Dr. Amin’s team and the entire CSU team are truly outstanding

I am a 70-year-old, single woman who just had open heart surgery on August 2nd to repair or replace my mitral valve. I had known of my mitral valve regurgitation for years, but this May it jumped to mod. /Severe. I had a TEE/Trans Esophageal Echocardiogram mid-July that diagnosed a mitral valve flail. More of my blood was flowing backwards instead of forward. By mid-July I had gone from walking independently to a wheelchair. Because of my rapidly deteriorating condition I had to stop teaching piano and driving. By the time I was evaluated my Cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Parth Amin, I was in Stage IV congestive heart failure.

Dr. Amin asked how soon I would like surgery. I said ASAP, because I felt like I was dying. Dr. Amin spent two and a half hours with my son and I to explain all aspects of surgery, risks and the condition of my heart.

Dr. Amin willingly canceled the first day of his vacation to schedule my surgery the following week. By the time I went in for surgery, I had no idea on which side of heaven I would wake up on. My life was truly in God’s hands. I have truly never been so terrified in my entire life.

In O.R., before I succumbed to anesthesia, a sweet spirited nurse in a purple cap with white flowers reached out to take my hand. I was so comforted by her touch. I shall remember her the rest of my life.

I truly rejoiced at God’s goodness when I woke up in CSU!!! After surgery, Dr. Amin told me that I really worried him. He tried twice to repair my valve but didn’t want to be go through surgery again in a couple years, so he decided to replace the valve.

So, in closing, I want you to know that Dr. Amin and his staff, Christi and Tabby are the absolute best! Through God’s grace, He gave me my life back through them. And I want to acknowledge the CSU staff! They are a true team of the highest quality!!! Dr. Amin’s team and the entire CSU team are truly outstanding!!! Also, the Bronson at Home-care Team have been the best! Nursing/Amy, OT/Ashley and Christie/PT.

So, at four weeks post-op, I have decided to submit my application for the 70 yr. old open heart surgery poster child of the year! Lol!

I had surgery at 8AM on Aug. 2nd if you can please thank the O.R. nurse with the purple and white cap for me please. Also, I want to recognize Ariana R.N. on nights in CSU. She was my bestie who helped me get through moments of anxiety. She is so efficient and sweet. She was top notch in helping to anticipate my needs, especially pain control.

Most sincerely yours, Crista Simmons