By Lori Ehde
When Goldn' Plump employee Georgia Greve was injured in a work accident last week, it appeared she'd lose her arm.
Greve, Luverne, said it happened so quickly she doesn't recall details, but somehow her left arm got caught in machinery in the quality control department.
It happened at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 24.
She said she was conscious through the whole ordeal and praised Goldn' Plump supervisors for acting quickly to cut her free and seek medical attention.
She was taken first to Luverne Community Hospital, where she was immediately transported to Rochester, due to the severity of the injury.
The arm was broken in three places, and it was evident she had sustained extensive muscle and tissue damage.
"They really thought I was going to lose my arm," Greve said from her hospital room Monday. "I did, too, at first, but I just knew God was going to help me keep my arm."
She underwent surgery immediately on Thursday when doctors put in plates and pins. Doctors also operated Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, and infection is the biggest concern.
Her arm remains in a "wound vacuum," to keep it draining properly and to prevent infection.
Her son, Chris, lives in Rochester, which, when given the choice of being transferred to Rochester or Minneapolis, Greve chose Rochester.
She said plant manager Greg Aubert and other Goldn' Plump staff have been to Rochester to see her. "That means a lot to me," she said. "They're a wonderful company."
She credits the quick thinking of Goldn' Plump staff and skilled doctors both in Luverne and in Rochester for saving her arm.
Goldn' Plump is investigating the accident, and Aubert issued this statement in a release:
"We are saddened that this injury occurred and are doing everything we can to assist the family during this difficult time."
It's unclear whether she'll regain full use of her arm, but Greve said she feels as if prayers - hers and those praying for her - were answered.
"There are a lot of people out there praying for me, and I thank everyone for those prayers," she said. "I think they were heard."
Greve can receive correspondence at Mayo Clinic, St. Mary's Hospital, 1216 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902.
She estimated she'd be there another week.