(Greensburg, IN) – For Ron Jobst, the past year and a half has been anything but ordinary.
“I’ve had three surgeries in about 16 months,” he said. “It’s been long and complicated — but I’m hopeful.”
It all started with a hip replacement in October 2023. As someone who had already been through the procedure once before, Ron knew something wasn’t right during recovery. “I couldn’t walk, and not because of anything the surgical team or rehabilitation team did or was doing — I just didn’t have the strength. I was in pain, and I knew something else had to be going on.”
What followed was a series of discoveries and surgeries, each one uncovering another piece of the puzzle. A pinched nerve in his lower back was the next culprit — caused in part by the two new hips — and surgeons stepped in to help. But after surgery and starting rehab again, Ron still couldn’t walk.
That’s when imaging revealed a more serious issue in his neck: four crushed discs that were blocking spinal fluid from flowing down his spine.
“That explained everything,” he said. “I was relieved to finally have an answer.”
With the help of neurosurgeon Saad Khairi, MD, part of the neurosurgical team at Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, now seeing patients at Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH), Ron underwent a complex cervical spine surgery to relieve the pressure.
“Ron’s case was a perfect example of why we listen closely and investigate thoroughly,” said Dr. Khairi. “There were multiple factors at play, but identifying and treating the compression in his neck made a significant difference in his recovery and quality of life.”
And it has. Ron is now making steady progress in rehab — walking again without a cane or walker during his appointments and regaining strength with every session.
Through it all, Ron has stayed upbeat.
“I’m a talker. I like to have fun,” he said with a smile. “When I’m at rehab, I make sure to get to know everyone. They’ve all been a joy to be around — Emily, Paige, Amanda, Melissa, Collin, Nancy, Jennifer, Ladine, Lisa — even the front desk team like Paula. It’s a team effort.”
He’s found that the people make all the difference.
“I actually show up to my appointments early just so I can talk to everyone,” he said. “They’ve met my expectations and then some. They made me feel like I belonged from day one.”
Ron’s roots in the community run deep — and so do his connections with others at DCMH. “I kept noticing how many people I knew were coming here. It made me feel even more comfortable — like I was in the right place.”
His care journey has touched nearly every corner of DCMH — from Radiology and Lab services to Cardiopulmonary and Physical Therapy. And he’s quick to credit Kelly Miller, FNP-C, who he sees for wellness visits. “My wife, Melody, introduced me to Kelly. She’s wonderful — always watching out for me.”
Ron also draws strength from the values instilled in him as a proud graduate of North Decatur High School. “I really believe the work ethic and character I carry today started with the teachers, administrators, coaches, cooks, and janitors there. That school shaped me, and I’ve always been proud to be from North Decatur.”
As a longtime high school sports official, being sidelined from football, basketball, and baseball has been tough. “My crew got to work the state finals last year — and I couldn’t go. I was happy for them, but I missed it. I’m working hard to get back out there.”
For Ron, healing has been as much about emotional strength as physical recovery. “These therapists aren’t just doing physical therapy. They’re therapists in every sense of the word — listening, encouraging, helping me work through the tough days. A great attitude goes a long way in recovery, and they talk you through all of it.”
There’s also a personal race going on at home — one that keeps him motivated.
“I told myself I wouldn’t get a haircut until I could walk again,” he laughed. “I’ve got two granddaughters. The 16-month-old already beat me in the walking race. But now the six-month-old is starting to move, and I can’t lose to her, too.”
Looking back, Ron is full of gratitude — not only for the medical care, but for the compassion and connection he’s found along the way. “I feel blessed,” he said. “We’re lucky to have DCMH. They’re here for your best interest. They care. And they’re helping me get back to myself again.”
(Decatur County Memorial Hospital press release)
