Asher Johnson is a typical two-year-old boy, with an infectious laugh and boundless energy. But when his mom, Brook Johnson, director, Patient Access and Scheduling, picked him up from day care on October 9, he seemed out of sorts. His caregiver said he was warm to the touch when he woke from his nap, and he kept saying “ouch” as he walked around. Thinking he was probably coming down with something, Brook gave him Motrin that evening and hoped he would feel better in the morning.
Unfortunately, he was worse the next day. He still felt warm and was bearing even less weight on his left leg. Brook had a nagging feeling that something was seriously wrong, so she took Asher to the Emergency Department at Parkview DeKalb Hospital that morning. When they arrived, the team quickly brought Asher into a room to evaluate him. Dr. Tiffany Alexander listened carefully as Brook explained Asher’s symptoms. She immediately ordered X-rays and an ultrasound, and she strongly suggested blood work. The X-rays and ultrasound didn’t reveal any reason to be concerned, but a short time after the lab results came back, Dr. Alexander returned to inform Brook that Asher’s white blood cell and C-reactive protein levels were dangerously high. She suspected septic arthritis.
Because Asher needed specialized pediatric orthopedics evaluation and possible surgery for an infection, Dr. Alexander conferred with specialists at the Parkview Regional Medical Center to coordinate Asher’s care with the pediatric infectious disease and orthopedic teams at Riley Hospital for Children. Within two hours of Asher’s arrival at Parkview DeKalb Hospital, Dr. Alexander was able to secure his transfer to Riley for the next level of care.
The next day, Asher was officially diagnosed with septic arthritis in his left knee, just as Dr. Alexander had suspected. He underwent surgery to wash out the infection and remained in the hospital for five days to receive IV antibiotics and close monitoring. A little over three weeks later, Asher was released from Riley’s care. Coincidentally, it was the very same day the Johnson family had the honor of pinning Dr. Alexander with the Guardian Angel award.
Brook shared, “There truly aren’t enough words to express what Dr. Alexander means to our family. Because she listened, acted quickly, and communicated with such care, my son received lifesaving treatment before the infection could spread. She will forever have our gratitude.”
Thank you, Dr. Alexander, for ensuring that Asher received an accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment for his life-threatening infection. Your quick action, sound judgment, and exceptional care have left a lasting impact on Brook, Asher, and their entire family. This is the kind of extraordinary care we all strive to provide, and we are truly Parkview Proud.
To learn more about the Parkview Health Foundation's Guardian Angel Program and other ways you can give, visit parkview.com/foundation.
