Healthy, Active and Still at Risk
The heart problem I never felt coming
When my primary care provider first recommended heart testing a few years ago, I honestly thought it was just routine. At 70 years old, I felt completely healthy. I exercised regularly, ate well and had no symptoms at all. I went through the testing mostly because my doctor encouraged me to. But after a calcium score and more follow-up tests, the results were shocking. Doctors found severe coronary artery disease and major blockages in several arteries, including the “widow-maker.” Even though I felt fine, I learned I was at serious risk for a life-threatening heart event.
I spent a lot of time researching my options and talking with specialists across the country. In the end, I chose Bronson Methodist Hospital for my heart care because I felt confident in the team and the care they provided.
One of the biggest reasons was Dr. Amin. He spent more than an hour answering my questions and never made me feel rushed. He understood why I was hesitant about surgery and helped me feel comfortable making the decision.
Everyone at Bronson was outstanding. The ICU staff and nurses were positive, professional and incredibly supportive during my recovery. The staff at Bronson Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists were phenomenal. My nurse practitioner, Emily Ruimveld, and medical assistant, Sarah Walters, always communicated clearly and responded quickly to my concerns through MyChart.
After my bypass surgery in January, recovery went smoother than I expected. There was some discomfort at first, but the care team helped me understand what was normal and encouraged me every step of the way. Today, I’m back to doing the things I love — performing music, traveling and spending time with my family and new puppy.
My advice to others is simple: listen to your doctors, ask questions and don’t ignore heart problems just because you feel fine. Choosing Bronson was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
To learn more about the innovative heart and vascular procedures being done at Bronson, click here.
