Bob Gitsham was caught off guard by the applause that greeted him recently when he walked into a conference room at the Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center.
Gitsham is a 6’6” former college football player and seasoned triathlete who has completed an Ironman, a prestigious endurance triathlon. He should be used to clapping and cheering.
But this time, there was no finish line in front of him.
Instead, he was face-to-face with physicians, physical therapists, and other medical staff. Many of them had a role in his recovery and his return to competition shape following a head-on car crash in 2019.
“It was so great to see the people who took care of me,” he said. “Without them, I don’t think I would be standing here.”
‘An incredibly complex journey’
The 53-year-old Folsom resident sustained substantial injuries in the crash. Those included damage to his bowel and colon, multiple fractures, a serious foot injury, and lung injuries. He required multiple surgeries, ICU care, an abdominal drain, IV antibiotics at home, and, later, a colostomy. He underwent several months of rehabilitation. It took him six months to walk again, and another month before he was able to ride a bike.
He’s been receiving ongoing care, all with the goal of being healthy and being able to compete.
“My job was to guide him through this incredibly complex journey,” said Mamatha Gupta, MD, Gitsham’s primary care physician in Folsom. “It was truly a team effort across multiple specialties, and I am deeply grateful for every physician, nurse, and therapist who contributed to Bob’s remarkable recovery.”
A return to competition
Thanks to the integrated, comprehensive care Kaiser Permanente Roseville and Folsom clinicians provided to Gitsham, he was able to return to Ironman events in 2020, challenging his body and mind to a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.
He did four Ironman events before the crash. But since his recovery, he’s done 12 more.
“The only thing you can control is your attitude, so my attitude was always positive,” he said. “I was not afraid to put the hard work in, to get myself back to health.”
As he walked around the room, Gitsham thanked the physicians and staff who helped restore his health and function, the excitement at how far he has come was unmistakable.
“I was lucky enough to take care of Bob. He is so inspiring,” said Hillary Goodwin, MD, an emergency medicine physician. “It’s a treat to be able to see someone not only survive, but to also really thrive.”
Gitsham will travel in November to Cozumel, an island in the Caribbean Sea, to compete in another Ironman. His care team will be cheering him on from afar.
“Bob’s story is an incredible reminder of what can happen when dedicated providers and determined patients work together,” said Dr. Gupta. “His story is a testament to his strength and the power of providing coordinated and compassionate care.”
