Nearly two decades ago, Nancy had surgery to replace her aortic valve due to 85% blockage.
“It was October, and I remember my surgeon saying I wouldn’t have seen January had I not had the procedure,” shared Nancy.
The valve replacement kept her healthy for many years but recently began to fail. Her options were limited: do nothing and let nature take its course or have a second surgery. She chose surgery at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital under the care of Dr. Frank Lutrin and his team.
“I don’t remember much about my time in the cardiac intensive care unit, but I know my care team was constantly checking on me. I vividly recall waking up at one point with a room full of nurses trying to stabilize me. My heart rate was irregular, and my blood pressure bottomed out five or six times. I came very close to dying several times, but they saved my life again and again.”
Nancy, who’s 78, also had a pacemaker put in by Dr. Nicholas Serafini to regulate her heart rate.
“All of my doctors and nurses were caring and went above and beyond. The cardiac care team kept me alive and even visited me once I was out of intensive care and in the regular cardiac unit,” said Nancy. “I was treated with an incredible amount of respect and compassion.”
When Nancy was released from the hospital, she went to stay with her daughter and son-in-law, who’s a paramedic. Unfortunately, her health troubles weren’t over.
“I woke up the next morning and couldn’t see the numbers on the left side of the clock. My son-in-law recognized I was having a stroke, and I was rushed back to the hospital.”
Nancy’s memories of her second hospital stay are hazy.
“They told me I wouldn’t remember much, but I do know that once again, the nurses were incredible,” she said.
Nancy got back on her feet as soon as she could.
“I own and care for 11 horses, so I went right back to work as soon as possible. I’m lucky I’m doing so well. I walk my dog three miles a day and stay busy with my horses. But I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for my cardiac and stroke care teams. They saved my life several times; I am forever grateful.”
How you can help
Stroke and cardiac care programs at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital are supported by philanthropy. To help patients like Nancy and their families, please make a gift today.