I am writing this note to you because I want you to know how strongly I feel about Saint Francis Hospital – they truly saved my life. I was admitted to the hospital in order to have an angiogram, thinking at most I might need a stent since all previous tests showed my heart was healthy, although I had high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I jogged regularly and did so right up to the day before I was admitted.
It turns out that my main artery was 90% blocked and the marginal artery was 50% blocked. I was, as it turned out, in need of a double bypass and was scheduled for open heart surgery. I also had the challenge of being a Parkinson’s patient. Because of my Parkinson’s disease I needed special medications to be given at precise times. The hospital staff met with me and we discussed all of my extra individual requirements to keep control of my disease. The staff addressed all my concerns and made sure that I not only received what I needed but when I needed it. They went out of their way to accommodate me and my illness. The nursing staff and physicians were excellent, caring and very professional. Dr. Surendra Chawla, the cardio thoracic surgeon, spoke at length to my Neurologist/Movement Specialist (Parkinson’s expert) prior to my surgery.
I am recovering nicely and have enrolled in the Saint Francis Cardiac Rehab Program which I attend three days a week. I have also visited with Dr. Chawla for follow up visits. In addition to the Rehab, I have been jogging or walking two to four miles a day. It was just a matter of time before the time-bomb blockage of my artery would cause a massive heart attack. I am alive thanks to the Hospital and its staff who diagnosed my condition, performed the surgery and put me on the path to recovery. However, equally significant to me was I was treated the way you would like to be treated if you were in the hospital. I felt I was an important member of my treatment team.
Sincerely,
Norm Greenstein