, JoAnna encourages others not to wait. “Just take the first step, go into the office. I didn’t run into a single person who wasn’t there to help me along the way,” she says. “I could get to the end and decide I didn’t want to do the surgery, and I would still have more knowledge. But once you take that first step, you’re going to do it. It’s just so much easier.”

She also hopes to be an advocate for her children. “If something like this comes up for them, I’ll tell them, ‘It doesn’t have to be something that disables you from daily life. You can get it taken care of.’”

If you or a loved one could benefit from General Surgery at St. Elizabeth, learn more by visiting our website or schedule your consultation by calling (800) 737-7900.