Mary Lauritsen, of Florence, South Dakota, suffered from painful and severe nasal polyps for close to 30 years until Dr. Jered Mancell from Prairie Lakes Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic offered her relief. Mary's story was shared several years ago after her successful surgery with Dr. Mancell and was so extraordinary it caught the attention of the publisher of 'People Health' magazine and they ran her story on the cover of the Winter/Spring 2023 edition.
Mary gradually lost her sense of taste and smell and had painful swelling in her sinuses that eventually caused her to see a doctor. An initial CT scan, nearly 30 years ago, showed that Mary had severe nasal polyps - non-cancerous soft tear-shaped tissues that line the nasal passages and cluster like grapes. The article states that Mary is "one of 13 million people in the U.S. who suffer from the incurable condition."
After her diagnosis, Mary underwent seven surgeries. None of which offered any lasting relief. She gave up hope and endured many years in pain, unable to breathe through her nose, unable to smell or taste anything. She adds, "I missed not being able to smell grass or flowers or bread - all those good things." She was embarrased to eat in public since she was forced to eat with her mouth open. Mary also had to constantly ask her four children if they could taste or smell things for her. She was worried she was putting her family in danger without being able to smell gas or fire.
Then, in 2019, at the request of her primary care doctor, Mary took another look at new advancements in surgery and medication that could offer a remedy. She met with Dr. Mancell and he recommended another surgery in conjunction with medication and that specific combination was successful! Since then, Mary has been able to keep her polyps under control with regular visits for injections every other week. Mary shared, "My life is so much better... It's hard to explain what it's like to really enjoy every bite. To be able to breathe and sleep comfortably now, I feel very thankful."
Mary would also like to give credit to Dr. Luzier from Aberdeen Asthma and Allergy who worked closely with Dr. Mancell to help to remedy Mary's condition.
If you would like to read the entire article, there are copies located in the waiting areas in ER, Same Day Surgery, and both the first floor and lower level of the Specialty Clinic.
