Joe Beames is one of life’s great guys, a laugh-a-minute type, the person everyone wants to hang out with.
A world-class storyteller, Beames, comes equipped with a tale for every occasion.
Across his 71 years – though he looks and attacks life like someone half his age – Beames has endured 18 surgeries on his neck (tumor), knees, shoulder, and nose. He spent 26 years as an officer (lieutenant) working for the Iowa Department of Corrections, is a loving husband, a doting father, and a pushover when it comes to his grandchildren.
To say Beames – who is in great shape despite his bevy of injuries – understands the world of physical therapy – would be an understatement.
“I believe I have a grasp and have benefitted greatly from physical therapy,’’ the upbeat Beames said just as he took a seat in the back corner of Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s North Liberty, Iowa clinic, all while singing the praises of North Liberty clinic manager Nicolle Cabalka, PT, DPT.
There was also high praise for Rock Valley’s Chris Schroeder, PT, MPT, Clinic Manager at Rock Valley’s Burlington, Iowa-based clinic, who has treated Beames over the years.
“I’ve been through quite a bit,’’ Beames said with a chuckle.
Kudos on this day – in between a myriad of interesting stories – went to Cabalka and her skill handling a vestibular disorder (a condition that affects the vestibular system, a part of the inner ear and brain that controls balance and spatial orientation) Beames was suffering from.
“One treatment is all it took,’’ Beames said for all to hear, noting that he had already benefitted from Cabalka’s knowledge and compassion while rehabbing a series of neck-related issues. “She fixed me. She knew what was wrong, how to fix it and went right to work. After evaluating what I was dealing with it, it was minutes with Nicolle, and I was feeling great.’’
Beames’ vestibular issue took hold just before he and his wife, Lisa, were to make their way to Colorado for a three-week vacation, and some catch-up time with family.
“I went to the bathroom, came back and the bed was there and then it wasn’t there,’’ Beames said. “It was moving and I just dropped. My wife, a school superintendent, was downstairs working. So, I laid on the bed, and the ceiling fan was going back and forth – side to side – and the ceiling next to it was moving. I was dizzy and unstable. So, I tried to wait it out, then went downstairs where my wife and daughter were. They thought I needed fluids and electrolytes, so we tried that.’’
After lunch that day, Beames caught a short nap and when he woke up things were still spinning. This time, it was worse than before.
Soon Beames – who served on the Mount Pleasant, Iowa City Council and has long been a volunteer firefighter – couldn’t get his bearings.
“We decided to go to the emergency room at the hospital where we live,’’ Beames said. “They ran a CT scan; they did an MRI and after five hours the doctor said he felt I had vertigo. He gave me some pills for it.’’
Vacation for Beames was a mixed bag of enjoying time with family, but there was uncertainty around his ever-present condition. He made it through the flight to Colorado, then handled family events like white water rafting and a bevy of other fun activities in places like Colorado Springs and Aspen.
Kind of…
“I was OK sitting on the plane,’’ he said. “I was OK sitting when we went (white water) rafting but struggled when I went in the water. Generally, if I was sitting, I would be OK. I can recall having barbecue – and I love the stuff – and only taking a couple bites. Maybe the spice affected me, but I was nauseous and dizzy. My wife knew I wasn’t right.’’
When Beames returned home to North Liberty, he stood at a crossroads. He had registered for what would be his 16th consecutive Ragbrai, the world’s oldest, largest, and longest-running recreational bike tour, a seven-day event that attracts thousands of riders to bike across Iowa.
“I paid for it,’’ he said. “And I had done it the past 15 years, so I was going to do it.’’
Beames’ bout with vertigo was still causing him strife and if it persisted, his Ragbrai streak – navigating a lengthy ride each day with no balance – was in jeopardy. Life, though, was more than being part of a week’s worth of challenging bike rides.
That’s when he turned to trusted allies, Cabalka and Rock Valley Physical Therapy.
In true Beames fashion, he rolled into Rock Valley’s North Liberty clinic, proclaiming to any and as he arrived: “I sure hope she’s back,’’ Beames said, referring to Cabalka’s time away from work while bringing her first child into the world.
“I pulled around the corner and began looking in the clinic window,’’ Beames said. “I was praying she was here.’’
Thankfully, Cabalka had returned.
“Can you fix this is all I said,’’ Beames recalled.
After a thorough evaluation, Cabalka, a vestibular expert, determined Beames was suffering from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), an inner ear disorder. A person with BPPV experiences a sudden spinning sensation whenever they move their head.
Using vestibular goggles to detect the direction, speed and frequency of the nystagmus, Cabalka accurately diagnosed Beames’ condition. “The issue was in the right ear,’’ Cabalka said of Beames.
“We evaluated, found the issue, and worked to bring Joe relief,’’ Cabalka said. “Life changed for the better for him.’’
Beames said he could not contain his excitement after Cabalka fixed his balance and dizziness issues.
I’m so grateful for her,’’ Beames said of Cabalka. “I’m sure glad she was here. I knew she would know what to do. I feel great.’’
And Ragbrai?
Beames accomplished every goal he chased with the ride.
By: Johnny Marx, Storyteller